On Tuesday, March 8, local author Teresa Schreiber Werth gave a presentation at the Spencerport Kiwanis Club meeting about the anthology she edited, Navigating the Pandemic: Stories of Hope and Resilience. Werth spoke about the many ways the book’s 39 writers, ages 18 to 80, provide personal insights, professional suggestions, and creative experiences to help readers better understand and cope with the pandemic. Recognizing that we have all experienced some level of trauma, grief, and loss over the last two years, Werth says there are ways to become more resilient as a result of our pandemic experiences.
The book is a privately funded humanitarian project. All profits from the sale of the book are being donated to The Society of Refugee Healthcare Providers (www.refugeesociety.org), an international, locally-based 501(c)(3) charity organization.
A few days after the meeting, Kiwanis President Wendy Powers presented Werth with a check for $200 from the club for The Society of Refugee Healthcare Providers. According to Werth, The Society provides a forum and educational platform (along with resources) to help caregivers meet the challenges of caring for refugees as well as to connect with other caregivers around the world to understand best practices and stay up to date on issues regarding the appropriate delivery of healthcare for refugees. The Society holds an annual medical conference (North American Refugee Health Conference); conducts webinars and training courses; publishes research and policy statements; and connects over 4,000 medical providers through a listserv. They also assist previously resettled refugees with training in healthcare through a scholarship fund. As Afghans and Ukrainians resettle around the world, they will benefit from the Society’s compassionate work.
A copy of Navigating the Pandemic: Stories of Hope and Resilience was given to the most senior Kiwanis member at the meeting, Joe Rhineschmidt of Spencerport. A copy of the book has also been donated to the Ogden Farmers’ Library. It can be purchased locally at The Unique Shop in Spencerport and Lift Bridge Book Shop in Brockport. For information, visit www.dandelionbook.com.
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