Giving Hope Holiday Program Senior Story Cards (Dec 13, 2018)

Giving Hope to Seniors!

Story Card

Name (modified for privacy):

Jennifer

Senior’s Story:

Jennifer is a 69 year old married female living with her very ill husband. Being a care giver for her husband (who didn’t qualify or in-home support services due to income requirement) and also taking care of her own mental health challenge has been very stressful to her.

With on-going support from her treatment team, she is able to manage well. Holiday season can be stressful to people, but she learns how to manage holiday stress successfully. Jennifer looks forward for the holiday season. She feels excited about the Festivities City of Fremont offers to the seniors. She gets invited to participate in holiday celebrations with other peers.

Holiday celebrations help her to redirect her thoughts to something positive and more exciting. Festivities lift her spirit up and makes her feel she belongs.

Please click on this Story Card to review the full Wish List details.

Seniors Tracking Number: 156

Giving Hope to Seniors!

Story Card

Name (modified for privacy):

Anita

Senior’s Story: Anita is 82 years old widowed woman living alone. She came to the US several years ago from Afghanistan, where she was a victim of abuse. Anita now lives in low-income housing and understands Basic English. She has good family support but limited income. Although she has multiple medical conditions, she is very positive in her outlook and loves to socialize with people. She loves to sew her own clothes, but her arthritis impedes her in performing this activity.

Recently, her microwave broke (previously donated by someone in her apartment complex), and she is looking for a microwave to warm up her food that is been prepared by her care provider.

Holiday gifts would bring some joy, comfort and cheer for Anita.

Please click on this Story Card to review the full Wish List details.

Seniors Tracking Number: 160

Giving Hope to Seniors!

Story Card

Name (modified for privacy):

Becky

Senior’s Story: Becky is a 75 year old woman who has in recent years struggled to find stable housing. Becky is unmarried and does not have any children, and often feels anxious about her unstable housing. She is friendly and sociable and really enjoys being around others, but some mobility issues and her unstable housing have made it difficult for her to feel connected or create new connections. Becky expressed that receiving some small token from someone would help her feel less alone and she would be very appreciative.

Please click on this Story Card to review the full Wish List details.

Seniors Tracking Number: 161

Giving Hope to Seniors!

Story Card

Name (modified for privacy):

Wendy

Senior’s Story: Wendy is an 81 year old long time resident of Fremont who is responsible for taking care of her 21 year old grandson with mental disabilities. Wendy is limited financially and has to live with her daughter since she can not afford to live on her own. She is struggling financially to meet her grandson’s needs while battling her own multiple health issues. A holiday gift would be much appreciated to keep her warm this winter and bring a smile to her grandson.

Please click on this Story Card to review the full Wish List details.

Seniors Tracking Number: 162-163

Giving Hope to Seniors!

Story Card

Name (modified for privacy):

Martha

Senior’s Story: Martha is a 62 year old senior who is the only caregiver of her 98 years old husband. Martha’s husband is dealing with physical as well as cognitive health issues. Martha has not been able to work for the last 25 years since she has been caring for her husband diligently. She has no income and her husband’s minimum retirement barely helps to purchase basic life needs. Holiday gifts would bring joy to this wonderful couple.

Please click on this Story Card to review the full Wish List details.

Seniors Tracking Number: 164-165

Giving Hope to Seniors!

Story Card

Name (modified for privacy):

Anthony

Senior’s Story: Anthony was raised in Fremont and worked as an auto mechanic for many years. Most of his family is deceased, and he has been homeless for over ten years. However, Anthony is happy to have the senior center to stay fresh and clean using their showers weekly. Hopefully 2019 will bring about new successes like a mailing address, new phone and I.D. Anthony looks forward to the Winter Shelter opening!

Please click on this Story Card to review the full Wish List details.

Seniors Tracking Number: 166

Giving Hope to Seniors!

