AgrAbility Peers who have been trained in the past three years gathered to provide input for the Nebraska Peer-to-Peer Program and share updates. Rod Peterson and Del Ficke facilitated the gathering and discussion which was held March 5 with eleven previously-trained peers attending. Peers offered suggestions for supporting farmers with new or newly diagnosed disabilities as well as spreading the word about the Nebraska program. Following their get-together, they joined a new class of trainees for lunch and networking.
Eleven AgrAbility clients took part in the 2012 Peer-to-Peer Training held March 5-6 in Kearney, Nebraska. Dr. Deanna Vansickel, UNL Extension Educator and licensed mental health practitioner, was the lead instructor, while Sharry Nielsen presented an overview of AgrAbility and Nebraska staff served as observers for the activities. With this class, Nebraska now has 24 trained peers to offer support for clients and advocacy for the program.
On March 3, Easter Seals Nebraska held its annual fundraiser, the Wine Event. Rod Peterson and Del Ficke hosted the AgrAbility exhibit at the event, and Jeff Potter, a former client and member of the Nebraska AgrAbility advisory committee, was a guest speaker. Over 500 attended as vinters from around the country staffed booths and offered samples of their products.
Submitted by Sharry Nielsen