From a participant in our Senior Program

(As told by Alberta Palmer, Friendly House Senior Case Manager)

“I first met Delores in October of 2008. She was suffering from multiple debilitating illnesses causing limited mobility and chronic pain. Complications after a botched hysterectomy left her with incontinence so severe she confined herself to her apartment for more then 10 years out of fear of being noticed. A photo behind her showed a striking blond woman on the steps of the State Capitol holding a sign reading ‘Equal Rights Now!’ When I noticed it, she said, “You can hardly tell it is me, huh? I don’t even know why I hold on to that stupid thing. Maybe just to show people I used to be someone.” She talked about the pain, the limiting diet that diabetics endure, and the depression, but it was the isolation that plagued her most. She was humiliated by the piles of garbage, rotting food, and dishes sitting unwashed in the sink. She was aware that the management would evict her unless she accepted my help, and that is the only reason she let me in.

I’m reflecting on our first day after my visit with her this afternoon. I hardly recognize this person; she looks more like the woman in the photograph. Three years ago, we began our work together by finding a doctor who was better able to address her physical issues. She was referred to several specialists who have helped to manage her pain, treat her depression, and minimize her incontinence. We arranged for a weekly housekeeper. They work together to keep up on the chores that once felt too exhausting. After a year long debate with Medicare, she was approved for a motorized scooter that has offered her a new lease on life. Today she told me about her first trip to the grocery store in almost 15 years. “I rode up and down every single aisle and next time, Alberta, I will check labels for salt and sugar content.” I asked to go with her – not because she needed my assistance but so that I could share in her excitement. She also told me she signed up to go on a Friendly House trip to the beach. “I had resigned myself to never be able to see the ocean again, but now I can. I just can’t believe it!” It is our ritual to hug before I go. She whispers in my ear, “You are my angel, thank you.”

From a participant in our program for Homeless Families:

“During our time in the transitional housing program at Friendly House, we accessed many of the resources Friendly House had to offer. We got backpacks, school supplies, and clothing for our kids. Sarah showed us what to do and where to go for food stamps, cash assistance, clothing, and job training. She helped my husband by giving him the right resources. He got his GED and got into college. Last year, we graduated from the transitional housing program and were selected for a subsidized apartment. Now I look for ways to give back. I’m always trying to help others out. Today, things are still hard for us. We have a lot of work to do to get firmly on our feet, but we’ve come a long way since Friendly House came into our lives.”

Yes! I want to help by making a secure donation to Friendly House!

From a participant in our Senior Program:

The days that I feel most isolated and defeated, Friendly House is there to remind me there is a world outside, and a way for me to participate in it. There is a place where my ideas, vision and experience still has value, and I’m not just an old man. I’m a part of the community. I’m a retired clinical social worker and was jolted from the prime of my life and career when a drunk driver collided into me at an intersection. At that moment, it was as though my life was suspended. I woke up 8 years later, an old man. I live with, and periodically suffer from, a traumatic brain injury, PTSD, and a number of other medical and physiological issues that impact my ability to manage even the most mundane tasks.

Several years ago, a young man from Friendly House came to my home to tell me about services I could access. By the time he left; I had services, and hope. In addition coordinating in home services such as house keeping, and shopping assistance, Friendly House coordinates my medical appointments and the transportation to get to them. They provide a number of events and activities that give me an opportunity to get out of my home, to socialize, and to advocate for other seniors in similar positions.

Of all these services and opportunities, I’m most grateful for the support of Friendly House in my dark times. The days that I feel most isolated and defeated, Friendly House is there to remind me there is a world outside, and a way for me to participate in it. There is a place where my ideas, vision and experience still has value, and I’m not just an old man. I’m a part of the community. Having lost everything from family and friends, to a career and possessions; I hold most cherished my dignity and independence. Friendly House is where I turn to gather the tools to keep it intact.” -Robert Joyce

Yes! I want to help by making a secure donation to Friendly House!

