BREATHE Retreats
-Sponsored by Hope for Brighter Tomorrows, a nonprofit founded by Kay Warren
If you have a child of any age who struggles with their mental health, please join me at BREATHE: A Restorative Retreat for Moms. This gentle weekend will provide spiritual, emotional, and physical renewal through the quiet beauty of nature, music, relational connection with other moms, optional personal counseling, focused prayer or spiritual direction, a variety of creative expressions, and the calming experiences of Holy Yoga and aromatherapy.
I would love to share with you the wholistic practices I learned and implemented while journeying through mental illness with my son, Matthew, and the wisdom I’ve gleaned from hundreds of other moms who have walked this road.
Here is what a few of them have said about their time at BREATHE:
“I hadn't realized I had been holding my breath. This was the first time in 12 years that I took a full breath and completely felt open to healing, trust, and new options. The experiences and exercises at BREATHE opened up not only my airways but also my heart.”
“This retreat was an amazing gift. It's one of a kind and an absolute blessing for moms who have a child with a mental illness. I got to spend time with other women who all understand what I am going through in life. I got to rest and was truly spoiled by the volunteers. It may be the only time I've ever been "spoiled", and it felt amazing!”
“There was a crisis with my son 3 days before the retreat, and I almost backed out. After much prayer, I decided to come anyway. I had no expectation and was feeling defeated. After the sessions, sharing, and prayer, I came out feeling a peace I had not had in a long time. I also found my tears after being numb for some time. The peace and hope have remained with me since the retreat.”
*We are pleased to offer Spanish language interpretation at the retreat.
General Breathe Retreat Information
The BREATHE Retreat will be hosted at the beautiful Rancho Capistrano Retreat Center in San Juan Capistrano, California.
Retreat Personnel:
Kay Warren | Founder of Hope for Brighter Tomorrows, Speaker, Host
Kay Warren is the founder of Hope for Brighter Tomorrows, the Christian nonprofit that sponsors the BREATHE Retreat. Kay Warren cofounded Saddleback Church with her husband Rick in Lake Forest, CA in 1980 where they served until Rick’s retirement in September 2022. After the death of her son, Matthew, who lived with serious mental illness for most of his life, she founded Saddleback’s Hope for Mental Health Initiative to support individuals and family members of loved ones with mental illness and suicidal ideation. The Initiative also trains others in the faith community how to launch or expand existing mental health ministries. In 2019, Kay started BREATHE to minister to parents of children with serious mental illness. BREATHE events include weekend respite retreats, online retreats, and free Zoom calls with mental health professionals.
Kay was a board member of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention and is active in mental health/suicide prevention efforts in Orange County, CA. Kay is the author of Sacred Privilege: Your Life and Ministry as a Pastor's Wife, Choose Joy: Because Happiness Isn't Enough, Say Yes to God: A Call to Courageous Surrender, and the coauthor of Foundations, a popular systematic theology course used by churches worldwide. Her children are Amy, Josh, and Matthew (who is in heaven), and she has five grandchildren.
Kelly Rosati | President, Hope for Brighter Tomorrows
Kelly M. Rosati, J.D. has been an advocate for children and families for nearly 30 years. An attorney by education, she began her career in government and legal affairs in the healthcare arena. Her full-time child and family advocacy began in Hawaii where she was a proponent of child-friendly policies in the legislature and media. She then served as the Vice President of Advocacy for Children at a national family ministry and after that was the founding director of the Flying Horse Foundation, where she launched equine-assisted learning programs for at-risk kids in Colorado, Costa Rica, and Kauai. Her passion for children has been both professional and personal as she and her husband, John, adopted their four children from foster care and wrote about the journey in their book, Wait No More. (Tyndale, 2011) She was named by the Honolulu Star-Bulletin in 2001 as one of the “10 Who Made a Difference” in the state of Hawaii for her child advocacy work and has testified before Congress about the needs of children in foster care. She joined Hope for Brighter Tomorrows as its President in 2024 with a passion for serving families like hers who are impacted by mental health challenges.
Luan Sy, MSW | Program Director, Hope for Brighter Tomorrows
Luan began her professional life in architectural design and real estate development. During these years, she experienced several medical emergencies which left serious mental health consequences. Through her own experiences, Luan became passionate about care for the whole person, as well as the vital role of the faith community in cultivating welcoming, informed, and supportive environments for people with mental health challenges. Through launching a mental health ministry in her local church, she was led to complete a Master of Social Work with a special interest in faith and mental health integration. She went on to lead a large Care & Recovery ministry and has a heart for pastoral care and counsel. Luan remains active in the mental health community, volunteering with NAMI and the Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Luan married her college sweetheart, and they cherish life together with their two daughters.
