Women in need of empowerment are finding sanctuary at monthly workshops held by The Sisterhood Circle – a group of women offering education in simple life tools to produce personal growth.
Established last year, The Sisterhood Circle’s mission is to build relationships with women in immediate and ongoing crisis, and to achieve positive change in their lives. Coordinator, Jo Gibbs, had the idea of creating the workshops while volunteering at Caboolture Community Action (CCA) – a not-for-profit charity established to provide needy and vulnerable people with practical support.
“I wanted to help get some of the ladies I met at CCA back on their feet with a little pampering, self-confidence, and some time out to put a smile on their faces,” explains Jo. “There is now a wonderful team I am proud to have working on the project, with every member keen to help women on their journey.”
Seven women make up The Sisterhood Circle team, with five of the ‘Sisters’ running sessions at every workshop. Romecca Sawers (Life & Wellness Coach) explores social interactions and positive outlooks; Mel Toraya (Personal Trainer) provides advice on personal health; Karen Venturi (Spiritual Guru) hosts meditation sessions; Amanda Laing (Stylist) teaches how to coordinate clothes and dress for success using clothes from the CCA Op Shop; and Debbie Batey (Marketing & Design) offers support with resumes, photography and an arts and crafts workshop.
In addition, Hair Aid Inc. are on hand each month to give clients haircuts and styles, and each client receives a Welcome Sister bag and care package. Afternoon tea is also supplied, providing a relaxed environment for clients and Sisterhood Sisters to mingle.
“The Sisterhood Circle is about having that place where women of all ages and personalities can gather together and walk away feeling encouraged to become better versions of themselves,” said the Sisters. “Through sharing and the building of friendships, women become open to learning from the experiences of others, and gain a clearer idea on how they can best overcome obstacles easily, or how they can start achieving their goals and even have personal breakthroughs.
“We provide a non-judgmental space where each woman can be themselves and feel like they are not alone. There is a deep mind, body, and spirit connection that occurs with wonderful heart-to-heart conversations, as well as the excitement of doing something for oneself, as the workshops are sometimes the only ‘me time’ the women have. You are guaranteed to laugh, sometimes cry, but most of all there is so much growth.”
The April 2018 workshop (see box for details) will also include first aid training by volunteer paramedic, Rebecca Larsen, and The Power of Choice Self-Awareness Activity hosted by Romecca.
Discussing her long term goal for The Sisterhood Circle, Jo says, “I would love to open a drop in Wellness Centre for ladies in need incorporating food, meditation, exercise, life coaching, clothes, and just a nice place for women to come and chill in a safe environment.”
For more information contact Jo Gibbs on 0409 544 314.
April 2018 Workshop
Date: Friday, April 20 Time: 11am-3pm Location: Earth Vibrations, 9 Mumford Road, Narangba