Charlotte and Julia meet with Dr. Mary Klein during a Common Ground planning session.

Julia learned she had Type II Diabetes 20 years ago, when she was working in Stamford.

After Julia was diagnosed, a co-worker at the sewing factory told her about the Medical Care Mission because she knew Julia’s family did not have insurance.

That’s when Julia was introduced to the Mission’s staff, and she has been a patient ever since.

Today, Julia’s family lives in Anson, so she drives 23 miles one way every three months to check in with Mary Klein, Pharm. D.

In September, Julia was introduced to Charlotte, another diabetic, in the early stages of a new program at the Mission, Common Ground: Diabetes and the Whole Person.

With Julia and Charlotte’s help, the medical staff and the director of spiritual wellness have designed the program to offer support and encourage the building of relationships among diabetics, family members and medical professionals in the Abilene area. These free monthly sessions will provide resources regarding nutrition, exercise, spirituality and communication.

The first meeting will take place on February 9, 2010, at the Medical Care Mission: 1857 Pine Street, Suite 100. In this first session, Dr. Klein will provide nutrition information, including meal-planning tips. One-on-one consultations will be available.

Common Ground is open to the public. Resources will be provided in English and Spanish, and a translator will be available at each session. The program is designed to incorporate the community, and suggestions are welcome. If you would like to attend, or if you have some ideas about programming, please contact Rev. Amy Wilson at (325) 676-3104, Ext. 113 at or amy@medicalcaremission.org.