1985 Community leaders establish a task force to assess the need for a domestic violence shelter; East Hampton Rotary Club donates the initial funding.
1987 The Retreat is founded as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) New York State licensed domestic violence agency.
1988 County funding is approved and staff is hired. A volunteer hotline, non-residential counseling services and safe homes are established. Offices in Goodfriend Park are opened.
1990 Domestic violence outreach and education programs are developed.
1992 The Town of East Hampton, in partnership with The Retreat, establishes the 18-bed shelter. Advocacy, crisis counseling, children's services, parenting education and a 24-hour crisis hotline are added.
1995 The Retreat's scope of work is broadened to include all towns in the East End of Long Island: East Hampton, Southampton, Riverhead, Southold and Greenport. The Heroes Don't Hit education program is introduced; awareness campaign to stop domestic violence includes working with men against domestic violence to advocate for offender accountability; offices are established in Southampton and Central Suffolk Hospitals and mandated batterers' program begins operation.
1997 The Retreat receives a generous donation of a new building to house the Administration and Client Services Center. The Retreat wins the Marshalls Peace Prize for Heroes Don't Hit.
1998 The Staff relocates to the new Center.
2001 The Retreat is a recipient of the 2001 New York State Governor's Freedom Award to End Domestic Violence.
2003 In July 2003, The retreat opens a thrift store: Retreat Boutique. Revenues from the store will sustain current program services in light of government funding cuts.
2005 Newsday Community Champions
2006 Henry D Pearson Award for excellence in leadership
2007 Retreat celebrates 20 year of saving lives
1997 The Retreat receives a generous donation of a new building to house the Administration and Client Services Center.
2001 The Retreat is a recipient of the 2001 New York State Governor's Freedom Award to End Domestic Violence.
2003 In July 2003, The retreat opens a thrift store: Retreat Boutique. Revenues from the store will sustain current program services in light of government funding cuts.