All Programs
The Women’s Initiative offers a variety of programs, groups, and workshops to help support mental health in our communities.
view our programs by type
Sister Circle Writing Group: Mix Tape Sessions
Thursdays, November 7–21
Virtually via Zoom
What song brings you healing? Commune with your sisters in the joys and healing powers of music and writing. Each week, participants will select a song to share with other group members, followed by reflective writing in response to the music shared. All writing styles are welcomed, and no previous writing experience is needed to join. Led by Kishara Griffin, MSW.
Click here to register.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays, ongoing*
*Holiday schedule: No classes on November 26, December 24 and December 31
Join us for a West African dance class for women and children who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), in partnership with Charlottesville dance troupe Chihamba. In this fun and energetic hour, we will enjoy movement and rhythm, build community, and connect with our African ancestry as we explore the meanings and stories behind each dance. Led by Lillie Williams.
Click here to register.
Sister Circle Yoga and Meditation
1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, ongoing
Wind down with your sisters every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. Sister Circle Yoga invites BIPOC individuals to join in on this gentle, restorative mid-week practice of yoga, meditation and breathwork. First time yoga participants are encouraged to arrive 10 minutes before the class begins. Led by Juanika Howard, LPC.
Click here to register here.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays, ongoing*
*Holiday schedule: No classes on November 26, December 24 and December 31
Join us for a West African dance class for women and children who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), in partnership with Charlottesville dance troupe Chihamba. In this fun and energetic hour, we will enjoy movement and rhythm, build community, and connect with our African ancestry as we explore the meanings and stories behind each dance. Led by Lillie Williams.
Click here to register.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays, ongoing*
*Holiday schedule: No classes on November 26, December 24 and December 31
Join us for a West African dance class for women and children who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), in partnership with Charlottesville dance troupe Chihamba. In this fun and energetic hour, we will enjoy movement and rhythm, build community, and connect with our African ancestry as we explore the meanings and stories behind each dance. Led by Lillie Williams.
Click here to register.
Sister Circle Yoga and Meditation
1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, ongoing
Wind down with your sisters every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. Sister Circle Yoga invites BIPOC individuals to join in on this gentle, restorative mid-week practice of yoga, meditation and breathwork. First time yoga participants are encouraged to arrive 10 minutes before the class begins. Led by Juanika Howard, LPC.
Click here to register here.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays, ongoing*
*Holiday schedule: No classes on November 26, December 24 and December 31
Join us for a West African dance class for women and children who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), in partnership with Charlottesville dance troupe Chihamba. In this fun and energetic hour, we will enjoy movement and rhythm, build community, and connect with our African ancestry as we explore the meanings and stories behind each dance. Led by Lillie Williams.
Click here to register.
Ubuntu Healing Circle
In person and virtual via zoom.
Ubuntu Healing Circle: a space where Black bodies, minds, and spirits commune in safety and L.O.V.E. to receive support and strength for the journey ahead. Led by Shelly Wood, LCSW and Grace Wint, Sister Circle Therapist.
Click here for zoom registration.
Click here for in-person registration.
Sister Circle Writing Group: Mix Tape Sessions
Thursdays, November 7–21
Virtually via Zoom
What song brings you healing? Commune with your sisters in the joys and healing powers of music and writing. Each week, participants will select a song to share with other group members, followed by reflective writing in response to the music shared. All writing styles are welcomed, and no previous writing experience is needed to join. Led by Kishara Griffin, MSW.
Click here to register.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays, ongoing*
*Holiday schedule: No classes on November 26, December 24 and December 31
Join us for a West African dance class for women and children who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), in partnership with Charlottesville dance troupe Chihamba. In this fun and energetic hour, we will enjoy movement and rhythm, build community, and connect with our African ancestry as we explore the meanings and stories behind each dance. Led by Lillie Williams.
Click here to register.
Sister Circle Writing Group: Mix Tape Sessions
Thursdays, November 7–21
Virtually via Zoom
What song brings you healing? Commune with your sisters in the joys and healing powers of music and writing. Each week, participants will select a song to share with other group members, followed by reflective writing in response to the music shared. All writing styles are welcomed, and no previous writing experience is needed to join. Led by Kishara Griffin, MSW.
Click here to register.
Sister Circle Yoga and Meditation
1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, ongoing
Wind down with your sisters every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. Sister Circle Yoga invites BIPOC individuals to join in on this gentle, restorative mid-week practice of yoga, meditation and breathwork. First time yoga participants are encouraged to arrive 10 minutes before the class begins. Led by Juanika Howard, LPC.
