Every Tuesday, ongoing

Virtually via Zoom

Nurture greater well-being through evidence-based mindfulness skills. Each week, we will review a different theme or aspect of mindfulness and put it into practice with time to connect, process, and discuss for further personal development. Women and members of the gender-expansive community are invited to attend. Any level of mindfulness experience is welcome. Led by Audrey Stefenson, LPC

Click here to register.
Feel free to drop in or make it a weekly ritual.

Tuesday, July 16

Executive function, often referred to as "the brain's air traffic control system," enables us to plan, pay attention, and complete tasks. Join us for a one-time workshop that discusses the different ways executive function can impact neurodivergent individuals. We will explore how these differences can manifest and learn practical tools for everyday life. Women and members of the gender-expansive community who reside in Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Nelson, Louisa, Fluvanna, and Greene are invited to attend. Facilitated by H Peterson, Supervisee in Social Work, and Elise Gibson, LCSW.

Click here to register.

Tuesdays, July 16–30

In person at The Women’s Initiative main office (1101 East High Street, Charlottesville) and virtually via Zoom

Join us to explore the dynamics of healthy relationships in our lives. We will learn about unhealthy relationship dynamics and strategies to cultivate accepting and compassionate relationships with ourselves and the people in our lives. Facilitated by Ingrid Ramos, LPC, and Kassandra Baltazar, MSW.

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

Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday, 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.

Thursdays, July 11–August 1

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, Clinical Intern

Click here to register.

Virtually via Zoom.

Join us for an evening of poetry, song, and prose. Share, listen, and connect through your artistry in this collective virtual space for Black women, Indigenous women, women of color, and BIPOC individuals of the gender-expansive community. We’ll greet one another with video on in support of building a trusting space. Participants are welcome to stay on camera or turn them off after initial greetings as they feel comfortable. Led by Alyson Davis, LMFT

Click here to register.

Every Tuesday, ongoing

Virtually via Zoom

Nurture greater well-being through evidence-based mindfulness skills. Each week, we will review a different theme or aspect of mindfulness and put it into practice with time to connect, process, and discuss for further personal development. Women and members of the gender-expansive community are invited to attend. Any level of mindfulness experience is welcome. Led by Audrey Stefenson, LPC

Click here to register.
Feel free to drop in or make it a weekly ritual.

Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday, 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.

Thursdays, July 11–August 1

Located at The Women’s Initiative’s main office

1101 East High Street, Charlottesville

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, Clinical Intern

Click here to register.

Every 4th Thursday, ongoing

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.

Every Tuesday, ongoing

Virtually via Zoom

Nurture greater well-being through evidence-based mindfulness skills. Each week, we will review a different theme or aspect of mindfulness and put it into practice with time to connect, process, and discuss for further personal development. Women and members of the gender-expansive community are invited to attend. Any level of mindfulness experience is welcome. Led by Audrey Stefenson, LPC

Click here to register.
Feel free to drop in or make it a weekly ritual.

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.

Thursdays, July 11–August 1

Located at The Women’s Initiative’s main office

1101 East High Street, Charlottesville

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, Clinical Intern

Click here to register.

Thursdays, August 1–29, 6–7pm

Virtually via Zoom.

Join Narrative Therapist Alyson Davis LMFT for a five-week group focused on Black joy stories. Enjoy short films made by Black artists and creatives that highlight the importance of joy for mental health and our humanity, followed by a group discussion about lived experiences. Facilitated by Alyson Davis, LMFT.

To register, please email sistercircle@thewomensinitiative.org to schedule a screening before July 26.

Sundays, August 4–25

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.

Tuesdays, August 6–20

In person at The Women’s Initiative main office

In life, we suffer losses that may cause us a lot of pain. This could be the loss of a loved one, a dream, your land, or a pet. Come share time in community with other Latinas to process and heal through gentle movements and reflection. Facilitated by Laura Somel, MSW .

To register for the group, please contact 434.270.0926 or email bienestar@thewomensinitiative.org.

Thursdays, August 8–September 19

Virtually via Zoom

Participants will learn the fundamentals of healthy relationships, how to “feel and deal” in times of conflict, and strategies for compassionate communication. This is a closed, confidential group where participants can process their learning, and deepen their understanding of how their own personal histories show up in present- day relationships. This group is open to women and members of the gender- expansive community and will occur over the course of six weeks. Residents of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Nelson, Louisa, Fluvanna, and Greene are invited to attend. Facilitated by Elise Gibson, LCSW, and Andrea Fasciano M.Ed. candidate and counseling intern.

Please contact Elise Gibson to schedule a screening at 434.872.0047 x304 or info@thewomensinitiative.org by August 1.

Sundays, August 4–25

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.

Biweekly on Fridays, August 16–September 27

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.

Sundays, August 4–25

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.

Tuesday, August 20

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.

Biweekly on Wednesdays, August 21–September 18

Virtually via Zoom.

