An Indianapolis nonprofit is starting a new paid program for young women to learn about wellness and advocacy in their communities.
The 15 week initiative from the Centers of Wellness for Urban Women includes an ambassador program with peer-led sessions about the seven dimensions of wellness and the city’s first Young Women’s Advisory Council.
The program is for women ages 18 to 24.
“Most of the programming that’s done for girls stops at 18,” said Tracy Cork, a young woman’s health specialist at the Centers of Wellness for Urban Women. “Eighteen to 24 is the age when you’re kind of on your own, but you’re not on your own. We want to support them.”
Participants will receive $700 for completing three workshops and $50 per training session they attend online or in person. They also will have access to free wraparound services through the program, including therapy. Sessions will cover financial literacy, physical and mental wellness, spiritual health and more.
“It won’t be someone talking down to us,” said Makenzie Lukas, a young woman’s health associate at the Centers of Wellness for Urban Women. “It will be a peer who is in that field.”
Women who join the advisory council also will learn how to advocate for issues at the Statehouse, including reproductive rights.
“The laws that are being passed now primarily affect us,” said Lukas, 23. “It’s about empowering our voices so we can be represented and heard.”
Those interested can apply for the program online or attend an orientation from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 29 at the Center for Interfaith Cooperation, 110 W. 42nd St.
Mirror Indy reporter Mary Claire Molloy covers health. Reach her at 317-721-7648 or email maryclaire.molloy@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on X @mcmolloy7.
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