What womEn are saying

Participant feedback reflected strong gains in personal reflection, grounding skills, connection, and willingness to recommend the experience to other women.

“I wasn’t aware that I was holding or passing down trauma until I attended the workshops. The information I’ve learned and retained is helping me to transcend into a person who is much more aware and mindful to make positive changes.”

— Tonya, Soul Therapy™ participant

Our First Year of Community Impact

• During its first year, The Makings of You Foundation delivered 13 community programs and activities, including 11 Soul Therapy™ workshops and healing sessions, a community game night, and a movement-based wellness experience for women 55 and older.

• Our initial four-session Soul Therapy™ pilot at Hyde Park Art Center was offered at no cost. Ten women enrolled, and eight completed the pilot.

• Four additional sessions were offered in partnership with the South Side YMCA, with discounted member rates and scholarship opportunities. Three more sessions were delivered through the South Side Center of Hope with grant funding.

• These experiences reflect our commitment to making culturally grounded healing, wellness, and community connection more accessible.

July 18, 2026 Workshop

• Seven participants completed pre-session evaluations and six completed post-session evaluations. Post-session ratings were 5.0 out of 5 for reflection on healing and personal growth, learning or practicing a coping or grounding tool, and feeling more connected or less alone.

• Additional workshop evaluation: Five completed post-evaluations averaged 4.5 out of 5 for personal reflection and insight, usefulness of coping strategies, sense of connection, and likelihood of recommending the workshop.

• Participants requested additional opportunities to explore self-love, personal growth, sisterhood, anger management, and women supporting one another.

• Participants also expressed interest in longer workshop formats, between-session reflection practices, and more creative activities such as art, music, dance, poetry, and guided visualization.

Recent Program Experiences

• In September, five women took part in a Soul Therapy™ workshop, with time for reflection, connection, and tools to support healing and personal growth.

• Through Movement Is Medicine™, ten women worked with a coach to assess their movement and consider ways to support their wellness through physical activity. We hope to host another gathering in November, before the holidays.

• On October 17, we hosted another Soul Therapy™ workshop, continuing to create space for women to pause, reflect, and connect.

ComEd Day of Giving

The Makings of You Foundation received $320 from ComEd during Day of Giving. Thank you to ComEd for supporting our work with women and families in the community.

We are tallying printing and workshop expenses so we can share a more detailed account of program costs.

Looking Ahead

Fundraising is underway for Legacy in Bloom, the Foundation’s First Annual Gala Tea, on May 8, 2027, in Chicago, Illinois. We plan to welcome approximately 75 guests to honor matriarchs, the foundations of families and communities, and the people who support them.

Soul Therapy™ offers women space to pause, reflect, connect, and explore personal growth