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[Denise Harrison]

       

 

   

Keys to Healing: Mind, Body, and Spirit ~  Project Jason Retreat ~ Omaha, NE August 12-14, 2011

The Project Jason Board of Directors is pleased to announce that the 3rd annual Keys to Healing Retreat will take place on August 12-14, 2011.

The retreat is open to immediate family members (spouse, biological parent(s), adult siblings) of missing persons whose cases are listed with law enforcement agencies in North America and who have registered with us for services. The attendee needs to be age 18 or older.

Register Here: http://projectjason....istration.shtml

If you haven't registered for services in the past, click here: http://projectjason.org/report.shtml

Class descriptions and pricing can be found by scrolling down on this page.

Have questions? Ask us at assistance@projectjason.org

Learn more about this unique and life-altering experience:

Your well-being is the most important element in what we do: support. The retreat, and all it offers, is the best life training offered anywhere for persons living with the ambiguous loss of a child or adult loved one.

We all know the difficulties we face in this situation. We know the emotions and the frustrations. None of us knows how long this journey will last, so it's important that we do all that we do what we can to keep ourselves mentally, physically, and spiritually strong for the day we have our answers. These are the Keys to Healing, the keys to help you face each day without your missing loved one.

Plans are already underway for the 2011 retreat, which will carry a special theme requested by attendees. The 2011 retreat will feature advanced learning techniques that will help first-time attendees, but will be presented in a new, unique interactive format especially suited to second- and third-year returnees’ continuing personal growth.

Sessions will be conducted by professional instructors, including a licensed counselor. Classes this year will be conducted in a newly-designed interactive format. As the Keys to Healing Retreat is for healing the mind, body, and spirit, the 2011 retreat will feature a massage therapist, personal trainer, demonstrations of anti-stress techniques, and a spiritual adviser.

We are honored with the return of our 2009/2010/2011 core instructor, Duane Bowers, LPC, the nation's foremost traumatic loss therapist and educator. Among his many services to families dealing with grief is providing support to families of abducted, missing, exploited and murdered children through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and to families of missing persons of any age through Project Jason's Healing Harbor. Bowers is the author of "Guiding Your Family Through Loss and Grief" and "A Child is Missing: Providing Support for Families of Missing Children."



Class descriptions and pricing will be announced at a later date. Pricing will be determined by any grants, corporate or private sponsorships received prior to the opening of registration for the event in 2011. Project Jason's goal is to keep the price as low as possible, with the ultimate goal of being able to offer the retreat at no charge.

The Keys to Healing will again take place at the Swanson Center, a spacious, comfortable, and scenic retreat center near Omaha, NE. The entire center has been booked to ensure the most private and peaceful of experiences for the attendees.

[img width=400 height=241]http://img.photobuck...i/DSC00031a.jpg[/img]

I have been blessed during the nine years since Jason's disappearance to have had a good support system, faith for the journey, and training to gain an understand of what is happening inside me and how to handle a variety of situations as they come along. I have learned to laugh again and experience joy, while at the same time keeping the search for my son active. I could not possibly box up what I learned and send it to you, but I can give it to you in the Keys to Healing retreat.







So, this is my gift to you from me and Project Jason. I hope you'll be able be able to join us.  

Kelly Jolkowski, Mother of Missing Jason Jolkowski
President and Founder,
Project Jason
www.projectjason.org
Help us find the missing: Become an AAN Member
http://www.projectja.../awareness.html

All missing persons are loved by someone, and their families deserve to find the answers they seek in regards to the disappearance.


http://www.youtube.c...player_embedded
As you can see by watching the faces in this video, the 2009 retreat was a success. Now we need the public's help to provide this service to more families. http://www.projectja...rg/retreat.html

Keys to Healing video filmed by Christina Fontana, director of "Project Jason, A Voice for the Missing".
http://voiceforthemissing.com/


Click on the photo above to view a photo slideshow from the 2010 retreat


Click on the photo above to view a photo slideshow from the 2009 retreat

Information and class descriptions from the 2010 retreat: http://projectjason....g51917#msg51917

Information and class descriptions from the 2009 retreat: http://projectjason....hp?topic=2893.0

(Be sure to scroll down and watch the video from the 2009 retreat.)

[Kelly]

Pricing for the Project Jason Keys to Healing 2011 Retreat

The pricing is done on a per person per room basis, as that is how we are charged by the retreat center. As the center has a limited number of rooms, we encourage attendees in the same family to share a room if possible so that we can keep the retreat open for as many families as possible. As mentioned, we are paying a $100 per room subsidy to help keep the costs down so more families can attend. The prices are in bold below.

