Does Living Well work?
  What participants tell us ... 
 

Jimmy’s Story

Jimmy Weber moved to the Sioux City area in 1998 to assume responsibilities as a pastor. In January 2001, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. This eventually led to his quitting work and going on SSDI.

Jimmy signed up for a Living Well with a Disability class offered through the Three Rivers Independent Living Corporation in Sioux City. He credits that decision for having changed his life. Although Jimmy feels that the course curriculum is excellent, he says that the best thing about Living Well was the chance to meet other people with disabilities and to feel “normal.” He regained the confidence to be himself around others. He learned to use public transit. He says that “nuggets” such as the goal-setting tips sprinkled throughout the Living Well curriculum gave him a boost.

Other stories

A woman with cerebral palsy experienced depression so severe that when I called her for the session she declined. She did say that I could keep her on the list, and eventually signed up for the May 2002 session. She now credits Living Well for helping her improve her depression. She attended every class, and at the next to last class, suggested that the class form a peer support group to continue their work. With her help, a peer support group has formed and is still active in Cedar Rapids.

Cedar Rapids facilitator

At the beginning of Living Well classes, another woman with cerebral palsy was using a scooter that she had relied on for a number of years. Her goal was to be strong enough to walk again. She started taking food supplements which she credits as being one of the catalysts for her improved strength. By the fourth week of Living Well she was able to walk from the van drop-off point to the classroom using a walker, about 100 yards. By the end of Living Well she had also lost weight and reported feeling great.

Cedar Rapids facilitator

A participant in Iowa City’s Living Well class made great progress in developing a curriculum that she will use for disability awareness training. Both she and her support person credited Living Well for the progress she was able to make.

Iowa City facilitator