Click here to register here.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays, ongoing*
*Holiday schedule: No classes on November 26, December 24 and December 31
Join us for a West African dance class for women and children who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), in partnership with Charlottesville dance troupe Chihamba. In this fun and energetic hour, we will enjoy movement and rhythm, build community, and connect with our African ancestry as we explore the meanings and stories behind each dance. Led by Lillie Williams.
Click here to register.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays, ongoing*
*Holiday schedule: No classes on November 26, December 24 and December 31
Join us for a West African dance class for women and children who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), in partnership with Charlottesville dance troupe Chihamba. In this fun and energetic hour, we will enjoy movement and rhythm, build community, and connect with our African ancestry as we explore the meanings and stories behind each dance. Led by Lillie Williams.
Click here to register.
Sister Circle Expressive Arts: Joyful Crafts
Mondays, October 7, 21 and 28
Gather for some Sister Circle crafting in community. This three-week offering will give participants the opportunity to embrace joy through different arts and crafts. No prior artistic experience is necessary, and all materials will be provided. Led by Juanika Howard, LPC.
Click here to register here.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays, ongoing*
*Holiday schedule: No classes on November 26, December 24 and December 31
Join us for a West African dance class for women and children who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), in partnership with Charlottesville dance troupe Chihamba. In this fun and energetic hour, we will enjoy movement and rhythm, build community, and connect with our African ancestry as we explore the meanings and stories behind each dance. Led by Lillie Williams.
Click here to register.
Sister Circle Expressive Arts: Joyful Crafts
Mondays, October 7, 21 and 28
Gather for some Sister Circle crafting in community. This three-week offering will give participants the opportunity to embrace joy through different arts and crafts. No prior artistic experience is necessary, and all materials will be provided. Led by Juanika Howard, LPC.
Click here to register here.
Sister Circle Yoga and Meditation
1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, ongoing
Wind down with your sisters every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. Sister Circle Yoga invites BIPOC individuals to join in on this gentle, restorative mid-week practice of yoga, meditation and breathwork. First time yoga participants are encouraged to arrive 10 minutes before the class begins. Led by Juanika Howard, LPC.
Click here to register here.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays, ongoing*
*Holiday schedule: No classes on November 26, December 24 and December 31
Join us for a West African dance class for women and children who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), in partnership with Charlottesville dance troupe Chihamba. In this fun and energetic hour, we will enjoy movement and rhythm, build community, and connect with our African ancestry as we explore the meanings and stories behind each dance. Led by Lillie Williams.
Click here to register.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays, ongoing*
*Holiday schedule: No classes on November 26, December 24 and December 31
Join us for a West African dance class for women and children who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), in partnership with Charlottesville dance troupe Chihamba. In this fun and energetic hour, we will enjoy movement and rhythm, build community, and connect with our African ancestry as we explore the meanings and stories behind each dance. Led by Lillie Williams.
Click here to register.
Sister Circle Expressive Arts: Joyful Crafts
Mondays, October 7, 21 and 28
Gather for some Sister Circle crafting in community. This three-week offering will give participants the opportunity to embrace joy through different arts and crafts. No prior artistic experience is necessary, and all materials will be provided. Led by Juanika Howard, LPC.
Click here to register here.
Sister Circle Yoga and Meditation
1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, ongoing
Wind down with your sisters every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. Sister Circle Yoga invites BIPOC individuals to join in on this gentle, restorative mid-week practice of yoga, meditation and breathwork. First time yoga participants are encouraged to arrive 10 minutes before the class begins. Led by Juanika Howard, LPC.
Click here to register here.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays, ongoing*
*Holiday schedule: No classes on November 26, December 24 and December 31
Join us for a West African dance class for women and children who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), in partnership with Charlottesville dance troupe Chihamba. In this fun and energetic hour, we will enjoy movement and rhythm, build community, and connect with our African ancestry as we explore the meanings and stories behind each dance. Led by Lillie Williams.
Click here to register.
Herbal Medicine for Women of Color
Join us for an introduction into the benefits of herbs on the physical and mental health journey. We will learn how herbs and spices within your own cabinet can benefit you. We will also try a collection of teas and fellowship in sisterhood. Led by Sydney from The Elderberry, in collaboration with Cultivate Charlottesville.