Rates:

1 person in a room  $265.00 - $100.00 Project Jason subsidy= $165.00  
2 persons in a room $398.00 - $100.00 Project Jason subsidy= $298.00  ($149 per person)
3 persons in a room $521.00 - $100.00 Project Jason subsidy= $421.00  ($141 per person)
4 persons in a room $600.00 - $100.00 Project Jason subsidy= $500.00  ($125 per person)

If you have more than 5 persons who will be sharing, ask for pricing. The rooms can hold 3 queen size beds, so it is possible to have up to 6 people in a room.

Day Rate: $35.00 per day (no subsidy)
This fee (the Day Rate) covers the retreat classes, snacks, and the noon meal. No transportation is included in this price. This rate would be applicable to persons who are traveling on their own (via automobile) to the retreat, and have their own lodging.


What the Retreat fee covers: Your retreat fees cover transportation to and from the airport, your room at the retreat center, all classes, talks, related activities, and meals. The retreat center features a free 24 hour hospitality center with a wide variety of snacks and beverages, including coffee, juices, soft drinks, fruit, popcorn, candy, and ice cream, so there is no need to bring money for expensive vending machines.

Best time to arrive/depart: For those flying in, the best time to arrive in Omaha is from 11am-2pm on Friday. This gives you time to be transported to the center, settle into your room, check out the grounds, put up your personal display for your missing loved one, and relax. On Sunday, The best departure time is 3:30pm or after, so that you don't miss the end of the retreat, and all of the goodbyes. (There actually is no best time to leave, as leaving is very difficult.)

Late registration: If you are not sure if you are able to attend until the last minute, just stay in touch with us. We may be able to accommodate you depending on how full rooms are and other factors.

[Kelly]

Core classes for 2011:

Project Jason has declared 2011 as the Year of Relationships at the Keys to Healing Retreat. Our core classes and the new, more interactive, discussion group format reflects the importance of this theme. 

Your relationship with yourself:
What changes have you seen in your body and thinking since your loved one went missing? Is it harder to concentrate? Do your thoughts follow the same pattern over and over? Did your over-all health change? Has depression been a problem? In this discussion group we will look at how the body and brain function to cause all of these reactions, and participants will discuss what they can do to change that response.

Your relationship with your feelings:
Do you believe that your emotions control you? What are the emotions that have dominated your life since your loved one went missing? Are they good or bad for you? Do you have the ability to change those emotions and the impact they are having on you and your life? In this group discussion we will look at emotions such as guilt, fear and anger, and learn how they are created with-in our mind. The group will discuss what can be done to reduce the effect these feelings have on us.

Your relationship with your family:
How did your family change as a result of your loved one going missing? How resilient has your family been? Have relationships within the family changed? In this discussion group we will look at the characteristics that help to make a family resilient, and the group will discuss how they can improve the resiliency of their family and its members.

Your relationship with your partner:
How well are you and your partner communicating? Are there times that you just don’t understand what they were thinking, or how they reached a conclusion they did? Are there times that you think they don’t understand English? In this discussion group we will learn how men and women think, and look at the difference in the way each processes information. The group will then discuss how this information can help to improve the communication between themselves and those closest to them.

Your relationship with tomorrow:
This discussion group will tie together the information of the other classes, and look at moving forward. Participants will discuss ways to live a life in which they have a better relationship with their bodies and mind, their families and its members, their communications with those closest to them, and their emotions.

Secondary classes will be announced at a later date.

[Kelly]

Other Classes:

Natural Healing with Massage
Presented by Ric Chamberlin

Ric will give a short presentation & demonstration which will include information about Ortho-Bionomy and exercises that can be done at home to bring the body back to a relaxed state. Following the presentation Ric will provide 10-15 minute Ortho-Bionomy sessions or traditional chair massage throughout the morning. Ortho-Bionomy is a gentle form of body therapy that is very effective at releasing pain, tension, and the effects of trauma from the body, returning the body to a state of comfort and balance. Ric will also give information about methods of dealing with stress.

About Ric Chamberlin:

After 31 rewarding years in the corporate world, as a system designer and programmer, I was guided towards a life change. This change became a new career in the field of somatic therapy and more importantly an opportunity for my own personal enrichment. Since opening my practice, The Healing Connection, in 2003, I have seen how Ortho-Bionomy and massage can facilitate healing and help people achieve levels of wellness they never thought possible. In the process I have been blessed with wellness and balance in my own life, far exceeding my expectations.

