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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
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Many of the problems that arise with old age
can create an environment of frustration and depression. The deterioration
of health can make it difficult to lead an active lifestyle and can even
make going to the grocery store seem like a daunting task. This can be
especially true for those facing the effects of poverty. 68 year old
Johnietta, who is new to the Senior Citizens Project, says that the relief
that she feels every month when she receives her grocery delivery is beyond
words.
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 their increasing age and failing health. Despite these
challenges, Most 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.
Johnietta grew up in
Houston, Texas, one of two girls in a home with five children. She lost her
mother, who died at 74, and two of her brothers. Her father will be turning
94 in 2007. Although her remaining brother and her sister live in the
Chicago area, the fact that none of the three drives keeps them from
visiting with each other. Johnietta, a mother of three is widowed and never
remarried. Her children, 2 daughters and one son, live in the Chicago
suburbs and make time to see their mother and bring her grandchildren to
visit “once in a while.” The three have been supportive in the past by
providing transportation for Johnietta to run errands, but none have ever
been in a position to help her financially. Her case worker has emphatically
told us that that her children do not provide her with any financial support
otherwise we may not have considered her for our support.
Johnietta has high blood
pressure and has suffered two heart attacks. She has asthma, experiences
shortness of breath, is losing her hearing, and has painful arthritis that
causes her legs and her shoulders to chronically ache. She must make
numerous visits to the doctor to monitor her heart condition and she gets
through the grueling hours of waiting by reading magazines (O Magazine,
Cosmopolitan, and People) in the doctors’ offices – magazines that she says
she wishes she could afford, but has never been able to.
On the occasional Sundays when
her daughter is able to drive her, Johnietta likes to attend church. She
passes her time visiting with her neighbor and by watching talk shows like
Oprah and programs on the Food Network. She likes to read but with her
limited income cannot afford books or magazines.
Johnietta’s monthly
income is $670 and her rent is $168. After her utility bills and medicines
are paid for, she must divide the small amount that remains between
transportation, food, replacing household necessities, and medical expenses.
Every month, Johnietta’s budget was spread so thin that it became difficult
to afford the nutrition that she needed and skipping meals was a regular
occurrence. As a recipient of HSP’s monthly deliveries, Johnietta now enjoys
a consistent supply of fresh produce, frozen meats, bread, non-perishables,
paper products, personal care items, and gifts from her secret pal. We are
happy to have Johnietta in the HSP family and we are confident that, with
your sponsorship, we can help her get through these difficult times in her
life!
Things to remember about Johnietta:
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Her birthday is July 16, 1938; she turns 69 in
2007.
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Her monthly income is $670.
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Her favorite color is Blue.
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Her favorite flowers are Gladiolas.
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