 |
Volunteer: Kirk
CELEBRATING ELI
When I became guardian for Eli he was just starting to be reconciled with his family after years of estrangement. His daughter was the most interested, but due to being handicapped was unable to travel on her own to Eli’s nursing home. I was able to bring the daughter to visit numerous times over a period of a year. Eli and his daughter developed a closer relationship and he always asked about her when I visited. Also, the daughter became someone to consult during periods of illness and hospitalization. Upon Eli’s death the daughter worked with the prepaid burial plan to arrange a nice funeral, which many family members attended. I celebrate Eli’s life. |
 |
Volunteer: Janice
CELEBRATING JIM
Jim was 64 and living with dementia, kidney disease and other conditions. A proud Korean War veteran, he never remembered my name but eventually decided to call me his governess. Jim died with nothing but a Bible, a few mystery novels and some clothes. He never demanded much but was grateful for anything that came his way. I learned a lot from Jim—especially to greet everyone with a smile. I have learned that in helping your wards you get to see genuine caring by total strangers and a million small miracles. I celebrate Jim's life. |
 |
Staff Guardian: Jude
CELEBRATING CHARLOTTE
Charlotte was a normal 29-year old woman, engaged to be married when she was stricken with viral encephalitis. She couldn’t talk, only grunt. Her guardian, Jude, transferred her from a nursing home with primarily elderly residents to one with younger residents. Two and one-half years later, he discharged her home and she is now enrolled in rehabilitation due to her short-term memory deficits. We celebrate the good care she received and her response to therapy.
|
 |
Program Director: Beth Reid
|
 |
Former Program Director: Linda
CELEBRATIING VICTOR
Victor served in the Air Force in World War II and learned to be a ham operator. His guardian, Linda, preserved his ham operating equipment from his apartment before transferring him to a nursing home. He kept in touch with the world until shortly before his death.
|
|
|
 |
Staff Guardian: Mike Garvey
CELEBRATING MILTON
Milton was a resident of a local nursing home when Mike became his guardian. He faithfully attended AA meetings and with the support and encouragement of Mike he was able to go back living in the community. He had a few stumbles at first but now has adjusted well to his new freedom. We celebrate his success.
|
 |
Beth Niksa
CELEBRATING TYRONE
When Guardian Beth found out that her ward, Tyrone, had taken his funds and hopped a bus to Chicago, she didn’t know what she was getting into. For five months Tyrone was kept in the Illinois State Mental Hospital until Beth could navigate the Illinois court system in order to have them acknowledge her as guardian. Upon his return to Cleveland he was stabilized at North Coast Behavioral Hospital and is now managing much better in a group home. We celebrate Tyrone’s safe return to Cleveland where he is now safe and out of the state hospital!
|
 |
Volunteer Coordinator: Barb Matlak
CELEBRATING FLORENCE
Florence was quite hostile to her guardian, Barb. But she needed hospice services. Florence’s son did not visit regularly due to his own mental illness, but when told that his mother was very ill he started to visit almost every other day. Florence was so pleased and soon hospice was discontinued due to her improvement. Whether it was the additional care from hospice or having more visits from her son, we know Florence is doing a lot better now.
|
