Volunteer Delivery Drivers

The Humanitarian Service Project

Senior Citizen Project

Ermin

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

     Sadly, for some of the seniors in our Senior Citizens Project, a good day is defined by waking up.  73 year old Ermin, a recent addition to our program, began struggling with his health in the early 80’s.  As a result of his situation, he experiences severe depression and has few family or friends to help him through his mental anguish.  For Ermin, just knowing that someone is familiar with his plight and cares about him uplifts his spirit.  We are happy to welcome Ermin to the HSP family and are very thankful and fortunate that you have decided to join with us by providing him with comfort and support during this time in his life.

     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. 

     Ermin, a veteran of the National Guard, was one of four children.  He has spent most of his life living in Chicago and Elmhurst, but did spend some years in California.  His mother and father both passed in their mid 80’s and he has also lost one of his two brothers.  His remaining siblings keep in touch by phone or email but due to his physical condition visits are rare.  His children and grandchildren have kept only limited involvement in his life, keeping infrequent contact with him and providing no financial support.

     Two years ago, Ermin was diagnosed with Leukemia, adding to his already long list of health concerns.  In the past he has had two heart attacks within 24 hours, two bi-pass surgeries within 7 months, and an operation on his ribs to repair damage incurred during his heart operations. He is on his third defibrillator and now has dual pacemakers and an enlarged heart wall.  The combination of the three allow his heart to only operate at best at 40%, making his mobility extremely limited – he tires easily so must use a powered scooter to get around.  Sadly, Ermin also suffers from severe depression and sees a county-provided psychiatrist each week.  Ermin reports that his medications total an incredible $3,800 each month.  The county also provides a home health care worker (at a cost to Ermin of $11 each month) to help him with household chores and errands.

     When his health and finances were more stable, Ermin enjoyed woodworking.  Now, he says that when he feels his absolute best, he is only capable of making a small box before tiring.  He has traded that hobby for the less physically demanding pastime of reading biographies – as many as 5 each month.  Most days, Ermin says that he sleeps in due to “a bad night.”  If he feels rested enough he will read and when the weather is nice he sits outside to enjoy the fresh air.     

     Ermin has a monthly income of $880.  He pays $293 for his subsidized rent and $100 on medications, leaving little left to afford all of life’s other necessities.  “The service is absolutely fantastic – like heaven!” he says.  The fresh produce is a blessing – the nutritious meals that he can eat give him more energy and help his heart to stay as healthy as possible.   Prior to joining our program, Ermin would skip meals because he could not afford food for the entire month.  While he values the service at $200 each month, he also says that more important than the dollar amount is his reduced stress level and the sense of community that he feels.  We are happy to have Ermin in the HSP family and we are confident that, together, we can help him get through these difficult times in his life!

 Things to Remember About Ermin:

 Born on January 30, 1934; he turns 74 in 2008

His monthly income is $880

His favorite color is orange

His favorite flower is the rose

His one wish is to live longer