wfn.org | Taiwan's Disabled People Provide Therapeutic Listening

["pctpress" <pctpress@ms1.hinet.net>]

Taiwan Church News 2731, 28 June - 4 July 2004
Reported by Gu Hao-jan. Translated and Rewritten by David Alexander

Jia-ying was a lively girl, but at the age of 23 she developed a neurological
fibrodadenoma that pressured her cervical nerves and robbed her of the
ability
to walk. She remained indoors for three years. When she regained enough
strength to go outside she joined the volunteers at the "Listen to you" phone
counseling service. This is where she, with others who are disabled, shares
her experiences and stories. Participation has given her a new reason for
living.

"Listen to you" was established by the Kwang-ching foundation. Foundation
director Li-yann says, "The volunteers who answer phones are all disabled
themselves. This helps them to empathize with callers and be good listeners.
They help stabilize callers. Under the general arrangement of "disabled help
disabled" we've already fielded over 3000 calls.

The "Listen to you" service is a local call in Taipei. The foundation has
applied for a toll-free nationwide line that will be hooked up in September
and seeks more volunteers to staff the service at any time.

For More Information: "Listen to you" +886 2 25428213
Taiwan Church News is published weekly in Taiwan's local languages.
Visit our web site: www.pctpress.com.tw