Care & Connection: Join Our FREE 8-Week Program Supporting Wellness, Belonging, and Community
Looking for ways to feel more connected and reduce stress?
Care & Connection is a free 8-week creative wellness program that brings people together to build community, learn mindfulness skills, and take part in simple, beginner-friendly creative activities in a safe and welcoming space.
Offered through a collaboration between Georgia State University, the Clarkston Community Center, and the Refugee Women’s Network, the program is designed to help participants feel more connected, less lonely, and more supported.
A Program Built Around Wellness and Connection
Care & Connection is for adults who sometimes feel alone, left out, disconnected, or separated from others. Some people may feel like they do not have enough people to talk to, or they miss having close relationships and a stronger sense of community. This program creates space for participants to slow down, connect with others, and build supportive routines for everyday life.
Each cohort includes 8 to 10 participants and meets once a week for 8 weeks at the Clarkston Community Center.
What Each Session Includes
Each weekly session lasts 90 minutes and includes:
40 minutes of guided mindfulness discussion
Participants learn practical skills that can help them feel calmer, more grounded, and more present in daily life.
40 minutes of group activity
Activities are designed to support relaxation, focus, and connection. Each cohort will focus on a single activity such as crocheting, tai chi, or gardening.
10 minutes of reflection and planning
At the end of each session, participants reflect on what they learned and plan how they will carry that week’s practice into daily life.
No experience is needed. Participants are encouraged to come as they are.
Weekly Practice Beyond the Session
Care & Connection also includes simple at-home practice between meetings. Participants may be asked to:
- Listen to mindfulness recordings in their native language
- practice the weekly mindfulness topic at home
- continue a simple creative or self-care activity between sessions
These small assignments help participants build consistency and carry the benefits of the program into everyday life.
Who Can Join
The program will initially be open to U.S.-born, English-speaking African Americans and Arabic speakers. Future expansions may be available for those that speak Burmese, Dari, Somali, and Swahili.
Each cohort is led by a group leader who speaks the language of that group, helping create a more welcoming and accessible experience.
Eligibility
To participate, individuals must:
- be 18 years of age or older
- live in Clarkston or nearby communities, including Decatur, Stone Mountain, Scottdale, Tucker, Avondale Estates, and Atlanta
- speak Arabic or be a U.S.-born, English-speaking African American
- have access to a smartphone
- be physically able to participate in the weekly activity
If someone is interested but unable to participate in a particular activity, they may be placed on a waiting list for a future cohort that is a better fit.
Support Provided
To make participation easier, the program offers:
- free transportation to and from the Clarkston Community Center for those who request it
- free on-site childcare
- free refreshments during each weekly session
Compensation and Program Follow-Up
Participants may receive up to $205 as a thank-you for their time and participation. This total is distributed across four payments during the full program process.
Participation in this program includes taking part in a research study led by Georgia State University. As part of the study, participants will complete three phone interviews. The purpose of this research is to better understand how to improve the program for community members. All participation is voluntary and all personal information will be kept private.
First Cohort Information
The first cohort for U.S.-born, English-speaking African Americans will begin:
Thursday, May 7, at 12:00 PM
Clarkston Community Center
Additional cohorts for other language groups will be shared as they are scheduled.
How to Join
Call or text 404-540-9480 to learn more and register for the program. You can also complete the inquiry form linked below to request a call and discuss the registration process.
Click Here to request a call
Once we have you name and number, a program partner will follow up to confirm eligibility and explain next steps.
Care & Connection is more than a weekly meeting. It is a chance to learn practical wellness skills, enjoy creative activities, and build stronger connections with others in community.
