Your Stories

Many of our website visitors have shared stories with us that are just too good not to share with everyone. Some of the stories describe programs and services provided by the Older Americans Act and other programs for older persons that are making a difference in communities across the country; some describe challenges people are experiencing caring for their loved ones, and some are just wonderful examples of innovation and the American "can do" spirit of people helping people. Some of those stories appear in our monthly enewsletters but we want to make sure that we share them with all our website visitors too. Please feel free to send in your story, and we will consider it for posting on our website as well.

Have you submitted your story yet? These personal stories were submitted through AoA’s website.

Volunteers are Vital

I am an Adult Protective Services Social Worker in Door County, Wisconsin. Our agency is working in collaboration with our local aging unit (Door County Senior Resource Center) to expand meal delivery to homebound seniors in our community. We are geographically challenged and have only a limited radius for meals on wheels delivery. We are working to expand our frozen meal program to address the needs of those seniors who are not in the MOW’s delivery area. Despite budget constraints, we are hopeful that we can be successful - thanks in part to vital volunteers. We are going to partner with other organizations (such as churches throughout the county) and utilize volunteers to assist with packaging and delivering meals. This service is crucial to enable our quickly aging population to live their "golden years" with safety, independence and good health. We hope President Obama's call to action will motivate even more of our citizens to assist us in making this goal a reality through volunteer service. Submitted by Erin Szakala

Appreciating a Caregiver

I am a 58 year old female living in central New Hampshire. I have been married for 33 years and we have one daughter. In 1988, I learned I had multiple sclerosis and that was the “good” news. Prognosis and progression were unpredictable and my (our) life became wait and see what happens next. I worked as a federal projects bookkeeper with our local school system. Years of slow, continuing decline followed. I made adjustments and kept going for 20 years. Bladder issues required self-cathing at work. Then as walking became more difficult, I devised a push-club of my co-worker friends to push me in my desk chair to the bathroom door when needed. In June of 2008 when rising from a chair required lifting and independent standing was impossible, I had to stop working. My husband, life-partner has been with me through it all. He has been an extraordinary caregiver in all respects – from housekeeper to nurse. I feel so, so blessed. Submitted by Sandra Finnie.

F.I.S.H. Volunteers on Call to Transport Seniors

The Sudbury (MA) Senior Center’s F.I.S.H. (Friends In Service Helping) volunteer medical rides program arranged 1,791 free rides to medical appointments over a recent 12-month period. Drivers take adults of any age to medical appointments in the greater Boston area, and as far west as Worcester. The 3,248 hours of volunteer time had an equivalent value of $15 an hour, equating to a donation of $48,720. The actual donation was even greater because the volunteers use their own automobiles and donate the cost of the gas. Several riders use FISH routinely. Some use the program to get to dialysis treatments. It is a source of pride that the program is so reliable that it can consistently offer this life-or-death service. One rider sent a thank you note to the Senior Center which said, “Your wonderful drivers are like Christmas gifts spread throughout the year.” F.I.S.H. requests a week’s notice for rides, but can usually handle last minute requests as well. For example, last winter the Senior Center received a call from a cancer treatment center in Westford, MA. An 80 year old woman who lives alone had driven herself there for surgery to remove a skin cancer from her nose. The treatment was extensive, taking almost four hours and resulting in a large bandage that partially obscured her vision. The doctor was adamant that she was unsafe to drive herself home. F.I.S.H. was called and two people went, one to drive the senior home and the other to drive her car home for her. Submitted by Kristin Kiesel, Sudbury Senior Center.

