Groups and Social Support

Emotions Education 101

• WHEN: Tuesdays, 3:15–4:45pm, April 2–May 21

• WHERE: Virtually via Zoom. Contact egibson@thewomensinitiative.org to complete a screening by April 8.

• Facilitated by Maren Ward, LCSW, and Elise Gibson, LCSW

This eight-week group will help participants understand emotions and defenses, connect and share with others, and decrease loneliness. Participants will develop language to communicate their emotions to others and themselves. With a combination of learning and body-based exercises, participants will gain skills to access their calm, courageous, clear, and compassionate authentic selves. This is a closed, confidential group. Women and members of the gender-expansive community who reside in Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson are invited to join. Recommended reading: It's Not Always Depression by Hilary Jacobs Hendel, LCSW.

Trauma Healing Basics

• WHEN: Mondays, 10:30am–12pm, April 8–May 20

• WHERE: In person at The Women’s Initiative main office (1101 East High Street, Charlottesville). Contact ezeanahshelton@thewomensinitiative.org or 434.872.0047 x307 to complete a screening by April 8.

• Facilitated by Emily Zeanah Shelton, LCSW, and Elizabeth Cobb, LCSW

This seven-session series will help participants to explore trauma and resilience and to take steps toward healing. Our time together will be focused on learning, as well as sharing and processing feelings, reactions, and concerns. This is a closed, confidential group where participants can speak freely and explore their healing and growth. Women and members of the gender expansive community who reside in Charlottesville and in the counties of Albemarle, Greene, Fluvanna, Louisa, and Nelson.

Sister circle | Returning to self

• WHEN: Thursdays, April 11 and 18, 5:30–6:45pm and Biweekly on Thursdays, 5:30–6:45pm, May 2–June 13 (6 sessions)

• WHERE: In person at The Women’s Initiative main office (1101 East High Street, Charlottesville). Contact swood@thewomensinitiative.org to complete a screening by April 1.

• Facilitated by Shelly Wood, LCSW

Many times, for various reasons, we create false selves or wear masks to play the game or fake it ‘til we make it; over time, those false selves start to feel like our true self. Take a journey with us to reconnect and return to your authentic self, utilizing meaningful questioning, creative expression, and practical tools. This group is specifically for individuals who identify as Black women and reside in Charlottesville and in the counties of Albemarle, Greene, Fluvanna, Louisa, and Nelson.

Healing offerings for Latina women and the Latinx community. Groups are conducted in Spanish. Para información del programa Bienestar en español dé click aquí.

Art and Joy: Celebrate Spring

• WHEN: Thursdays, 6–7pm, April 11 and 18

• WHERE: In person at The Women’s Initiative main office (1101 East High Street, Charlottesville). To register for the group, call 434.328.1800 or email bienestar@thewomensinitiative.org.

• Facilitated by Kassy Baltazar Alarcón, MSW

Join us for an art class for Latina women to welcome spring by doing arts and crafts in community. *This group is facilitated in Spanish by a bilingual facilitator.

Cultivating Self-Care Skills

• WHEN: Thursdays, 5:30–6:30pm, May 30–June 20

• WHERE: In person at The Women’s Initiative main office (1101 East High Street, Charlottesville). To register for the group, call 434.328.1800 or email bienestar@thewomensinitiative.org.

• Facilitated by Alma Molina

Join us for an active class for Latina women to learn gentle movements to promote relaxation. Learn how to strengthen the connection between our bodies and mind to promote healing and well-being. *This group is facilitated in Spanish by a bilingual facilitator.

Writing for Healing: Sharing Stories

• WHEN: Thursdays, 5:30–6:30pm, June 6–27

• WHERE: Virtually via Zoom. To register for the group, call 434.328.1800 or email bienestar@thewomensinitiative.org.

• Led by Mariana Araujo Herrera 

All Latina women are welcome to join this virtual four-session group to learn how to share our stories through poetry rooted in cultural celebration and community power. Experienced writers and those who have never written poetry before are encouraged to attend. This group is a safe space to write freely and share with other women to support one another on our healing journeys. *This group is facilitated in Spanish by a bilingual facilitator.

Healing offerings for Black women and women of color. Learn more about the Sister Circle Program.

