Rise & Renew was born from a sacred bond—nearly 30 years of sisterhood between Dr. Lillian Haley and her closest Sista friends. It is both a deeply personal journey and a collective call to reimagine how Black women heal through grief.
In 2011, just weeks after relocating to Atlanta, Dr. Haley experienced the loss of her father and her first miscarriage. She and her husband bore the weight of the pregnancy loss in silence, never speaking it aloud. She grieved alone, privately, as so many women do. Nearly a decade later, during Mother’s Day weekend of 2020, she endured a second miscarriage. But this time, something was different—she reached out to her sista circle. They showed up.
With prayer, presence, laughter, and care, they carried her through the lowest spiritual valley of her adult life. That moment marked a turning point—not just in her healing, but in her understanding of what it means to grieve in community.
Rise & Renew is the offering that emerged from that journey. It is a space for Black women to gather in the aftermath of loss, to be witnessed, and to begin again—not alone, but held in the arms of community.
Meet the Research Team
The women behind Rise & Renew bring lived wisdom, professional experience, and a shared commitment to healing in sisterhood.:
LILLIAN HALEY, PHD, MSW, CHFC
Founder & Principal Researcher Community Psychology and evaluation with 15+ years of experience.
TAUCHIANA WILLIAMS, DSW, LCSW
Clinical Lead, Clinical Social Work. Trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT)
JEWEL SCOTT, PHD, RN, FNP-C
Health Equity Research AdvisorBard certified family nurse practitioner. She has over 15 years of community-based primary care experience, working in federally qualified health centers (FQHCs).
ALMETA KEYS
Ministerial Lead.
Together, We Rise
Each member of the Rise & Renew team brings their gifts to create transformative spaces where healing becomes possible. You are not alone; your story is welcome here.
Frequently asked questions
General
Rise & Renew is a clinical research study and healing experience designed to support Black women aged 40 and older who have experienced the loss of a spouse, parent, or child. The program combines a 2-day in-person wellness retreat with a 10-week virtual support group grounded in culturally responsive and spiritually sensitive care.
You may be eligible if you:
Identify as a Black or African American woman
Are 40 years of age or older
Have experienced the death of a spouse, parent, or child
Live in the U.S. South Region (AL, AR, DC, DE, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV)
Can attend the in-person retreat in Stone Mountain, GA
Have internet access and a device to join Zoom sessions
Are willing to complete surveys and attend weekly sessions
Participants will:
Complete an online pre-assessment survey
Attend a 3-day wellness retreat (June 27–29, 2025)
Join 12 weekly 90-minute virtual “Sista Circle” support sessions via Zoom
Complete follow-up surveys
Have the option to participate in interviews or focus groups to share their experience
The study aims to explore whether a culturally grounded grief support program can improve emotional well-being, spiritual healing, and community connection for middle-aged Black women. We are also studying how the program can be delivered effectively and meaningfully.
No, participation is completely free. In fact, financial assistance for travel or lodging may be available for those who need it.
While there is no financial compensation for participation, eligible participants may receive wellness materials and self-care gifts. Support with travel and lodging may also be provided as needed.
We understand that life happens. Participants are encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible (ideally at least 75%) to get the full benefit of the program and ensure the study results are meaningful.
Grief has no expiration date. If your loss still affects your emotional, spiritual, or physical well-being—and you feel called to a supportive community—this program may be right for you.
Rise & Renew is not therapy, but it is therapeutic. The program integrates holistic healing, spiritual reflection, and culturally affirming support. It includes faith-based elements (like prayer and reflection) but welcomes participants from all backgrounds.
Yes. All personal and survey data are stored securely and used only for research purposes. Participants’ identities will not be shared in reports or publications.
To learn more or complete the eligibility survey, please visit:
