The G.R.O.W. Annual Wellness, Transitional & Gender Empowerment Retreat has become a cornerstone of empowerment for young women from inner-city Boston. Now in its fourth year, the retreat has successfully provided a transformative experience that combines healing, self-empowerment, and personal growth. Each year, our retreat has given participants a safe space to escape urban stressors, reconnect with themselves, and gain the tools they need to succeed in life.

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Since its inception, the retreat has evolved to address the specific needs of our girls—particularly those transitioning from middle school to high school and from high school to college. Under the leadership of Jamila Gales and TiElla Grimes, M.Ed., and in partnership with renowned facilitators like Dr. Tia Lites, and Dr. Racheal Deleveaux, the retreat offers workshops focused on mental health, gender empowerment, resilience, and making healthy life decisions. Activities like yoga, meditation, healing circles, and team-building strengthen the sisterhood, while workshops help participants build the confidence and skills needed for their next life chapter.

 

Set in the culturally rich and historically significant Oak Bluffs of Martha’s Vineyard, the retreat offers exposure to a space many of these young women would otherwise never experience. For inner-city youth, access to Martha’s Vineyard—once a refuge for African American beachgoers and now a cultural hub for people of color—removes significant barriers to opportunity. This experience broadens their world view, connecting them to a legacy of success, heritage, and possibility that many never imagined was within reach. For many, it is the first time they have stepped foot in a space that affirms their place in the larger cultural landscape, helping to shift their mindset about what’s possible for their futures.

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The G.R.O.W. Retreat is more than just a restorative getaway—it's a life-changing opportunity that equips our girls with the tools to thrive. As we look toward our 4th annual retreat in 2024, we invite you to continue supporting this transformative experience. Your investment in these young women will create lasting change, empowering them to lead with confidence and strength.