Local initiatives we care about: The Healing Network
By Florencia Fuensalida
The Healing Network is a unique local initiative that supports individuals who have been intentionally pushed away from healthy opportunities and labeled as “not productive for society.” As we continue the fight to change policies that oppress these communities, the Healing Network addresses the missing links that will help them heal internally, so they can show up in the world centered in the power of love.
One of the many initiatives that the Healing Network is implementing is holding space for residents in Gilpin Court, Hillside Court, Whitcomb Court, and Mosby Court, where they can engage in a few hours of yoga, mindfulness practices, nutritional wellness, healing touch, and, most importantly, a chance to build sincere community, where residents know they are seen, valued, and loved.
The Healing Network is a collection of organizations and individuals in the city of Richmond, brought together by Ms. Keisha Cummings, owner of 2Love LLC, with the purpose of bringing love and healing directly to the communities who are impacted due to poverty. Due to the ongoing systemic oppression they experience on a daily basis, Ms. Keisha, along with Coach T. and other partners, empower these historically marginalized communities, and they are doing it through the power of movement and love.
As Ms. Keisha puts it, we live in a world where we have systematized love, where we believe we need special permission, time availability, resources and checklists to show love and help each other. The Healing Network is trying to change that.
I was blessed to be invited to a yoga/movement/meditation session, led by Ms. Terrica B. Woolridge (Coach T. - Esoteric Wellness) and Ms. Keisha on Raven Street in Mosby Court. I went with a friend and my four year old daughter. We were met with a beautiful group of young folks who held the same love, kindness, curiosity and capacity to dream that my children have. The session involved exercise and meditation, yes, but mainly, as Ms. Keisha would put it, it was a space for true love to shine through.
Artist, wellness warrior, poet, activist, and Healing Network partner Brandon Lovee (B Lovee LLC), who has been giving back to his community all throughout his adult life, states that the Healing Network's vision is to build relationships that will empower marginalized communities of color, so they have a chance to breathe, to connect with themselves physically, emotionally and spiritually, so they can find some of the internal healing they need after the chronic trauma exposure they are subjected to on a daily basis (poverty, violence, food desserts, abuse, lack of education and job access, illness due to lack of appropriate health access, death, to name a few).
Ms. Keisha is a community healer, teacher, and social activist who devotes her time, energy, and resources to serving her "babies", specifically young black males, ages 16-26, who reside in marginalized, under-resourced communities. Her vision is to change the world through healing and love. Coach T. supports this vision whole heartedly by showing up as a collaborator, volunteering her time and healing modalities with these communities.
The Healing Network is making a true impact through their initiative and invites you to assist in the work to love everyone. You are invited to participate with your presence, gifts, talents, and/or resources to the communities who need you most.
Please contact The Healing Network to learn more about ways you can contribute to this initiative, and to make a donation if you are moved to. Your resources will make a true difference.
Contact: thehealingnetworkrva@gmail.com
For donations:
Cash App: @thehealingnetworkrva
Venmo and Paypal: thehealingnetworkrva@gmail.com
Zelle: 804-718-1182
You can also listen to Ms.Keisha discuss her vision of healing and love in her radio show here:
African American Empowerment Online Radio by African American Empowerment Associ | BlogTalkRadio
(She begins to speak at about 17 minutes.)
Check out the work they have been doing in our city on
instagram @ _liveoutlove
Florencia Fuensalida
Florencia Fuensalida is originally from Chile, South America. She moved to the United States when she was 17 years old, where she finished High School and later attended the University of Maryland, College Park, to acquire a Bachelor’s Degree in Family Science. She is fluent in both English and Spanish.
After graduating from college, Florencia returned to Chile and worked for marginalized families and women for three years implementing life skills programs. She returned to the US in 2010, and has been working with the Latinx Community, providing social services and performing outreach ever since.
She also acquired a degree in Personal Coaching, which she has used as a way to equip others to move in the direction they desire in their lives.
At VACV, Flo served as the Community Engagement Specialist for the Partnership for Housing Affordability for 2.5 years before transitioning into the role of Director, Equity Improvement where she manages all coaching and training using the Community Voice Blueprint model of engagement.
Contact Flo at florencia@vacommunityvoice.org.