Ashton Weber | Events Manager, Hope for Brighter Tomorrows
A graduate of The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science degree, Ashton's journey in the realm of Christian ministry began during her college years when she felt a deep calling to make a difference in people's lives. With a keen eye for beauty and creative ingenuity, Ashton has honed her skills in event management and nonprofit leadership. Ashton excelled as an Operational Manager for Missions.Me, a Christian nonprofit, where she gained invaluable experience in organizational leadership and event coordination. Before this, her career path led her to serve as a Community Director for Crossline Community Church for five years, where she played a pivotal role in fostering a sense of belonging and community among members. Ashton takes pride in her ability to understand the needs of others and create moments where individuals feel seen, heard, and safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the retreat begin and end?
Check-in opens at 2:00 p.m. (PT) on Friday, April 19, and check-out is at 11:30 a.m. (PT) on Sunday, April 21.
Where are the closest airports?
Southern California has multiple airports to choose from (John Wayne/Orange County, Los Angeles International Airport, Long Beach, Burbank, Ontario, and San Diego). For reference, John Wayne/Orange County (SNA) is about 20 minutes from the retreat center, and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about an hour and 15 minutes away without traffic. There is no public transit system to The Ranch. Please plan to rent a car or take an Uber. If you would like to coordinate ride share or travel arrangements with other BREATHE retreat attendees, visit the private BREATHE Travel Page on Facebook.
The retreat address is:
Rancho Capistrano Retreat Center
29251 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
What are the accommodations?
In the heart of bustling Orange County, the Rancho Capistrano Retreat Center is an unexpected jewel. The 170-acre grounds include beautiful walking paths, buildings inspired by Spanish architecture, and a historic adobe ranch house built in the 1800s, all overlooking a serene lake surrounded by shady trees, weeping willows, and palms.
The Rancho Capistrano Retreat Center offers simple and comfortable accommodations in either the Hacienda or Lakeside buildings. Each retreat attendee will be provided with a private room which is furnished with two queen-size beds and an ensuite bathroom. Linens, towels, and an iron/ironing board are included. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the campus. There are no televisions in the room
*Please note that hair dryers and toiletries are not provided.
What optional free activities are offered?
There will be a number of optional activities (included in the registration price) offered throughout the weekend to refresh your body, mind, and soul.
- Meet & Greet Open House: Get acquainted with BREATHE alumni and other retreat attendees and enjoy refreshments in the casual Library environment.
- Saturday Morning Yoga: Participate in a Holy Yoga class where the instructor weaves in meditation and scripture.
- Sunday Morning Walk & Worship: Join other women on a guided morning stroll around the retreat center.
- Journey with Jesus: Engage with the Stations of the Cross experience. This is a self-guided outdoor prayer experience aided by locally created mosaic artwork.
- Scenic walking paths: Enjoy the beauty of Rancho Capistrano Retreat Center on your own.
- Play lively lawn games hosted by BREATHE staff.
- Relax with board games and art supplies provided throughout the weekend in the Library.
- Unwind with fun late night activities and treats will be available on Friday and Saturday evenings.
- Get ready for a fun surprise!!!
What optional workshops are offered?
- Aromatherapy Workshop: Learn how to elevate your spirit, promote mental clarity, and support calming habits through the use of essential oils while creating a personalized keepsake.
- Guided Breathwork Workshop: Explore a proven scientific approach to caring for our bodies. Discover how deep breathing and prayer can bring powerful internal peace and rest for your body and soul.
- Art for Healing Experience: Participate in an art experience that supports healing and self-exploration through the creative process.
- In addition, attendees will have the option to select one of the following options. We will do our best to accommodate each participant's choice based on availability.
- Experiential Prayer: Experience a safe, private, and guided prayer session with two female prayer partners who will come alongside you in praying for your journey.
- Spiritual Direction: Meet with a female spiritual director who will prayerfully listen to you and ask reflective questions. This centuries-old spiritual practice focuses on seeking God and provides space to notice God’s presence/activity in your life.
- Personal Counsel: Receive counsel and pastoral care with a female Christian mental health professional.
What are the meals?
Five delicious meals will be provided throughout the weekend, as well as snacks and beverages (bottled water, coffee, tea, select sodas, and sparkling water).
Is this retreat for a parent who has lost a child to suicide?
We are so sorry for the loss you have experienced. There are no words for the loss of a beloved child. This particular retreat is designed for moms who currently have a child with mental illness. We do not recommend this retreat for a mom who has lost a child to suicide. Please email to receive other options for support.
Can my husband or child stay onsite at the retreat center with me?
This is a women’s only event. To be respectful of the privacy of the women who attend, we are only able to offer lodging to retreat attendees.