Housing Works reposted this
I am excited to share the partnership with in·corpus that I have been a part of cultivating over the past few months. I have the pleasure of working with Maria on the People Operations team at Housing Works, and our job is to support our staff members with meaningful and engaging programming that supports their wellbeing. Our staff members interact with community members who are facing some of the hardest days of their lives, navigating housing instability, serious mental health challenges, life-altering diagnoses, and so much more. Like so many frontline responders, they give and give, often putting their clients' needs above their own. Because of this, we understand how important it is to offer unique and tailored programming that provides space and tools to help them refill and restore. We found just that in our partnership with in·corpus! We worked with in·corpus to offer their signature workshop in two customized series, which we held in November (2023) and January. The workshop supported our staff members in accessing embodiment and community connection through somatic practice paired with New York heritage dance. Within the structure, staff spent the first half of the workshop turning inward, learning somatic tools to support their personal wellbeing, and the second half turning outward, connecting and supporting each other through dance. We know that making time for meaningful self-care can be hard, so it was a priority that this programming took place during work hours. Participating staff members responded with deep appreciation, reporting that the workshop allowed them to unplug, recharge, replenish and connect with one another. Below are a few excerpts of employee feedback: “I had an amazing time! Your class reminded me to nourish my inner child that I have been neglecting. We get so bogged down with adulthood and get so far out of touch with what can naturally aide us in de-stressing from everyday life...I want to thank you for the soulful & soothing environment that you provided.” –Anonymous, Residential Aide “…the somatic healing components of the experience were extremely liberating and therapeutic. We were encouraged to move and respond to our bodies in whatever way felt healing…Both the somatic healing as well as the dancing was a great way to recenter, heal, and socialize + meet others in the company.” –Anonymous, Prevention Navigator “…I loved that we began the class getting in tune with our bodies and the ways emotion is manifested physically… by the time it came to dance I felt loosened up, and not worried about my skills. It was fun to learn the dance, mess up, and laugh...” -Kaitlin Abrams, New York State Organizer While these workshop series have ended, this is just the beginning of our partnership with in·corpus, as we continue our mission to support our Housing Works staff. If you are looking for an organization to partner with to support your employee wellness, I highly recommend working with in·corpus!
