Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is for survivors who are looking for community, healing, education, and growth.
This retreat is for marginalized individuals who need to feel seen, supported, and heard in an environment wherein they will be respected and not re-traumatized.
This retreat is a space where survivors are going to be pushed out of their comfort zone and come out on the other side stronger and with a new idea of what a survivor can look like.
Why does the retreat say “Femmes” and not “Women”?
Simply put, femme is more inclusive. We are not the gatekeepers of language and this retreat is open for anyone who has been affected because of their feminine aspects. Our facilitators and staff identify as women, transfemme, genderqueer, and non-binary women. We hope by providing an inclusive staff, more femmes of color will feel welcome and seen.
What age is this retreat for?
The retreat is for individuals that are 21 years of age and over.
How long is the retreat?
5 nights and 6 days
Is this retreat free?
Yes and No. We do have 15 spots available that are full price at $2,222. There is an application fee of $27 dollars. We ALSO have 5 scholarship spots, those individuals will attend the retreat at no cost to them. One scholarship will be specifically reserved for a transfemme survivor. In the US.
We want you to be free to focus on you, your vision and your goals. We do our best to limit the amount of other arrangements and details that you would need to attend to each day. Therefore, we make sure to plan out great places to meet, meals, and supplies. It is all factored into the cost of the retreat.
Each ticket has a value of $2222. You have the option to pay in full upon registration or take advantage of the payment plan. The payment plan is 25% upon registration and 3 payments of 25% due 90, 60 and 30 days prior to the event date. *The payment systems are managed by the event location so we do not have the ability to change the protocol.
What are my payment options?
Will I be safe?
Yes, there will be times that you may be uncomfortable. But, you are in a safe space with trained individuals that have worked with survivors for years.
Where is the retreat located?
Costa Rica, you will need a passport
What about Confidentiality?
Everything you say and do at the retreat is held in confidence unless you choose otherwise. That is including photography.
We take consent and respect seriously.
What happens at the retreat?
GROWTH!! There will be workshops, one-on-one healing sessions, time with nature, a plant-based meal plan, space to listen to yourself, movement classes, and more. Learn more about our tracks by CLICKING HERE.
How does the retreat help?
We are creating healing in a space where you actually get to feel safe. I have worked in many facilities where folks’ nervous system never had the ability to settle. If you are constantly in flight, fight, freeze or fawn mode it is going to be hard for you to retain information. We are honest and real, our teachers will be talking to you vs talking at you.
What is the process to attend the retreat?
Read through all of the information
Applications are open November 20th - December 12th. Jimanekia and her business partner, a trauma-informed therapist, will go through the submissions in the month of December. There will be 15 paid participants, 5 scholarship participants, and 5 people added to the waitlist for this year. Those added to the waitlist, if not selected, will be automatically submitted for next years retreat.
What do I need to apply and how long will it take until I know?
You have to be already working on your trauma in some respect. You will of course need a passport to get into Costa Rica, and some grace to trust in yourself that you are doing the right thing, by choosing the hard thing. But, that you deserve!! We will inform those that will be attending the retreat before December 25th, 2019.
What if I have some physical limitations?
The site was selected with consideration for a wide range of physical mobility needs. Please read the application carefully, as all activities that may be effected by a person’s physical abilities is listed clearly.
What If I have a special diet?
The meals at Imiloa are all plant-based and predominately sourced from the local spaces.
What if my trauma isnt bad enough?
Each individual survivor is impacted personally and deserves to have an opportunity to heal. Sexual victimization is best healed by avoiding placement on a hierarchy or continuum of severity. Victimization may occur as a betrayal of love or trust; as a consequence of hatred or oppression; as an act of violence or exploitation. Survivors may be impacted by victimization in ways that they do not label as trauma.
Can femmes attend the retreat outside of the US?
Yes, of course. But, the scholarship is only for those located in the USA
How do you fill retreat spaces?
The first step is to complete the application questionnaire. That will give an indication around what you are interested in taking away from the retreat. From there they will be reviewed by the founder and her support team. To see if we are a good fit for each-other. There is no guarantee that your application will be accepted. If we think that the retreat can benefit you, we will let you know.
How do you decide who receives a scholarship?
Applications are assessed taking into account financial need (using the guidelines below) and responses to the personal essay questions.
What if I get sick, or something comes up and I can't attend? Can I get a refund?
This is an intimate retreat that includes meals and stay accommodations, therefore we need a confirmed list of attendees. That means that we cannot accommodate refunds. However, if something comes up and you cannot attend, we will do our best to help you find someone to fill your spot. And if that works out, then great. However, we cannot guarantee that it will work out that way.