By Christine Shelby | OBSERVER Staff Writer
Despite the challenges posed by stress and systemic inequalities, Dr. Shacunda Rodgers is building a meaningful sanctuary for Black wellness and joy. Through her venture, Holding Space, Dr. Rodgers is addressing the critical need for culturally affirming wellness practices within Sacramento’s Black community.
“I feel like I am living inside of an answered prayer,” Dr. Rodgers shares, reflecting on the journey that led her to establish Holding Space.
Dr. Rodgers recognized a gap in accessible and culturally sensitive wellness services. “I realized, you know, these practices are really helpful and beneficial, but I feel like sometimes in our community, folks think that these practices are not accessible for us, or they’re not designed for us.”
This realization sparked a vision: a space where Black individuals could access various pathways to healing, guided by practitioners who understood their lived experiences.
Holding Space is situated in the Neighborhood Works building in Oak Park. The welcoming office embodies the collaborative efforts of the landlord to realize Dr. Rodgers’ vision. Each area is carefully designed to create a warm environment for clients. The space includes practitioner offices and an open waiting room intended for thoughtful reflection.
The journey to creating Holding Space was deeply personal for Rodgers, a psychologist who had experienced firsthand the transformative power of mindfulness and meditation. While her private practice was thriving, she noticed a persistent demand for additional services, often leading her to make referrals. Simultaneously, she was enrolled in a meditation teacher certification program, where she found an invaluable mentor in a Black woman from the Bay Area.
With her mentor’s encouragement, the vision of Holding Space began to solidify, and Dr. Rodgers took decisive action. The vision for Holding Space was born in 2018, and in 2020, it was granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
Holding Space officially launched in 2023, hosting impactful retreats throughout Sacramento. These retreats focused on essential themes such as rest, black joy, and suicide awareness, and featured enriching offerings such as sound healing, yoga, and African dance. Additionally, Holding Space has organized a comprehensive six-week mindfulness course. Individual therapy remains a core component of its practice, and the establishment of a physical location enables meaningful in-person sessions. While virtual sessions remain an option, Holding Space prioritizes and recognizes the profound importance of face-to-face interactions with clients.
The impressive work accomplished in just two years underscores how Holding Space represents Dr. Rodgers’ vision and determination. It serves as a sanctuary where Black individuals can seek solace, access support, and engage in culturally relevant wellness practices. “I feel like I don’t often have the words to describe how grateful I am for being able to do this work and offer a space like this to the community.”
However, this journey is not without its challenges, as securing consistent external funding is essential for ensuring that underserved communities can benefit from these vital services. Support for Holding Space relies on county and state programs that face federal funding difficulties because of changes in the administration. Currently, the Sacramento County Division of Behavioral Health Services provides funding for the Community Responsive Wellness Program, which offers free therapy to Black individuals, with Holding Space as one of its key providers. While the future of this funding remains uncertain, Dr. Rodgers remains undeterred and is actively exploring alternative avenues for financial support, including participation in the Sacramento Region Foundation’s Big Day of Giving, a one-day fundraising event for nonprofits in Sacramento.
Holding Space stands as a testament to the power of vision Dr. Rodgers had back in 2018. Despite facing challenges in securing funding, Holding Space continues to provide vital, culturally affirming wellness services to the Black community in Sacramento. Through retreats, mindfulness courses, and individual therapy, Dr. Rodgers and her team have created a sanctuary for healing and joy. As they navigate the complexities of funding and explore new avenues of support, including events like the Big Day of Giving, the impact of Holding Space remains undeniable. It is a beacon of hope and a powerful example of what can be achieved when passion meets purpose, ensuring that Black wellness remains a priority and an accessible reality in the community.
Learn more about Holding Space at weareholdingspace.org.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship Lab. The Lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBCUniversal.