Eight dimensions of wellness and community!

We at Demeter Foundation want to start by wishing everyone happy holidays regardless of your spiritual path. My personal stance is celebrate them all. Our communities would be better and safer places if we concentrated on similarities instead of differences. Mutual respect and kindness towards self, others and community means we realize and recognize that we are all in this together. 
Today's dimension of wellness is community. Technically it is referred to by SAMHSA as the "social dimension" and is defined as developing a sense of connection, belonging, and being part of a well developed social support system. Hence the "we are all in this together" statement.
Demeter Foundation has received several donations from individuals and some grant money in the past couple months. We are grateful for any size donations and this includes our requests for items to add to the welcome home kits. It is a matter of the heart of our communities in Wisconsin to not only say we care about the incarcerated and newly released women we serve and support but to reach out to contribute is kindness in action.
Our Foundation receives the message from women who receive our services that material things are awesome and appreciated very much. By far the biggest amount of gratitude expressed is that there are people who care about them. If you are one of these community members thank you very much.
There are many families and friends who support all incarcerated people. Adding the community and social connection also makes a sizeable difference. The movement towards the healing of our communities includes the inclusion of all members.
Finally we hope for the safety of all those within our correctional systems. When I say this I want to add that hope to include all the men and women who work within the system. While Demeter advocates for humane treatment, we do mean humane treatment for everyone. Especially those that are part of the Wisconsin women's system of care. Being away from family and loved ones over the next few weeks is even tougher than usual.
Respectfully submitted,
Larry Burg
Demeter Foundation Board President