At Wider Circle, we believe everyone deserves to feel heard. For Acencion, that simple truth changed everything.
In this edition of Stories from the Circle, meet Acencion, a member who was struggling with isolation and untreated health issues until her Wider Circle community stepped in. With compassionate support, she found her voice, her hearing, and a renewed sense of purpose.
We hope her story reminds you of the power of truly listening, and being listened to.
Acencion R.
Heard at Last: How One Member Found Her Voice Through Community
After months of isolation and untreated health struggles, Acencion discovered a place where her story truly mattered.
When Acencion first connected with Wider Circle in July, she was dealing with more than she let on. Ear pain had been bothering her for months, and it was affecting her ability to hear clearly. But beyond the physical discomfort, something else weighed on her: she felt isolated and alone.
That changed when her Wider Circle Community Engagement Specialist began checking in regularly. Together, they completed important health screenings, addressed gaps in her care, and worked to connect her with the right resources. When Acencion mentioned her ongoing ear pain, her Wider Circle team immediately requested a referral to get it addressed.
Over the following months, Acencion and her Wider Circle team stayed in close contact to make sure she was getting the care she needed. During a follow-up call, Acencion shared the wonderful news: she could hear clearly again.
But just as things were looking up, she experienced a fall at home. Her Wider Circle facilitator jumped into action once more, requesting a referral for a walker and personally delivering a shower chair to help keep her safe. Acencion beamed as she shared how much she looked forward to using it, as standing for long periods had become difficult.
“What I love most about Wider Circle is that it is a space where I truly feel heard,” Acencion said. “This program doesn’t just provide a service. It provides genuine quality time.”
For Acencion, the most meaningful change hasn’t been any single referral or piece of equipment; it’s been the connection. “Before joining, I felt very isolated, but now I no longer feel alone,” she shared. “Hearing other people’s stories and sharing my own has been incredibly healing. It’s a supportive group where we all look out for one another.“
Today, Acencion has transitioned to working with an Enhanced Care Management team and is receiving medically tailored meals delivered to support her health. With the right food, the right support, and a community that shows up for her, she’s taking better care of herself and taking ownership of her journey.
“Through this program, I have learned to take better care of myself and to take responsibility for my health,” she said. “Wider Circle has taught me that I am not alone, and that my health and my story truly matter.”
What started as a wellness check became something much deeper: a reminder that when someone truly listens, everything can change.
Thank you, Acencion, for sharing your journey and reminding us that feeling heard is the first step toward healing. And thank you to our sponsors for helping make stories like Acencion’s possible every day.
Stories from the Circle Sign Up
About the author: Jamie Zale
Wider Circle