Restorative Rest & Relaxation

• WHEN: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 6:30–7:30pm, April 3–May 15

• WHERE: In person at Heart and Soul Fitness studio (818 Cherry Avenue, Charlottesville). Click here to register.

• Led by Nicole Hawker, MA, CPT, CYT of Heart and Soul Fitness

Restorative Rest is a gentle and relaxing style of yoga that utilizes props such as blankets, bolsters, and blocks to support the body in comfortable and restful postures. Designed to calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and promote deep relaxation, this class is suitable for all levels, including beginners, and is especially beneficial for those recovering from injury or illness, managing chronic pain, or looking to reduce stress and anxiety.

Life-Giving Gardening

• WHEN: Saturday, April 6, 12–2pm. Rain date: April 13.

• WHERE: In person at a City of Promise Garden (708 Page Street, Charlottesville); co-sponsored by Cultivate Charlottesville. Click here to register.

• Led by Juanika Howard, LPC

As children, many of us played outside and gardened alongside our elders, but we may feel disconnected from Mother Nature as adults. Join us in the garden to discover or rediscover the healing power of planting and harvesting. We’ll make connections between gardening, our mental health, and the health of our community. Black women and women of color are invited to attend.

Sexuality and Spirituality: A Journey of Self-Discovery for LGBTQIA+ Individuals

• WHEN: Biweekly on Thursdays, 6–7:30pm, May 2–June 13

• WHERE: Virtually via Zoom. Click here to register. Register once and attend any of the sessions.

• Led by Latricia Giles

Join this welcoming, inclusive, and safe space for open dialogue around the unique needs and challenges LGBTQIA+ individuals face in navigating personal identity and spiritual exploration. Through community-building activities, discussions, and readings from diverse faith traditions, we will explore the intersection of sexuality and spirituality. Discover spiritual practices that affirm your whole self and support your well-being. Queer women, transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals (LGBTQIA+) of all backgrounds, regardless of prior religious experience, are invited to attend.

Learning from the LGBTQ+ Community Training

• WHEN: Tuesdays, 6–8pm, May 7–June 11

• WHERE: In person at The Women’s Initiative main office (1101 East High Street, Charlottesville). Click here to register. Registration required. Space is limited; please register by May 3.

• Led by Hyacinth Bellerose

This six-week training program for aspiring allies will provide insight into the beautiful range of identities that make up the LGBTQ+ community. Participants will learn the basics of LGBTQ+ identity, vocabulary, history, and the Movement for LGBTQ+ Liberation today. Participants will hear stories of local LGBTQ+ individuals to better understand the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people in our region. If you aspire to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community and want to learn more about what the movement has to offer, this training is the perfect for you!

C’ville Trans Women Circle of Support

• WHEN: 4th Thursdays, 6–7:30pm, ongoing

• WHERE: In person at The Women’s Initiative main office (1101 East High Street, Charlottesville).

• Led by Kayla Capps, Ashley Glennon, and members of the TWI Q Staff Alliance

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

In Collaboration with Our Community Partners

PFLAG Trans Families & Trans Peer Groups

Charlottesville PFLAG Groups focus on the needs of transgender people and their partners, parents, children, loved ones, friends, and allies. These groups offer safe spaces and are therefore not open to observation or solicitation.

The Trans Families Group provides support for transitioning families and the needs and experiences of parents of transgender and gender-variant youth and young adults. The Trans Peer Group is for transgender individuals of all ages and identities. These two groups meet concurrently for the first portion of the meeting, then break into separate rooms for the second half of the meeting time. Meetings are held the 3rd Saturday of each month ​from 5:30–7:30pm.

• For more information on the Trans Families Group, contact pflagbr@gmail.com.

• For more information on the Trans Peer Group, contact cvilletranspeergroup@gmail.com.

• Visit pflagblueridge.org to learn more about PFLAG.

Sin Barreras

Sin Barreras (Without Borders) educates, supports, and serves the immigrant community focusing on the Hispanic population of Charlottesville and the surrounding areas. Every second Wednesday of the month, The Women’s Initiative collaborates with Sin Barreras on an offering. Please check out the Sin Barreras website or Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.

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