Ruby A. Neeson Diabetes Awareness Foundation

According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes is a significant public health obstacle that has moved toward epidemic levels. Group support is pivotal for diabetes self-management and prevention.

The Ruby A. Neeson Diabetes Awareness Foundation aids people affected by diabetes by raising awareness through education, outreach and advocacy. Founded in 2012, the foundation makes a difference in three areas: health and wellness, social services and socioeconomics. It crusades to effect change by providing comprehensive diabetes education. The foundation’s mission is to reduce diabetes’ burden through behavior change approaches.

Beyond offering standard clinical methods of diabetes education, the foundation’s innovative strategies address the genetic and environmental factors and the social, emotional and financial facets of diabetes.

The program coordinators are a diverse group of community health workers who are social change liaisons that connect vulnerable populations to health care information and services.

The Ruby A. Neeson Diabetes Awareness Foundation’s vision is to decrease the rapid rise of diabetes through creating supportable opportunities for people to live healthier and longer lives by preventing life-threatening complications. Its core values are positive change, leadership, empowerment, good stewardship and community.

The foundation’s programs are:

Diabetes Support Group: C.U.B.S. (Coping. Understanding. Bonding. Supporting): Group fellowship offering a tailored support plan available to anyone who wishes to increase their knowledge of diabetes health and wellness.

Nutrition for Wellness: Initiative addressing food insecurity by promoting healthy opportunities in diabetes meal planning and nutrition.

Project Saving Soles: Community outreach mission providing quality, comprehensive foot care.

Sock-It-to-Diabetes Sock Drive: Community service mission collecting new socks for homeless people.

Corporate Health and Wellness Program: Initiative to improve the health and well-being of employees in the corporate world through health information and group activities.

Your Change for a Better Lifestyle: Diabetes prevention program designed for people who are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Healthy Kids Club: Group fellowship for children that addresses nutrition, physical fitness, math and science, socialization and volunteerism.

Healthy Aging: Initiative to address the correlation between diabetes and Alzheimer’s.

Caregiver Educational Program: Program for persons who care for individuals with long-term diabetes complications.

Dance Away Diabetes: Fitness program incorporating Zumba to raise awareness of diabetes.

Family Ties: A distinctive experience for family reunions that addresses the genetic likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.

The foundation’s recent highlights include:

October 2018: Partnered with the Metro Atlanta Community Collaborative to host a health fair focused on older adults and veterans.

January 2019: Received a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service award from lifestyle brand Ashley Stewart.

The Ruby A. Neeson Diabetes Awareness Foundation is committed to meeting emerging community needs. It seeks to form meaningful, sustainable, strategic alliances with other nonprofit organizations, coalitions, faith-based groups and civic associations.

For more information, visit fightdiabetesnow.org.