Suicide Loss Widows, Fiancees, And Significant Others Retreat

Surviving women who experienced the suicide loss of a partner at least six months out from their loss are invited to join the TAPS Widows, Fiancees, and Significant Others Retreat in Washington State.

OVERVIEW

Losing a spouse or partner to suicide brings a complexity of trauma and emotions to the grieving process. The TAPS Suicide Loss Survivors Retreat will provide a place of belonging, healing, and peace for survivors to connect with other women who understand the deep nuances specific to suicide loss. The retreat will focus on finding refuge from the outside world in a safe, non-stigmatized environment, allowing survivors to release conflicting emotions, gain renewal for the path ahead, and establish a strength rooted in their healing. 

During the retreat, we will use a combination of movement, mindfulness, and creative arts to help bring stabilization and release of the intense grief that comes with a traumatic loss of someone we love. We will work to establish a supportive community of women that will provide encouragement, inspiration, and hope long after the retreat ends. Together, we will find rest from the weariness of grief and renew our hearts with the strength that comes from within ourselves and others. 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Due to the unique nature of this event, this retreat is intended for those adult female
survivors (18+) whose loss of a partner, fiance, or spouse occurred more than six (6)
months ago. If you do not fall within this category, we encourage you to attend a TAPS
Together, Regional Seminar and/or the National Military Survivor Seminar.

SCHEDULE

Sunday, July 12: The first day is set aside as a travel day. Once you arrive at the retreat center, TAPS staff will be there to greet you and get you checked in.  We will share a welcome dinner together once everyone arrives.

Monday, July 13 through Wednesday, July 15: Each day will include opportunities for movement, creative expression and self-exploration. Along with structured programming, the schedule will have built-in opportunities for solo work, rest and deeper personal reflection. Every evening, we will close our time as a group together.

Thursday, July 16: We will say our final goodbyes and depart from each other.

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Activities will involve light to moderate physical exertion. We will be
doing some form of low-impact movement every day including walking, hikes, or yoga.

EVENT DETAILS

Lodging

Accommodations will be provided at Rainbow Lodge Retreat Center for all attendees from Sunday to Thursday. You'll share a room with one other event attendee. Please note this is an alcohol-free, smoke-free, and drug-free
facility. 

Meals and Activities

Thanks to our generous donors, lodging, meals, and all activities are provided at no cost to you.

Technology-Free Environment

To stay present and fully engaged, we ask that cell phones and other devices not be used during programming and only for emergencies.

Transportation

Survivors are responsible for their own transportation to and from the Seattle-Tacoma airport. TAPS will provide a shuttle between the airport and retreat center on arrival and departure day. You will be required to arrive and depart during a pre-selected window of time. 

Please do not make travel arrangements until you receive a welcome email after registering.

Personal Time

This retreat will be contained to the retreat center and our planned activities. If you would like to explore the North Bend or Seattle area, please plan to extend your visit before or after the retreat.

APPLICATION DETAILS

Applications will be open from March 23 to 30, 2026 (look for the blue button at top of this page at that time). Applicants will be notified of selection or waitlist status by mid-April. Applicants not initially selected to attend will be placed on a waitlist and notified as space becomes available.

If you have any questions, please email adultprograms@taps.org or call 800-959-TAPS (8277).