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
As We Are: A Queer, Neurodivergent Support Group
Tuesdays, October 6–November 10, 5:30–7pm
Designed by and for members of the queer and neurodivergent community, this counseling group offers a supportive, affirming space to explore executive functioning, unmasking, self-care and more. Whether you are formally diagnosed, self-identified, or exploring neurodivergence, this group is a place to discuss experiences and coping skills. As We Are is open to people who are exploring queer and neurodivergent identities, who are 18+ and reside in Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Nelson, Louisa, Fluvanna, and Greene. Led by Alethea Burns, MSW.
Please contact 434.872.0047 or email info@thewomensinitiative.org to schedule a screening by October 1.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays
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.
Craniosacral Gentle Touch
Wednesdays, 30-minute sessions from 1-4:30 pm
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.
Contact us at 434.872.0047 to register for a one-on-one session.
5NP Acupuncture: Relax and Restore
2nd and 4th Tuesdays; group session from 4–5pm
Invite relaxation and restoration through group acupuncture treatment. The NADA auricular (ear) acupuncture protocol is a non-invasive treatment that involves the gentle insertion of five needles into specific points in the ear to stimulate the nervous system. This treatment helps to reduce stress, uplift depressive feelings, and relieve anxiety. It can also help with improving sleep and provide a general sense of well-being. Led by Marty Paciocco, NADA Certified Acudetox Specialist.
Contact us at 434.872.0047 to register.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays
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.
Craniosacral Gentle Touch
Wednesdays, 30-minute sessions from 1-4:30 pm
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.
Contact us at 434.872.0047 to register for a one-on-one session.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays
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.
Craniosacral Gentle Touch
Wednesdays, 30-minute sessions from 1-4:30 pm
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.
Contact us at 434.872.0047 to register for a one-on-one session.
5NP Acupuncture: Relax and Restore
2nd and 4th Tuesdays; group session from 4–5pm
Invite relaxation and restoration through group acupuncture treatment. The NADA auricular (ear) acupuncture protocol is a non-invasive treatment that involves the gentle insertion of five needles into specific points in the ear to stimulate the nervous system. This treatment helps to reduce stress, uplift depressive feelings, and relieve anxiety. It can also help with improving sleep and provide a general sense of well-being. Led by Marty Paciocco, NADA Certified Acudetox Specialist.
Contact us at 434.872.0047 to register.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays
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.
Craniosacral Gentle Touch
Wednesdays, 30-minute sessions from 1-4:30 pm
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.
Contact us at 434.872.0047 to register for a one-on-one session.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays
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.
Craniosacral Gentle Touch
Wednesdays, 30-minute sessions from 1-4:30 pm
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.
Contact us at 434.872.0047 to register for a one-on-one session.
Challenge Into Change Community Celebration
Challenge Into Change is a storytelling program and community event that supports participants to nurture mental health and promote overall well-being with self-expression through writing. We invite you to join us for the community celebration and release of the 2026 Challenge Into Change anthology as we honor every participant and those who support them on their healing journeys.
Visit our Challenge Into Change webpage for the most up-to-date information.
Healing in the Garden
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. Women who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) 18 and older are invited to attend. Led by Tianna Jordan, MS and Cultivate Charlottesville.
Click here to register.
La Cultura Cura: Espíritu Colectivo
La Cultura Cura es un grupo de apoyo social intergeneracional que reúne a mujeres latinas y femmes Latines en la conexión, la sanación y el aprendizaje. Este año, te invitamos a un día de actividades enfocadas en cultivar un espíritu colectivo. A través del arte, el movimiento y prácticas culturales, nos reuniremos con el objetivo de descansar, crear, aliviar y sanar juntas. Facilitado por el equipo de Bienestar.
Para registrarse para este grupo llame a 434.328.1800 o envíe mensaje a bienestar@thewomensinitiative.org.
