More and more healthcare professionals are discovering the educational and networking opportunities at the Community Forum's monthly meetings.

October Community Forum Highlights

Moyo Nguvu
Did you know that in the U.S. only 10% of schools require health education by 9th grade? That's according to Health educator Cerise McCaston of the the Moyo (Moi-Yo) Nguvu (Ngoo-voo) Cultural Arts Center which offers services in Yoga and Tai Chi and a Rites of Passage for Children program, one of the first in the Western United States. McCaston delivered a presentation regarding the Healthy Youth Healthy Futures program offered by the center which offers services for people ages 6 to 60 years old. Founded in May of 1990, the Center grew out of the need for greater cultural diversity and enhancement in the state of Colorado. "Moyo Nguvu" is a Bantu phrase which translates roughly to "spiritual strength." The center was formed as a vehicle for cultural education and expression, where the primary purpose is to empower children of color with self-respect and self-awareness. The group also offers youth alternatives to gang violence and helps establish justice and peace through the sharing of cultures. For more information, contact them at 1660 Gilpin St, Suite 300, Denver, by calling 303-377-2511 or visiting the web site at: www.afrikanarts.org


Interfaith Hospitality Network
Nearly half of Denver's homeless are families with children, says VISTA member Emily Gallagher of the Interfaith Hospitality Network, a shelter and self-sufficiency program for Denver metro area homeless families.
According to the IHN website, homelessness is about more than the need for shelter; an array of complex economic, social and health factors must also be addressed.  This is a devastating experience for families, and they pay an ongoing emotional price as they struggle to maintain normalcy in the midst of chaos. The odds are stacked against lower-income families. IHN has found that most homeless families seeking help have lost jobs and are unable to afford rent. Others have experienced serious illness in the family or credit problems. IHN supports families in various ways including:
* Providing emergency shelter, meals and supportive services to families experiencing homelessness
* Meeting clients' basic human needs with a spirit of warmth and compassion.
If you would like to volunteer or want more information visit www.interfaithhospitality.org or call 303-675-0713.

Elder Wellness LLC
As Baby Boomers age, the number of senior citizens will continue to increase. Susan Bruckner, owner of Elder Wellness LLC, offers services such as Life transition and Grief and loss support and other methods to improve the quality of life of the older generation.
Bruckner's website at www.elderwellnessllc.com describes the goals:
    * Offering compassionate, creative, and respectful Enrichment Programs that enhance the life of an Elder
    * Drawing upon the wisdom of Elders by building on personal strengths, encouraging personal growth, and providing outlets for processing and sharing of life lessons
    * Outreaching Elders and concerned family members, friends, and caregivers by focusing on emotional support, promoting understanding, and strengthening one's sense of community
One project called Memory Writers provides seniors with an opportunity to journal their lives by working with local writers who will help them prepare "snapshots of time." To reach Elder Wellness, please call 303-552-0485 or visit the website: www.elderwellnessllc.com

Denver Open Acupuncture
Jenn Gross, owner of Denver Open Acupuncture, described the basics of the ancient Eastern method of Acupuncture, the procedure of inserting and manipulating fine needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain or to provide therapy. Denver Open Acupuncture is a sliding-scale community acupuncture clinic located in the Cheesman Park neighborhood of central Denver. The clinic's goal is to provide quality health care at an affordable price to maximize the treatment's effectiveness through frequency of treatment until wellness is achieved. As a community clinic, patients are treated in a group setting and the cost ranges from $15 to $40 per treatment plus a $10 first-time treatment fee to cover enrollment and time required to gather patient history. The clinic is located at 1414 Marion Street #2 in Denver. For more information, call 303-837-8166 or visit www.denveropenacupunture.com

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