Aishia’s Story
There comes a moment, sometimes quiet, sometimes breaking, when you realize the life you’ve built doesn’t quite feel like your own.

For many, especially Black women, that moment is buried beneath expectations, responsibilities, and the unspoken pressure to hold everything together. We are praised for our strength, but rarely asked about our needs.
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Aishia’s story is about what happens when that strength begins to crack, and what healing looks like on the other side.

The Breaking Point
The unraveling didn’t come all at once, it came after doing everything “right:”

“After becoming a new homeowner, newly married, and welcoming my three sons over the course of six years, I found myself in a place I never expected - lost, confused, and deeply angry.”

This experience reflects something deeper than burnout. It reveals what happens when identity is shaped by external expectations instead of internal truth.

“I had been living a life shaped by expectations that were never truly mine.”

This is the quiet cost of overgiving. Of being everything to everyone. Of embodying the “strong Black woman” while silently unraveling.

​“I gave endlessly, without boundaries… In the process, I lost touch with myself.”



Toxic Abundance: When “Having It All” Becomes Too Much
On the surface, this life might look like abundance - family, home, stability, success. But as described in the concept of toxic abundance, having “a lot” does not always mean having what nourishes you.

Toxic abundance is the illusion that more, as in more roles, more responsibilities, more productivity, equals fulfillment. In reality, it often creates a different kind of scarcity.

- Scarcity of rest
- Scarcity of self-connection
- Scarcity of emotional safety
- Scarcity of boundaries

In this story, abundance became overwhelming: “I felt overwhelmed, stressed, and disconnected…”
What looked like a full life was actually an unsustainable one.

When the Body Speaks
When we ignore emotional and spiritual distress, the body often carries the message.

“The stress and imbalance I had carried for so long eventually manifested in a stress-induced autoimmune dis-ease.”
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The moment is critical. It reframes illness not just as a medical issue, but as a signal - a call to pause, reassess, and realign. Healing, then, becomes more than symptom management.
It becomes a transformation.

Our Healing Framework
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Healing is not just about bubble baths or taking breaks; it is a layered and intentional process. Through our lived experiences and the stories we consistently heard from women within our communities, we developed a framework,
a solution, a way of coming home to self.
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​Our framework is “Self Care Beyond the Surface.”
1. Awareness - Recognizing what is out of alignment
“That diagnosis forced me to pause and reset.”
2. Acceptance - Owning the truth without judgement and acknowledging burnout, depression, and disconnection as real and valid
3. Change - Making intentional changes that support healing     
“I had to apply what I had learned: releasing what no longer served me… and cultivating healthy boundaries…”

All of that leads to true Alignment - Living in a way that reflects your values, needs and truth.
This is the shift from performative self-care to transformative self-care.

Healing as a Daily Practice
Healing didn’t happen overnight, it became a daily commitment:

 “With grace and commitment, I embraced daily practices that supported my healing: prayer, journaling, meditation, Yin Yoga, Qi Gong, nourishing foods, and herbal medicine.”

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​These practices are more that trends, they are tools for reconnection. Through them, she describes something many people long for.

​“Slowly, I reconnected with my creativity, my passion, and my purpose.”

ITAVcollab Bridging the Gap in Care 
Our Integrative Wellness Hub responds to a fragmented healthcare system and long-standing gaps in access, trust, and knowledge within historically resilient communities. We educate, empower, and connect individuals directly to culturally responsive providers, practices, and resources supporting healthier lives for generations to come.
Rooted in community and cultural wisdom, ITAVCollab creates healing-centered spaces where individuals can tune into themselves, name their truth, and feel supported in seeking care where they are heard, believed, and valued-emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
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We bridge the gap by addressing the root causes of stress, trauma, and burnout, not just symptoms. Through wellness circles, retreats, and community-based healing experiences, we foster trust, connection, and care beyond what traditional systems often provide. By building intentional partnerships with culturally competent providers  and organizations, we create a coordinated network of care that reflects and affirms lived experience. ITAVCollab bridges the gap through healing, belonging, and community, because care should fully honor our humanity.

How You Can Advocate for Yourself During Your Healthcare Visit
Because of long-standing mistrust and past trauma within the healthcare system, many Black women enter medical appointments feeling guarded and on edge. While this reality should not exist, protecting your health remains essential. Here are ways to advocate for yourself and your care: ​

• Take up space
• Ask questions EVERY single time
• Come prepared
• Request second opinions
• Bring someone with you.
• Trust your instincts

Remember that advocating for yourself is not being “difficult.” It is being safe.
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Why Integrative Wellness Hubs Matter
Unlike traditional healthcare, which treats symptoms in isolation, integrative wellness hubs recognize the full human experience - mind, body, spirit, community, culture, and environment. They create connected systems of care that allow individuals to heal holistically rather than compartmentalizing their needs.
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For Black women, this approach is essential.

