Veronica Besancon
Jamaica Plain Tree of Life/Arbol de Vida

What is your overall impression of the MAPP process?
It’s open and non-judgmental. People can give their opinion and volunteer their time. I have learned from others. It took some time to wrap my head around [community health], but it’s more than the medical and psychological. Even though [at my work] we are providing services, there is more in the community. Everything is connected.
It’s been difficult completing surveys, [but] I lead two focus groups with the population I work with-people with mental illness. I discovered that they don’t feel like outcasts. They feel welcomed in this community. It’s good to hear that from clients, I’ve known for years [and] who have been stigmatized all their lives.

What’s the biggest issue in your neighborhood?
Language. When I came here, I didn’t speak the language and it was a barrier when shopping at the grocery store or visiting the doctor’s office. Once I took my son to the doctor and he asked for his height, but I used the metric system and it was unclear. So it’s an important part to understanding and being part of the community.

If someone was moving to JP, what would you tell them?
It’s an awesome place to live-safe, friendly, welcoming. There’s the orange line and beautiful parks. You can walk anywhere. People of different classes and races can work together. I wish it didn’t become so expensive and trendy, but I’ve seen the neighborhood grow. I remember when (the annual spring festival) Wake up the Earth was only fifty people. It’s a really remarkable community.

Veronica is a registered psychiatric nurse and Director of the Wellness and Recovery Medicine Clinic at Massachusetts Mental Health Center. Originally from Chile, she has lived in Jamaica Plain for over 30 years and enjoys spending time with her grandson. Her favorite place to eat is Center Street Café.