Earlier this month, Providence House welcomed community members, supporters, staff, and residents to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for Together We Thrive, an evening centered on conversation, reflection, and the shared realities of navigating womanhood as women and gender-expansive people. The gathering was intentionally designed as a space to listen, connect across lived experiences, and explore what meaningful support for one another can look like in everyday life.

The evening was guided by Rita Taddonio, whose work over more than a decade has focused on helping women reconnect with themselves and rebuild community through emotional honesty and intentional care. From the start, attendees were invited to show up fully and without judgment. “You may have come to the table feeling like your glass is empty,” Rita shared during her opening remarks. “We take care of so many people in so many ways… and that’s okay.”

Rita Taddonio, Interim Executive Director of Providence House

Throughout the evening, guests gathered around communal tables for guided conversations that encouraged personal anecdotes and vulnerability in those moments of reflection. The atmosphere felt warm and deeply personal, with participants sharing experiences about friendship, caregiving, burnout, resilience, and the ways people have shown up for them during difficult periods of their lives.

One of the most moving conversations of the night came as Providence House board member Afi Turner-Meyers and former member Blanche Wright reflected on the impact of emotional support during times of incarceration and hardship. Their stories highlighted how transformative care can emerge not only through major interventions, but through small, consistent acts of presence and compassion. In response, Rita challenged attendees to think about how women can support one another more intentionally in everyday life: checking in with a friend, helping carry responsibilities during difficult times, or simply making someone feel seen and heard.

An important part of Together We Thrive was ensuring that the room reflected a wide range of perspectives and lived experiences. Through sponsored tickets, Providence House residents and staff members were able to attend alongside supporters and community members, creating conversations that were all the more grounded and collaborative.

By the end of the evening, what stood out most was not a single speech or moment, but the feeling created collectively throughout the space. Christina Varriale unified the room with her voice, singing “Crowded Table” by The Highwomen, a song that explores the creative ways we can show up for someone else, and join together to create warmth and happiness. Together We Thrive offers a reminder that community is not only built in moments of crisis, but also through intentional gatherings where people are invited to listen, reflect, and care for one another in real time. We thank our community for making this evening so special.