Story Circles
We’re going to try something new at Life o’ Mike. Since the word “rally” tends to bring out angry people who just want to yell at each other, we’re going to sponsor Story Circles, a chance for people to come tell their stories, hear other people’s stories and have a civil discussion.
The seed for this was planted in the months before Mike died, during a conversation with my firend, Bill Jamieson.
Bill has worked most of his adult life in politics, advocating for children. He told me that we can’t necessarily change things politically, because the next administration comes in and puts things back the way they were.
That thought depressed me, and I asked how we can make change if we can’t do it through public policy.
“We do it the way Jesus did,” he said. “We tell stories.”
So, we will tell our stories and talk about what we can do toimprove the lives of people who are ill or disabled in our own community.
I will still work for policy change that will offer all Americans access to quality health care, but I can make change in my community too, if others are willing to work with me.
We don’t have to agree on national policy; we only have to agree that we can help people here at home.
Patient Pals & Family Friends
Life o' Mike has a peer support program for people with one or more serious or chronic medical issues or disabilities.
We aim to reduce isolation and fear among people who have conditions, including psychiatric illness, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, mild dementia or other cognitive disorder or disability, thereby reducing depression and complications as people learn to improve self-management of their medical conditions.
Patient Pals help alleviate feelings of isolation and frustration. They can help people develop a list of questions to ask the doctor and then accompany the person to the doctor to make sure all the questions are answered, taking notes to be sure the person understands the doctor’s answers.
Our trained volunteers also accompany their “Pals” to art exhibits, movies and walks outdoors, meet for coffee, call to check in and more.
Our Pals have experienced weight loss, improvement in diabetes, HIV, psoriasis, depression and more, just because they have someone who cares about them. Some relationships develop into longer-term friendships; other Pals move on to more independent lives.
Family Friends are there to help caregivers and other family members grow into their new role.
We need volunteers, who are asked to donate a minimum of one hour a week. Training is free and includes information on active listening, ways to help and when to know more help is needed.
And of course, we need funding.
To learn more, call Leslie Boyd at 828-243-6712 or e-mail lifeomike@gmail.com.
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