"I’ll admit I was nervous coming to the retreat.. little did I know how much my soul, heart and spirit needed it. All of our stories were a little different but we all suffered the unimaginable loss of losing our precious child. It was so nice to talk to mamas who understood my feelings, heartache, and challenges with not only living but thriving once again. Jessica did an amazing job of orchestrating everything down to the last detail. It was a weekend filled with a few tears, but many heartfelt moments and new friendships. I highly recommend anyone who has lost a child attend this retreat. " KELLY
"Thank you Jessica for being obedient and listening to the voice of God. Broken To Beautiful Mother's Retreat this past weekend was such a blessing to me, and it was what I needed. I met some wonderful women/ mothers who could relate to my broken heart. But also, I met women who made me feel that I wasn't alone in my journey. And for that, I am grateful. I want to thank you again Jessica for your kindness and love you showed to all of us this weekend. And I pray that God will continue to bless your ministry and that you continue to be a light to the world. God bless." BRENDA
"Losing a child is the most devestating life event a mother can go through. The Broken to Beautiful retreat was an amazing and inspiring weekend. To be able to connect with other mothers who have lost children was beyond helpful. Understanding you are not the only one going through this specific type of grief can have a remarkable impact on healing. Getting to interact, tell your own personal story, and be completely understood in an environment that is safe and comforting is like no other experience I've had before. We were able to bond over sharing tips for helping to heal, learning how to allow yourself to mourn, and realizing our grief is unique. Thank you for this time of sharing and building life long friendships with women who unfortunately get it." HOLLEY
"Going to this retreat for bereaved moms was honestly such a relief. I felt understood in a way I haven’t in a long time. The calm space, the real conversations, and the friendships I made there meant so much. It was exactly what my heart needed, and I’m so grateful I went." AUTUMN
"My experience from the retreat was that I felt God in the place!! There were six people baptized. There were rainbows that popped out of nowhere. I felt a sense of peace at our retreat and met some wonderful people. It was a faith based experience that I will never forget will always carry with me." DEBORAH
“I have been so uplifted by the retreat that I have shared with several mothers from WV, Va, and NC that if ever given the chance they would be so welcomed and feel a different kind of love and understanding that would be so freeing if only a beginning to this journey we all are unfortunately members of. You graced me with a first time of being in a safe environment to breathe and truthfully rest in 9 years of being a grieving mother and probably the 34 years of being a mother a grandmother and feeling ok to simply be me. Your retreat, speakers, and acceptance will go down as my once in a lifetime opportunity to be me and even though in my own words I couldn’t make myself ok to share I left with a new foundation of knowing I’m not the only one on a journey I would never wish on any mother. Never once during the retreat did I not feel Gods love and my son trying to help me fight with myself of realizing I saw him from the moment in the signs of rainbows, a jar that we decorated with the lovely dried flowers, to the 4 ducks that reminded me of my 2 sons and 2 daughters, to the magnificent war room sign to the wonderful young lady who did my nails who shared her zest in a life that was robbed herself of what life could have been in such a different way. I apologize for such a lengthy review. But your daughter will, along with many others have shown me that our love as mothers truly has more meaning than we can explain.” REGINA
“Come to an environment where your tears are ok. I was able to bring out something I had never told anyone. Come let's heal together”. MARY
I was very anxious about going at first but I AM SO GLAD I DID!!!! Jessica is the absolute best at everything she done and does!!!! I have made so lifelong friends and I plan on volunteering at the next retreat in WV she is having!!!! She had activities each day and I "heavy" day I needed but did know I needed it! I met other mothers that went through the exact same situation as myself ,meaning "finding my child who died my suicide" and I though I was alone nobody understood what I was going through but I was so wrong and I am SO THANKFUL for our sharing time cause that's how and when I realized I am not alone and never ever will be from now on!!!!! Jessica you are an inspiration to me and so many more, you have no idea how much you helped me and I can never thank you enough!!!! I love you and thank you for everything you do and will continue to do even in your own grief!!!!! 💙. HIGHLY RECOMMEND ANY RETREAT WITH HER!!!!! BRANDY
“I’m so thankful to have found Jess and the Broken to Beautiful page!! God brought grieving Mom’s together for a weekend of being with each other and understanding how each other feels!! None of us wanted to be there for the reasons we were, but God placed us there at the right time!! Itfelt so peaceful and there was so much love and lifting each other up!!!
I’m forever grateful to these ladies and Jessica for being there for me this weekend!!! I came home with a little softer heart, and some peace that I haven’t felt in a while!! Jessica, inspired me so much that I am praying for courage and confidence to not only help her in anyway she may need me, and, to start something in my daughter’s name that can help other Mom’s and give me purpose to get up everyday!!
If your a hurting Mom and need encouraging and loved on by other hurting Mom’s, I promise Broken to Beautiful can lift you up, not only will it help you, your story can help others.” KATHY
“Thank you Jessica for allowing yourself and your grief to help other moms. Attending the grieving mother’s retreat was one of the most meaningful and healing experiences of my life. From the moment I arrived, I felt surrounded by compassion, understanding, and a deep sense of shared connection that is so rare to find outside of spaces like this.
The retreat was thoughtfully organized, balancing gentle structure with the flexibility needed for such a tender journey. Every activity—from guided reflections to quiet moments of rest—felt intentional and respectful of each mother’s unique grief. Nothing was forced, and there was always room to simply be.
What stood out most was the community. Being among other mothers who truly understand this kind of loss created a space where I didn’t have to explain myself or hide my emotions. There was comfort in shared silence, healing in shared stories, and strength in knowing I was not alone.
The facilitators were incredibly compassionate and attentive, holding space with grace and without judgment. Their presence made it easier to open up, reflect, and begin processing emotions that can feel overwhelming in everyday life.
This retreat did not “fix” grief—nothing can—but it offered something just as important: a place to honor it, to carry it with more support, and to find moments of peace alongside the pain. I left feeling lighter, more grounded, and deeply grateful.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this retreat to any grieving mother seeking connection, understanding, and a gentle path toward healing.” SHELIA O
“I don’t even know where to begin, because this retreat gave me something I didn’t realize how deeply I needed—a sense of belonging and normalcy again.
Grief can feel incredibly isolating, especially as a mom. You carry so much love and pain at the same time, and it can feel like no one truly understands. But at this retreat, I found a space where I didn’t have to explain my pain… it was already understood. I didn’t feel out of place shedding all of the tears I needed to.
Being surrounded by other moms who have walked similar paths created an instant connection that’s hard to put into words. There was no judgment, no pressure—just genuine compassion, support, and love. For the first time in a long time, I felt seen.
This experience didn’t “fix” my grief—because nothing can—but it gave me tools, connection, and moments of peace that I will carry with me. It reminded me that I’m not alone, and that there is still room for healing, even alongside the pain.
If you’re a grieving mom and feel like no one gets it, please know there are spaces like this where you can be held, supported, and understood. All while having a relaxing time away from home where the pressures of life do not follow you.
Thank you to everyone who made this retreat what it was. It truly changed something in me. And a special thank you to Jessica for giving me a space where I could open up about my experiences and feel loved. So grateful for you and all that you do ❤️” REBEKAH
“It was great! I came to the retreat because I knew I needed healing. I didn’t know where to look or how to find it. I left the retreat feeling confident and heard for the first time since I lost my son. Everyone says they are here for you or that they are sorry for your loss, but here at this retreat I felt the energy of love and compassion. It was great to feel safe ti share and also to help others in their time of need. I not only feel a transformation in myself, but also saw others open their hearts and souls. It was awesome and amazing but most of all transformative. Leanna” LEANNA
“It was great! I came to the retreat because I knew I needed healing. I didn’t know where to look or how to find it. I left the retreat feeling confident and heard for the first time since I lost my son. Everyone says they are here for you or that they are sorry for your loss, but here at this retreat I felt the energy of love and compassion. It was great to feel safe ti share and also to help others in their time of need. I not only feel a transformation in myself, but also saw others open their hearts and souls. It was awesome and amazing but most of all transformative. Leanna” LEANNA