The Retreat was founded in 1987 as a non-profit licensed domestic violence agency. It provides a number of services to provide for and protect victims through prevention and outreach services, in order to help break the cycle of repeat and family violence.
Since 1992, The Retreat shelter has housed women and their children who are victims of domestic violence in a secure residence on the east end of Long Island. It can accommodate up to six families, and works with local, state, and national agencies to provide a safe haven, food, clothing, and support.
With administrative offices on Goodfriend Drive in East Hampton, The Retreat offers a 24-hour hot-line, legal advocacy, individual and group counseling, children's services, parenting education, residential housing services, and nutrition workshops. The Retreat Thrift Shop, located in the Bridgehampton Commons, helps support the organization.