Volunteers Join Forces to Distribute Meals

I am an Adult Protective Services Social Worker in Door County, Wisconsin. Our agency is working in collaboration with our local aging unit (Door County Senior Resource Center) to expand meal delivery to homebound seniors in our community. We are geographically challenged and have only a limited radius for meals on wheels delivery. We are working to expand our frozen meal program to address the needs of those seniors who are not in the MOWs delivery area. Despite budget constraints, we are hopeful that we can be successful - thanks in part to vital volunteers. We are going to partner with other organizations (such as churches throughout the county) and utilize volunteers to assist with packaging and delivering meals. This service is crucial to enable our quickly aging population to live their "golden years" with safety, independence and good health. We hope President Obama's call to action will motivate even more of our citizens to assist us in making this goal a reality through volunteer service. Submitted by Erin Szakala, Door County, WI.

Loveland Village Lives Up to Its Name

They say that love is what makes the world go round. If someone is looking for love, Good Samaritan Society, Loveland Village is the place to find it. The residents, staff and volunteers work together to spread their love throughout the community in many different ways. From the Valentine re-mailing program to Relay for Life, Loveland Village is sure to have a team of volunteers. Many residents love to knit and crochet; an art that has not died through the ages. Last year a group of residents and staff members got together, with the help of the director of wellness, Vicki McCarger, and started a biweekly “pay it forward” knitting group. They’ve recently renamed themselves the “Coed Wool Workers”. They gather together and create not only practical items for use, but tall tales and laughter weave through the hooks, needles, and yarn. Amongst the laughter and fun, these residents are making a difference in the community. They make tiny baby hats for newborns at McKee Medical Center, adult size hats for those at the homeless shelters, and lap robes for the McKee Cancer Center that not only warm the patients, but warm hearts and spirits as well. Why do they do it? Richard says he loves the idea of spreading good will and giving back to the community. Some like the snacks and sociability of the group while Marion says it just plain “keeps us out of mischief.” From knitting raffle items for the Alzheimer’s society to crocheting shawls for Good Samaritan residents, “paying it forward” and spreading love is what keeps Loveland Village a special place for the whole community. Love really does make the world go round. Submitted by Holly Haubold, Good Samaritan Society, Loveland, CO.

Ready to Help

I am a 67-year old male in DeWitt Charter Township Michigan. I live in a retirement community (55 and older) of 227 manufactured (modular)homes with approx. 350 residents - approx. 105 homes are occupied by single women who have lost a spouse since move-in. The average age by rule is 75. One year ago, in May, we certified 17 residents as a Community Emergency Reaction Team (CERT) - the oldest member of our team is 83. We simply want to be ready to help our neighbors in a time of need. We are ready. Submitted by William Ozbun

Caregiver story – Sometimes needs a break

I will try to make this short. My sudden change in life style came last year when all of a sudden my husband had six heart attacks in one day, then a month later he was diagnosed with lung cancer and had a third of his lung removed. All of a sudden I had to become a caregiver. I love the man dearly but it can be taxing, not to back away from caring for him, but there are times I could just use a day for a break. Story submitted by Janice Maestri.

Helping the Entire Community by Helping Others

Clinton County Office on Aging (OFA) received a phone call from a local professor at SUNY Plattsburgh who was interested in Alternative Spring Break. Many students from State University of New York Plattsburgh head out to various parts of the world, like Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua for alternative spring break. The professor is also a member of the Plattsburgh Noontime Rotary International Club wanted to help people in Clinton County also. He organized business members and students in a very short period to help three elderly consumers in our county. The newly formed non-profit group asked OFA and senior services for a few consumers who might not fit into existing programs, but might need help with some home improvements. The group was able to repair the homes with volunteer labor and at no costs to the elderly consumers. This is a quote from their website, “In these times, the North Country comes together to help those who are struggling. At the same time, we stimulate a flagging economy through spending here in our community. A number of community members, especially those involved with the Plattsburgh Noontime Rotary International Club, believe the best economic stimulus plan is one that mobilizes local effort and stimulates local purchases. We can help the entire community by helping others.” http://www.economicinsights.net/economicstimulusbeginsathome.htm Submitted by Crystal L. Carter, Director, Clinton County Office for the Aging, NY

Last Modified: 7/16/2009 9:06:30 AM