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
Queer History Club
Fall schedule: Tuesdays, Oct 7 & 21, Nov 4 & 18, Dec 2 & 16
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 Alethea Burns and Robin Brown.
Click here to register.
Calling All Femcees
Come as you are to this therapeutic writing lab for those who identify as women. Together we will work on creating a safe space for you to write raps and share with others. All writing levels and rapping styles are welcomed (from boombap to drill). Bring your own beat, headphones, writing materials, and most importantly, your energy and creativity. Led by Kishara Joy Griffin, MSW.
Click here to register.
Q Social Hour
Fall schedule: Wednesdays, Oct 1 & 29 and Dec 10
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 Lisa Gaudet.
Click here to register.
Cozy Crafting With Cobb
Join Elizabeth Cobb for an evening of arts, crafts, and connection. As the winter days get shorter and colder, we encourage you to interrupt your busy routine for some warmth and creativity as a form of self-care. No prior artistic experience is necessary. All arts and crafts materials will be provided. Women and members of the gender-expansive community 18 and older are invited to attend. Led by Elizabeth Cobb, LCSW.
Click here to register.
Queer History Club
Fall schedule: Tuesdays, Oct 7 & 21, Nov 4 & 18, Dec 2 & 16
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 Alethea Burns and Robin Brown.
Click here to register.
Queer History Club
Fall schedule: Tuesdays, Oct 7 & 21, Nov 4 & 18, Dec 2 & 16
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 Alethea Burns and Robin Brown.
Click here to register.
The Sacred Return: A Nature Based Workshop Series
Mondays, Nov 3–17
This November, join us for a three-part nature-based journey into connection with our living earth, each other and self. Through circle gathering, ritual, movement, and creativity, we will explore what it means to belong. Together we will listen to the land and to each other. Each session invites curiosity, imagination, and embodied presence. No prior experience is needed; just a willingness to gather and walk in wooded areas. Details on parking, weather, and trails will be shared with registrants in advance. Come prepared with a journal (optional; we'll have extras available), comfortable clothing for potentially cold, wet weather and footwear suitable for uneven terrain. Led by Kara Castle, LCSW and Sibila Quiroz, MSW.
Click here to register.
Lyrics and Laughter
How well do you remember the music of the 90’s and 2000’s? Join us to find out! Sister Circle invites you to an evening of connection, laughter and nostalgia with other women as we engage in the trivia game, "Lyrically Correct.” Led by Kishara Joy Griffin, MSW.
Click here to register.
The Sacred Return: A Nature Based Workshop Series
Mondays, Nov 3–17
This November, join us for a three-part nature-based journey into connection with our living earth, each other and self. Through circle gathering, ritual, movement, and creativity, we will explore what it means to belong. Together we will listen to the land and to each other. Each session invites curiosity, imagination, and embodied presence. No prior experience is needed; just a willingness to gather and walk in wooded areas. Details on parking, weather, and trails will be shared with registrants in advance. Come prepared with a journal (optional; we'll have extras available), comfortable clothing for potentially cold, wet weather and footwear suitable for uneven terrain. Led by Kara Castle, LCSW and Sibila Quiroz, MSW.
Click here to register.
Queer History Club
Fall schedule: Tuesdays, Oct 7 & 21, Nov 4 & 18, Dec 2 & 16
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 Alethea Burns and Robin Brown.
Click here to register.
The Sacred Return: A Nature Based Workshop Series
Mondays, Nov 3–17
This November, join us for a three-part nature-based journey into connection with our living earth, each other and self. Through circle gathering, ritual, movement, and creativity, we will explore what it means to belong. Together we will listen to the land and to each other. Each session invites curiosity, imagination, and embodied presence. No prior experience is needed; just a willingness to gather and walk in wooded areas. Details on parking, weather, and trails will be shared with registrants in advance. Come prepared with a journal (optional; we'll have extras available), comfortable clothing for potentially cold, wet weather and footwear suitable for uneven terrain. Led by Kara Castle, LCSW and Sibila Quiroz, MSW.
Click here to register.
Q Social Hour
Fall schedule: Wednesdays, Oct 1 & 29 and Dec 10
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 Lisa Gaudet.
Click here to register.
Arte y Alegría: Día de los Muertos
Miércoles, 22 de octubre
Acompáñanos a celebrar las tradiciones Latines durante estos días festivos de octubre creando arte y manualidades. Facilitado por Kassandra Baltazar, MSW.
