Discovery: Invites, Data Collection and Wellness Exploration”

In Cohort 2’s meeting on January 9, 2025, the Discovery process was reviewed step by step and then explored via small group simulations.  

ICEBREAKER

“Hopes & Goals” 

What is one thing you want to focus on in 2025 and why?

DISCOVERY STEPS

• Plan Discovery Session (in-person if possible, quiet & intimate)

• Send invitations (8 people, 1.5 hr. discussion)

• Beta-test Recording/Transcript

• Hold Discovery Session

• Send Transcript/Receipts to research team 

Findings will enable the Cohort as a whole, and our community’s MH stakeholders, to identify shared values & challenges, liaison groups’ differential needs/assets, and gaps in services.

SMALL GROUP DISCOVERY PRACTICE and LARGE GROUP FEEDBACK:

These sessions focused on preparation for three components of the Discovery process:

• Focus Group planning, including reviewing venue, time, creation of a confidential and safe context.

• Recording sessions utilizing zoom or phone and downloading to retrieve transcripts.

• Discovery practice facilitation around mental health signs of challenge, potential supports for self and others, and setting guidelines for sharing in general ways while containing information about acute or extreme situations.

GROUP BIO  

NEEDHAM COMMUNITY COUNCIL - STACEY FALLON

NCC is a private non-profit organization, which supports people in Needham who have under-met health, educational or social needs and promotes volunteerism, community and a sense of shared responsibility.

Programs address basic needs including:

• Food security - Food pantry serves 600 Needham residents

• Language - ELL - volunteer tutor residents

• Technology - tech and tutor

• Medical - medical equipment loan closet

• Transportation - free rides using Lyft

• Mental Health - Mindful Community Program brings a guest speaker series

• Clothes and Housewares - thrift store sells donated items and then turns around to support programs 



• Additional programs to address finance (financial wellness class), scholarships, holiday meals

• Volunteer opportunities for almost 19,000 volunteer hours

INDIAN COMMUNITY OF NEEDHAM (ICON) - RAJA SHAIKH

ICON is a secular, non-profit organization aimed at celebrating and preserving the culture and heritage of India and surrounding South Asian countries, fostering friendship and unity, advancing the educational, cultural, and charitable interests of the community, and representing the community to Needham, MA, USA and beyond.  

The community is comprised of 400-500 people, including families and children.  

Celebrations and events supported by the Needham Select Board, civic organizations and local businesses include: 

• India Day proclamation

• Diwali, Holi - festival of Colors

• Cultural and education workshops (including yoga, dance, cooking, knowledge series)

• India Day

• Youth leadership opportunities 

• Philanthropic activities (including donating to food pantry, fundraiser for Children’s Hospital, book donations to Needham Library) 

Much of the programming is geared towards improving mental health and wellness. 



Onward!

Bala and Ramin (NRN Co- Facilitators) 

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