Join us for a biweekly book club focused on Trans pleasure. Pleasure is so frequently de-centered in conversations about trans people. These discussions often focus on what is wrong with our bodies rather than on what can be right with our bodies. We aim to create a safe space for all transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse folks. The book club will begin with a reading of Queer Sex: A Trans and Non-Binary Guide to Intimacy, Pleasure, and Relationships by Juno Roche. We'll dive deep into understanding our own needs and ways that pleasure can be detached from CIS heteronormative standards. If you want to take a deep dive into your own pleasure and connect more deeply with your queer body, this book club is for you! We’ll greet one another with video on in support of building a trusting space. Participants are welcome to stay on camera or turn them off after initial greetings as they feel comfortable. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose

Click here to register.

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.

Sundays, August 4–25

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.

Mondays, August 26–September 30

In this six-week virtual counseling group, participants will learn how to better cope with upsetting circumstances and overwhelming emotions, develop a larger emotional vocabulary, and learn how to express beliefs and needs more effectively. This is a closed group where participants can share personal experiences and receive support in a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential setting. This group is open to women and members of the gender expansive community and will occur over five weeks. Residents of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Nelson, Louisa, Fluvanna, and Greene are invited to attend. Facilitated by Elise Gibson, LCSW, and Miranda Pax, MSW, Supervisee in Social Work.

Please contact Elise to schedule a screening at 434.872.0047 x304 or info@thewomensinitiative.org by August 19.

Biweekly on Fridays, August 16–September 27

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.

Biweekly on Wednesdays, August 21–September 18

Virtually via Zoom.

Join us for a biweekly book club focused on Trans pleasure. Pleasure is so frequently de-centered in conversations about trans people. These discussions often focus on what is wrong with our bodies rather than on what can be right with our bodies. We aim to create a safe space for all transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse folks. The book club will begin with a reading of Queer Sex: A Trans and Non-Binary Guide to Intimacy, Pleasure, and Relationships by Juno Roche. We'll dive deep into understanding our own needs and ways that pleasure can be detached from CIS heteronormative standards. If you want to take a deep dive into your own pleasure and connect more deeply with your queer body, this book club is for you! We’ll greet one another with video on in support of building a trusting space. Participants are welcome to stay on camera or turn them off after initial greetings as they feel comfortable. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose

Click here to register.

Mondays, September 9–30 

Join us in cultivating a space of creative expression with other Latinas in your community while exploring the healing power of cultural connection and visual story telling through textiles. Using fabric scraps, hand-sewing, and patchwork techniques inspired by Chilean arpilleras and traditional Mexican embroidery, each participant will work towards creating a visual story cloth centered on resilience and healing. No prior sewing experience is necessary; we will support in learning foundational sewing stitches. *This group will be run in a bilingual format in Spanish and English. Led by Alma Molina and Karina Monroy, Clinical Art Therapy Intern.

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

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.

Biweekly on Fridays, August 16–September 27

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.

Mondays, September 9–30 

Join us in cultivating a space of creative expression with other Latinas in your community while exploring the healing power of cultural connection and visual story telling through textiles. Using fabric scraps, hand-sewing, and patchwork techniques inspired by Chilean arpilleras and traditional Mexican embroidery, each participant will work towards creating a visual story cloth centered on resilience and healing. No prior sewing experience is necessary; we will support in learning foundational sewing stitches. *This group will be run in a bilingual format in Spanish and English. Led by Alma Molina and Karina Monroy, Clinical Art Therapy Intern.

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

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.

Biweekly on Wednesdays, August 21–September 18

Virtually via Zoom.

Join us for a biweekly book club focused on Trans pleasure. Pleasure is so frequently de-centered in conversations about trans people. These discussions often focus on what is wrong with our bodies rather than on what can be right with our bodies. We aim to create a safe space for all transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse folks. The book club will begin with a reading of Queer Sex: A Trans and Non-Binary Guide to Intimacy, Pleasure, and Relationships by Juno Roche. We'll dive deep into understanding our own needs and ways that pleasure can be detached from CIS heteronormative standards. If you want to take a deep dive into your own pleasure and connect more deeply with your queer body, this book club is for you! We’ll greet one another with video on in support of building a trusting space. Participants are welcome to stay on camera or turn them off after initial greetings as they feel comfortable. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose

Click here to register.

Mondays, September 9–30 

Join us in cultivating a space of creative expression with other Latinas in your community while exploring the healing power of cultural connection and visual story telling through textiles. Using fabric scraps, hand-sewing, and patchwork techniques inspired by Chilean arpilleras and traditional Mexican embroidery, each participant will work towards creating a visual story cloth centered on resilience and healing. No prior sewing experience is necessary; we will support in learning foundational sewing stitches. *This group will be run in a bilingual format in Spanish and English. Led by Alma Molina and Karina Monroy, Clinical Art Therapy Intern.

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

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.

Biweekly on Fridays, August 16–September 27

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.

Mondays, September 9–30 

Join us in cultivating a space of creative expression with other Latinas in your community while exploring the healing power of cultural connection and visual story telling through textiles. Using fabric scraps, hand-sewing, and patchwork techniques inspired by Chilean arpilleras and traditional Mexican embroidery, each participant will work towards creating a visual story cloth centered on resilience and healing. No prior sewing experience is necessary; we will support in learning foundational sewing stitches. *This group will be run in a bilingual format in Spanish and English. Led by Alma Molina and Karina Monroy, Clinical Art Therapy Intern.

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

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.