LU’s Inaugural Women’s Wellness Weekend Retreat Prioritizes Mental Health and Well-Being  

Participants of Lincoln University of Missouri's first Women's Wellness Weekend Retreat.

Lincoln University Cooperative Extension’s (LUCE) Charleston Outreach Center hosted its inaugural Women’s Wellness Weekend Retreat from September 20-22 in St. Louis, Missouri. The event titled, "Can You Dig It?" welcomed over 60 women from St. Louis, the Bootheel and Southeast Missouri to focus on health, wellness and personal growth. Organized by Sherry Maxwell, program assistant III of the LUCE Charleston Outreach Center, the retreat aimed to equip participants with practical skills to enhance both their physical and mental well-being through gardening activities.

Associate Extension Administrator for LU Cooperative Extension Allison Young, Ph.D., opened the retreat with remarks on the importance of mental health education and its impact on American community. "Through programming of this type, the stigma of mental health and mental illness can be alleviated,” she said. “Teaching how gardening and similar activities can positively affect the body and the spirit is one way to influence a holistic approach to wellness.”

Sandra Jackson, Ph.D., speaking on managing stress and building coping strategies.

The event featured interactive gardening sessions, which emphasized the mental and physical benefits of connecting with nature. Chiropractor Xavier Tipler, D.C., and former participant of LU’s Positive Youth Development program, led a session on safe gardening techniques — including weeding, planting, hauling and bending — along with stretching and wellness practices. He provided tips on nutrition, self-care and lifestyle modifications to promote long-term health.

State Representative Delbert Taylor from the 84th District shared insights on bucket gardening, a simple, inexpensive and space-efficient form of container gardening. He provided practical advice on starting and maintaining home vegetable gardens, emphasizing the benefits of green spaces in stress reduction and overall wellness. In addition, Tiara Adams led a cooking demonstration, teaching participants how to incorporate garden-fresh vegetables into nutritious meals. She prepared vegan and gluten-free pizzas, which participants sampled while sharing recipes for participants to easily recreate at home.

Emphasizing resilience and mental well-being, Sandra Jackson, Ed.D., LCSW, administrator at Mt. Calvary Powerhouse Church in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, led a session focused on managing stress and building coping strategies. She addressed common stressors such as familial pressures, caregiver burdens, financial hardship and trauma. Participants were encouraged to select one personal goal and create an action plan to strengthen their resilience. Additionally, Jackson introduced mindfulness practices, highlighting their numerous benefits in managing stress and promoting overall mental health.

During Saturday evening’s banquet, Miki Collier, D.Div., senior pastor of Metamorphosis Outreach Empowerment Center in St. Robert, Missouri, emphasized the importance of personal responsibility in achieving health and well-being. Weaving elements from nature, she delivered a message titled "The Power of the Seed." Using the metaphor of a seed’s transformation through water, sunlight and soil to illustrate the potential for growth and change, she stressed that we all have the responsibility to nurture our potential for transformation.

The LUCE Charleston Outreach Center plans to host similar events in the future. The retreats will occur bi-annually in the spring and fall. Registered participants will meet virtually once a month with Sandra Jackson, Ed.D., LCSW, for ongoing clinical support and continuity of care. Also, starting in 2025, "Can You Dig It?" Male Mental Health and Wellness Retreats will be offered. For more information on future programs or to get involved with the LUCE Charleston Outreach Center, contact Sheryl Maxwell at maxwells@lincolnu.edu.