01.
— Health
Since 1998, Triangle Community Ministry has partnered with St. Mary's Hospital to provide an onsite nurse serving residents with routine medical support and a caring presence during medical procedures and after care. Food distribution and the Monday Meals program reduce food insecurity and provide a comfortable setting for residents to interact and consult with the nurse and other trauma-informed staff on a near weekly basis.
02.
— Community
TCM staff and active Board provide creative opportunities to learn, meet neighbors, socialize, create art and find ways to empower residents to live rich and fulfilling lives. Many residents have lived in their homes for over a decade or longer. TCM helps provide a safe, secure and inviting environment to age in place.
03.
— Connection
With our mission to be a ministry of presence always in mind, we strive to find new strategies for dealing with mental and spiritual challenges of those living with disabilities and poverty. With sensitivity to residents' varied religious and non-religious identities and practices, our Director of Ministry provides spiritual care and personalized support to residents in need, as they navigate relationships and challenges in their daily lives.
Programs
FOOD PANTRY
90% of our residents are at or below the poverty line. Income spent on food may mean going without necessities. Our amazing partnerships with the Second Harvest Food Bank and DHP by Medica helps us ensure there is fresh food available for every resident. We are invested in an innovative approach that empowers our community and delivers the support they need, when they need it.
ST. MARY'S NURSE
People with an average income or higher, may not understand the difficulty of maintaining health under the stress of a very low income. TCM's partnerships with SSM Health and United Way provides an onsite nurse to assist residents with multiple health and wellness concerns. The attention of the nurse reduces stress and provides needed services for residents, many of whom are living with more than one physical or mental issue.
MONDAY MEALS
Every Monday evening, we bring in volunteers from organizations and churches in Dane County to help us provide a hot meal and a reason for residents to socialize with each other, members of the wider community, and TCM staff and board members.
GRIEF COUNSELING
There are many ways this community is vulnerable to the long-term effects of trauma. Whether it be childhood abuse or neglect, inappropriate interactions with people who do not understand the behavioral expressions of physical and mental disability, or specific event-driven PTSD such as military service or other unfortunate. Loss of a loved one is one more example. And grief can be even more acute when combined with pre-existing anxiety from other sources including poverty and disability. We offer grief counseling groups to those in need.
FLU BAGS
The season of Thanksgiving and gratitude surrounds us and gives us hope amidst all the conflict and hard times many in our country face. The flu season is soon coming too, and, as in the past, there is a need for “Flu Bags” full of remedies to ease the flu symptoms. This program follows are annual flu vaccine clinic administered by our nurse in partnership with Edgewood College student nurses.
WRITING GROUP
Twice a month, led by a resident board member, we offer yet another opportunity for residents to leave their apartments, engage socially, and participate in purposeful activity through a creative writing group.
SUMMER BBQ
In June, residents joined board members, staff, and volunteers for an outdoor barbecue in Brittingham Park. The large New Horizons brass band entertained with classic jazz tunes while everyone enjoyed brats, burgers, side dishes, desserts, and beverages.
HOLIDAY PARTY
Last year's annual resident holiday party was well attended and lively, Music, good food, carols, and gifts highlighted a spirited celebration of the season.