At Hope Family Care Center, health is becoming an interactive journey. Recently, on a Friday afternoon, a group of dedicated women gathered for a nutrition class led by professional nutrition coach Valarie J. Mitchell. This session was part of Heart to Heart International’s (HHI) Diabetes Reduction Program, in which participants are taking steps toward better health.
A Community-Centered Partnership
This event marked HHI’s first sponsorship of a nutrition class designed specifically for our partner clinics participating in the Diabetes Reduction Program. However, this program is not just a short-term workshop; we collaborate with clinics to enroll high-risk patients and monitor their progress over a 12-month period, conducting quarterly A1c checks to track actual health outcomes.
To help remove the barriers that often make healthy living feel out of reach, the program provides:
- Medication and exercise vouchers
- Clinical visit support
- Gift cards for healthy food
The success of this initial gathering was made possible by the dedication of Contina Benton, the Supportive Services and Community Healthcare Worker at Hope Family Care Center. Contina recognizes the high stakes of this work.
“Kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension are affecting the community I serve.” Contina shared. “Taking care of yourself is an act of strength, not struggle.”
Explore: Community Health Program
Cooking for a Better Future
Led by Valarie J. Mitchell of Abundant Life Nutrition & Wellness Coaching, the Friday afternoon session was far from a dry lecture. Valarie shared her own experiences with nutrition solutions, creating an environment of shared growth and understanding.
The highlights of the day included:
- Live Demonstration: Participants learned how to prepare a nutritious chicken, pineapple, and cabbage crockpot meal.
- Hands-on Tasting: The group sampled the dish together, proving that “diabetes-friendly” and “delicious” go hand-in-hand.
- The “Take-Home” Impact: No one left empty-handed. Every participant received a special prize and a bag containing all the ingredients needed to recreate the meal for their families at home.
Moving the Needle on Health
Through the provision of free groceries, easy-to-follow recipes, and personalized coaching, HHI and Hope Family Care Center are addressing the fundamental issues behind diabetes complications. When patients are equipped with the right tools to manage their blood sugar through proper nutrition, they not only regain their strength but also enhance their quality of life for the future.
