Virginia Women and Family Support Center Launches an 8-Week Trauma Healing Course

Empowering women to heal from trauma and rebuild trust in themselves and others.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 2026

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — Virginia Women and Family Support Center, through its maternal health program, Carried To Full Term, is offering a free community mental health class led by Karen Portman called The Power of Healing: Uncovering & Overcoming Impacts of Hidden Trauma.

This eight-week course is designed to help participants continue their journey toward inner healing by exploring how past painful experiences affect both the mind and body. 

"Events that occur in our lives have a way of shaping who we become. But until we peel the bandage away to expose the hidden wounds—and deal with them—we miss the opportunity to heal and live in a healthy way. We may not forget, but we learn how to move forward," Karen Portman shares.

Class discussions will cover topics including:

• Shame as the Blame

• Buried in Complex Trauma

• Societal Norms We Normalize

• Screams in the Genes (Epigenetics)

Participants will also receive free essential family resources at each session, including diapers, wipes, formula, hygiene products, and other necessities.

Classes will be held on Thursdays from 6:00–7:00 p.m. on the following dates:

• July 9

• July 16

• July 23

• July 30

• August 6

• August 13

• August 20

• September 3

All classes will take place at:

Virginia Women and Family Support Center

14019 Glenkirk Road

Gainesville, VA 20155

This marks the fourth semester of maternal health classes offered by Virginia Women and Family Support Center. Attendees will receive one family voucher and one child voucher at each session, redeemable for free items such as diapers, formula, wipes, and other essential supplies.

"When trauma is left unaddressed, it can create patterns of stagnation that repeat throughout a person's life and, in many cases, across generations. But trauma does not have to define or determine someone's future. With compassionate care, practical tools, and intentional support, healing is possible.

At the Virginia Women and Family Support Center, we are committed to helping women heal from trauma so they can build healthier futures for themselves and their families. By addressing the root causes of pain, we can break cycles instead of repeating them.

Our trauma classes are open to the public because we believe that education is a powerful part of the healing process. When people have the knowledge, resources, and support to understand and address what they have experienced, healing can begin—and that healing has the power to transform families for generations to come,” shared Executive Director, Frances Robin.

To register or learn more, visit www.carriedtofullterm.org/events or call (571) 261-2838.

Virginia Women and Family Support Center invites community members to join in creating a future where healing leads to hope and every woman feels seen, supported, and empowered.

About the Virginia Women and Family Support Center

Virginia Women and Family Support Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing long-term housing and maternal health support for pregnant mothers and their children who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Through comprehensive programs and community partnerships, the organization empowers families with the resources, education, and support they need to build healthy, stable futures.

Media Contact:

Virginia Women and Family Support Center

Email: communicationsmanager@vawfsc.org

Phone: (571) 261-2838

Website: www.vawfsc.org