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Single Mothers Retreat
February 9th - 11th, 2024
The Single Mother's Retreat, hosted by Rapha Counseling Services, Inc., offers empowering activities, speakers, worship, and relaxing sessions for single mothers.
- Theme: "Renew, restore, Rise: Nurturing Single Mothers for Resilient Futures"
Scripture: "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
2. Theme: "Mom's Oasis: A Retreat to Recharge, Learn, and Grow"
Scripture: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
3.
Theme: "Thriving Together: Empowering Single Mothers for Success and Well- Being"
Scripture: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." - Romans 8:28 (NIV)
4. Theme: "From Surviving to Thriving: A Retreat for Single Mothers"
Scripture: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." - John 10:10 (NIV)
5. Theme: "Roots of Resilience: Nourishing Single Mothers, Growing Strong"
Scripture: "He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit
in season and whose leaf does not winter—whatever they do prospers."
- Psalm 1:3 (NIV)
6. Theme: "Champions of Change: Empowering Single Moms to Rewrite their Stories"
Scripture: "Therefore, if anyone in in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" - 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
OBJECTIVE
The primary objective of this conference is to provide a comprehensive platform where low-income single mothers can acquire essential parenting skills and gain insights into self-care practices, both physically and emotionally. By addressing these aspects, we aim to support and empower single mothers to create nurturing environments for their children and improve their well-being.
CONFERENCE DETAILS
a. Duration: The conference will span three days, allowing ample time for participants to engage in various workshops, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities.
b. Venue: We propose a residential setting to ensure participants have a conducive environment away from their daily responsibilities. We will secure an appropriate venue that can accommodate all attendees comfortably.
c. Expert Speakers and Workshops: We plan to invite renowned parenting experts, psychologists, nutritionists, and other professionals who will conduct interactive workshops and lectures on relevant topics. Session may cover parenting techniques, stress management, self-care practices, healthy nutrition, emotional well-being, and building a support network, among others.
d. Practical Demonstrations: The conference will incorporate practical demonstrations to ensure participants can apply the acquired knowledge effectively. These may include hands-on activities, role plays, and group discussions.
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Recognizing the financial constraints faced by low-income single women, we propose establishing a scholarship program to cover the costs associated with attending the conference.
Donations
DONATION AGENCIES
- Virginia Beach Department of Human Services: You can find contact information for the Virginia Beach Department of Human Services by visiting the official website of the City of Virginia Beach or by searching for "Virginia Beach Department of Human Services" in an online search engine.
- United Way of South Hampton Roads: You can visit the official United Way of South Hampton Roads website (www.unitedwayshr.org) to find contact information for their office or use online directories to locate their contact details.
- Local Nonprofits (YWCA South Hampton Roads and Samaritan House): Search for the websites of these organizations by name (e.g., "YWCA South Hampton Roads" or "Samaritan House Virginia Beach"). They usually provide contact information on their websites.
- Faith-Based Organizations: To find contact information for local religious institutions, you can search for their websites online or consult a local phone directory.
- Community Centers: Search for community centers in your area, especially those in neighborhoods with a high population of single mothers. Contact information can typically be found on their websites or by calling the center directly.
- Local Government Resources (City of Virginia Beach): Visit the official website of the City of Virginia Beach (www.vbgov.com) to find contact information for government departments and agencies, including housing and human services.
- Housing Authorities: Look for the Virginia Beach Housing and Neighborhood Preservation department online or in a local phone directory for their contact information.
- Nonprofit Databases (GuideStar, Charity Navigator): Visit the websites of these databases and use their search features to find information on local nonprofit organizations. They often provide contact details.
- Networking: Ask friends, family, or acquaintances in your community for contact information or recommendations for relevant organizations.
Also need you to contact catering companies. to see if they would be interested in providing catering for a day or two.
LETTERS OF DONATION
Cyrus Williams, PhD, LPC
Rapha Counseling Services, INC
100 Regent University Dr.
Precious Jackson
Senior Mobility Mentor Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia
ASPIRE Mobility Mentoring Program
Subject: Proposal for Low-Income Single Women to Participate in a Three-Day Residential Conference
Dear Precious Jackson,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I appreciate you forwarding client to Rapha Counseling Services. I am writing to inform you that I am in the brainstorming stage of putting together a comprehensive 3-day retreat for single women that would include rest, relaxation and personal development. This three-day residential conference will focus on learning parenting skills and promoting physical and emotional well-being for low-income single women. The goal is to have the women come to Sandbridge and spend 3 nights in February. I am thinking about a Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. We believe this conference will play a vital role in equipping these women with the necessary knowledge and resources to lead fulfilling lives and raise healthy, happy children. Of course this event will take lots of planning and finances. We do not have the resources to do this event yet but we will be reaching out to organizations like this one to see if you can help us in the planning and financing of this program. See below some initial thoughts. I would love to meet with you and discuss possible collaboration and sharing resources and ideas,
- Objective: The primary objective of this conference is to provide a comprehensive platform where low-income single women can acquire essential parenting skills and gain insights into self-care practices, both physically and emotionally. By addressing these aspects, we aim to support and empower single mothers to create nurturing environments for their children and improve their overall well-being.
