The Story Circle Love Café – a celebration of story telling

“Ready Or Not, Here Comes Life!”

This jubilant call is the title of an anthology of stories and collaborative poems created by participants in the “Story Circle Love Café,” a creative aging program offered by T&W in 2023-2024 in partnership with Selfhelp Community Services Benjamin Rosenthal-Prince Street Older Adult Center in Flushing Queens.

Led by teaching artists Marsha Gildin, participants gathered in the “Café,” a safe space where they shared their stories. At each of 20 sessions, Gildin guided participants with themes and prompts such as perseverance, gratitude, and what gives life meaning.

“Life itself gives my life meaning. And my Korean family, from after I had my stroke. They give my life meaning,” shared Eugene, a participant in the program.

Another participant, Zofia, shared: “To live a meaningful life I believe it is important to keep your health. Enjoy the fresh air! Keep your body moving. Be a cultivator of life.”

The participants had an opportunity to share their stories and ideas with the broader community at a reception celebrating volunteers at a program celebration at the Center.

This project is made possible in part through the Mid Atlantic Folk and Traditional Arts – Community Projects program of Mid Atlantic Arts with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Click below to read the anthology of stories and collaborative poetry from participants in The Story Circle Love Cafe storytelling program!

What’s your story?  Share a story or idea from the storytelling prompt “What gives your life meaning?” with us in the comments.