Challenge into Change is a forum for real-life stories about women overcoming personal struggles. In the fall of 2016, The WomenÕs Initiative invited Central Virginians to submit a poem or essay of 500 words or less about a woman (themselves or someone they knew) who had surmounted a difficult situation in her life. Eighty-six writers responded to our call. This is their book.
Challenge into Change began in 2008 as a celebration of The WomenÕs InitiativeÕs first year of providing vital mental health services to women regardless of ability to pay. Since then, it has become a venue for veteran and emerging writers alike to show-case their talents and engage in creative exploration. As The WomenÕs Initiative marks its tenth year in Charlottesville, we present this volumeÑa chorus of voices from the communityÑas a testament to what lies at the heart of our agencyÕs vision: womenÕs capacity for healing.