Matches Made at UH

Providing a Solution

QIANA JAMES (‘03) OFFERS A FRIENDLY FACE FOR SENIORS

According to Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures, an annual report released by the Alzheimer's Association, more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. By 2050, this number is expected to rise to nearly 13 million. Additionally, more than 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Taking these facts to heart prompted UH Alumna, Qiana James (’03) to do what she could to assist both the elderly and those who care for them.

“Since I was eight years old, I had dreams of starting my own business,” said Qiana. “Thanks to the education that I

received at the University of Houston and the experience I gained when I was in the Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship, I learned how to develop a solid business plan and turn my dreams into reality.”

Initially, Qiana wanted to open a hair salon but soon realized that another calling took prominence. “When my grandmother became too ill to care for herself, my mom began taking care of her,” said Qiana. “I saw how important it was for my grandmother to be able to stay in her own home and have some sense of independence. That was when my idea for Friendly Faces Senior Care started to take shape.”

In 2010, Qiana launched Friendly Faces Senior Care, which offers private in-home, non-medical caregiver services for seniors, allowing seniors to live quality, independent lives. Soon after Qiana opened her agency, Qiana formed The Doll Foundation, which provides resources and education to caregivers and seniors in need of assistance.

“With my grandmother and now my father who suffers from Alzheimer’s, I have seen firsthand the challenges that families face when having to decide how to care for their loved ones who fall ill,” said Qiana. “I am so grateful that my agency can provide a viable solution in these situations.”

Since Qiana formed Friendly Faces Senior Care, she advises people to be proactive when it comes to taking care of their elders and research the choices that are available

before it becomes an emergency type of situation. “Many of our clients come to us in a reactive state where they need assistance immediately,” said Qiana. “I encourage everyone to start making plans for such things as long-term care. With so many of us living longer, the necessity to plan ahead is becoming more and more essential.”

When asked what advice she would give to young students who dream of starting their own business, Qiana says to “exercise patience and diligence and listen to your inner voice for motivation.” Qiana also cautions others not

to be afraid of failure and learn from those experiences. “The key is knowing that the journey is not going to be easy and persevering, regardless.”

Friendly faces Senior Care was named as one of the fastest growing alumni-owned companies in the University of Houston’s Cougar 100, ranking 15 out of 100, and has received several other awards including: Provider of Choice, Employer of Choice and the 2017 Top Home Care for Houston Award.

Melanie (‘91) and Mike (‘89) Pede

MATCHES MADE AT UH

The University of Houston is a place where meaningful connections happen on a daily basis. Sometimes, these interactions are fleeting while others last for a lifetime. We thought we would share with you the ones that are standing the test of time. If you married your Cougar sweetheart, let us

know at alumni@uh.edu.

Amanda (‘06) and Shawn (‘06) Bijani

Diane (‘78) and Chris (‘76) Vaughan Beth (‘03) and Hans Borck (‘03)

Deborah (‘17) and Mark (‘17) Lazenby Anne King (‘18) and Amanda Austin (‘18)

Emily (‘16, M.S ‘18) and Nathan Pitchford (‘16, M.S ‘19)

Joy (‘88) and John (‘92) Dees

Maria (‘14) and JP (‘12) Cavanaugh

Mikaela (‘19) and Daniel (‘18) Oatman Kaitlyn Palividas(‘17) and JP Dowling (‘16)

Lisa (‘01) and Matthew (‘99) Cushing

Sylvia (‘88) and Jonathan (‘92) Brogdon Madeleine (‘17) and Jonathan (‘17) Gerescher

Mayra Castillo (‘19) and Anthony Salcido (‘20)

Sydney Lopez (‘18) and Erik Trejo (‘18)