Volunteer Delivery Drivers

The Humanitarian Service Project

Senior Citizen Project

Connie

Receiving Groceries Since 2007

Monthly deliveries include:

7 selections of fresh vegetables

6 selections of fresh fruits

7 varieties of frozen meats

5 bags of non-perishables

1 bag of paper products and personal care items

Gifts from a Secret Pal

     As health deteriorates with old age, the body pays its toll.  But what many forget is that while the outward effects of health issues are obvious and many times severe, the mental effects can be even worse.  For a senior who is alone and living on a meager monthly income bills begin to accumulate, and for most, there is no solace from the mental anguish of not knowing how they will afford their next meal.  80 year old Connie, who is new to our Senior Citizens Project, has been caught in the downward spiral created by growing medical expenses that she is unable to cover on her own.  Without the support of her loved ones, she feels very much alone as she faces her financial burdens each month.  Connie says that she is forever grateful that you have joined with us to deliver her some much needed and much deserved relief.

     As you are well aware, our mission is to help seniors in poverty throughout DuPage and Kane counties.  Here at HSP we see the first hand effects of crushing poverty every day.  Whenever we talk to one of our 115 seniors, many of them share what’s been going on in their lives.  Some being good and some being very sad.  Our hearts always go out to them.  Many times we wonder just how they can get by with so many illnesses and financial troubles creating frustration and worry which always takes a high toll on them.  For too many, sharing their stress of not being able to purchase the things they need is compounded simply by being old.  Despite these challenges, some of our seniors always seem to find something cheery to talk about in their lives.  Many are very strong and courageous.  They face each day with a smile, feeling grateful and counting the few blessings they have.  It is an inspiration for us to see their warm spirits remain positive in the face of difficult  adversities. 

     Connie was one of five children born and raised in Chicago.  Her father passed at the age of 70, leaving her mother widowed for the last 27 years of her life; she had been living under the constant supervision of a nursing home before her recent passing.  Connie’s 2 brothers and 2 sisters have all remained in Chicago’s suburbs or near by in Indiana.  She and her sister who lives in Glen Ellyn have frequent visits, but she rarely sees her other siblings.  Connie’s marriage ended in divorce, but not before the couple raised 2 daughters.  Now that her children have grown, one has moved away, and the other, who lives in Addison, struggles with a heart condition.  Neither have maintained consistent contact with their mother and they are not financially able to provide her with any support.

     As she ages through her early 80’s, Connie faces a handful of health issues that can make it difficult to perform daily tasks.  She has already had 2 hip replacement surgeries and has made repeated visits to the doctor for hernias.  Like many seniors, she must take medications and eat cautiously to control her high blood pressure – something that she says has been very difficult as of late.  Connie also suffers from a thyroid condition and diverticulitis, which causes abdominal pain, fever, and digestive tract inflammation.

     Connie has developed some strong friendships while living at her present address for the past 18 years.  She says that she is very close with two of her neighbors and that, health permitting, the three enjoy socializing together.  When the weather is comfortable, Connie says that one of her favorite ways to spend her day is outside, enjoying the blue skies and sunshine.  But she must also make time to maintain her apartment, a chore that, with her health issues, can take longer than expected.  Up until recently, Connie was receiving help in the form of a county home health care worker, but she is uncertain as to why the service ended.  Like most, Connie likes to relax in front of the television watching ‘Dog: the Bounty Hunter’ and ‘Forensic Files,’ or reading People magazine.

     Connie has a monthly income of $1040.  She pays a subsidized fee of $214 for her rent and a nearly equivalent amount on her utilities.  She loves to eat fresh fruits and vegetables and says that her conditions remain less severe when she is able to eat healthy.  But just like others on an extremely limited income, food is often the last expense.  Before being enrolled in our program, Connie struggled to afford the nutrition that her body needs.  Now, however, Connie has the security of knowing that every month she will receive the healthy produce and supply of groceries that make it possible for her to eat three meals a day.  We are happy to have Connie in the HSP family and we are confident that, together, we can help her get through these difficult times in her life!

Things to Remember About Connie:

Born on November 14, 1926; she turns 81 in 2007

Her monthly income is $1040

Her favorite color is yellow

Her favorite flower is the rose

Her favorite treat is cheesecake