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Page Title
An all-expense paid relaxing overnight weekend getaway for Black and Brown adolescent girls (ages 10-14) and their mothers or guardians (auntie, older sister, grandmother, etc.) to learn about menstrual health,
participate in wellness activities, and build sisterhood!
**Open to individuals living in the Greater Boston area**
**Limited space available**
About The Retreat
AN INTERGENERATIONAL WELLNESS RETREAT, PERIOD.
It is well known that cultural stigmas and lack of menstrual education can cause fear and shame for girls beginning their menstrual journey at menarche (occurrence of the first period). Furthermore, there are intergenerational households where parents and older relatives dealt with period stigma and experienced reproductive health conditions in silence. We understand how difficult it can be for parents/guardians to have conversations about reproductive health and support their daughter if they were never given the opportunity to understand & embrace their own menstrual flow. Through a two-generation (2Gen) approach, we are prioritizing the social and emotional well-being of parents and children so they can thrive.
We envision a world where talking about menstruation will no longer be taboo!
Love Your Menses’ Menstrual Wellness Retreat is a safe and healing space for girls and their mothers/guardians to rest, engage in meaningful dialogue about reproductive health, share period stories, build sisterhood, prioritize their wellness, and get access to the resources they need to
flow through life, unapologetically!
This retreat will feature:
Menstrual Health Workshops (Understanding and Embracing My Flow)
Spa and Wellness Activities
Local Attractions
Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Sister Circles
Youth and Adult Guest Speakers
& MUCH MORE!
** Registration is now closed. Please stay tuned for more information on our next retreat in Cape Cod.**
Recap
This summer, we had the pleasure of hosting 22 girls and women from the Greater Boston area at our first annual Menstrual Wellness Retreat in Cape Cod! This intergenerational weekend retreat featured workshops, sister circles, food, fun, and more, at no cost to participants!
Thank you to our amazing Love Your Menses team for planning an unforgettable experience for our girls and women.
Shout out to our amazing guest speakers and vendors:
@360girlsandwomen
@aspiring.t
@som.vibes.studio
@minime_clothing_boutique
@amplifypoccape
@taylaandre
@naesojj
@creativecontourbycarla
Dr Ebonie Woolcock
Body By Mari
@belongingbookscapecod
Thank you to our amazing funders, Boston Women's Fund and Black Girl Freedom Fund, for making this possible. And most importantly, thank you to the girls and women for trusting us to create this experience for you!
In The Media
Retreat Location
Join us for a relaxing weekend getaway in Cape Cod, Massachusetts!
The Cape is a destination steeped in history and alive with arts & culture. Here, you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in New England, the freshest seafood, and accommodations ready to help you rest and recharge. Just located 70 miles from Boston, this destination is about an hour's drive away!
At this retreat, you will be staying at an award-winning location and spa that features the warm, Colonial elegance of a small Cape Cod destination with all the amenities you would expect of a luxury, boutique resort. As a guest, you will experience a beautiful outdoor pool surrounded by lush gardens and a quaint Cape Cod garden gazebo, spa, top-rated dining facilities, cozy rooms, and hospitable service.
Outdoor Tranquility
Not only will you experience nature's glory as you stroll through the beautifully manicured garden, but you will also be able to relax in the refreshingly cool pool or warm up in the soothing heated whirlpool or by the fire pit. The grounds have a wide variety of botanical collections whose bright blossoms and sweet fragrances may even provide inspiration when you return home!
Cozy Feel
This location reflects the essence of true Colonial charm and casual elegance. Each luxurious guest room is comfortably appointed and individually decorated with elegant furnishings; many rooms feature hand-carved canopy and four-poster beds.
Fine Dining
This location is specifically designed to host large groups of people, placing it in the top 1% of restaurants in the country. You will be able to enjoy delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner cuisine. In the quest to provide fine dining that is healthy and environmentally balanced, a five-stage water filtration system is used for all water served.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who is eligible to attend the retreat?The Menstrual Wellness Retreat is open to all Black and Brown girls (ages 13-15) and their mother/female guardian (aunt, grandmother, older sister, older cousin, godmother, foster parent, etc.) living in Boston, Hartford, or DC/Maryland/Virginia (DMV). All participants MUST have a valid passport and COVID-19 vaccination (for entry into Kenya). Due to limited space, we will be hosting 20 people for this retreat. When reviewing submissions and meeting with applicants, our team will be prioritizing: -- Individuals who are interested in learning more about menstrual wellness to improve their mind, body, and spirit -- Individuals who are interested in learning about the Kenyan culture and building sisterhood with other girls and women. -- Parents/ Guardians interested in strengthening their relationships with their daughter
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I have two daughters between the ages of 13-15, can both attend?Yes, we encourage you to apply and we will work to accommodate if you have more than one daughter who would like to attend.