- Conference Details: a. Duration: The conference will span three days, allowing ample time for participants to engage in various workshops, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities. b. Venue: We propose a residential setting to ensure participants have a conducive environment away from their daily responsibilities. We will secure an appropriate venue that can accommodate all attendees comfortably. The plan is to rent out a house at Sandbridge where women can be at the beach and refresh and fellowship with each other.
- The proposed date is February 2024. c. Expert Speakers and Workshops: We plan to invite parenting experts, mental health professionals, and other professionals who will conduct interactive workshops and lectures on relevant topics. Sessions may cover parenting techniques, stress management, self-care practices, healthy nutrition, emotional well-being, and building a support network, among others. d. Practical Demonstrations: The conference will incorporate practical demonstrations to ensure participants can apply the acquired knowledge effectively. These may include hands-on activities, role plays, and group discussions.
- Scholarship Program: Recognizing the financial constraints faced by low-income single women, we propose establishing a scholarship program to cover the costs associated with attending the conference.
- Collaboration Opportunities: We are open to collaborating with your esteemed organization to make this conference a resounding success. Your organization's expertise and resources would greatly contribute to the overall impact of the event. Additionally, we believe that partnering with your organization would extend our reach and ensure a more comprehensive support system for the participants beyond the conference.
- Budget: Please find attached a detailed budget proposal outlining the estimated costs associated with organizing the conference. We have conducted thorough research and ensured that the budget remains realistic and aligned with our objectives.
- Conference Fees: We intend to fundraise and request assistance from agencies like yours to cover the full conference registration fees for eligible applicants. This will include access to all sessions, workshops, materials, accommodation, meals, and networking events. b. Travel Assistance: To ensure accessibility for participants, we will provide travel assistance for those who reside outside the conference venue. This may include transportation reimbursements or group travel arrangements. c. Childcare Support: Recognizing the challenges faced by single mothers, we will arrange onsite childcare services during the conference to enable attendees to fully participate in the sessions without worrying about their children's well-being.
- Right now we are just planning and praying. We know this event is something that we are supposed to be offering to support the community. We firmly believe that by providing low-income single women with the necessary tools and knowledge, we can help break the cycle of poverty and contribute to healthier families and communities. We kindly request your support in making this conference a reality for these deserving individuals.
Thank you for considering our proposal. We look forward to discussing this further with you and exploring potential collaboration opportunities. I will be reaching out to you in the near future to meet. Please do not hesitate to contact me at raphacounselingservices@gmail.com to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Rapha Counseling Services is a non-profit organization that provides faith-forward mental health services to individuals, groups, families and marriages at an affordable price. If you would like to donate to this cause, please go to our website raphacounselingservices.com
Sincerely,
Cyrus Williams, PhD, LPC
Founder/Chair Rapha Counseling Services, INC 501c3
Raphacounselingservices.com
Raphacounselingservices@gmail.com
Budget Proposal: Three-Day Residential Conference for 14 Low-Income Single Women
- Accommodation Costs:
- Housing: for 14 participants = $5,000
2. Food Expenses:
- Meals: 14 participants = $2,000
3. Gift Expenses:
- Gifts: $100 per person x 14 participants = $1,400
4. Travel Assistance:
- Transportation reimbursement: 14 participants = $700
5. Childcare Support:
- ?
6. Miscellaneous Expenses:
- Staff Audiovisual equipment, materials, and supplies: = $500
7. Speakers Costs:
- Staff expenses: $4,000
Total Costs: $12,600
Please note that the budget provided is an estimate and may require adjustments based on the actual expenses and available resources. It is important to conduct a thorough financial analysis and secure adequate funding to all necessary expenses.
To Whom It May Concern:
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to extend a heartfelt invitation to you and your esteemed organization to become a sponsor of our upcoming Single Mothers Retreat. February 9th to 11th 2024. This event is a vital initiative in our community, aimed at providing support, empowerment, and resources to single mothers who face unique challenges.
We have carefully structured three sponsorship tiers to accommodate various levels of support, ensuring that your organization's involvement aligns with your commitment to this cause. Our sponsorship tiers are as follows:
Low Tier Sponsorship ($1000 - $2,499): At this level, sponsors will receive prominent recognition at the event, including having their logo displayed on event materials, our website, and social media platforms. Sponsors will also have the opportunity to provide promotional materials for our event attendees.
