Rise & Renew

Schedule of Events

Retreat Philosophy & Approach

This retreat is deeply rooted in the Africentric Worldview, centering communal healing, spirituality, interdependence, and resilience. Through the Sista Circle methodology, women will engage in collective care, storytelling, and ritual to honor their loss, reclaim joy, and embrace transformation.

Arriving & Grounding

4:00 PM – 4:30 PM Arrival & Check-In

4:30 PM – 4:45 PM Welcome to Rise & Renew @ Serenity Haven

4:45 PM – 5:00 PM 💫 Welcome Ritual: Honoring Our Loved Ones

Sisters will recite the names of loved ones and light candles in their memory.
Location: TBD

5:15 PM – 6:45 PM 💜 Sista Circle Session #1: Sharing Our Stories

Small groups organized by type of loss (significant others, children, mothers, and fathers), guided by co-facilitators
Women share their loss and are witnessed with care
Reflect on the strength of Black women's past resilience and our ability to heal together

6:45 PM – 8:15 PM 🍽️Dinner & Fellowship

Releasing & Reclaiming

8:00 AM – 8:30 AM 🍽️ Breakfast (Continental)

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM 🧠 The Healing Journey with Dr. Haley

Bring your questions, your curiosity, and your courage. This is not just about information: it is about empowerment, reminding us that taking care of ourselves starts with telling the truth about where we are.

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM Break

9:15 AM – 10:45 AM 💜 Sista Circle #2: Releasing the Weight of Grief

Small group session allowing women to express themselves through guided discussion, storytelling, and creative writing
Co-facilitators guide the group through what surfaces

Preparation for afternoon rituals: write down emotions, regrets, or thoughts to release to the fire
Select seeds for planting in the closing ceremony

10:45 AM – 11:00 AM Break & Assemble outside

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM 🔥 Fire Ritual: Burning Burdens & Releasing Pain

In a communal fire ritual, we release the past and make space for transformation
Each woman offers to the fire what she is ready to let go of, written during Sista Circle #2

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM 🌸 Closing Ritual: Planting Seeds of Renewal

Each woman plants a seed or flower for the Serenity Haven Gardens, symbolizing new beginnings and continued growth
Closing affirmations and sisterhood embrace

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM 💼 Business over Brunch: Estate Planning & Elder Law with Attorney Dione Duckett

Attorney Dione Duckett, an experienced estate planning and Elder Law attorney, guides participants through essential topics
Interactive discussion covering wills, trusts, healthcare directives, and protecting generational wealth

1:30 PM – 2:00 PM 🌿 Closing Circle: What I'm Taking With Me

Full-group closing circle with all participants together
Invitation to share one word, one feeling, or one intention for the road ahead
Closing affirmations over each woman and the groupling Through Sharing

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM 💛 Self-Love & Pampering Sessions (Self-Guided)

Care for the Crown: Connect with natural hair care experts for tips, tools, and personalized guidance focused on healthy hair and self-care. (ANEW Gray & Prevail Natural Hair Salon)
Melody Medicine: Singing for the mind, heart, and spirit
The Renewal Pool: Float, soak, and breathe
Herbs & Harmony: Sample herbal wellness products, and discover natural tools with Ah Luv Herbs

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM 💛 The Serenity Social

Sip & Paint: Healing Through Color & Creativity
Bingo & Belly Laughs: A Joyful Break for Connection, Laughter, and a Little Friendly Competition

5:15 PM – 7:15 PM 🎉 Evening of Joy: Celebration of Life & Sisterhood

Wisdom Circles: sharing insight on navigating loss, rediscovering self-love, and reclaiming joy
A gathering filled with laughter, music, and communal love
Music, dancing, and a toast to resilience

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PLEASE CONTACT:
Lhaley@stewardpartner.org