Activities are optional and may include: arts and crafts, massage, reflexology, reiki, meditation, discussion groups, movie night, game night, a ride on the Maid of the Mist and (indoor) swimming when a lifeguard is available. Participants are encouraged to explore the beautiful grounds of Stella Niagara at their leisure.
All activities are optional except for the opening and closing group meetings. We provide all meals plus evening snacks, and each participant gets her own modest private room.
PLEASE NOTE: The minimum age for all our programs is 25.
Women who are in recovery for drug or alcohol abuse or addiction must be sober for one entire year before their application will be accepted.
The Women's Respite Program is drug, alcohol and tobacco free, including marijuana.
It is acceptable if you use marijuana in tincture form or take gummies for medical reasons. Please let us know this on your health form.
Program Dates
For up-to-date information, please contact us at womensrespite@yahoo.com or (716) 246-2065.
Who is eligible?
Summer Retreat: Mothers with low incomes and over the age of 25. “Low income” means near or at the poverty level established by the U.S. Government, but will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Grandmothers Retreat: Grandmothers or any kinship relationship such as sister or aunt who are currently raising their grandchildren; priority will be given to low-income and/or single grandmothers.
Women with Cancer Retreat: Women currently in treatment for any kind of cancer or recently recovered. Priority will be given to low-income single mothers and women currently in treatment. Minimum age is 25.
Women Raising Children on the Autism Spectrum: Women raising one or more children with a diagnosis somewhere on the autism spectrum are welcome to apply. Women of all income levels can apply; we give priority to women with low incomes. Minimum age is 25.
Alumnae Retreat: Women who have attended previous retreats are welcome to apply for a return to Stella Niagara for another weekend. Everyone is deserving of a break – it shouldn’t be a once-in-a-lifetime experience! This is a popular event so applicants are chosen by lottery.
Spiritual Retreat: This weekend is held every other year and is intended to provide our alumnae an extended period of quiet reflection and an opportunity to examine their inner lives. Activities are conducive to spiritual health: walking the grounds, prayer, various kinds of meditation and yoga. All alumnae are eligible to apply.
Referrals: All applicants for the grandmothers and mothers program must be referred by a professional such as a social service worker or healthcare provider. We encourage referrers to use discretion when making referrals: please consider both who would benefit most from a relaxing weekend AND how they might interact with or contribute to the group.
Women who are currently abusing alcohol and/or drugs are not eligible, but women who have been in stable recovery for at least one year are welcome.