First-time participants register here.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays, ongoing
Join us for a West African dance class for women and children who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), in partnership with Charlottesville dance troupe Chihamba. In this fun and energetic hour, we will enjoy movement and rhythm, build community, and connect with our African ancestry as we explore the meanings and stories behind each dance. Led by Lillie Williams.
First-time participants register here.
Sister Circle Book Group: All About Love
Tuesdays, September 10–24
Virtually via Zoom
This group will be a discussion about love based on the bell hooks book, all about love. BIPOC-identifying women are invited to attend and build community with one another through creating a collective definition of love. Participants are encouraged to purchase the book, all about love, ahead of time to use as a reference point. Focused discussion questions from the book will be used to build our collective definition of love. Led by Kishara Griffin, MSW.
Click here to register.
Register once and attend any of the sessions.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays, ongoing
Join us for a West African dance class for women and children who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), in partnership with Charlottesville dance troupe Chihamba. In this fun and energetic hour, we will enjoy movement and rhythm, build community, and connect with our African ancestry as we explore the meanings and stories behind each dance. Led by Lillie Williams.
First-time participants register here.
Sister Circle Book Group: All About Love
Tuesdays, September 10–24
Virtually via Zoom
This group will be a discussion about love based on the bell hooks book, all about love. BIPOC-identifying women are invited to attend and build community with one another through creating a collective definition of love. Participants are encouraged to purchase the book, all about love, ahead of time to use as a reference point. Focused discussion questions from the book will be used to build our collective definition of love. Led by Kishara Griffin, MSW.
Click here to register.
Register once and attend any of the sessions.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays, ongoing
Join us for a West African dance class for women and children who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), in partnership with Charlottesville dance troupe Chihamba. In this fun and energetic hour, we will enjoy movement and rhythm, build community, and connect with our African ancestry as we explore the meanings and stories behind each dance. Led by Lillie Williams.
First-time participants register here.
Sister Circle Book Group: All About Love
Tuesdays, September 10–24
Virtually via Zoom
This group will be a discussion about love based on the bell hooks book, all about love. BIPOC-identifying women are invited to attend and build community with one another through creating a collective definition of love. Participants are encouraged to purchase the book, all about love, ahead of time to use as a reference point. Focused discussion questions from the book will be used to build our collective definition of love. Led by Kishara Griffin, MSW.
Click here to register.
Register once and attend any of the sessions.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays, ongoing
Join us for a West African dance class for women and children who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), in partnership with Charlottesville dance troupe Chihamba. In this fun and energetic hour, we will enjoy movement and rhythm, build community, and connect with our African ancestry as we explore the meanings and stories behind each dance. Led by Lillie Williams.
First-time participants register here.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays, ongoing
Join us for a West African dance class for women and children who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), in partnership with Charlottesville dance troupe Chihamba. In this fun and energetic hour, we will enjoy movement and rhythm, build community, and connect with our African ancestry as we explore the meanings and stories behind each dance. Led by Lillie Williams.
First-time participants register here.
Sister Circle Expressive Arts: Painting With Plants
Tuesday, August 27
Join us for an evening of arts, crafts, and creativity with your sisters. We will immerse ourselves in the joys of painting pots and potting plants in a fun and relaxing environment. Led by Juanika Howard, LPC.
Click here to register.
Rest Resistance: Reclaiming Rest in a Busy World
Saturday, August 24
Embrace rest as resistance and reclaim your peace. In the heart of your busy day, we invite you to step away from the demands of the world and into a haven of tranquility designed for BIPOC women. This retreat offers a sacred space to pause, breathe, and reconnect with your inner wellspring of strength and serenity. This retreat is a sanctuary for BIPOC women seeking solace, renewal, and connection. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or simply in need of a restorative pause, this experience invites you to reclaim your peace and rediscover your inner strength. Drop in for a portion of the day or stay for the entire duration. Lunch will be provided for those who attend the entire day. Led by Latricia Giles.
Click here to register.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays, ongoing
Join us for a West African dance class for women and children who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), in partnership with Charlottesville dance troupe Chihamba. In this fun and energetic hour, we will enjoy movement and rhythm, build community, and connect with our African ancestry as we explore the meanings and stories behind each dance. Led by Lillie Williams.
First-time participants register here.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays, ongoing
Join us for a West African dance class for women and children who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), in partnership with Charlottesville dance troupe Chihamba. In this fun and energetic hour, we will enjoy movement and rhythm, build community, and connect with our African ancestry as we explore the meanings and stories behind each dance. Led by Lillie Williams.