Peaceful Remedies Offers Help for Those Facing Challenges

The group provides in-person and virtual services

By Steve Yablonski

For those suffering from the loss of a loved one or other traumatic situations, there are remedies, Peaceful Remedies.

Peaceful Remedies is a nonprofit in Oswego. Its mission is to form a community space that empowers individuals and families to embrace life, despite the challenges they face. Its office is located in the McCrobie Building on Lake Street.

In addition to being a communal space, Peaceful Remedies suggests a variety of holistic health services and regular panels and discussions on matters pertaining to its clients.

People who have experienced trauma may also consider a group therapy to help them cope with the experience and move on.

It provides a resource database where people can research the challenges and illnesses they are facing, as well as learn about local and national nonprofit events.

“By bringing together survivors and caregivers and giving them both the ability to educate themselves and access to alternative treatment, we hope to lead each other to a place of strength, peace and happiness,” said Kim Simmonds, executive director (and president of the board of directors) of Peaceful Remedies.

Kim Simmonds is the executive director (and president of the board of directors) of Peaceful Remedies.
Kim Simmonds is the executive director (and president of the board of directors) of Peaceful Remedies.

Their first event took place in May of 2015.

“There are people really involved week to week and those who show up for events,” she said. “They aren’t really involved in the planning, but if we need help, there’s a list of volunteers who help out. We have probably between 40 and 50 people who help with the events.”

Peaceful Remedies offers two yoga classes. One is specific for cancer survivors and the other is for people who have been diagnosed with anything else, and their caregivers.

“It can be tougher on caregivers. That’s why almost everything we offer is open to caregivers,” Simmonds said. “Whether the person they care for comes or not, the caregiver is welcome to attend.”

When tragedy or heartache happens, people just want to help.

“We have two support groups. We have meditation, reiki, massage therapy. We have a lending library on different health and wellness topics,” Simmonds said. “We list our events and services on our website. If you get on our website, you’ll see everything that’s happening and the times.”

They also have tai chi, two circle talks (one of their support groups). One is for cancer survivors and caregivers and the other group is for anyone else who’s had a life-altering disease of any kind.

“On average, 10 or so people are at every class, some times closer to 20. We try to create this atmosphere of calm and an opportunity to release some stress and also specifically for yoga for cancer survivors. We find that it’s just a chance to connect with other people who are going through similar things that they are also going through; kind of like a mini support group,” she explained.

They have a Facebook group for cancer survivors. It is an extension of the support group. The people in these groups all know each other and are familiar with their issues, she added.

“They’ve all gone through this; there are no outsiders. They are all familiar with each other and their struggles,” she said. “Not just anyone can join the group.”

Peaceful Remedies is a place to share; it’s not necessarily a place to advise.

“Just listen. Listen, because a lot of times that’s all people really want at a time like this is just someone who will listen to them. Just listen, I don’t need you to fix it; I don’t need you to change it.

Just listen,” Simmonds said.

Peaceful Remedies has a room for meditation; it’s the ‘quiet’ room. If someone comes in and just wants a place where no one will talk to them while they are in there; a place to come and decompress.

“We have a treatment room where people receive reiki or massage therapy and the main (office) room — where our support groups meet. We have other meetings there as well,” Simmonds said.

“It’s also a place, during regular hours, where people can play with computers, stare at the lake if they want, check out our library, do whatever,” she continued. We have some MP3 players if they just want to sit somewhere and listen to music or if they want to try a theta binaural beats program.

For more information go to: www.PeacefulRemediesOswego.com

Featured Image: Participants practice yoga at Peaceful Remedies in Oswego. The nonprofit offers two yoga classes. One is specific for cancer survivors and the other is for people who have been diagnosed with anything else — and their caregivers.