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Can fathers or male caregivers participate?This retreat is only open to girls and women. We do offer workshops and trainings for men, and hope to add more programming in the future.
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I do not live in Boston, Hartford, or the DMV, am I eligible to attend?Due to travel costs and limited space, this retreat is open to individuals living in one of the three locations: Boston, Hartford, DMV.
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What is the cost to attend the retreat?Our hope is for every girl and mother/guardian to participate in our retreats, and we never want cost to be a barrier for those in financial need. The value of the retreat is $2,500 per person. Due to the generosity of our donors, we will be covering lodging, food, local transportation, and activities. We are actively fundraising to cover additional expenses. As of right now, participants will have to cover their flight ticket and e-visa fee as we work to secure additional funding. Scholarships will be available to those in financial need.
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How do I apply?Please click this link to view and complete the application form.
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Do I complete one application or two (one for me, one for my adolescent)?You will complete one application for you and your adolescent. There will be a section on the form to include each person's information.
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I submitted my application, when should I expect to hear back?Our team will be reviewing submissions and providing an update in early December with next steps.
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If selected, will everyone have an opportunity to meet each other before the retreat?Yes! We will plan a meeting in June for everyone attending the retreat can get to know each other and for our team can provide more information on retreat logistics (travel arrangements, lodging, activities, etc.).
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Will there be a waiting list?Yes, due to limited space availability, we will have a waiting list.
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How are applicants selected?We will be interviewing interested applicants.
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What are the dates of the retreat?Monday, July 3rd - Monday, July 10th.
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Where is the retreat located?The retreat is located at a beautiful boutique hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.
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Is the location safe?There will be safety protocols to protect you and your adolescent's safety throughout the entire week retreat. There will be retreat leaders onsite ensuring protocols are followed at all times.
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Will there be other retreat locations in the future?Yes! We are planning to host Menstrual Wellness Retreats in various locations across the United States and globally. Please follow us on social media (@LoveYourMenses) and check out our webpage (www.loveyourmenses.com/retreat) for updates.
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How will rooms be assigned?You and your adolescent will share a room with two queen-sized beds and a private bath. You will not be sharing a room or bathroom with other guests.
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What will be happening during the retreat?The Menstrual Wellness Retreat will be a fun week! There will be educational menstrual health workshops, cultural and wellness activities (i.e yoga, meditation), sisterhood-building activities, local outdoor excursions, guest speakers, and so much more! There will be workshops led by local youth and adults. Most importantly, this will be a time for you to rest and recharge. We understand how challenging these past couple of years have been due to the pandemic, and we are hopeful this will be an opportunity for you to self-care and strengthen your relationship with your daughter, niece, younger sister, granddaughter, etc.
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What COVID-19 safety precautions will be implemented?We are actively monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and our number one priority is protecting the health and safety of all retreat attendees. Our decisions will be based on science and guidance from medical and public health professionals. Prior to check-in, attendees will participate in health screening questions. Disposable masks will be available onsite and mask-wearing will be encouraged when necessary. Physical distancing and outdoor activities will be encouraged. Regular hand washing and hand sanitizing will be incorporated into our daily schedule on a more frequent basis and hand sanitizer will be readily available. There will be enhanced cleaning around the premises. All attendees must be vaccinated against COVID-19 and obey all applicable Kenyan laws and regulations pertaining to health and safety.
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Is COVID-19 vaccination required?Attendees will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination in order to travel to Kenya.
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What happens if I feel ill at any point during the retreat?There are hospitals and urgent care facilities located in the area. If you feel unwell, our team will coordinate transportation to a healthcare facility. You will be required to obtain travel health insurance to cover you during your time in Kenya. More details will be provided if you are selected. There will be a first aid kit onsite at the retreat along with team members with medical and public health credentials.
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I am interested in partnering with Love Your Menses to host a retreat in my area, whom should I contact?We enjoy building meaningful partnerships with other community organizations. Please email us at: info@loveyourmenses.com.
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How can I donate to support this program?We greatly appreciate your support! 100% of proceeds will go towards program expenses. You can make a donation here.
Special Guests
We are excited to welcome a group of amazing individuals and industry experts who will be leading wellness workshops on menstrual health, parenting, mental health, nutrition, physical activity, art, education, and life coaching. Please continue to check this page as we periodically update the guest speaker list.
Naesoj Ware
Community Youth Advocate, High School Senior, Mentor, Founder of Girls in Real Life Sanctuary,
Miss Massachusetts HBCU Teen
Naesoj Ware is an 18-year-old senior at the John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science. She plans to attend Howard University in the fall majoring in Political Science on the Pre-Law track. Most notably, she was named the first Youth Liaison for Boston City Councilor At- Large Julia Mejia. She is a former Community Youth Advocate at Madison Park Development Corporation, Boston Student Advisory Council Representative, Associate Program Coordinator at the Center for Teen Empowerment, and Boston Community Action Team Member. Naesoj currently runs Girls In Real Life Sanctuary, a mentorship program she started for young women ages twelve to sixteen at the Perkins Community Center. She will also compete as Miss Massachusetts in the Miss HBCU Teen Pageant this spring.
Tayla Andrè
Mom, Author, Real Estate Agent, Radio Personality, Founder and Principal of Tayla Made Real Estate Easy
If you log on to SparkOnlineFM, YouTube, iTunes, or iHeartRadio, and listen to my show “Wake up with Tayla Andre.” you’ll quickly understand “Unorthodox Conversations Leading to Universal Consciousness” means Tayla is passionate about educating, motivating, and emancipating my listeners from fear of the unknown. Tayla Andre is a mom, author, real estate agent, and advocate. With over a decade of experience, she has interviewed some of society’s most sought out personalities, including New York Best-Selling Authors, Grammy Award-Winning Artists, international public figures, and all levels of political affluence. As the author of ‘Finally, Home’ her book equips the reader with the confidence to be engaged with the home buying process without feeling vulnerable or exploited. ‘Tayla Made Real Estate Easy’ is not just a catchy hashtag. It is her goal; goal to simplify one of the most challenging processes you will go through as an adult; a goal to educate you properly on credit and teach you the strategies to finding the home of your dreams. It is not just a good book or an easy read, it is the secret to a seamless home buying experience. Tayla is one of the founding parents of CPLAN, a student-centered, and parent-driven community. CPLAN seeks to transcend divisions: We hold district, charter, regional, and Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity (METCO) systems accountable to ensure equitable educational outcomes.
Sue-Ellen Anderson-Haynes
Registered & Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist
Women's Health Dietitian
Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist
NASM Women's Fitness Specialist Certified Personal Trainer
Founder of 360Girls&Women®LLC
Sue-Ellen is a co-author, health writer, speaker, recipe developer and has been featured in multiple media outlets. Her experience includes working with many age groups such as in pediatrics, women's health, wellness, bariatrics, weight management, and diabetes. She has training in the prenatal, pregnancy, and postpartum population from the worlds leading diabetes center - Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston Massachusetts, in addition, to other outpatient clinics, wellness centers, and hospitals across the U.S. She has several certifications and obtained her Masters of Science in Nutrition & Wellness, Summa Cum Laude, and Bachelors of Science in Food Science & Human Nutrition with a minor in Health Science Education. At the end of the day, she is first a wife and mother to her children and likes to be called “the organizer” of her home. She enjoys helping girls and women journey to complete wellness, spending quality time with her family, and cooking many dishes, especially her traditional Jamaican meals.
Monique Jacobs
Mental Health Advocate
Therapeutic Art Life Coach
Founder of SOM Vibes Studio, LLC
Monique Jacobs, founder of SOM Vibes Studio, LLC is a mental health advocate and activist pushing forward universal, diverse, equitable, and inclusion environments. She strives to provide a safe space for creative expression where she encourages individuals of all ages to bring out their artistic side to best channel their stress, nurture their emotional wellbeing, and build resilience.
Carla Balzano
Owner of Creative Contour by Carla.
Boston Makeup Artist
Based in Boston, MA, Creative Contour By Carla provides makeup services for weddings, special events, photo shoots, video shoots, personal makeup shopping, and makeup classes.
Owner Carla believes that each person deserves celebrity treatment while she helps you create your unique makeup look. She believes that wearing makeup should be a joyful experience.
Tara Vargas-Wallace
Founder and Executive Director of Amplify POC Cape Cod
Social Justice Advocate and Racial Justice Activist
Amplify POC Cape Cod is a racial justice initiative to help amplify the businesses owned by people of colour (POC) on Cape Cod. Amplify was founded by Tara Vargas-Wallace, after the murder of George Floyd. As a Puerto Rican woman who is married to a Black man and mother to three promising Black children and as a social justice activist in the community, this issue was personal to her. In the spring and summer of 2020, community members began reaching out to Tara to ask how they could support the Black community. A list of Black-owned businesses did not exist for the Cape region, and therefore, Tara created one as part of Amplify's first endeavour.
Toiell Washington
Social Entrepreneur
Co-Founder of Black Boston
Toiell Washington is a 24-year-old social entrepreneur from the City of Boston. As a young person, she worked at several nonprofits in the city doing violence prevention and social justice education work, where she found a love for community engagement. Her experience led her to build Black Boston, a community organization that centers the voices of young Black people from the city, and The Master’s Tools, a game company that helps people start conversations around social and political issues through card games. Toiell is committed to exploring and introducing topics around Diversity, Belonging, Equity and Inclusion in a non-traditional way. She believes It is important that we as a community are accommodating all different kinds of learning styles.
Partners
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