BRIDGING COMMUNITY

“Bridging Community” curates intergenerational and intercultural song circles for women and mothers in NE Indiana in respect of all journeys and walks of life.

We offer monthly Sister Song Circles open to women and mamas of Fort Wayne.

Voice is the original musical instrument and there is no human culture, no matter how remote or isolated, that does not sing.

Singing is for us all.

Singing in circle improves mood, reduces stress, and connects us deeply to ourselves, our children and other women.

With empathy and open hearts free of judgement, we kindle our inner Light, explore mindfulness practices

and weave our voices in a safe, and supportive intergenerational sisterhood.

There are no auditions, no solos, no performing
You don't need to know how to read music.
Songs are taught through group repetition and listening.
Everyone who identifies as a woman is welcome, including mothers with their children.
All children including nursing infants are welcome in the circle.
We provide the option of a children's chaperone in the adjoining activity room.

*We respect all paths of faith and journeys of Being and value ancient traditions of women's circles worldwide.

Sister Song Circle

Co-Facilitators

Asha Hernandez Bailey is a strong mama of 4 beautiful babes, tender sister, brave explorer of ancestral roots and human relation to Mother Earth. She is the owner of Cocina Cura and co-visionary of Steamy Womb, weaving nutritional healing, fertility and menstrual awareness and postpartum traditions in line of her own indigenous ancestry. She brings intention around collective ceremony rooted in honoring ancestral roots. We're grateful to have her sincere and loving presence in our sister circles.

Zdenka Ljubic was born in Bosnia and has lived in Fort Wayne most of her life. She dedicates herself to compassionate exploration of life inwardly and outwardly. Music is a big part of her journey and she brings special connection to middle eastern music and mantras. We're honored when she and her daughter Luna hold space in dyad for our monthly sacred sister circles.

Amber Oda, originally from Auburn, Indiana, moved back to Indiana recently after nearly a decade in Uganda and Sudan. She has devoted part of her life work to trauma healing and restorative justice, aiding refugees and survivors of human trafficking, and living in intentional community. Currently, Amber works at the Center for Nonviolence with youth. She says that her favorite, hardest and most transformative ‘job’, by far, is being a mother to Nadeem, Amaya, and Rumi and life partner to Mohamed. We are grateful to have Amber’s tender presence in our community holding sacred space in Sister Circle.

WHAT WOMEN SAY

"There is something incredibly powerful about sharing space and songs with women of different ages, learning from their wisdom, and embracing the unique perspectives each brings. "

- Marialyn Bazile

“Participating in the Sister Song Circle is like being part of a group hug. It’s warm, it’s welcoming, and it makes you feel connected and at peace.”

- Candace Schuler

"As a mother of young children, I long for sisterhood and wise women connections and am grateful to find a space that welcomes women and their children and offers nourishment and friendship. I am deeply grateful for these sister song circles for women from all stages of life to connect in relational and artistic ways.”

- Amber Oda

"Music not only stirs the soul, but can create such a powerful positive energy that can heal. Imagine what singing with others, like our Sister Song Circle, can do for our community, and even the world. "

-Shelly Stump

"The collaborative meal prior to Sister Song Circle builds a sense of relaxed belonging and serves as an extra layer of warmth and sisterhood before singing with women you may be meeting for the first time."

- Jennifer Moore

"I left Sister Song Circle feeling refreshed, inspired, and deeply grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a beautiful community. I would invite any woman seeking connection, empowerment, and a renewed sense of sisterhood, to join us."

- Marialyn Bazile

"In these times when we can know the violence and heartbreak that happens around the world we must nourish ourselves and one another all the more intentionally and generously. As women gather to sing together, singing each other's favorite songs, singing gentle lullabies, singing in many languages, singing of strength and hope, singing that creates and celebrates beauty - we generate more love among us, within each of us--to sustain each woman, each family--to share widely."

- Anna Lisa Gross

Receive more information about Sister Song Circle programming.