Join us in partnership with the UMC Northern Piedmont District for “Becoming a Trauma-Informed Faith Community.”

We will define what a trauma-informed faith community is, how to become one, and look at the various ways in which faith communities can productively address trauma. This work is crucial as we find ourselves in layers of communal and individual stress in our world. 

Registration is required to receive call-in details. There are two more opportunities to join us virtually. Please click a date below to register:

• December 7
• January 12

Due to COVID-19, we want to highlight the best ways to support immune health. Join PHW and Holley Dagenhardt, MA, RDN, LDN on Friday, December 4, for a conversation on fundamental wellness behaviors - hydration, food choices, physical activity, sleep, and stress - and how these behaviors impact our immune health.

We encourage you to check out this new short documentary from Jim Owens titled "The Art of Aging Well." Jim is a La Jolla, CA transplant who wrote a book about movement for senior citizens that details how it changed his life after he turned 70:

“I called the documentary ‘The Art of Aging Well’ because it really is an art, not a science. If it was a science, there would be a formula that always worked. We have to find what works for each person. Everyone knows they should exercise and eat cleaner. So why don’t they? It’s as much mental as it is physical, especially for older people.”

Click here to read the full article on Jim Owens and his work, and click the button below to access his documentary, The Art of Aging Well.

Dementia Alliance of NC is offering online support groups for caregivers across the state. A caregiver support group can act as a positive outlet providing caregivers a regular time for social interaction outside of the home. The groups offer a safe place where any negative emotions about caregiving can be expressed and validated (like anger, frustration and grief), helping participants feel like they are NOT alone. Support groups also help caregivers maintain balance by doing something for themselves instead of always caring for their loved one.

Caregivers can gather ideas on how others cope with common challenges of caring for a loved one during each of the stages of dementia, and have the opportunity to help others who are new to caregiving by offering tips on what has and hasn’t worked well for them. In addition, many groups offer an educational component with expert advice on caregiving topics. To register for Dementia Alliance's next online support group, click the button below.

Our emotional well-being is important as we continue to grow, heal, and pursue wholeness. This is no different during the holidays and especially amid a pandemic! Even in this unusual time, holidays will bring its expected busy-ness along with its joy and comforts. There may also be high expectations, stress, grief, and painful relationships that may cause dark moments surrounded by the holiday brightness. This time of year can feel lonely and isolating. Together we can learn healthy and productive ways to keep our mental health resilient and strong this holiday season. Know that you are not alone in these life-long efforts! We are sustained by a God who knows us by name, and knows all that we hold. Below are resources that offer a new way of enjoying the holidays: 

• Setting Boundaries Around the Holidays
• Eight Mindfulness Tips During the Holidays
• How to Deal With Grief During the Holidays
• Pandemic Holidays: Planning for Difficult Conversations and Emotions