Racine & Me: Paths to Healing — A Journey of Restoring Hope for Survivors

RACINE, WI (CBS 58) -- What began as a one-day retreat for male survivors of sexual violence has now grown into a three-day gathering that welcomes all survivors—and the allies who walk beside them.

Paths to Healing, originally launched in 2013 by survivor advocate and author Callen Harty, was one of the first conferences in Wisconsin dedicated specifically to male survivors—an often overlooked population in conversations around trauma and healing. Held annually in Madison from 2013 through 2019, the retreat found support from organizations like the Rape Crisis Center, WCASA, Proud Theater, and Aurora Health Center. Photographers like Brian Wild and Peter Fiala captured the raw emotion and power of these early gatherings.

Venues included the Sheraton Hotel, Goodman Community Center, and the American Family Insurance Training Center. But after 2019, the event went quiet—until one podcast interview brought it back to life.

In April 2023, Callen Harty appeared on Unspoken: Conversations with Candace, hosted by Candace Sanchez. Season 3 of the podcast was entirely devoted to male survivors—something that deeply moved Candace.

Hearing Callen reflect on the legacy of Paths to Healing reignited a spark. She felt called to help revive and expand the event, transforming it from a one-day conference into a full three-day retreat and conference—open to all survivors, not just men.

Now held in 2025, the Paths to Healing Retreat & Conference offers:

• Keynote speakers

• Breakout sessions and healing workshops

• A vibrant resource fair

• And even a Saturday night dance party to celebrate resilience

It’s a safe and supportive environment where survivors, advocates, allies, and professionals can come together to connect, share, and heal.

This revival wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated support of its partners:

Fiscal Agent:

• BeLEAF Survivors, Inc. – a nonprofit dedicated to empowering survivors of sexual violence

Presenting Organizations:

• Unspoken: Conversations with Candace

• Author Callen Harty

• Wings of Fire Healing

Sponsors Include:

• The National Foundation to End Child Abuse and Neglect (ENDCAN)

• Cathy Studer, author of “Broken to Beautifully Whole”

• Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, Inc.

• Kelly D. Speaks

• Digimentors

Together, they are helping create a space where every survivor feels seen, heard, and supported.

BeLEAF Survivors Inc. is serving as the fiscal agent for the conference.

Main Information link https://beleafsurvivors.org/paths-to-healing/

Facebook Event page https://www.facebook.com/share/1BunDNWkQs/

Donate & Tickets & Fundraiser page via GiveButter https://givebutter.com/Ms1SbS

GoFundMe link: Fundraiser by Callen Harty: Paths to Healing