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Hand massages by Hair Academy II

On April 8th, 2022 Bread for the City hosted its first in-person Women’s Wellness Day since the pandemic. Over 20 women in our community came to the new Michelle Obama Southeast Center of Bread for the City to make themselves a priority and de-stress. This year’s theme was “Making Time for Me!”

“A woman’s value is often measured by what she does for others; but taking care of yourself–mentally, physically, and spiritually–is equally valuable. ” says, Melissa Palms, event organizer and Wellness Coordinator at Bread for the City.

The daylong event featured educational sessions on behavioral and physical health, a workshop on the signs of domestic violence and leaving unhealthy situations, a guided meditation, a pampering session including massages and makeup, and relaxing activities including painting and gardening. Participants also participated in multiple raffles throughout the day and left with self-care goody bags!

Wellness Day participant after getting makeup done by Hair Academy II

“It was such a pleasure to see the smiling faces of the women who participated and to see them really relax,” Palms says. “This was such a beautiful reunion for these women, who came to past Wellness Days and got to see each other in person again for the first time since the start of the pandemic,” adds Lynda Brown, Bread for the City’s Southeast Social Services Director.

Comments from the participants expressed that the event was “informative and fun” and “well needed.”

If you are interested in the Women Empowered program, please contact Melissa Palms at mpalms@breadforthecity.org or 202-58-0523 or Donnie Hampton at dhampton@breadforthecity.org or 202-587-0530.