We are 40% more likely to experience high blood pressure, disproportionately affected by trauma, and 3 to 4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes. Over 80% report lifetime trauma, including childhood abuse, intimate partner violence, and systemic racism. These conditions are not individual failures; they are the result of systems that were never built with us in mind. Many of us avoid or delay seeking help because clinical spaces often feel invalidating, dismissive, or culturally disconnected. When wellness spaces ignore our lived reality, healing becomes harder to access and harder to sustain.

Integrative wellness hubs, however, offer something radically different:
- Community instead of isolation
- Healing without judgement or performance
- Care that honors culture rather than erases it
- Support that sees us as whole, not broken
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This is why Black women are increasingly turning to wellness collectives, healing circles, somatic practices, and community rooted mental health models - places that allow us to breathe, soften, and be seen without having to explain ourselves first.
And this is exactly why ITAVCollab exists.

ITAVCollab: Where the Village Steps In
Founded to fill painful gaps in community wellness and support, ITAVCollab has evolved into a full-fledged integrative wellness hub rooted in cultural understanding and collective care.

Today, ITAVCollab stands as an evolving Integrative Wellness Hub, uniting practitioners, therapists, healers, educators, and community members to create accessible pathways to mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Through retreats, healing circles, trauma-informed cohorts, youth programming, and holistic wellness practices, ITAVCollab delivers what many systems still fail to offer: safety, belonging, and culturally grounded care. Our work also reaches listeners through the our podcast Queen B.E.E. Talks, where each new episode expands on the healing, truth-telling, and community care at the heart of our mission. Listen to the latest episode here: How To Handle Seasonal Depression Part 2.

Our Impact So Far:
- 100+ wellness experience hosted
- 8 healing retreats
- 6 Returning Citizens cohorts
- 4 youth emotional wellness cohorts
- 20+ hours per month of FREE wellness care
- 80% of programs offered at no cost to participants

For many women, ITAVCollab is the first step into wellness - the doorway to therapy, somatic practice yoga, meditation, and community support. What begins as curiosity becomes commitment; what begins as survival becomes thriving.

Why Black Women Choose ITAVCollab
Black women consistently share that ITAVCollab spaces feel different, simply because they are.

ITAVCollab creates healing environments where Black women do not have to code-switch, where our bodies are not judged or policed and where our trauma is not minimized. Black women's voices are centered, not silenced, and surrounded by people who understand your experience without an explanation.

Our Queen B.E.E. Talks Experiencewww.itavcollab.org/queen-bee-talks-experience.html#/ for example experience offers safe, culturally competent spaces for women to reconnect with themselves and each other through holistic practices - mind, body, spirit, and community. A few experiences can include healing cohorts, wellness circles, retirees, and opportunities to work with healers, educators, and wellness practitioners.

Community anchors transformation. Belonging accelerates healing, Representation creates safety.

Impact, Community & Healing: Why This Matters 
​ITAVCollab’s integrative wellness hub model ensures long-term sustainability, infrastructure, and access to further the mission of cultivating community wellness into a powerful ecosystem of care. This model is more than a collection of events, but a movement toward healing justice.

- It acknowledges and addresses the historical and systemic burdens Black women carry.
- It normalizes self-care, healing, emotional wellness, and vulnerability as essential instead of optional
- It transforms wellness from a solo journey into a shared ecosystem of care
- It builds a community where rest, restoration, truth-telling, and collective resilience are possible

For Black women, for historically resilient women, for justice-impacted women - these spaces are lifelines. They are where grief meets support, where trauma can be named and tended to, where joy, lightness, and renewal are given as much importance as struggle.
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Join the Movement
When you support ITAVCollab, you’re doing more than funding programs — you’re investing in the infrastructure that keeps our Village thriving. Your generosity strengthens the backbone of a community wellness system that ensures Black women remain seen, supported, and well.
We invite you to deepen that impact by joining our Village Keeper Circle, our monthly giving community that sustains this work year-round.
Ways to Support
- Become a Village Keeper (Monthly donor)
​- Attend, share, or sponsor a wellness experience
- Partner with us as a funder, collaborator, or practitioner
​- Spread the word to someone who needs a Village

Black women deserve infrastructures of care, not temporary fixes. When Black women heal, the whole village thrives.

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​Healthy Coping Mechanisms for the Winter Months
Coping with SAD requires more than generic advice; it calls for practices rooted in culture, identity, and community. At ITAVCollab, our approach to self-care centers on the Nguzo Saba principles of unity, self-determination, collective care, and creativity. This reminds us that healing is both an individualized and shared experience.


