My (Veronica) lived experience over the last twelve years confirms what studies repeatedly show: trauma disproportionately impacts low-income, minority communities. When my family lived in southwest Atlanta, we were struck early on by the frequency of heartache, and the way it seemed to happen at a higher, more intense frequency for our neighbors than the … Continue reading Concentrated Trauma
The Wall in our House
A wall of memories from our years in southwest Atlanta In many homes people like to hang photos of their loved ones. It's a way to honor and celebrate the people who matter to us. One of my (Veronica) favorite things about our home is that no matter where I turn, I can see a … Continue reading The Wall in our House
Sometimes we need a good neighbor more than we need another church.
I (Veronica) live in a neighborhood on the Westside of Atlanta that at some point was identified as a “mission field” by major church denominations. In my small community there are four different churches, one of which sits on the property across the street from my home. It’s an older, historic church building surrounded by … Continue reading Sometimes we need a good neighbor more than we need another church.
The Accelerated Weathering is the Injustice
By Veronica Squires Yesterday I led a retreat with my administrative team at the Good Sam clinic that took a deep dive into social determinants of health and community asset mapping. I found myself needing to articulate how and why the lifespan gaps that exist in our city (and many other major cities across the … Continue reading The Accelerated Weathering is the Injustice
When Missions Fail
Veronica's Family at the 2018 DragonCon Parade in Atlanta. We want to be like the Incredibles saving the world, but sometimes we just... aren't. When I (Veronica) was on maternity leave with Emma last year, I was introduced to a podcast (Failed Missionary with Corey Pigg) and a book (The Very Worst Missionary by Jamie … Continue reading When Missions Fail
From “What’s Wrong with You?” to “What’s Strong with You?”
Working at the Good Samaritan Health Center (Good Sam) has dramatically changed the way I (Veronica) think about healthcare. Good Sam offers a holistic Full Circle of Health model and through strategic partnerships we address social determinants of health (SDOH). It’s a special place, unrivaled in the southeast and on par with much larger clinics … Continue reading From “What’s Wrong with You?” to “What’s Strong with You?”
Making Things New
I (Veronica) have been reading through the book of Luke lately, in-particular two somewhat odd stories in Chapter 9 – the transfiguration and Jesus’ healing of a demon possessed boy. Even though I have been a Christian for a long time, these passages still challenge and confound me. Yet as I sat with them afresh … Continue reading Making Things New
On Dreaming Dreams Together
The Commerce Club in Downtown Atlanta I (Veronica) have been feeling kind of somber on this MLK Day. Despite the beautiful Atlanta sunshine and crisp weather, despite the flood of volunteerism pouring out across the city... there is something in the sharing of MLK’s dreams and writings today that is calling back memories from my … Continue reading On Dreaming Dreams Together
Book Release Party Pics
We are truly overwhelmed and grateful for all the love and support at our first book release party last night at Little Shop of Stories in Decatur! It was a wonderful night - spent with all of our favorite people - discussing how to make our neighborhoods healthier. We walked away even more encouraged that … Continue reading Book Release Party Pics
Breanna’s Interview on Jazz WCLK 91.9
Check out Breanna's interview with Kiplyn Primus from The Local Take which aired this morning: https://www.wclk.com/post/local-take-how-neighborhoods-make-us-sick They covered it all, from the basics of social determinants of health (SDOH) to the intersection of health and politics. If you like what you hear, make sure to RSVP for our upcoming book release party at Little Shop … Continue reading Breanna’s Interview on Jazz WCLK 91.9