5NP Acupuncture: Relax and Restore
2nd and 4th Tuesdays; group session from 4–5pm
Invite relaxation and restoration through group acupuncture treatment. The NADA auricular (ear) acupuncture protocol is a non-invasive treatment that involves the gentle insertion of five needles into specific points in the ear to stimulate the nervous system. This treatment helps to reduce stress, uplift depressive feelings, and relieve anxiety. It can also help with improving sleep and provide a general sense of well-being. Led by Marty Paciocco, NADA Certified Acudetox Specialist.
Contact us at 434.872.0047 to register.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays
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.
Craniosacral Gentle Touch
Wednesdays, 30-minute sessions from 1-4:30 pm
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.
Contact us at 434.872.0047 to register for a one-on-one session.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays
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.
Craniosacral Gentle Touch
Wednesdays, 30-minute sessions from 1-4:30 pm
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.
Contact us at 434.872.0047 to register for a one-on-one session.
Grief and Loss During the Holidays: Holding Space for Loved Ones Who Have Passed On
Join this one-time clinical workshop to learn grounding strategies and navigate grief and loss during the holiday season. Death anniversaries and season changes bring up complex emotions, memories, and longing for more time. This special group offering will focus on honoring and remembrance practices for your healing journey. Women and members of the gender-expansive community who reside in Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Green, Louisa, Fluvanna, and Nelson are invited to attend. Facilitated by Grace Wint, MS.
Click here to register.
5NP Acupuncture: Relax and Restore
2nd and 4th Tuesdays; group session from 4–5pm
Invite relaxation and restoration through group acupuncture treatment. The NADA auricular (ear) acupuncture protocol is a non-invasive treatment that involves the gentle insertion of five needles into specific points in the ear to stimulate the nervous system. This treatment helps to reduce stress, uplift depressive feelings, and relieve anxiety. It can also help with improving sleep and provide a general sense of well-being. Led by Marty Paciocco, NADA Certified Acudetox Specialist.
Contact us at 434.872.0047 to register.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays
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.
Q Social Hour
We will gather at TWI for queer companionship, connection, and fun. Each session features a different type of “parallel play” to facilitate easy socializing and learn new creative skills. Past sessions have featured adult coloring, game night, art night, and a journaling night. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose and H Peterson.
Click here to register.
Craniosacral Gentle Touch
Wednesdays, 30-minute sessions from 1-4:30 pm
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.
Contact us at 434.872.0047 to register for a one-on-one session.
5NP Acupuncture: Relax and Restore
2nd and 4th Tuesdays; group session from 4–5pm
Invite relaxation and restoration through group acupuncture treatment. The NADA auricular (ear) acupuncture protocol is a non-invasive treatment that involves the gentle insertion of five needles into specific points in the ear to stimulate the nervous system. This treatment helps to reduce stress, uplift depressive feelings, and relieve anxiety. It can also help with improving sleep and provide a general sense of well-being. Led by Marty Paciocco, NADA Certified Acudetox Specialist.
Contact us at 434.872.0047 to register.
Queer History Club
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 and Alethea Burns.
Click here to register.
Craniosacral Gentle Touch
Wednesdays, 30-minute sessions from 1-4:30 pm
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.
Contact us at 434.872.0047 to register for a one-on-one session.
Queer Theory Book Club
Join us for our quarterly Queer Theory Book Club! This session will focus on Ace: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex by Angela Chen. Together, we will explore influential works of queer theory and reflect on how these ideas shape queer identity and community today. Each gathering offers lively discussion in a space that encourages curiosity, learning, and meaningful connection. Plain-language summaries of the text will be shared with registrants ahead of time, and a limited number of books will be available to borrow from the front desk. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose.
Click here to register.
Craniosacral Gentle Touch
Wednesdays, 30-minute sessions from 1-4:30 pm
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.
Contact us at 434.872.0047 to register for a one-on-one session.
Mamás y Bebés
En línea a través de Zoom
Una colaboración entre La Iniciativa para La Mujer y Child Health Partnership
¿Estás embarazada o eres mamá, o cuidadora de un bebé o niño pequeño? Acompáñanos en Mamás y Bebés, un grupo de apoyo virtual de 8 semanas creado para acompañarte durante esta etapa de cambios y crecimiento. Exploraremos herramientas para manejar el estrés, la ansiedad y los cambios en el estado de ánimo. Juntas crearemos un espacio de apoyo y aprendizaje para fortalecer el vínculo y la conexión con su bebé. Facilitado por Sibila Quiroz, MSW, y Kassandra Baltazar Alarcón, MSW.