Here are a few practices we encourage:

• Movement and Joy: Dancing, stretching, or group exercises can restore energy and boost mood
• Mind and Spirit Nourishment: Journaling, guided meditations, or playlist curated by and for Black women help create moments of stillness and self-reflection
• Connection: surrounding yourself with trusted community members, through ITAVCollab, Wellness Circles, local gatherings, or even small group chats
• Herbal and Nourishing Rituals: Teas such as hibiscus, ginger, and chamomile not only support immunity but also offer grounding rituals
  • Itutu Aptherapy
  • GLUT
  • Herbawhore

Where to Find Support

• Therapy for Black Girls: An online platform that connects Black women and girls to culturally responsive therapists and mental wellness resources.
• Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation:Founded by Taraji P. Henson, this foundation expands access to mental health services and breaks stigma in the Black community
• Eternal Sunshine App: A self-care app offering affirmations, journaling, and mindfulness tools and support emotional well-being.
• Crisis Support: Call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 support.

One thing that continues to show up in our history is the idea of the village. The phrase “It Takes A Village” is more than a saying—it’s a mindset. We’ve always leaned on each other to survive, to grow, and to heal. From salons to front porches, churches to sister circles, dinner tables to community gatherings, we’ve built sacred spaces where we uplift one another, call each other in, and pass the mic. These aren’t just places. They are ecosystems of care, affirmation, and accountability. 

At ITAV Collab, the village is alive and thriving through re-entry support programs, youth mentorship, cultivating healing spaces, and creative expression; we embody what real community care looks like. It’s freedom work, every day!

In D.C., neighborhoods like Anacostia and Wards 7 and 8 have long been strongholds of Black culture, resilience, and organizing. From the legacy of Frederick Douglass to the roots of go-go music and civil rights activism, these communities have always led with strength. They remain rich in culture and community strength, with grassroots efforts fighting gentrification, promoting wellness, and preserving their legacy. Their stories are not just history; they are blueprints for resistance and rebirth. As the city changes, these neighborhoods continue to remind us that true power lies in the people who refuse to be erased.

​​Wellness communities like Grounded have embraced the village mindset and continue to nurture our connection to our historical roots and ourselves. Mamatoto Village offers holistic maternity care with a focus on Black women at its center. Sycamore & Oak is a vibrant community hub, and food-based collectives like The Well at Oxon Run help spark local economic growth and nourishment. MahoganyBooks is more than a bookstore; it serves as a cultural anchor where Black literature, legacy, and liberation converge. These spaces carry the torch, offering healing, culture, care, and opportunity. This is where our village breathes, where the work continues, where our freedom lives.

A Calm Energy Boost:
Are you looking for a healthier alternative to your morning coffee? Look no further than matcha! In this blog, we'll explore the amazing benefits of switching from coffee to matcha and why this vibrant green powder is taking the world by storm.

​Sustained Energy: Unlike coffee, matcha provides a more sustained and gentle energy boost without the jitters or crash. The caffeine in matcha is absorbed slowly, keeping you alert and focused throughout the day without the spike and drop typical of coffee.

• L-theanine for Relaxation: Matcha contains a unique amino acid called L-theanine, which promotes relaxation and mental clarity. It balances the stimulating effects of caffeine, creating a calm, focused energy ideal for those who want to avoid the anxious feelings sometimes caused by coffee.​​

A Nutritional Powerhouse:

• Packed with Antioxidants: Matcha is loaded with antioxidants, particularly catechins, which help protect cells from damage and support overall health. Matcha contains a type of catechin called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which has been linked to anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Matcha is a great source of vitamins, including vitamin C, which supports a healthy immune system, and vitamin A, which is crucial for eye health. It also contains fiber, which helps with digestion, and chlorophyll, which has detoxifying properties.
• Improved Skin Health: The antioxidants in matcha may help protect your skin from premature aging and skin damage caused by UV rays. Regular consumption can help with acne and give your skin a natural glow.

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Boosts Metabolism and Supports Weight Loss:
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Increases Fat Burning: Matcha has been shown to increase metabolism and assist in weight management. Its combination of caffeine and antioxidants enhances fat oxidation and calorie burning, making it a popular choice for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
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​Improved Fat Burning During Exercise: Studies suggest that matcha may help enhance fat burning during exercise, making it a perfect pre-workout drink. The combination of caffeine and catechins can improve endurance and energy levels while helping you burn more calories.

How to Enjoy Matcha:

• Matcha Lattes: If you prefer something creamy, try a matcha latte by mixing matcha powder with your favorite milk (dairy or plant-based) and a sweetener of your choice.
• Matcha Smoothies: For a refreshing boost, add matcha to your morning smoothie for an extra burst of antioxidants and energy.
• Baking with Matcha: You can even incorporate matcha into your baking! From matcha cookies to cakes and muffins, the green goodness can add flavor and health benefits to your favorite treats.

