Sept. 6, 2010 issue
Help in college
By Ruth Detweiler Akron, Pa.It was encouraging to read “EMU Program Addresses Depression-Related Issues” (Aug. 2) . This cutting-edge program, CoachLink, is being offered for the first time this fall for students who face challenges of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, attention deficit and other similar disorders. Indeed, these young people should feel they can be successful at college just as their peers do and prepare for meaningful and productive futures.
I applaud the Eastern Mennonite University staff for “hearing” the parents of a son who didn’t have this privilege and also for many friends and strangers who rallied around to establish a fund for individuals who can now dream of a brighter future with the help of a coach during their college years.
At the same time, Anabaptist Disabilities Network is challenging us to address these same issues in our home congregations, in part, by appointing a Congregational Disabilities Advocate in each congregation. In this way, even before a young person with a disability leaves home for college, he or she will have experienced full acceptance and participation in a faith community. Let us be vigilant in seeking opportunities to assist individuals and their families so that tragedies such as the Frazier family in Virginia experienced can be averted.
Comment on the article Help in college
The purpose of comments is to engage in dialogue. We expect commenters to treat authors and each other as each would want to be treated. Respectful criticism is welcomed; offensive comments or parts of comments will be removed by the site administrator. Name and comment will be posted; email address is for follow-up only and will not be made public.
Download
Download a free PDF showing the populations of
Mennonite groups and other Anabaptists.
