Last week 14 parents and guardians in Simpson’s Family Housing Program participated in Mamas’ Day of Healing — a virtual retreat for self-care, learning, dreaming, and connection.
The two–and–half hour session was hosted by Simpson’s Early Childhood Team led by Nedra Robinson and the Children and Youth Services Team led by Manager Jocelyn Pickreign. “Nedra and I really wanted this to be a space of rest and collective healing where moms could honor themselves after an incredibly difficult COVID year,” says Jocelyn.
The inaugural Mamas’ Day of Healing, an all-day in person event took place in February 2019. This year’s event was entirely virtual — and one of the program’s largest virtual events to date since the onset of COVID-19.
During the retreat, parents participated in several rejuvenating and educational activities — an ice breaker, a vision board activity and meditation exercise, a discussion about dreams, and an informative presentation and discussion about COVID vaccines with Dr. Jessica Hane, a physician and former Simpson middle school mentor.
Within the energizing and supportive environment, conversation flowed naturally as the group of parents shared their hopes, dreams, experiences, and advice with one other. Parents focused on themselves, discovering common goals and unique strengths. “As a mom, you think about everyone but yourself, and it is so good to take time just for us as moms,” shared one parent.
“It’s good to relate to other people and know I’m not the only one with parenting challenges,” said another participant.
Family Advocate Kristi Becker described the energy during the vision board activity: “It was exciting to see parents creating vision boards that uplift their strengths and aspirations, — home, friends, family, career goals— and what brings them joy. Several of the moms shared their work as emerging entrepreneurs, building their businesses and paths to self-sufficiency.”
Honoring Indigenous knowledge and culture, Early Childhood Specialist Hannatu Greene shared a dream catcher and facilitated a session about the significance of dreams. She described the beauty of the discussion that emerged as each parent shared a unique journey and described their dreams for the future.
“Dreams are a pathway to the future,” says Hannatu. “When you have dreams, you have action plans toward independence. Simpson can help parents and families move forward to positive outcomes.”
Parents appreciated the dedicated time to ask questions about the COVID-19 vaccine in their discussion with Dr. Hane. Building on the unique strengths and resilience of each family, Simpson staff offer relevant educational and culturally responsive resources with families, creating opportunities for learning and self-advocacy.
During the retreat, parents enjoyed lunch from Panera and “swag bags” with gifts for parents and their children, delivered to their homes by Simpson staff members.
Mamas’ Day provided another valued space and opportunity for parents and staff to build relationships, recharge, and celebrate.
“”I haven’t had this much confidence in myself in a long time,” shared a parent of two young children.
“We need to do this more often!” suggested another parent.
The Simpson Family Housing Team is already planning their next virtual Mamas’ Day for the near future.