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By making the switch from coffee to matcha, you can enjoy a calm yet energizing start to your day, along with a host of health benefits. Whether you're looking for a natural energy boost, a nutritional powerhouse, or support for weight management, matcha has got you covered.
So, why not give matcha a try and experience the green goodness for yourself? Your body and mind will thank you!

​April is National Second Chance Month—a time to reflect, honor, and act. In our recent newsletter, we highlighted the importance of supporting individuals returning home from incarceration and the transformative power of community-rooted reentry. At It Takes A Village Collaborative (ITAVcollab), that commitment goes beyond one month—it lives in every circle we hold, every relationship we build, and every participant we walk with.
​As we close out the month, we’re centering the voices of those doing the work. Sydni, our social justice director works closely with justice-impacted individuals, offers this powerful reflection:
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“For many justice-impacted individuals, the concept of a ‘second chance’ is misleading—because they were never truly given a first. Due to generations of systemic racism, economic divestment, and structural barriers, these individuals have been forced to navigate life in survival mode from an early age. Opportunities to dream, to rest, or to imagine a life of purpose have often been out of reach.”
— Sydni, ITAVcollab


Her words echo what we see every day at ITAVcollab. The barriers facing returning citizens aren’t just legal or economic—they’re deeply human. The systems that criminalize, confine, and control too often fail to support healing or possibility.

“As people return home from incarceration, they are often met with a new set of constraints that further strip away autonomy and stall healing. Told what to do, when to do it, and how to live, they are rarely provided the tools, resources, or dignity to rebuild their lives on their own terms.”
— Sydni, ITAVcollab

This is where ITAVcollab’s work begins. We believe reentry is not about charity—it’s about justice. It's about restoring access to joy, healing, and self-determination.

“National Second Chance Month should be about more than programs and promises—it should be a call to action to honor the lived expertise of those most impacted. It’s about creating space at decision-making tables, amplifying their voices, and nurturing their ability to wake up each day with purpose.”
— Sydni, ITAVcollab
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“True second chances begin when we allow people to define success for themselves, to heal out loud, and to walk boldly in their God-given purpose—on purpose and with passion.”
— Sydni, ITAVcollab

National Second Chance Month | ITAVcollab
This month, Sydni took the stage at the inaugural HBCU Summit at Bowie State University, joining a powerful lineup of changemakers in a dynamic conversation about reentry, equity, and the importance of building strong, sustainable foundations for justice-involved individuals. Her presence reinforced ITAVcollab’s deep commitment to ensuring that those closest to the challenges are leading the charge—on campuses, in communities, and at the policy table. 

​Later in the month, ITAVcollab also showed up strong at the Returning Citizens Affairs Division Symposium in Prince George’s County. Sydni tabled on behalf of the organization, connecting directly with attendees and sharing resources that center community healing and second chances. Shoa had the honor of speaking on a panel alongside other thought leaders, where she lifted up our hands-on work and emphasized the critical need for continued investment in holistic reentry support systems within the county. Together, their participation made it clear: that  ITAvcollab is not just talking about change—we’re helping build it.
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​From Surviving to Thriving: Participant Voices

Throughout April, we stood alongside people who are not only returning home but also rising in their power. Their stories remind us that reentry is not just about systems change—it’s about soul work.

“It’s the first time someone asked me what I wanted—not what I did wrong.”
— J., program participant

“Having a place to share my story gave me the confidence to believe in my future.”
— L., reentry advocate & former participant
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Whether it’s in healing circles, job coaching sessions, or leadership workshops, ITAVcollab participants continue to show us what resilience truly looks like—and what’s possible when they’re supported with care, respect, and autonomy.
At ITAVcollab, every gathering is more than an event—it’s a space for truth-telling, restoration, and collective visioning. Throughout Second Chance Month, we created opportunities for people impacted by incarceration to lead, reflect, and connect.
This April, our spaces included:

• Circle work and healing dialogues, where participants shared stories, hope, and gained practical self-care tools in community.
• Leadership roundtables, where directly impacted people led the way—not just as storytellers, but as decision-makers and movement builders.
• ​Resource sessions with trusted partners, helping participants access housing, employment, and mental wellness support.

These weren’t just events—they were acts of love, resistance, and deep care. They reminded us that second chances are not handed out—they are nurtured, co-created, and fought for.

 More Than a Month— A Movement At ITAVcollab, we know that reentry doesn’t start or end with a program. It’s a relationship. A commitment. A long walk toward justice, taken together. Second Chance Month is a powerful time of reflection, but the work continues—every day, in every village, with every voice that refuses to be silenced. Let’s move beyond the idea of second chances and into a future where people are seen, supported, and celebrated the first time around. Together, we’re building something deeper than reentry—we’re building belonging.

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