From the relative of a participant in our Gay & Grey program:

I have to tell you that Gay & Grey has been a terrific boon for my uncle. His health has sometimes kept him from meetings, but he never fails to tell me how much he has enjoyed the meetings he can make. It is clear that the opportunity to share experiences with older gay folks who have lived through years of social change helps keep him young. So I am very happy Friendly House got the group rolling.

From participants in our Art Therapy program, for victims of domestic violence:

“This is my time. Pretty much the only day of the week when I can talk about my feelings. No interruptions, no judgments…”

“I love playing with art materials. I never knew I was an artist before this group!”

“For a while I was scared to be in a group. Doing projects and being allowed to be present without having to talk until I was ready was very helpful. Now I don’t mind sharing my thoughts and feelings.”

“This group is always different: sometimes we are serious, or talk about hard things. Sometimes we laugh, and laugh… once in a while we share food. It is good to have something like this every week…”

“I did not know there were so many other women who had the same experiences I’ve had. When I started I was scared, and now I feel strong. I feel like I am able to help the new members of the group by telling that they too will feel better someday soon.”

Yes! I want to help by making a secure donation to Friendly House!

From a participant in one of our many wellness classes for adults:
“Even though it can be hard work, Emily’s Senior Yoga class leaves me feeling peaceful, connected to the deeper life of both my body and my spirit. And I’m amazed by the things our class can do now that we couldn’t do before.” – Ames D.

From a volunteer:

“When choosing a service project I looked for a place that made a difference in people’s lives. When I saw Friendly House I knew it was a fantastic place. You give young children a fun and safe place to get help and just be kids. I am honored to have been able to work with you and your co-workers. I will never forget when on my second visit, when the children remembered me and were excited to see me! It warmed my heart. Thank you for the chance to see the power of kindness!” -volunteer from St. Mary’s Academy, 2007

“I met Margaret through Friendly House, but I don’t really think of myself much as a volunteer…it just feels like getting together for coffee with an old friend each time we meet up or chat on the phone. I may reap greater benefits than Margaret does from our friendship—I’ve learned so much from her!” – from a volunteer with our Friendly Visitor program for seniors.

From a member using the fitness programs:
“Friendly House has been essential to my continued mobility and healthy independence. A few years ago I was diagnosed with PPS (Post Polio Syndrome). I have had to establish a fitness routine to maintain what mobility I can while facilitating my fitness. Exercise is medicine is my mantra. The Friendly House gym, Balance Total Fitness classes, and swimming program have been lifelines in maintaining my functioning. I can motor over to Friendly House without having to arrange extra transport for my power chair. I appreciate the friendliness of the staff as well as their gracious acceptance of my service dog and my special physical needs. It is truly an important community resource that I treasure.” -Mary Lee Nitschke

Yes! I’d like to help, by making a secure donation to Friendly House!

From parents of children enrolled in our After School Program:

“Thank you all so much for what you do. I could not work fulltime and/or be able to afford after school care if not for the Friendly Chaps program.” -Parent of a 4^th-grader

“(My daughter) was very introverted and shy before she started Chaps. She has made many good friends and is happy to be there.” -Parent of a Kindergartner

From parents of children enrolled in Preschool:
“I loved this program, how welcome our family has felt. I love that we had such a small child to teacher ratio, that men are teachers (men often being absent during early childhood) as well. The volunteer staff has been sweet and supportive as well. I was hesitant to put my child in preschool. I didn’t enjoy it as a child myself and feared it would just be a daycare substitute. This program has far exceeded my expectations.”

“This program has helped my child learn to help himself.”

From a donor:
“It’s a privilege for Con-way to give back to the community, and we’re honored to support Friendly House. For nearly 80 years, Friendly House has been enriching the lives of people in our community, and Con-way is proud to help make it possible.” – Craig Boretz, Con-way

Yes! I’d like to help, by making a secure donation to Friendly House!