Wisconsin Rural Women’s Initiative (WRWI) will be providing a network of listening ears for people in rural areas who feel alone, isolated and over whelmed. As the Covid Pandemic continues, there continues to be a need for people to connect, discuss concerns and potentially be directed to partnering organizations that can help address their specific needs. “A listening ear may be all that is necessary to help prevent depression or ease stress and anxiety,” says Caryn Standal of WRWI.
Farm Director Pam Jahnke met with Christy Harteau and Caryn Standal from WRWI to discuss the listening project, which will offer a listening helpline available beginning May 24th, 2022. They emphasize the importance of being heard, and how a listening ear can make a difference for those who are struggling.
Established in 1997, WRWI was developed in response to the lack of support that rural and farm women were receiving in regards to self-nourishment, self-esteem, and accessible mental health resources. Their objective is to foster networks of support, see the faces of those hesitant to ask for help and hear
stories of strength and resilience. Per Standal, “Listening to another’s story has always a been one of the reasons that WRWI created its Gathering Circles – opportunities for women to come together to share their stories and be supported. At a time when gathering as a community is difficult, The Listening Project will be a lifeline to assist people in achieving whole health and wellness.”
Listeners have received training on how to listen – to hear the stories and the concerns of callers with a compassionate ear. Listeners follow beliefs of Jennnifer J Hayes who stated, “When we care enough to ask and really take the time to listen to someone else’s story, we learn so much about who they are.” All
conversations will be kept be confidential. Trained listeners will be available as of May 24, 2022 by calling 262-747-3029.
For additional information about the Listening Project and Wisconsin Rural Women’s Initiative, email [email protected] or visit the website ruralwomensinitiative.org.
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