Mid Tier Sponsorship ($2,500 - $4,999): Mid-tier sponsors will enjoy all the benefits of the low-tier sponsorship, with added prominence. They will receive a dedicated acknowledgment during the opening and closing ceremonies of the retreat, and their logo will feature more prominently on all promotional materials.
High Tier Sponsorship ($5,000 - and above): Our high-tier sponsors will receive maximum exposure and recognition. They will have their logo featured prominently on all event materials, including banners, signage, and promotional items. High-tier sponsors will also receive exclusive recognition during keynote sessions and an opportunity to address the attendees during the retreat.
We are dedicated to ensuring that our sponsors receive meaningful recognition throughout the event to showcase your commitment to our cause. This recognition will include:
- Logo Placement: Your organization's logo will be prominently displayed on all event materials, including banners, brochures, and digital screens.
- Acknowledgment: During our opening and closing ceremonies, we will give special recognition to our sponsors for their generous support and dedication.
- Booth/Display: We will provide a dedicated space for your organization to set up a booth or display, allowing you to engage directly with attendees and showcase your commitment to the community.
- Social Media and Press: Your organization will be featured in our event-related social media posts and press releases, reaching our wider audience and highlighting your support.
- Collateral Materials: Your organization's informational materials and resources will be made available to attendees, reinforcing your commitment to our cause.
To make our Single Mothers Retreat a success, we kindly request the following support from your organization:
- Financial Support: Your financial contribution will cover event costs, including venue rental, guest speakers, workshops, and materials for attendees.
- Volunteer Support: If possible, providing volunteers from your organization to assist with event logistics, such as registration, ushering, and workshop coordination, would be immensely helpful.
- Keynote Speaker: If your organization can provide a keynote speaker with expertise in supporting single mothers or related fields, it would add significant value to our event and resonate with our audience.
- Promotion and Outreach: Leveraging your organization's network and communication channels to promote the Single Mothers Retreat would be invaluable in reaching a wider audience and maximizing the impact of the event.
- In-Kind Donations:
If your organization has access to in-kind donations or resources that could benefit the retreat, such as childcare services, educational materials, or wellness resources, we would welcome these contributions.
Your involvement in any or all of these areas would not only enhance the success of our Single Mothers Retreat but also demonstrate your organization's commitment to supporting single mothers and strengthening our community.
We look forward to the opportunity to partner with you and your organization for this important event. Your support will make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of single mothers in our community.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact me at 757-354-3025 or cwilliams2@regent.edu.
Thank you for considering our request, and we hope to have the honor of your support.
Sincerely,
Cyrus Williams, PhD, LPC
Founder/Chair Rapha Counseling Services, INC 501c3
EIN 83-461660
Raphacounselingservices.com
Please see below regarding support and needs for the Single Mothers Retreat, that will be facilitated by Rapha Counseling Services INC. Thank you for considering supporting this impactful event.
The $ level of sponsorships (low tier – mid tier – high tier)
For our Single Mothers Retreat, we have carefully structured three sponsorship tiers to provide a range of opportunities for community partners like the United Way to support this important initiative.
Low Tier Sponsorship ($1,000 - $2,499): At the low tier, sponsors will receive prominent recognition at the event, including their logo displayed on event materials, our website, and social media platforms. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to provide promotional materials for our event attendees.
Mid Tier Sponsorship ($2,500 - $4,999): Mid-tier sponsors will enjoy all the benefits of the low-tier sponsorship, with added prominence. They will receive a dedicated acknowledgment during the opening and closing ceremonies of the retreat, and their logo will feature more prominently on all promotional materials.
High Tier Sponsorship ($5,000 and above): Our high-tier sponsors will receive maximum exposure and recognition. They will have their logo featured prominently on all event materials, including banners, signage, and promotional items. They will also receive exclusive recognition during keynote sessions and an opportunity to address the attendees during the retreat.
We believe that these three sponsorship tiers offer a balanced and impactful way for the United Way to support our Single Mothers Retreat, ensuring visibility and acknowledgment that aligns with the level of commitment.
How would you be branded at the event
At our Single Mothers Retreat, we are committed to giving our sponsors prominent and meaningful recognition. To brand the United Way at the event:
- Logo Placement: We will prominently display the United Way logo on all event materials, including banners, brochures, and digital screens, ensuring maximum visibility.
- Acknowledgment: During opening and closing ceremonies, we will give special recognition to the United Way for their generous support and commitment to our mission.
- Booth/Display: We will provide a dedicated space for the United Way to set up a booth or display to engage directly with attendees and showcase your organization's impact in the community.
- Social Media and Press: We will mention the United Way in our event-related social media posts and press releases, showcasing your organization's support to our wider audience.