Story Card

Name (modified for privacy):

Anne

Senior’s Story: Anne immigrated to the United States in 1988 from the Philippines. Upon arriving to the US she went to CNA School, HHA School and registered with In Home Supportive Services. Anne is a hard worker and has worked as a caregiver for over 20 years. She currently lives in Union City with her uncle who has dementia and takes care of him full time. Anne was never married and has no children, but she stays social by coming to the senior center to play Bingo and takes needlecrafts. When not working Anne also enjoys going to the library.

Please click on this Story Card to review the full Wish List details.

Seniors Tracking Number: 168

Giving Hope to Seniors!

Story Card

Name (modified for privacy):

Ariane

Senior’s Story: Ariane was a stay at home mom until her daughters turned 10 years old. She worked for many years as a seamstress. Ariane took ESL classes to improve her English and AutoCad classes to help her husband with his business. Ariane and her husband experienced health challenges later in life, requiring that she move in with her daughter after her husband passed. Over the years, Ariane’s health has improved some, and to stay busy with her limited funds, she enjoys going to the Lake Side Café at the senior center and has made some friends.

Ariane also enjoys Art class, Tai Chi, Zumba, Yoga and the Garden club. Outside of the Senior Center Ariane enjoys going to the mall or to Lake Elizabeth to walk or play with her grandkids at the park.

Please click on this Story Card to review the full Wish List details.

Seniors Tracking Number: 169

Giving Hope to Seniors!

Story Card

Name (modified for privacy):

Phuong

Senior’s Story: Phuong immigrated to the US in 2000 to help her son take care of her grandchildren. In 2002 she began frequenting the senior center, enjoying classes that keep her moving like Tai Chi and any kind of exercise class.

Phuong enjoys riding her bike in Fremont and lives a modest life. Phuong would be greatly appreciative of some support over the holidays.

Please click on this Story Card to review the full Wish List details.

Seniors Tracking Number: 170-171

Giving Hope to Seniors!

Story Card

Name (modified for privacy):

Gail

Senior’s Story: Gail is a 65 yr old woman who recently had a stroke which left her aphasic (unable to speak). She recently lost her husband and lives with her developmentallydisabled daughter. She had to stop working due to her medical conditions. She and her daughter would appreciate some holiday cheer during this challenging time.

Please click on this Story Card to review the full Wish List details.

Seniors Tracking Number: 172-173

Giving Hope to Seniors!

Story Card

Name (modified for privacy):

Helen

Senior’s Story: Helen is a 71 year old single female living in a rented room in a mobile home in Hayward. She is a strong woman who has gone through tremendous hardship and struggles throughout her life. Helen started working at the age of 14 to provide for herself after she left her hometown. She is an independent person, but her hips and legs are weak and she is unable to go out of the house (only for shopping and doctors’ apt) for fear of falling. Helen would love to be able to have mobility aid scooter so she can drive herself to the store, to the park or even to the coffee shop for a cup of coffee. A holiday gift would bring her joy on Christmas. Gift cards to WalMart and Taxi vouchers would be great gifts for her to get her own Taxi rides buy her own food and clothing.

Please click on this Story Card to review the full Wish List details.

Seniors Tracking Number: 174

Giving Hope to Seniors!

Story Card

Name (modified for privacy):

Rebecca

Senior’s Story: Rebecca is a 70 year old woman living alone in a supported senior apartment complex. She said that she is very lucky to be in a supportive housing because of her limited income. Despite the fact that she is on a supportive housing, she continues to struggle making ends meet on a monthly basis. She has adult children but they themselves also struggle to make ends meet. She said that with the help of the Senior Mobile Mental Health Program, she is able to function well. She is currently working very hard to improve herself and her functioning on a daily basis. Rebecca wants to have a happy outlook during the holiday season. She wants to spend time with her family and some friends. She likes to have them over her house to visit, socialize and eat.

She will appreciate any gifts she receives.

Please click on this Story Card to review the full Wish List details.

Seniors Tracking Number: 177