Para registrarse para este grupo llame al 434.328.1800 o envíe un mensaje a bienestar@thewomensinitiative.org.
Queer History Club
Fall schedule: Tuesdays, Oct 7 & 21, Nov 4 & 18, Dec 2 & 16
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 Alethea Burns and Robin Brown.
Click here to register.
Let Your Heart Guide Your Pen
What does your heart say to you? Sister Circle invites you to find a moment to reconnect with your heart space and allow it to speak to you. Join this therapeutic writing group for women of color. Together we will engage in mediative reconnection to self and each other through the act of creative writing. Led by Kishara Joy Griffin, MSW.
Click here to register.
Queer History Club
Fall schedule: Tuesdays, Oct 7 & 21, Nov 4 & 18, Dec 2 & 16
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 Alethea Burns and Robin Brown.
Click here to register.
Q Social Hour
Fall schedule: Wednesdays, Oct 1, 15 & 29 and Dec 10
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 Lisa Gaudet.
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 Alethea Burns and Robin Brown.
Click here to register.
Q Social Hour
Biweekly on Wednesdays
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 Lisa Gaudet.
Click here to register.
Register once and attend any of the sessions.
Descubriendo Nuestro Jardín: Un taller de poesía para escritoras principiantes
Lunes, 15 de Septiembre
En línea vía zoom
Únete a Mariana Araujo en un taller de poesía diseñado para ayudarte a enviar tu historia al programa "De la Adversidad al Éxito" de este año. Utilizando las plantas y la naturaleza como fuente de inspiración, exploraremos el arte de escribir. Los participantes serán guiados a través de ejercicios sencillos de escritura y sugerencias para fomentar la autoexpresión a través de la narrativa personal. Facilitado por Mariana Araujo.
Para registrarse para este grupo llame al 434.328.1800 o envíe un mensaje a bienestar@thewomensinitiative.org.
Sister, Reframe Your Story: A Sister Circle Support Group
Tuesdays, September 9–October 14
We all carry stories about who we are and where we’ve been. Sometimes, healing begins when we learn to see those stories through a new lens. In this group, we’ll use short stories that explore mental health themes rooted in resilience to reflect, reframe, and reconnect with our own strength. Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color 18 and older are invited to attend. Led by Jada L. Edwards, MA.
Participants are recommended to attend all sessions of this group, and registrations will close after the first group meeting. If you have questions or are unable to attend one of the sessions, please email us at programs@thewomensinitiative.org.
Click here to register here.
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 Alethea Burns and Robin Brown.
Click here to register.
Q Social Hour
Biweekly on Wednesdays
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 Lisa Gaudet.
Click here to register.
Register once and attend any of the sessions.
Challenge Into Change Pop-Up Writing Workshop with Samman Akbarzada
Your story matters. Women and members of the gender-expansive community are invited to join 2024 Challenge Into Change author Samman Akbarzada for a 90-minute workshop supporting your submission to Challenge Into Change. You’ll be guided through accessible writing prompts that spark creativity, self-expression, and reflection. Bring your voice, whether through prose, poetry, or another form, and join us in a space that celebrates healing through story. Led by Samman Akbarzada.
Click here to register.
Click here to learn more about Challenge Into Change.
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 Alethea Burns and Robin Brown.
Click here to register.
Challenge Into Change Pop-Up Writing Workshop with Kishara Griffin
Your story matters. Women and members of the gender-expansive community are invited to join Kishara Joy Griffin for a 90-minute workshop supporting your submission to Challenge Into Change. You’ll be guided through accessible writing prompts that spark creativity, self-expression, and reflection. Bring your voice, whether through prose, poetry, or another form, and join us in a space that celebrates healing through story. Led by Kishara Joy Griffin, MSW.
Click here to register.
Click here to learn more about Challenge Into Change.
Q Social Hour
Biweekly on Wednesdays
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 Lisa Gaudet.
Click here to register.
Register once and attend any of the sessions.
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 Alethea Burns and Robin Brown.
Click here to register.
Q Social Hour
Biweekly on Wednesdays
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 Lisa Gaudet.
Click here to register.
Register once and attend any of the sessions.
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 Alethea Burns and Robin Brown.
Click here to register.
Q Social Hour
Biweekly on Wednesdays
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 Lisa Gaudet.