Programs
Health & Wellness Food Security Social Activities
"TCM serves as a supportive companion to the residents of the Triangle on their journey to physical, mental, and spiritual health."
FLU BAGS
A Full Circle of Partnership
The season of Thanksgiving and gratitude surrounds us and gives us hope amidst all the conflict and hard times many in our country face. The flu season is soon coming too, and, as in the past, there is a need for “Flu Bags” full of remedies to ease the flu symptoms. The Triangle Community Ministry (TCM) has previously provided these bags through their parish nurse/Faith Community Nurse. This year with a vacancy in that position, retired parish nurses are stepping in to meet the Triangle residents` need. St. Mary’s Hospital and TCM are working in partnership to actively recruit for this open parish nurse position.
Our Savior’s Lutheran provided a generous Thrivent Grant for hydration and nutrition drinks to add to the bags' collection of healthful contents. The bags themselves were also donated and they were decorated with a cheery look and upbeat message by our volunteers.
Who better than retired Parish Nurse Betsy Knight and St. Mary’s President Emeritus Jerry Leffert to help organize the decorating of these bags by fellow residents at All Saints Assisted Living, a part of Catholic Charities. Thanks to their giving spirit and organizational skills, Jerry and Betsy are supporting and helping this partnership fulfill a vital need for many.
Jerry Leffert was President of St. Mary’s when the Parish Nursing program began in 1997. For even longer forty-four years the Triangle ministry has been in action. The TCM joined the parish nursing program in 1997 and continues to serve residents on their journey to physical, mental and spiritual health.
This is yet another example of good-hearted individuals being thankful they can help out people in need. Those who have been helping others for a lifetime just keep on giving.
FOOD PANTRY
90% of our residents are at or below the poverty line. Income spent on food may mean going without necessities. Our amazing partnerships with the Second Harvest Food Bank and DHP by Medica helps us ensure there is fresh food available for every resident. We are invested in an innovative approach that empowers our community and delivers the support they need, when they need it.
ST. MARY'S NURSE
People with an average income or higher, may not understand the difficulty of maintaining health under the stress of a very low income. TCM's partnerships with SSM Health and United Way provides an onsite nurse to assist residents with multiple health and wellness concerns. The attention of the nurse reduces stress and provides needed services for residents, many of whom are living with more than one physical or mental issue.
GRIEF COUNSELING
There are many ways this community is vulnerable to the long-term effects of trauma. Whether it be childhood abuse or neglect, inappropriate interactions with people who do not understand the behavioral expressions of physical and mental disability, or specific event-driven PTSD such as military service or other unfortunate. Loss of a loved one is one more example. And grief can be even more acute when combined with pre-existing anxiety from other sources including poverty and disability. We offer grief counseling groups to those in need.
MONDAY MEALS
Three Mondays a month, we bring in volunteers from organizations and churches in Dane County to help us provide a hot meal and a reason for residents to sit together and interact with members of the wider community and TCM staff and board members.
WRITING GROUP
Twice a month, led by a resident board member, we offer yet another opportunity for residents to leave their apartments, engage socially, and participate in purposeful activity through a creative writing group.
SUMMER BBQ
In June, residents joined board members, staff, and volunteers for an outdoor barbecue in Brittingham Park. The large New Horizons brass band entertained with classic jazz tunes while everyone enjoyed brats, burgers, side dishes, desserts, and beverages.
HOLIDAY PARTY
This past year's annual resident holiday party was well attended and lively. Music, good food, carols, and gifts highlighted a spirited our celebration of the season.
