Tell From a Scar,
Not From a Wound™ Retreats

Transform Your Narrative

Tell From a Scar, Not From a Wound™ is an immersive retreat designed for nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and changemakers. This retreat is a transformative space where you will learn to share your personal and organizational narratives in ways that foster resilience, build connection, and inspire action.

Through storytelling workshops, reflective exercises, and guided discussions, you'll discover how to speak from a place of healing rather than pain – empowering you to connect more deeply with your audience, colleagues, and community.

Why should we Tell from a Scar, Not from a Wound?

Our stories have the power to move mountains, but the way we tell them matters. This retreat is rooted in the philosophy that sharing from a place of healing allows us to:

  • Cultivate Strength: Share your journey authentically without reliving trauma.

  • Inspire Empathy: Create genuine connections with supporters and stakeholders.

  • Foster Growth: Transform past challenges into powerful tools for advocacy and leadership.

The Power of Storytelling

As a long-time fundraiser, I believe in the power of a well-told story. Donors give to people—and when they can relate to or understand the people their dollars will serve, they are more inclined to support the mission long-term. Stories open the gate to that long-term relationship. 

In this Retreat, you’ll learn how to share your work in a compelling way by highlighting clients’ stories—and hold integrity and care for people who are often in the process of putting their lives back together after acute or chronic trauma.

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What People Are Saying

  • "If you think you know how to 'tell a story', you likely do. But if you want to know how to tell the most impactful story - one that is presented with dignity, respect, and is both truthful and memorable - you need this workshop."

    — Leanna Kruszewski, Community Food Bank of Souther Arizona

  • "I enjoyed hearing my colleagues' stories and learning more about them as individuals. It was inspiring to hear about some of the challenging circumstances they had to persevere through that have made them the people they are today. This exercise has given me a deeper respect for my coworkers and has made me proud to work with a group of people who are dedicated to using their experiences to have a positive impact on the lives of others."

    — Anonymous, All Faiths Food Bank

  • "Cat cultivated a space of openness, vulnerability, and humor. An invaluable time to reflect on what it means to be human!"

    — Cody Gohl, Food Bank for NYC

  • "I found this workshop incredibly insightful and engaging. The facilitator, Cat, got everyone engaged and kept our attention with humor and great examples. I would highly recommend this for any nonprofit - staff, board and volunteers included."

    — Patricia Courtois, Vice Chair, Board of Directors, All Faiths Food Bank

  • “This session helped me to be a better steward of the priceless stories given to me by the neighbors we serve. And, as a bonus, the breakout group is a fantastic bonding experience with coworkers!”

    — Anonymous, All Faiths Food Bank

  • "From the jump, Cat created a safe space where all of my coworkers felt seen and open to share intimate stories of their lives. She gave us the tools to do it and she fostered an environment centered on respect and understanding. I felt closer to my colleagues when the session was over. This was a beautiful workshop where we all learned a lot and walked away with a new understanding about how to better find the humanity in our clients."

    — Ty Milburn, Food Bank for NYC

  • “I learned more about my coworkers in this three-hour session than I have 3 + years working with them!”

    — Anonymous, All Faiths Food Bank

  • "I was really pleased that our organization would invest in this type of collaborative staff training. Human services can sometimes focus primarily on the process, output and scale of our work, and overlook and, at worse, undermine the dignity and experience of the people and families we serve. This workshop was a wonderful reminder of how we can honor both our clients and communities and build the resiliency of our staff to be the best stewards of these relationships and stories."

    — Zac Hall, SVP Programs, Food Bank for NYC

  • "Cat is an amazing speaker. I love her energy and she keeps your attention. I learned so much from this workshop."

    — Kendra Carroll, Training & Development Specialist, North Texas Food Bank

  • "I went in thinking I knew how to tell a story, and hoped I knew enough to do it ethically. What I learned is that I could tell a story even better, involve all 5 senses, and that the "stickiness" could make such a difference."

    — Anonymous, Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona

  • “This session went beyond practical advice on how to obtain meaningful and memorable stories from our neighbors in a respectful and dignified way. Although the information was very helpful and applicable, I particularly enjoyed the team building aspect of the workshop and the opportunity to develop deeper connections with my colleagues. This experience reminded me of why our work in the community is so vital and the reasons behind the passion that drives us all to want to make a difference. We all have a story to tell, and it is also our responsibility to ensure our neighbors have a voice and platform to share their stories as well!”

    — Anonymous, All Faiths Food Bank

  • "This seminar was fabulous. Not only did it teach me about storytelling from a client-centered perspective, but it also taught me tips on how to effectively communicate through words to create a story full of depth and compassion. Additionally, it turned out to be a wonderful team building exercise, and allowed me to build rapport and connections with colleagues. "

    — Denise Tatosian, Food Bank for NYC

  • “This training was the highlight of my day. It was an outside-the-box exploration of how we can better understand, respect, and represent our neighbors. I look forward to sharing many "Sticky" stories to foster a real connection within my community.”

    — Anonymous, All Faiths Food Bank

What To Expect

1. Storytelling Workshops
Work with expert facilitators to craft your story, focusing on resilience, growth, and impact. Learn practical strategies to connect your personal journey with your nonprofit’s mission and goals.

2. Reflective and Restorative Practices
Take time to reflect on your experiences in a supportive environment. Enjoy guided meditation, journaling sessions, and group discussions that encourage introspection and healing.

3. Community Building
Connect with fellow nonprofit leaders and changemakers who share your passion for making a difference. Build a network of support that lasts long after the retreat ends.

Who Should Attend?

This retreat is perfect for:

  • Nonprofit professionals navigating burnout or compassion fatigue.

  • Fundraisers and leaders seeking to enhance their storytelling skills.

  • Individuals ready to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and advocacy.

Make Your Story Matter

Ready to take the first step in transforming your story? Contact Cat today to book a retreat and help your organization share stories with strength, authenticity, and purpose.