Para registrarse para este grupo, se necesita completar una pequeña encuesta antes del 28 de septiembre. Para más información llame al 434.328.1800 o envíe un mensaje a bienestar@thewomensinitiative.org.
Craniosacral Gentle Touch
Wednesdays, 30-minute sessions from 1-4:30 pm
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.
Contact us at 434.872.0047 to register for a one-on-one session.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays
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.
Somos Medicina: Bienestar Women’s Circle
Thursdays, July 30 and September 24
Your community sustains you. Your community heals you. Your community is medicine. Bienestar invites you to a space of connection, creativity, and community. In this monthly women's circle, we will share stories, create art, and participate in other fun activities, with the common goal of connecting through our culture. We are not alone; we are together. This will be a bilingual space. Spanish-speaking and English-speaking Latinas are welcome to attend.Facilitated by Karina Monroy, ATR-P, Resident in Counseling.
To register for this group, email bienestar@thewomensinitiative.org.
Craniosacral Gentle Touch
Wednesdays, 30-minute sessions from 1-4:30 pm
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.
Contact us at 434.872.0047 to register for a one-on-one session.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays
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.
Q Social Hour
Biweekly on Tuesdays, beginning July 14
Every other week, we will gather at TWI for queer companionship, connection, and fun. Each session features a different type of “parallel play” to facilitate easy socializing and learn new creative skills. Past sessions have featured adult coloring, game night, art night, and a journaling night. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose and H Peterson.
Click here to register.
5NP Acupuncture: Relax and Restore
2nd and 4th Tuesdays; group session from 4–5pm
Invite relaxation and restoration through group acupuncture treatment. The NADA auricular (ear) acupuncture protocol is a non-invasive treatment that involves the gentle insertion of five needles into specific points in the ear to stimulate the nervous system. This treatment helps to reduce stress, uplift depressive feelings, and relieve anxiety. It can also help with improving sleep and provide a general sense of well-being. Led by Marty Paciocco, NADA Certified Acudetox Specialist.
Contact us at 434.872.0047 to register.
Healing in the Garden
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. Women who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) 18 and older are invited to attend. Led by Tianna Jordan, MS and Cultivate Charlottesville.
Click here to register.
Craniosacral Gentle Touch
Wednesdays, 30-minute sessions from 1-4:30 pm
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.
Contact us at 434.872.0047 to register for a one-on-one session.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays
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.
Queer History Club
Biweekly on Tuesdays
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 and Alethea Burns.
Click here to register.
Craniosacral Gentle Touch
Wednesdays, 30-minute sessions from 1-4:30 pm
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.
Contact us at 434.872.0047 to register for a one-on-one session.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays
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.
Q Social Hour
Biweekly on Tuesdays, beginning July 14
Every other week, we will gather at TWI for queer companionship, connection, and fun. Each session features a different type of “parallel play” to facilitate easy socializing and learn new creative skills. Past sessions have featured adult coloring, game night, art night, and a journaling night. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose and H Peterson.
Click here to register.
5NP Acupuncture: Relax and Restore
2nd and 4th Tuesdays; group session from 4–5pm
Invite relaxation and restoration through group acupuncture treatment. The NADA auricular (ear) acupuncture protocol is a non-invasive treatment that involves the gentle insertion of five needles into specific points in the ear to stimulate the nervous system. This treatment helps to reduce stress, uplift depressive feelings, and relieve anxiety. It can also help with improving sleep and provide a general sense of well-being. Led by Marty Paciocco, NADA Certified Acudetox Specialist.
Contact us at 434.872.0047 to register.
