Lima ‘activist’ turns tragedy into a positive event

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LIMA – Given that she lost her mother to a house fire at the age of 13, Rochele White can relate to children whose parents are absent or deceased.

This is one of the reasons she created Rochele’s Nursing Resources and founded the Victoria Program, the latter named after her mother, who died in 2013.

“I wish there had been a program like this when I needed it,†said White, who opened his business in January 2019.

White, a single mother of five, has served youth in the Lima community since 2009. She organizes events that support anyone struggling with mental health issues.

Although not a registered nurse, White has worked in the developmental disorders field for two decades and is certified as a psychiatric attendant. She defines herself as an activist and an entrepreneur.

“I really enjoy working with the people in this community,†said White, who plans the events and prepares all of the food. “I try to serve as much healthy food as possible because good nutrition supports a healthy body and mind. “

Linda Scott, owner of the Ella B mental health home in Lima, has worked with White for a few years.

“Rochele is so sweet and kind. Whenever I ask her to volunteer, she’s ready to help, â€Scott said in reference to helping White when it comes to moving a client, for example.

In addition, White also collaborates with the Allen County Historical Society & Museum. From spring to fall, the reach of the Victoria program can be found “in local parks, gas stations, shops and many areas of poverty” around Lima, she explained.

“All of my activities involve relieving stress in one way or another,†said White, who experiences stress, as her 5-year-old son Rashawn Petaway suffers from Wilms cancer as a result of ‘surgery to remove a tumor from her kidney. .

These medical woes did not diminish the boy’s enthusiasm for his mother’s work plans.

“Rashawn is always asking when the next event is in Victoria,†White said.

In that sense, she plans to set up online events in the near future, in part because White has sparked the interest of contacts in Indiana.

No matter where she rolls up her sleeves, White’s motivation and determination never waver.

“My children are my biggest motivation to continue,†she said.

Rochele White helps her son, Rashawn Petaway, 5, last February at the Allen County Museum & Historical Society in Lima. Rashawn was diagnosed with cancer from Wilms.

Contact James Luksic at 567-242-0399.

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