Outdoor WOMEN

OUTDOOR W.O.M.E.N. (Women’s Outdoor Mindful Empowerment for Newcomers) is a program for newcomers designed to support them in gaining an increased sense of community, experiencing a sense of belonging, connecting with the receiving community, and connecting with Colorado’s public lands.

Our Goals

To help newcomer women build social networks within and across communities, reduce social isolation, and create a sense of connection and belonging.

To offer newly arrived refugee women multiple opportunities to get outside in Colorado nature with other women.

Program Structure

Groups of up to 12 ORR (Office of Refugee Resettlement) eligible women will complete a series of 4 programs. Depending on the group preference, sessions can take place every other week, or monthly:

1 group co-design session (2 hours)
2 social bonding outdoor/nature based programs with a group of newcomer women (5 hours each)
1 social bridging outdoor/nature based program with the receiving community (5 hours)

All Outdoor W.O.M.E.N. programs include:

Transportation from one location (often where community partner agency is located)
Support with bus passes if needed
Water, snacks and culturally appropriate lunches for longer outings (limited funds for this)
Interpretation support
Gear needed including warm layers, shoes, and other clothing items as needed