Lives We’ve Touched
From recipient to benefactor
Evelyn, 54, who lives with moderate mental retardation and after-effects
of childhood polio, recently moved into a residential neighborhood
in her community with a female housemate. But the excitement
of having her very own bedroom was marred when her bed, part
of an ancient bedroom set she brought with her, kept falling
down.
Evelyn’s service provider REM Community Options applied to the Foundation For the Challenged for a Community Living Fund grant to purchase Evelyn suitable bedroom furniture. “She went shopping with us to pick out the furniture and she was so excited,” says Service Coordinator, Jennifer Quintana. In addition to a new bedroom set, she bought home storage shelves for a beloved collection of stuffed toys. “Evelyn had a very difficult childhood in which almost everything was taken from her,” says Quintana. “That’s why we try to make sure she gets the things that make her feel good. The Community Living Fund grant helped her feel more safe and comfortable.”
But that’s not the end of the story: After getting her new bed, Evelyn donated her old one to be restored by a local charity and given to another community member in need. She was given the opportunity to experience the satisfaction and significance of helping someone less fortunate than herself. And isn’t that what community life is all about?