Credentials include:

Graduate of Universal College of Healing Arts, Omaha, Nebraska
Registered Practitioner - Society of Ortho-Bionomy International®
Licensed Massage Therapist - State of Nebraska
Nationally Certified - National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
Certified Member - Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals

Contact Info:



The Healing Connection
900 S 74th Plaza, Suite 116, Omaha, NE 68114
Phone: 402-850-0752
Email: info@omahahealingconnection.com
Website: http://www.omahaheal....com/index.html

[Kelly]

A Different Hope
Presented by Ward Foley

Although Ward Foley doesn’t know your experience of having a missing loved one first hand, he has had to call upon God many times in his life to show hope to him when none could be found. When life hands you pain or adversity, it doesn’t mean that it’s over!  Whether you were born with a crippling disease that is unpronounceable, suffered a terrible accident, or bear the heartache of a missing loved one, there is still a spark of hope to be ignited!  There is still life to be lived, there is always hope, and sometimes, there is laughter. Ward’s permeating authenticity empowers people to believe. Believe in themselves and engage in a fuller more meaningful life regardless of the challenges before them. 

The Story of Scarman

"God never gives us more than we can handle."

This is the motto that Ward Foley lives by daily.  Born with Arthrogryposis, a rare non-degenerative condition, he has  persisted through numerous surgeries, disfigurement and pain.  He survived uncountable trials in the effort to live a ‘normal’ life, and triumphed through it all. Now, Ward’s mission is to empower others.

Every scar has a story behind it and is cherished by Ward as part of the process that made him.


Ward has given hundreds of presentations throughout the U.S. and Canada for more than twenty years, at businesses, colleges,churches, and schools.  He is also a frequent guest on TV and radio.

Author, speaker, husband, father, and friend, Ward has also been a Little League coach, cross-country bicyclist, and more – all as part of his lifelong campaign to share happiness and peace.

Learn more about Ward and his "lucky scars": http://wardfoley.com/

[Kelly]

Time Saving and Stress Busting Fitness
Presented by Dan and Katie Kottman

Stress and grief can cause tremendous damage to our immune systems. This leads to health problems, lack of energy, and unhealthy habits. Our fitness and nutrition class will consist of information and tips to educate and empower the attendees to stay healthy for themselves, even in times of stress and with continuing on in the search. This session will be fun, casual, and interactive. We'll end the class with a short workout you can do in 15 minutes a day, no matter where you are!


www.GoalFitnessandNutrition.com

Katie Kottmann
Katie Kottmann is a Certified Fitness Trainer and Nutritionist, as well as co-owner of Goal Fitness
& Nutrition, LLC. Graduating from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology helped Katie to realize her great love for helping others. She received her Fitness Training Certification in 2007, Nutritionist Certificate in 2009, and Pre-/Post-Natal Fitness Certificate the same year, all through the International Sports Sciences Association. She is currently working on obtaining her certification of Exercise Therapy to help those with physical disabilities. Katie's passion is empowering others to live a realistic life of health and wellness through daily exercise, proper nutrition choices, and education.


Dan Kottmann
Dan Kottmann is co-owner of Goal Fitness & Nutrition, LLC. Graduating from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, he is the technology and financial mastermind behind this company. He enjoys coordinating and running fitness bootcamps, as well as fielding questions from clients and colleagues. Dan also works full-time as a Security Analyst for a large international software company.

Both Katie and Dan are avid fitness and nutrition followers with roughly 20 years of combined experience. Goal Fitness & Nutrition, LLC provides personal training, nutrition coaching, and health education services both in-person (Omaha, NE) and online. Its members actively participate in the fitness community through freelance writing for the company blog and other article hosting web sites, as well as through speaking engagements in which they aim to educate others on properly living a healthy lifestyle.

[Kelly]

Hope and Healing: The Spiritual Side
Presented by Linda Katcher

Linda has always held "MOMS", Moms of Missing Sons, close to her heart, as she knew that life firsthand. In November of 2000, her then 19- year-old son Ryan disappeared. Linda shares that journey, and includes before and after events in her life that were very difficult, and at times seemed like non-stop tragedy.  

She is proud to be a survivor and will discuss the skills she learned during her 6 year search for her son and the transition to a different life after Ryan was found in 2006. Linda says "Your wellness depends on taking control over the chaos." She candidly shares what worked, and didn't for her.

About Linda:

Linda is a Grief Share Counselor who believes everyone suffers loss and that her journey through grief that helps her go from mourning to joy.  She is also a cancer survivor and nurse, who advocates stress reduction for those with long term stress. She's worked with the stress reduction due to violence group, Illinois Health Cares and was an advocate for Emergency Services Personnel, studying under the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation.

She was born and raised in Illinois, living there for 53 years and currently residing in Indiana. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Eastern Illinois University, and is a Registered Nurse with Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Pediatric Advanced Life Support experience.

Sibling Impact
Presented by Stephanie Katcher Mai

Stephanie, daughter of Linda and sister to Ryan, shares her experience as a sibling of a missing person and how she adjusted to a new life with answers.