The Our Voice Advisory Board is HopeWorks’ organizing mechanism for survivors to build community, share insights and provide feedback on issues such as current events, and agency services or programs. The quarterly meetings are held in the months of January, April, July, and October.

Survivors are invited to attend Preservation Circle. Through engaging and creative activities, we cultivate continued courage, self-compassion, connection, learning and self-directed advocacy. Events and topics vary. Past events have included workshops about emotional abuse, the trauma effects of trauma on the body and arts-based stress relief. Meets on the second Saturday of the month (September to May) 10am to noon.

During one-on-one sessions called Poetry N2 Wellness, survivors who are out of crisis, can learn and practice wellness and healing techniques. Sessions include development of self-care practices and mindfulness tools, as well as creative activities such as expressive journaling, visual journaling, and mixed-media arts. No prior art or writing experience is needed. Call to schedule an appointment for an entrance interview.

Learn more about Poetry N2 Wellness private sessions.

In our eight-week Self-care & the Healing Journey workshop series, we use expressive arts activities to explore issues, share insights and learn from guest speakers. Topics include stress relief, healing, self-awareness, identity, understanding boundaries, self-compassion, mental and physical health awareness, and the dynamics of experiencing multiple oppressions (e.g., poverty and sexual violence).

In LOVED: A Survivor Support Group for Black Women, we address “triple jeopardy”; the exploitation and oppression experienced by survivors who are black women. Through engaging and creative activities, we cultivate self-love, sustained acceptance and affirmation, beloved community, and strategies to address the root causes of violence. Sessions feature the use of expressive-arts techniques, guided discussions, seminars, and guest speakers. Meets on the fourth Saturday of the month (September to May), 10am to Noon.

Learn more about LOVED.

After participating in Poetry N2 Wellness one-on-one sessions or a workshop series you are eligible to receive Journaling Our Voice, a monthly eNewsletter focusing on expressive arts techniques such as poetry, journaling prompts, inspirational quotes, arts journaling ideas, affirmations and more.

During the Unlearning Not to Speak Day Retreat, we host a day of interactive workshops where we share, play, reflect, learn, and collectively celebrate surviving and thriving. This event is typically held on the second Saturday in June.

If you would like to be a member of HopeWorks’ Speakers Bureau, inquire about our next Speakers Bureau Training program. In this eight-week workshop series we provide you with the support and tools to be an effective public speaker. Call to schedule an appointment for an entrance interview.