All Programs

The Women’s Initiative offers a variety of programs, groups, and workshops to help support mental health in our communities.

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Filtering by: “Sister Circle”
Chihamba West African Dance
May
5

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.

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Chihamba West African Dance
May
12

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.

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Chihamba West African Dance
May
19

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.

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Chihamba West African Dance
May
26

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.

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Chihamba West African Dance
Jun
2

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.

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Chihamba West African Dance
Jun
9

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.

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Chihamba West African Dance
Jun
16

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.

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Chihamba West African Dance
Jun
23

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.

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Chihamba West African Dance
Jun
30

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.

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Chihamba West African Dance
Apr
28

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.

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Healing in the Garden
Apr
25

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.

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Chihamba West African Dance
Apr
21

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.

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Emotional Emancipation Circle TM
Apr
21

Emotional Emancipation Circle TM

Tuesdays, April 21–June 2

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. This circle will be a liberatory space to share stories and deepen our understanding of the impact of historical forces on our sense of self-worth, our relationships, and our communities. We will utilize seven keys of ancestral wisdom to unlock healing principles and help us be at our best as individuals and as people. This counseling group is open to Black women residing in Charlottesville and/or Albemarle, Nelson, Greene, Louisa, or Fluvanna counties. Facilitated by Shelly Wood, LCSW, and Grace Wint, MS.

Please email sistercircle@thewomensinitiative.org to complete a screening by April 14.

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Sister Circle Yoga and Meditation
Apr
15

Sister Circle Yoga and Meditation

1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, beginning April 1

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.

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Chihamba West African Dance
Apr
14

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.

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Chihamba West African Dance
Apr
7

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.

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Sister Circle Yoga and Meditation
Apr
1

Sister Circle Yoga and Meditation

1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, beginning April 1

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.

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Chihamba West African Dance
Mar
31

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.

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Chihamba West African Dance
Mar
24

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.

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Sister Circle Yoga and Meditation
Mar
18

Sister Circle Yoga and Meditation

1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, beginning February 4

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.

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Chihamba West African Dance
Mar
17

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.

View Event →
Chihamba West African Dance
Mar
10

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.

View Event →
Sister Circle Yoga and Meditation
Feb
18

Sister Circle Yoga and Meditation

1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, beginning February 4

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.

View Event →
Chihamba West African Dance
Feb
10

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.

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Honoring Ourselves With Boundaries
Feb
5

Honoring Ourselves With Boundaries

Thursdays, February 5–26

Learning to set and honor boundaries can be challenging, especially when emotions are high or relationships feel complex. Join us for an interactive, supportive space where BIPOC individuals can explore what healthy boundaries look like, when they’re needed, and how to communicate them with clarity and confidence. Together we’ll practice identifying boundaries, voicing our needs, and navigating moments when our limits are tested. This counseling group is open to women of color residing in Charlottesville and/or Albemarle, Nelson, Greene, Louisa, or Fluvanna counties. Led by Kishara Joy Griffin, MSW, and Tianna Jordan, MS.

Please email info@thewomensinitiative.org to complete a screening by January 31. 

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Sister Circle Yoga and Meditation
Feb
4

Sister Circle Yoga and Meditation

1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, beginning February 4

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.

View Event →
Chihamba West African Dance
Feb
3

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.

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Chihamba West African Dance
Jan
27

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.

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Calling All Femcees
Dec
11

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.

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Chihamba West African Dance
Dec
9

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.

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Sister Circle Yoga and Meditation
Dec
3

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.

View Event →
Chihamba West African Dance
Dec
2

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.

View Event →
Sister Circle Yoga and Meditation
Nov
19

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.

View Event →
Chihamba West African Dance
Nov
18

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.

View Event →
Chihamba West African Dance
Nov
11

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.

View Event →
Sister Circle Yoga and Meditation
Nov
5

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.

View Event →
Chihamba West African Dance
Nov
4

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.

View Event →
Chihamba West African Dance
Oct
28

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.

View Event →