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.

Biweekly on Fridays, October 4 & 18, November 1 & 15

Join us in creating a vibrant collective space where BIPOC LGBTQ individuals can connect, create, and thrive together. Each week will bring an opportunity to socialize, and learn and connect with community through various activities, such as a BIPOC LGBTQ+ filmmaker showcase, artmaking, and more. Individuals who identify as both BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) are invited to participate.. Led by Latricia Giles.

Click here to register.
Register once and attend any of the sessions.

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.

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.

Thursdays, November 7–21

Discover artmaking as a coping skill, a means of expressing emotions, and a way to promote creativity and well-being. Join us as we explore themes of play and creativity. No prior artistic experience is necessary. Led by Elizabeth Cobb, LCSW, and H Peterson, MSW.

Click here to register.

Challenge Into Change is a writing program that honors women’s stories of overcoming life challenges to find hope and healing. We have collected these true stories since 2008 and shared them through community readings and published books to inspire all people along their healing journeys.

Challenge Into Change culminates with a celebration and book launch to honor all participants and the communities that support them in healing.

Wednesdays, 30-minute sessions from 1-3pm, ongoing

The gentle touch of craniosacral therapy supports the body in re-patterning the nervous system beyond unresolved stress and trauma and re-discovering the body’s natural state of wellness. This therapy uses light touch on the body while clients recline on a massage table, fully clothed. Participants often experience a greater sense of self-connection, clarity, renewal, and peace following a craniosacral session. Women and members of the gender-expansive community are invited to participate. Led by Amina Stevens of Common Ground Healing Arts.

Contact us at 434.872.0047 to register for a one-on-one session.

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.

Biweekly on Tuesdays, October 1–December 10

Explore and celebrate the diverse tapestry of queer history with Queer History Club, a biweekly program dedicated to delving into significant moments and figures from queer history around the world. Each session will feature a discussion of a different type of media, including podcasts, book chapters, and documentaries, to cater to different learning styles and deepen our collective understanding. Our discussions will span every continent and various time periods, providing a rich, global perspective on queer history. This group welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and levels of knowledge to join in the conversation, reflect on the past, and connect with the broader queer community. Members of the LGBTQ+ community 18 years old and up are invited to attend. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose.

Click here to register.

Mondays, November 4 & 11

Join us for a two-part series to explore our experiences of motherhood while connecting in community. Using simple, easy, and resourceful art techniques, we will share stories and create images based on our own journeys. Mothers over the age of 18 are invited to attend. Led by Alma Molina.

To register for this group, please call 434.328.1800 or email bienestar@thewomensinitiative.org.

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.

Thursday, November 7

Virtual via zoom.

This time of year, isn't joyful for everyone, and many people feel sad or anxious amidst all the merrymaking. Whether the upcoming season activates unhappy memories, reminds you of a loss or is simply stressful, we invite you to join in the warmth of community for some gentle self-care. Women and members of the gender expansive community who reside in Charlottesville or in the counties of Albemarle, Nelson, Louisa, Fluvanna, and Greene is invited to participate. Facilitated by Andrea Fasciano M.Ed. candidate and counseling intern, and Karina Monroy, Clinical Art Therapy Intern.

Click here to register.

Thursdays, November 7–21

Discover artmaking as a coping skill, a means of expressing emotions, and a way to promote creativity and well-being. Join us as we explore themes of play and creativity. No prior artistic experience is necessary. Led by Elizabeth Cobb, LCSW, and H Peterson, MSW.

Click here to register.

Biweekly on Wednesdays

We are excited to bring back the Q Social Hour at TWI! Every other week, members of the LGBTQ+ community will gather for queer companionship, connection, and fun. From board games to movie nights and themed conversations, join us as we build community together. Members of the LGBTQ+ community 18 years and up are invited to attend. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose.

Click here to register.
Register once and attend any of the sessions.

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.

Wednesdays, 30-minute sessions from 1-3pm, ongoing

The gentle touch of craniosacral therapy supports the body in re-patterning the nervous system beyond unresolved stress and trauma and re-discovering the body’s natural state of wellness. This therapy uses light touch on the body while clients recline on a massage table, fully clothed. Participants often experience a greater sense of self-connection, clarity, renewal, and peace following a craniosacral session. Women and members of the gender-expansive community are invited to participate. Led by Amina Stevens of Common Ground Healing Arts.

Contact us at 434.872.0047 to register for a one-on-one session.

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.

Virtual via Zoom

The Women's Initiative invites you to an evening of support and processing surrounding the upcoming election. Gather in this safe, brave, and supportive virtual space to share and connect with others over any difficult emotions related to the current election. Members of the LGBTQ+ community 18 years and older are invited to attend. Facilitated by Elizabeth Cobb, LCSW, and Andrea Fasciano, M.Ed. candidate and counseling intern.

Click here to register.

Mondays, November 4 & 11

Join us for a two-part series to explore our experiences of motherhood while connecting in community. Using simple, easy, and resourceful art techniques, we will share stories and create images based on our own journeys. Mothers over the age of 18 are invited to attend. Led by Alma Molina.

To register for this group, please call 434.328.1800 or email bienestar@thewomensinitiative.org.

Biweekly on Fridays, October 4 & 18, November 1 & 15

Join us in creating a vibrant collective space where BIPOC LGBTQ individuals can connect, create, and thrive together. Each week will bring an opportunity to socialize, and learn and connect with community through various activities, such as a BIPOC LGBTQ+ filmmaker showcase, artmaking, and more. Individuals who identify as both BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) are invited to participate.. Led by Latricia Giles.

Click here to register.
Register once and attend any of the sessions.

Fridays, October 11-November 1

Nurture your relationships with nature by joining us for a weekly walk and creative sensory activities in community. Each week we will focus on a different sense or sensory experience to explore how nature can help us feel connected with ourselves and the outside world. Children are welcome to attend as long as they are supervised by a caregiver. Come play, explore, and delight. Participants should dress in comfortable clothing that allows for gentle movement and comfortable shoes for walking on multiple surfaces including grass, pavement and dirt. We encourage you to bring water, snacks or any other items to support your safety and comfort outdoors. Led by Elizabeth Cobb, LCSW, and Karina Monroy, Clinical Art Therapy Intern.

Click here to register.

Wednesday, October 30

Join us in celebrating Latinx traditions and rituals during these October holidays by creating art and crafts and celebrating our culture. *This group is facilitated in Spanish by a bilingual facilitator. Led by Kassandra “Kassy” Baltazar Alarcón, MSW.

To register for the group, call 434.328.1800, or email bienestar@thewomensinitiative.org.

Wednesdays, October 2, 16, and 30

Virtually via Zoom.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community 18 years and older are invited to explore the power of language, intention, and collective energy through the practice of writing and the tradition of spellcasting. We will explore the history and traditions of spellcasting across cultures and engage in writing exercises to support healing and to embrace our personal power. Together we'll create a sacred space for writing, reclamation, healing, and empowerment. Led by Latricia Giles.

Click here to register.

Wednesdays, 30-minute sessions from 1-3pm, ongoing

The gentle touch of craniosacral therapy supports the body in re-patterning the nervous system beyond unresolved stress and trauma and re-discovering the body’s natural state of wellness. This therapy uses light touch on the body while clients recline on a massage table, fully clothed. Participants often experience a greater sense of self-connection, clarity, renewal, and peace following a craniosacral session. Women and members of the gender-expansive community are invited to participate. Led by Amina Stevens of Common Ground Healing Arts.

Contact us at 434.872.0047 to register for a one-on-one session.

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.

Biweekly on Tuesdays, October 1–December 10

Explore and celebrate the diverse tapestry of queer history with Queer History Club, a biweekly program dedicated to delving into significant moments and figures from queer history around the world. Each session will feature a discussion of a different type of media, including podcasts, book chapters, and documentaries, to cater to different learning styles and deepen our collective understanding. Our discussions will span every continent and various time periods, providing a rich, global perspective on queer history. This group welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and levels of knowledge to join in the conversation, reflect on the past, and connect with the broader queer community. Members of the LGBTQ+ community 18 years old and up are invited to attend. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose.

Click here to register.

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.

Sundays, October 6–27
In partnership with Mindful Mountain Yoga Cville

Join us for this yoga class to build strength, improve balance, and enhance overall health and well-being. We will use gentle, accessible yoga postures and practice self-compassion toward our body. No experience or ability is expected. Women and members of the gender-expansive community are invited to attend. Led by Monica Farrell, certified yoga instructor.

Click here to register.

Fridays, October 11-November 1

Nurture your relationships with nature by joining us for a weekly walk and creative sensory activities in community. Each week we will focus on a different sense or sensory experience to explore how nature can help us feel connected with ourselves and the outside world. Children are welcome to attend as long as they are supervised by a caregiver. Come play, explore, and delight. Participants should dress in comfortable clothing that allows for gentle movement and comfortable shoes for walking on multiple surfaces including grass, pavement and dirt. We encourage you to bring water, snacks or any other items to support your safety and comfort outdoors. Led by Elizabeth Cobb, LCSW, and Karina Monroy, Clinical Art Therapy Intern.

Click here to register.

Every 4th Thursday, ongoing*

*Adjusted fall meeting schedule: November 21 and December 19.

This group is a safe space for transgender women and transfeminine adult individuals (18 years and older) in Charlottesville, Albemarle, and surrounding areas in Virginia to connect, share, learn from one another, and provide mutual encouragement along our unique, personal journeys. Respecting and maintaining the privacy of individuals and the confidentiality of what is shared in our circle is of utmost importance. Led by Kayla Capps, Ashley Glennon, and members of the TWI Q Staff Alliance.

For more information and to register (preferred names or initials are fine), email cvilletranswomen@gmail.com. Attend any of the sessions.