Dear Facilitators,
Although it’s still snowing the last few days, I know winter will be ending soon – and time seems to have flown by for me this year! Since I began my role as Director of Group Engagement at WPA last June, I have had the honor of meeting many of the facilitators for both PD support groups and exercise groups. During my visits, I have heard so many inspiring stories of support, strength and determination in managing life with PD. Your genuine compassion for the members of your groups comes through in how you lead group members, and in the respect and concern you show as you facilitate meetings or exercises with their best interests at heart. I am so impressed by the sense of community and camaraderie that has developed among your members!
Changing Lives & Giving Hope
While chatting with group members, I have seen how these meetings and classes have changed lives and given hope where there was none. You have motivated many to take up exercise, encouraged some to become more socially active and inspired others to become more proactive in caring for their health. Many have seen improvement in their symptoms as a direct result of the information and classes you have brought to them! I hope you know that you are truly appreciated for facilitating these groups, and that you realize what a powerful impact you have on the lives of others struggling with PD!
One key factor I have noted in the success of your groups has been your determination to stay connected by reaching out to your group members with reminder emails and calls about upcoming meetings and events, as well as working with various clinics and hospital systems in your areas to promote awareness of your meetings and classes. In addition to creating awareness, making those connections with local medical professionals and community organizations is so important in helping to create speaker options and attain resource materials for your members.
Stories & Photos
Please share pictures of your groups with us! Send them to me at [email protected] or to Carolyn at [email protected]. These pictures can be taken during regular meetings, special moments, important activities, or exercise sessions so that we can continue to highlight you in our magazine, on our website and Facebook page, and in other communications. Sharing these photos is a great way for others to learn more about the amazing things going on in other communities, with groups just like their own – and maybe you will even inspire another group to try something new, or learn from a challenge you and your groups have faced and come out of stronger!
My visits
I visited over 70 support groups and exercise groups in 2018, and if I have not yet had the chance to visit with you and your group members – you’re on my list for this year! Or feel free to contact me to set up a visit. I am excited to learn more about you and your group, and share a little about WPA. I am looking forward to finding even more ways for WPA to support facilitators and the PD community as a whole. We are excited to be expanding resources, programs, and opportunities for all those in our communities who are managing Parkinson disease.
As we move forward into 2019, I would like to thank all of you who have welcomed me so kindly as I came to your groups to present or just do a quick introductory discussion. My role at WPA was created specifically to support you, as facilitators, and your group members, so please contact me when you need resources or assistance. WPA is thankful for each of you, and the unique role you play in supporting the PD community!
Hope to see you soon – thank you for all you do!
-Laurie Couillard
Director of Group Engagement
[email protected] | 414-386-2305