Creating spaces to build community, embrace vulnerability, and practice compassion.
We have a series of weekly and bi-weekly gathering that are intended to help people develop authentic relationships. Through honest and vulnerable discussions we can learn about ourselves, those around us, and our relationship to the divine (or lack thereof).
07/27/2020
Black in America Therapy Fund update:
We just added two new offices--one local and one virtual--to our website.
Thank you for partnering with us McGruder Counseling Services, LLC and Quad City Behavioral Health Associates
To be clear, you can see any provider you choose. By choosing one of the providers/offices on our site, it means they have already established a relationship with us and have billing arrangements set up.
You can apply or donate here: connectionqc.org/therapyfund
07/12/2020
We went for a social distance-y hike! It was great seeing everyone! We even took a social distance group photo 😂
07/05/2020
A July 4th reflection from Aubrey Barnes
Thanks for letting us share this on our platform.
"This birthday party, that I have accrued so many memories around, has built such a tradition with my family and friends. However, when I let my mind wander and think of how I’d celebrate this with my kids one day, I’ve come to realize:
We are appy to announce that the Black in America Therapy Fund now has a virtual option!
Thriving Families Counseling Services in Des Moines is now offering virtual sessions.
We have also adjusted our application process to make it easier. You can apply here:
The BIA Therapy Fund is designed to ease the financial burden of therapy sessions for the Black community members of the Quad-Cities who have experienced racial trauma.
06/10/2020
Please share this post and help spread the word on and off social media!
With everything that has been going on lately, we've been trying to find a way to make a difference locally and bring hope to a world that feels increasingly hopeless.
We have decided to launch what we are calling the Black in America Therapy Fund.
More often than not, being Black in America results in needing therapy. The BIA Therapy Fund is designed to ease the financial burden of therapy sessions for the Black community members of the Quad-Cities who have experienced racial trauma.
The program is simple: members of our community who would like to see a therapist in regard to their racial trauma can reach out to us, we will connect them with a therapist of their choice, and we will pay for up to five sessions with their therapist.
As you may already know, therapy can be quite expensive! One session can range from $50-$200.
Connection is donating $1,000 to kick start the fund, but we are looking for more donations so that we can cover as many sessions as possible.
If you are interested in donating, you can visit:
The BIA Therapy Fund is designed to ease the financial burden of therapy sessions for the Black community members of the Quad-Cities who have experienced racial trauma.
02/25/2020
Hey all, we have some exciting news!
Well, in the very least, it is news we are excited about. It might not be objectively exciting. I digress...on to the actual news.
We figured, we aren't a traditional church so why do we feel confined to having a service-like gathering each Sunday? (To be clear, we are actually a non-profit, but we are filling the church role for some.)
So this spring we are going to be trying out some new ideas. So far we have group hike, a trip to the zoo, and an art therapy class. In addition, we are still doing our Service Sundays.
All that activity calls for a calendar!! So if you're ever in doubt what is happening each Sunday, you can visit connectionqc.org/schedule or find this new fancy button on our website.
12/25/2019
10/13/2019
There will be no gathering tomorrow morning -- 10/13 -- Sorry for the late notice!
09/13/2019
"The courage to be is the courage to accept oneself, in spire of being unacceptable." - Paul Tillich
09/11/2019
"When hope is not pinned wriggling onto a shiny image or expectation, it sometimes floats forth and opens." - Anne Lamott
09/09/2019
"Anything we are able to offer that lifts shame has the potential to open the doorway to connection and healing." - Dr. Bonnie Badenoch
09/06/2019
"Every man is divine and strong in his real nature." - Ramana Maharshi
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We think it is important to regularly take time, in community, to examine our relationships, our purpose on this planet, our motives, and our understanding of God. (If there is one.) We believe that vulnerability, authenticity, and compassion have life-changing powers.
We also work very hard to make our gathering as inclusive as possible. Our goal is for everyone--Christians, agnostics, atheists, whomever--to feel the healing and safety that comes with belonging unconditionally to a community.
​Literal or figurative, the stories of Jesus have comforted and guided people for centuries. We gather around many of Jesus' core principles: unconditional love, compassion, justice, and hope.
​That being said, there are thousands of denominations and biblical scholars that disagree about who Jesus was and what his life meant. During our gatherings, we will never position ourselves as having the one true understanding of who Jesus was. We are less concerned about whether or not Jesus literally died and resurrected, and more concerned about how his story might help us understand how we interact with the world around us.
There is no pressure to believe in Jesus--or any god--to belong in our community.
