Photo caption: San Damiano Lodging & Retreat Center fountain at night.
The Stress and Trauma Treatment Center is proud to announce the purchase of this 180- acre property nestled within a quiet corner of the Shawnee National Forest, overlooking the beautiful bluffs of the Ohio River near Golconda, IL. A grand re-opening and ribbon cutting was held on June 24, and the facility has been renamed San Damiano Lodging and Retreat Center.
Over the years, thousands of guests and hundreds of weddings, anniversaries, and events have been held on these grounds. The new owners plan to continue to offer these same amenities and more. Carol Hoffman of the Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau stated, “The San Damiano Lodging and Retreat Center can offer the visitor a relaxing getaway to escape from stress and enjoy nature.”
“Some people prefer traditional therapy to find healing while others prefer the healing environment of nature. We hope to use this space to promote natural healing for our communities through rest, relaxation, and the outdoors.”, says Dr. Matt Buckman.
This riverfront site will continue to provide quality lodging with four houses, 30 cabins, an outdoor wedding venue, and a large event center on the beautiful bluffs of the Ohio river. The cabins offer multiple bedroom configurations, full size kitchens, Jacuzzi tubs, and a back porch that overlooks the Ohio River. This space can offer a retreat or escape from the overwhelming stress of our world today.
In addition, San Damiano Lodging & Retreat Center will be making a difference to help those that have experienced adversity or traumatic stress. Stress & Trauma Treatment Center will provide therapeutic retreats for children, families, and adults. They also plan to provide therapeutic work opportunities for youth across Southern Illinois to learn job skills in the areas of groundskeeping, maintenance, and hospitality.
For more information on the San Damiano Lodging & Retreat Center please visit sandamianoretreat.org or contact 618-285-1005.