Three local organizations have come together in an effort to bring increased wellbeing to the community with an Assets-Based Community Development approach. Earlier this year, Rev. Dr. Michele Robbins, of Ukiah United Methodist Church, reached out to Amalia Abrojena, of The Arbor Youth Resource Center, to see if there would be interest in starting a Friendship Forward group for youth and young adults who could benefit from supportive friendships. Friendship Forward is a monthly gathering where people in the community come together with a meal, drum circle, activities that foster resilience, and conversations that build supportive friendship.
Over a few conversations, Abrojena and Robbins decided to move forward with plans for the gatherings. Tommy Jestice, Peer Support Counselor with The Arbor, jumped in to help and became excited about the drum circle which is an instrumental part of building a sense of unity for the group. When asked why a drum circle is an important part of the gathering, Robbins replied, “As we learn diverse rhythms and play them, we are creating a sense of unity. We also learn to become more comfortable with each other. There are no mistakes. If we get off the beat, we laugh and join back in. A drum circle is a spiritual practice of connection with each other and creating something bigger than ourselves together.”
The next step to bringing the gathering to The Arbor was finding funds for the meals and to purchase the drums. Sometimes finding funding for something new can seem like an obstacle, but Robbins stated, “With an Assets-Based Community Development approach, I believe that all we need is right here in our community. When we connect with others to bring our gifts together, we see the abundance that is already present and waiting to be shared for the good of all.” Robbins found a community partner with funds for the djembe drums at a North Coast Opportunities meeting. After explaining what Friendship Forward was and how it could add to the thriving of our youth and young adults, Tina Tyler-O’Shea of Blue Zones generously offered a $750 grant to cover the cost. Blue Zones has also offered to be a part of the meal with their Cooking Moia that has been taking place at The Arbor.
This community development project became possible because people from three organizations brought their gifts and assets together. Instead of seeing only needs, they recognized that together they had what it takes to bring health, healing, wholeness, and harmony to the community.
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