Wellness in Tillery: a community-built program.

Occupational therapy faculty and students from East Carolina University, in collaboration with the residents of Tillery, North Carolina, participated in a community-built wellness program. Outcomes of the program indicated that a program with participant input results in enhanced perceived wellness, maintenance of meaningful activities, and improved self-reported quality of life. Program elements necessary for duplication of the program are discussed. Recommendations for similar programs include developing mutual trust and respect, utilizing activities that are meaningful to participants, working within the culture, and considering the participants' lifestyles when planning.