July Take 5

Your Summer Starts Here. Feel Good, Stay Safe, and Stay Connected This July.

Summer is in full swing, and this month we have something for everyone. Inside this newsletter, you will find tips for protecting your vision, help staying safe in the heat, four Town Halls you will not want to miss, and the story of a woman who turned her own hard times into a lifeline for her whole community. Keep reading. There is a lot here just for you.

See Clearly. Live Well. Your July Events Are Here.

When was the last time you had your eyes checked? For many of us, it has been a while. And that is okay. But July is the perfect time to change that.

An eye exam is not just about whether you need glasses. It can also catch early signs of conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. For members managing those conditions, a yearly eye exam is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health.

Wider Circle has events this month that cover eye health and so much more. Our events are a great place to laugh, move, learn, and meet people who get it. Come for the information. Stay for the community.

Life Was Not Easy. Then Nikia Found Her Circle.

Nikia was managing high blood pressure and borderline diabetes while raising a household of six. There were hard seasons, including time spent in shelters, and weeks when groceries were stretched as thin as they could go. She was doing everything she could, but she was doing it mostly alone.

When Nikia connected with Wider Circle, she started attending events and found people who understood what she was going through. Slowly, something shifted. She picked up healthy cooking tips she could actually use for her family and learned how to navigate resources she had not known existed. Her son, who also lives with Type 2 diabetes, started coming too, and her own blood pressure came down into a manageable range.

But Nikia did not just take what she learned and move on. Instead, she poured it back into her community. Today, Nikia is a lead ambassador and a trusted voice in every room. She is someone members count on by name.

“We are not members,” she said. “We are a family.”

Staying Cool This Summer Is Not Just About Comfort. It Is About Safety.

When the temperature climbs, the risks go up too. Extreme heat can be hard on your body, especially if you are managing a chronic condition or taking certain medications. Knowing where to find a cool space can make a real difference.

That is why Wider Circle wants to make sure you know about our Resource Finder. It is a free tool that connects you to real resources in your community, including cooling centers, fans and air conditioning assistance programs, and other local support that can help you stay safe this summer.

Getting started is simple:

1. Text “hello” to WIDER (94337)
2. Follow the simple prompts
3. Tell us what you need
4. We will take it from there

In just a few steps, you can find the help that is right where you are.

Your Community Is Getting Together This July. Will You Be There?

Every week, Wider Circle is hosting free town hall events built around the things that matter most to you. Learn something real, connect with people who understand you, and walk away feeling better than when you arrived. Here is what is on the lineup.

• Eye Care Essentials: Vision Tests and Exams – Learn what happens at an eye exam, why it matters, and how to make the most of your next appointment.
• The Power of Hello: Smart Phone Utilization with TruConnect – Discover how your phone can do more for you and how you may qualify for free service.
• Cool Down: Finding Summer Relief – Get connected to cooling resources and learn how to stay safe when the heat gets intense.
• Name That Tune! Classic Music Game Day – A fun, no-pressure event to connect, laugh, and enjoy some great music with your community.

These events are open to everyone. Come as you are.

You Deserve to Learn, Explore, and Rest. Here Is Help to Make It Happen.

Did you know that Wider Circle partners with Road Scholar to help you access learning adventures you might not think are possible? Road Scholar offers financial assistance programs that can help cover the cost of educational travel and online learning experiences for people who need it.

There are options for different situations, including scholarships for those who cannot afford to participate, caregiver grants for those who spend their days caring for a loved one, and online scholarships for those who prefer to learn from home.

If you have ever wanted to learn something new, explore somewhere different, or simply take a breath for yourself, this could be your chance

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