- Collateral Materials: The United Way's informational materials and resources will be made available to attendees, further reinforcing your commitment to the community.
We are dedicated to ensuring that the United Way's brand is integrated seamlessly and prominently throughout the event, emphasizing our partnership and shared commitment to the cause.
What you would need from us for this event
In order to make our Single Mothers Retreat a success, we would greatly appreciate the United Way's support in the following ways:
- Financial Support: As detailed in our sponsorship tiers, financial contributions from the United Way would be instrumental in covering event costs, including venue rental, guest speakers, workshops, and materials for attendees.
- Volunteer Support: If possible, providing volunteers from the United Way to assist with event logistics, such as registration, ushering, and workshop coordination, would be immensely helpful.
- Keynote Speaker: If the United Way is able to provide a keynote speaker with expertise in supporting single mothers or related fields, it would add significant value to our event and resonate with our audience.
- Promotion and Outreach: Leveraging the United Way's extensive network and communication channels to promote the Single Mothers Retreat would be invaluable in reaching a wider audience and maximizing the impact of the event.
- In-Kind Donations: If the United Way has access to in-kind donations or resources that could benefit the retreat, such as childcare services, educational materials, or wellness resources, we would welcome these contributions.
Your involvement in any or all of these areas would not only enhance the success of our Single Mothers Retreat but also demonstrate the United Way's commitment to supporting single mothers and strengthening our community. We look forward to working closely with the United Way to make this event a meaningful and impactful experience for all involved.
If you have any questions, please contact me

Sincerely,
Cyrus Williams, PhD, LPC
Rapha Counseling Services, INC.
757-354-3025
Raphacounselingservices.com
raphacounselingservices@gmail.com
DRAFT AGENDA
Balancing Spirit, Nurturing Strength, Building Futures: A Spiritual Retreat for Single Women
Empowered Living, Nurtured by Wisdom,
"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." - Proverbs 31:25 (NLT)
Day 1
Empowerment and Spiritual Renewal
Morning Session: Welcome and Opening Devotion
- Welcome and introduction to the retreat
- Opening prayer and devotion to set a spiritual tone
Workshop 1: Empowerment through Spirituality and Personal Development
- Teachings on the spiritual aspects of self-worth and empowerment
- Personal development exercises rooted in spiritual principles
Afternoon Session: Guided Meditation and Relaxation
- Guided spiritual meditation session
- Stress-relief techniques through prayer and mindfulness
Evening Session: Community Worship and Testimonies
- Community worship with praise and worship music
- Testimonies of spiritual growth and resilience
Day 2
Parenting Skills and Spiritual Nourishment
Morning Session: Breakfast and Morning Devotion
- Informal breakfast and morning devotion
- Reflection and prayer for strength in parenting
Workshop 2: Spiritually-Informed Parenting Skills
- Practical guidance on parenting from a spiritual perspective
- Group discussions and sharing of spiritually-driven parenting experiences
Afternoon Session: Spiritual and Emotional Well-being Workshop
- Workshop on spiritual approaches to mental and emotional well-being
- One-on-one spiritual counseling sessions
Evening Session: Healing Service
- Healing and prayer service for emotional and spiritual well-being
- Encouragement and support for overcoming challenges
Day 3
Spiritual Growth and Future Planning
Morning Session: Spiritual and Physical Well-being
- Spiritual yoga or gentle exercises with a focus on overall well-being
- Teachings on maintaining physical health from a spiritual perspective
Workshop 3: Vision Casting and Future Planning
- Spiritual principles for setting and achieving goals
- Group vision casting and future planning exercises
Afternoon Session: Spiritual Resources Gathering
- Information booths with resources for spiritual growth, education, and community support
- Spiritual stations for specific needs and concerns
Closing Session: Blessing and Commissioning
- Group prayer and blessing for participants
- Commissioning for the journey ahead with newfound spiritual strength
Post-Retreat Follow-up
- Schedule spiritually-informed mental and emotional well-being.
- Encourage participants to explore spiritual communities for continued fellowship.
- Encourage Mothers to attend Family Counseling Sessions
- Ongoing Parenting Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
We are Rapha Counseling Services, Inc., a faith-based, non-profit, faith-based counseling service. We are dedicated to providing high-quality care for the members of New Life Church at affordable rates.
We understand how difficult life can be. We live in a fallen world and emotional brokenness is a symptom of this. We are here to offer you faith-based counseling that will strengthen your mind as well as your spirit. God promises never to abandon us, and through His Divine grace and care, you can heal.
Our faith-based counseling services address a wide range of issues. We can treat mental illnesses like depression and anxiety, as well as PTSD, substance abuse, marriage, and family issues.
If you are seeking a therapist, and a faith-based counseling service specifically, we are here to help you.
Contact us today and receive the faith-based counseling services you deserve today!
