'Soul Food' - a unique support group

Members of the "Soul Food" support group (from left): Rosie Hauge, Lois Stavish and Betty Hines, prepare a meal with the help of Chef Fallon from Sprout.

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Senior Resource Director at Horizon Health Kristine Hoheisel works with caregivers each day. Through her work, it became apparent to her that many caregivers who could really benefit from a support group would not go; as they felt it would only put them behind in their caregiving duties. Others said they did not feel comfortable sitting in a group setting.

Hearing this, Hoheisel's thought was to change up the traditional support group setting so she could get more caregivers to go and receive the benefits of a great caregiver support system. 

Horizon Health has created a unique, nontraditional support group to help the many caregivers in need. 

"Soul Food" incorporates cooking into the support group, which allows caregivers the opportunity to talk with other caregivers while making meals to take home. Soul Food meets monthly at Sprout in Little Falls with a licensed social worker from Horizon Health and a chef from Sprout. 

Betty Hines, program participant, said, "It's just wonderful. It's such a great concept."

Horizon Health is partnering with United Way, Crow Wing Power and the Central Minnesota Council on Aging to provide this program. 

"It is so neat to observe this group as they are so upbeat and excited to be here," Hoheisel said, "They are having so much fun preparing meals together all while supporting each other."

This group meets the first Thursday of the month from 10 a.m. - noon at Sprout, 609 13th Ave. NE #8, Little Falls and they will leave with a meal for them and their loved one. 

Anyone interested in joining this group is asked to call Kelsey to RSVP at (320) 468-2788. 

Reservations are required so the proper amount of ingredients can be available.