Evergreen’s THRIVE Wellness program helps patients manage chronic illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease by addressing their emotional, nutritional, physical and social needs. Helen Graves works in the THRIVE Wellness program as a health & wellness counselor. Her duties include enrolling patients into the program, leading health education groups on a variety of chronic health topics and offering smoking cessation counseling to patients looking to reduce or quit smoking. In addition, Helen makes referrals for patients and assists with the front desk and food pantry coverage.
“THRIVE is a unique program,” Helen said. “It offers patients wellness services that otherwise might not be available to them. Services such as reiki, chair massages and acupuncture are often not accessible or affordable, but THRIVE gives our patients the opportunity to become more engaged with their health. THRIVE also provides a quiet and calm environment for people to come and just be.”
THRIVE enrolls 15-20 new patients monthly, and currently has approximately 175 active patients.
“We live in some challenging times,” notes Helen. “Now more than ever, people are craving a sense of community. I think that THRIVE provides a safe sanctuary for people of many diverse backgrounds to come together and uplift each other. Our small but mighty team is always there to support patients through these troubling times.”
Helen grew up in Dansville, New York. “I was friends with more cows than people!” She came to Buffalo to attend Daemen University. “Initially I pursued a degree in physical therapy, but changed my major to health promotion/public health and graduated with my master of
NOW MORE THAN EVER, PEOPLE ARE CRAVING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY.
THRIVE PROVIDES A SAFE SANCTUARY.
- HELEN
GRAVES
public health (MPH degree).” After graduation, Helen worked in refugee resettlement at Jewish Family Services and coached soccer with Independent Health’s Soccer for Success program. She also taught at the Falk School and Rochester Prep. She first learned about Evergreen when a representative from the Syringe Service Program came to her class to speak about harm reduction services and principles. “I was intrigued by the principles of harm reduction. Unfortunately, I graduated at the start of the pandemic which created a hiring freeze in public health, so I pursued teaching for the time being. I was able to start my public health career in 2021 and joined Evergreen as a program assistant, later stepping into my current role as health and wellness counselor. Next month will mark four years here!”
If Helen sounds happy to be part of Team Evergreen, she is. “The culture at Evergreen is unmatched. Even the casual greetings among staff and patients go a long way.”
Outside of work hours, Helen enjoys spending time with friends and family. “I’m also a server on the weekends, so I stay busy! Self-care is very important to me, so I enjoy running, attending workout classes, and relaxing to a mindless TV show such as Love Island.”
Thank you Helen (and the entire THRIVE Wellness team) for all you do to help keep our patients healthy and connected!
The 2025 slate of Neighborhood Clean-Ups continues, with Team Evergreen helping clean the areas around Evergreen Lofts, Bailey Ave. and S. Elmwood Ave. locations. Great job!
Bailey Ave. staff let their inner artists shine!
Hertel: Wednesday, August 6, 11:30am – 1pm
With supervisor approval, staff may sign up to volunteer for a half hour. If you would like to participate, please contact diversity-inclusion@evergreenhs.org with the date and time you will join us.
Fathia Ali August 2
Emily McGorry August 2
Jessica Cruz Robinson August 3
Kareema Washington August 4
Andrew Anderson August 6
Suzanne Lambie .......................................... August 8
Raymond Stover August 9
Reginald Washington August 10
Joseph Gonzalez August 10
Darche Forbes August 10
Jonathan Puma August 11
Melissa Gulino August 13
Christine Baczkiewicz ................................. August 13
LeAnna Shanks August 14
Austin Keller August 14
Carolee Corbitt August 14
Kelly Thompson August 16
Michael Godzala III August 17
Sara Nieves August 18
Jamie Zynda August 18
Michael Ludwick August 20
Megan Mogavero August 22
Lydia Ruiz August 23
Barbara Maurent August 23
Asha Mathis August 24
Joanne Dean August 24
Bradley Allen August 25
Samuel Alexander August 26
Sylvia Santiago ............................................. August 26
Sarina Lojacono August 27
Kristy Drake August 28
Patrick Hildenbrandt August 28
Briana Wellenzohn August 29
Kaitlin Madden August 30
Arlene Andrade-Johnson August 30
Penny George ............................................... August 31
Volney Powell. August 31
Ko Meh August 31
Suzanne Vergo August 31
Elizabeth Nelson August 31