Writing for Healing: Share Your Story
Join us for this welcoming and interactive workshop on crafting personal essays and poems. We will consider how to “write the hard parts” and apply techniques to our own work in progress. Women and members of the gender-expansive community with any level of writing experience are invited to attend. Led by Erin James, MFA, a writer, teacher, editor, and yoga instructor whose work lives at the intersection of story, embodiment, and creative inquiry. This activity is co-sponsored by WriterHouse and partially supported by funding from the Virginia Commission for the Arts.
Click here to register.
Craniosacral Gentle Touch
Wednesdays, 30-minute sessions from 1-4:30 pm
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.
Contact us at 434.872.0047 to register for a one-on-one session.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays
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.
Queer History Club
Biweekly on Tuesdays
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 and Alethea Burns.
Click here to register.
Craniosacral Gentle Touch
Wednesdays, 30-minute sessions from 1-4:30 pm
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.
Contact us at 434.872.0047 to register for a one-on-one session.
Q Social Hour
Biweekly on Tuesdays, beginning July 14
Every other week, we will gather at TWI for queer companionship, connection, and fun. Each session features a different type of “parallel play” to facilitate easy socializing and learn new creative skills. Past sessions have featured adult coloring, game night, art night, and a journaling night. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose and H Peterson.
Click here to register.
5NP Acupuncture: Relax and Restore
2nd and 4th Tuesdays; group session from 4–5pm
Invite relaxation and restoration through group acupuncture treatment. The NADA auricular (ear) acupuncture protocol is a non-invasive treatment that involves the gentle insertion of five needles into specific points in the ear to stimulate the nervous system. This treatment helps to reduce stress, uplift depressive feelings, and relieve anxiety. It can also help with improving sleep and provide a general sense of well-being. Led by Marty Paciocco, NADA Certified Acudetox Specialist.
Contact us at 434.872.0047 to register.
Craniosacral Gentle Touch
Wednesdays, 30-minute sessions from 1-4:30 pm
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.
Contact us at 434.872.0047 to register for a one-on-one session.
Queer History Club
Biweekly on Tuesdays
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 and Alethea Burns.
Click here to register.
Writing for Healing: Share Your Story
Join us for this welcoming and interactive workshop on crafting personal essays and poems. We will review fundamental writing techniques and apply them to our own work in progress. Women and members of the gender-expansive community with any level of writing experience are invited to attend. Led by Patsy Asuncion, Ed.S., a bi-racial, first-gen immigrant who has published three poetry collections and is included in more than twenty other publications. This activity is co-sponsored by WriterHouse and partially supported by funding from the Virginia Commission for the Arts.
Click here to register.
Art and Emotions
Thursdays, August 13–September 17
Join us for a six-week art therapy group for Latina women as we explore our emotions through craft, creativity, and culture. During this group, we will focus on the concept of art as play; encouraging experimentation and exploration of various art materials. Together, we will cultivate a space of curiosity, care, and emotional support. Facilitated by Laura Somel, LCSW, and Karina Monroy, ATR-P, Resident in Counseling. This group will be facilitated in Spanish.
To register for the group, call 434.328.1800 or email bienestar@thewomensinitiative.org to schedule a screening by August 6.
Craniosacral Gentle Touch
Wednesdays, 30-minute sessions from 1-4:30 pm
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.
Contact us at 434.872.0047 to register for a one-on-one session.
Q Social Hour
Biweekly on Tuesdays, beginning July 14
Every other week, we will gather at TWI for queer companionship, connection, and fun. Each session features a different type of “parallel play” to facilitate easy socializing and learn new creative skills. Past sessions have featured adult coloring, game night, art night, and a journaling night. Led by Hyacinth Bellerose and H Peterson.
Click here to register.
5NP Acupuncture: Relax and Restore
2nd and 4th Tuesdays; group session from 4–5pm
Invite relaxation and restoration through group acupuncture treatment. The NADA auricular (ear) acupuncture protocol is a non-invasive treatment that involves the gentle insertion of five needles into specific points in the ear to stimulate the nervous system. This treatment helps to reduce stress, uplift depressive feelings, and relieve anxiety. It can also help with improving sleep and provide a general sense of well-being. Led by Marty Paciocco, NADA Certified Acudetox Specialist.