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
Chihamba West African Dance
Fall schedule: Tuesdays, through December 9. No class on Tuesday, November 25.
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.
Sister Circle Yoga and Meditation
Fall schedule: Wednesdays, Oct 15, Nov 5 & 19, and Dec 3
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.
Chihamba West African Dance
Fall schedule: Tuesdays, through December 9. No class on Tuesday, November 25.
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.
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.
Chihamba West African Dance
Fall schedule: Tuesdays, through December 9. No class on Tuesday, November 25.
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.
Sister Circle Yoga and Meditation
Fall schedule: Wednesdays, Oct 15, Nov 5 & 19, and Dec 3
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.
Chihamba West African Dance
Fall schedule: Tuesdays, through December 9. No class on Tuesday, November 25.
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.
Sister Circle Yoga and Meditation
Fall schedule: Wednesdays, Oct 15, Nov 5 & 19, and Dec 3
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.
Chihamba West African Dance
Fall schedule: Tuesdays, through December 9. No class on Tuesday, November 25.
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.
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.
Chihamba West African Dance
Fall schedule: Tuesdays, through December 9. No class on Tuesday, November 25.
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.
Chihamba West African Dance
Fall schedule: Tuesdays, through December 9. No class on Tuesday, November 25.
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.
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.
Sister Circle Yoga and Meditation
Fall schedule: Wednesdays, Oct 15, Nov 5 & 19, and Dec 3
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.
Chihamba West African Dance
Fall schedule: Tuesdays, through December 9. No class on Tuesday, November 25.
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.
Chihamba West African Dance
Fall schedule: Tuesdays, through December 9. No class on Tuesday, November 25.
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.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays, 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.
Click here to register.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays, 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.
Click here to register.
Sister Circle Yoga and Meditation
1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month
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.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays, 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.
Click here to register.
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.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays, 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.
Click here to register.
Sister Circle Yoga and Meditation
1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month
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.
Sister Circle Yoga and Meditation
1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month
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.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays, 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.
Click here to register.
Sister Circle Yoga and Meditation
1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month
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.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays, 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.
Click here to register.
Rest is Resistance
Saturdays, April 26, May 31, and June 28
We invite you to explore rest as resistance in this three-part restorative retreat series. Join in to participate in releasing, relaxing and restoring your rest practices through activities such as journaling, self-care and gratitude sessions, and connecting with nature. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) 18 and older are invited to attend. Led by Latricia Giles.
Click here to register.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays, 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.
Click here to register.
Sister Circle Yoga and Meditation
1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month
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.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays, 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.
Click here to register.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays, 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.
Click here to register.
Sister Circle Healing Hands
Fridays, ongoing
Knitters, crocheters, quilters, and seamstresses of all levels are invited to gather for in-person fellowship to share designs, offer ideas for projects, and talk about the joy of the craft. Beginners in crochet and quilting will receive guidance, encouragement, and curated resources for learning. Materials will be provided, or you can bring your own. Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color (BIPOC) 18 and older are invited to attend. Led by Ruth Williams.
Click here to register.
Sister Circle Yoga and Meditation
1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month
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.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays, 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.
Click here to register.
Rest is Resistance
Saturdays, April 26, May 31, and June 28
We invite you to explore rest as resistance in this three-part restorative retreat series. Join in to participate in releasing, relaxing and restoring your rest practices through activities such as journaling, self-care and gratitude sessions, and connecting with nature. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) 18 and older are invited to attend. Led by Latricia Giles.
Click here to register.
Sister Circle Healing Hands
Fridays, ongoing
Knitters, crocheters, quilters, and seamstresses of all levels are invited to gather for in-person fellowship to share designs, offer ideas for projects, and talk about the joy of the craft. Beginners in crochet and quilting will receive guidance, encouragement, and curated resources for learning. Materials will be provided, or you can bring your own. Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color (BIPOC) 18 and older are invited to attend. Led by Ruth Williams.
Click here to register.
Emotional Emancipation Healing Circle
Thursdays, April 10 –May 29, *No group held on May 22
Black women are invited to join us in this culturally grounded support group designed by the Community Healing Network™ to help heal, and end, the trauma caused by the root cause of anti-Black racism: the centuries-old lie of White superiority and Black inferiority. Black women and members of the gender-expansive community who reside in Charlottesville, and the counties of Albemarle, Greene, Fluvanna, Nelson, and Louisa are invited to join. Facilitated by Shelly Wood, LCSW and Grace Wint, QMHP.
Please email sistercircle@thewomensinitiative.org to complete a screening by April 3rd.
Chihamba West African Dance
Tuesdays, 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.
Click here to register.
Sister Circle Healing Hands
Fridays, ongoing
Knitters, crocheters, quilters, and seamstresses of all levels are invited to gather for in-person fellowship to share designs, offer ideas for projects, and talk about the joy of the craft. Beginners in crochet and quilting will receive guidance, encouragement, and curated resources for learning. Materials will be provided, or you can bring your own. Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color (BIPOC) 18 and older are invited to attend. Led by Ruth Williams.