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Why Renewment?

  • This is the first generation of working women who can expect to live decades beyond retirement with no role models.
  • Working women have faced a void — lack of structure, productivity, meaning and redefinition of self.
  • With no clear role models women have taken it upon themselves to find new pathways and solutions for a fulfilling future.

More than 20 years ago, two successful career women Bernice Bratter and Helen Dennis (co-founders) were discussing retirement and asked, “What’s next?”

The answer was Renewment (Retirement + Renewal). A group of eight women in Los Angeles discussed the challenges and opportunities for this new life stage, and kept talking… and Renewment was launched. More than 40 conversation groups through the US and abroad have developed and evolved; all have grown virally.

The book, Project Renewment: The First Retirement Model for Career Women became the text, guide and suggested curriculum for all Renewment groups.

Our History

1999

Bernice Bratter and Helen Dennis (Co-Founders) started the first Renewment Group.

2004

First Renewment Conference, Los Angeles

Sponsored by:
California State University, Fullerton
Institute of Gerontology

2007

Renewment receives press in:

Los Angeles Times
Time Magazine
Wall Street Journal

2008

Project Renewment: The First Retirement Model for Career Women is published (Los Angeles Times Bestseller).

2009

Renewment conducts webinars throughout United States and Australia.

Creates four-week Renewment course.

2015

Group formed in Paris, France.

Renewment materials translated into French.

2019

Groups continue to form worldwide.

More than 40 so far and counting!

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