These are some of the heartfelt stories that
touched all of our lives and we hope to experience the same satisfaction
and reward for years to come.....
TERI
Now 45, Teri has
been suffering from Crohn’s Disease since she was 27 years old. She
also has Fibromyalgia and Central Sensitivity Syndrome, which, like MS,
affects the nerves and causes severe pain almost all the time.
In addition to these
chronic diseases, she also has had Cervical, Colon, and Ovarian Cancer.
Teri is a nurse, and
has tried to take on temporary work in her field but because her immune
system is so weak she will inevitably become sick when caring for ill
patients. She is living on less than $1,000 a month.
Her daughter Shanna
is 20. She has been working since she was 15 years old to help her mom
make ends meet. They struggle together every month to pay their $900
monthly mortgage. They are in it alone. Teri doesn’t have any
other family
who will help her, so Shanna has made it her mission to take care of her
mother’s needs and keep them in the house. That’s not a burden that
most 20 year-olds would shoulder, but Shanna doesn’t question it.
She loves her mother
and will do whatever she has to do to take care of her.
These two women are
struggling together, against the world it may seem, to simply get by.
BARBARA
Barbara not only
cares for her elderly mother, but for two children she adopted who were
abandoned by their parents at ages seven and eight.
She took the brother and
sister in as foster children, and because the state was going to
separate them, she adopted them. She has given them the love of a
family, and explained to them that family works together, and also gets
to play together.
She gives her
80-year-old wheelchair-bound mother the task of doing the dishes so she
will still feel she is contributing. Her mother is proud she is still
able to help the family. Barbara feels if everyone works as a team, the
family bond grows stronger.
Dealing with her
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is hard, but her attitude
is exceptionally positive. Barbara keeps her excellent sense of humor
and strength through all her challenges. When asked if there is any cure
for COPD, she said with a laugh, "Yes, death. But I prefer to deal with
it my way."
ANN
Ann, 71, lives alone
except for her beloved dog. She has no children, and her only relative
is a brother. She is twice widowed; the first time she was married for
24 years, then to her second husband for 19 years. She describes them
both as "wonderful men".
She moved with her
last husband to Florida from California to be close to her mother who was in her
90s. She moved here in November and bought this house - and her
husband died in July. Her husband, a retired teamster, was healthy as
far as they knew. She found out after his death that he had Bulbous
Emphysema and it ruptured and killed him instantly. She was devastated
by his untimely death.
Ann was then left
alone to care for her elderly mother full-time until she died last
Mother’s Day at age 97. Though it would seem sad to lose a mother on
Mother’s Day, Ann sees it as a tribute to a wonderful mother that she
was finally in peace on her special day.
ELLEN
Ellen came from Michigan to care for her sister Esther who was a recent
widow and was critically ill. Her plan was to stay for two weeks and then
go back to her home in Michigan. That was more than 15 years ago. Her
sister needed constant care, so Ellen had to sell her home in Michigan
to
provide that care.
Ellen cared for her
sister until her death. Because she had nowhere to go after Esther’s
death, and because family members wanted the money from the sale of the
house, Ellen was forced to get a mortgage for the home. She still pays
more than $300 per month in mortgage payments from her small income from Social
Security that she has to live on.
She has been widowed
for 30 years. Her husband died young from Cancer of the Esophagus.
Ellen had her hip
replaced a few years ago, and it never healed properly. Just out of the
hospital a few weeks ago from a bad lung infection, she is still trying
to manage her pain and her medications.
Ellen has three
children, but only one daughter near her. The daughter is only
able to visit her a few times a year. She has a son who lives in
Georgia who is crippled with a neurological disease. Ellen is
great to talk to because of her warm, friendly personality.
CAROLYN’S LIFE
LEARNING CENTER
Carolyn Davis has
spent most of her life working with children. She opened this center
six years ago. This is a special day care center, as it serves
low-income parents and children who are referred to them through a state
agency, Child Care Association.
The center is open
from 6am until 2am every day, because many of the parents of the
children work different shifts, or work two jobs, to make ends meet.
About 98% of the children are being raised by single moms, or in many
cases, aunts or grandparents. The children are from six weeks old to 12
years old.
Carolyn’s goal is to
provide these children a nice environment in which to spend their days.
In most instances it is much nicer than what they have at home. She
makes sure they receive lots of love, hugs and kisses, and good meals.
She makes sure they eat at the center, because often those are the only
meals they will eat.
The work done here
is some of the most important work done anywhere. It is making the
lives of children a little brighter.
GEORGE AND ROSIE
George and Rosie,
both in their 70s, live alone in their 35 year old home. They struggle
to get by on less than $1,000 per month.
George has a serious
heart condition and has recently been diagnosed with Cancer. Rosie
still works every day at a day care center in the area, cooking for the
children. She also cares for her grandson after school every day. He
helps her keep up the yard in which she takes so much pride
DIANE
Diane, 56, was
diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 13 years ago, and has been in a
wheelchair for about eight years. She is a determined lady who volunteers
for Harmony Farms, a therapeutic riding center for the handicapped.
She rides horses there two times a week as a part of her determination
to remain as active as she can.
Diane’s marriage
ended and she was left alone with more bills than she can handle. She
tries to do what she can around the house, and was seen by a neighbor
recently in her wheelchair trying to pressure the house because she was
so ashamed about its condition!
Years ago, Diane’s doctor told
her she would be in bed within a few years. She walked for six years
longer than he predicted. Her determination and good spirit help
beat the odds. She is so excited to be getting this fresh look for
her home and so thankful for the companies and volunteers who are making
this possible.
JOAN
Joan, 62, was
widowed in 1983 when her husband died at age 40. He had been diagnosed
with Melanoma and given five years to live. When he went back for a
check-up and found out he had massive brain tumors, he was then told he
had no more than seven months. That was in November. He died the following
February.
Joan was then left
with two children, ages seven and 10. Her son is now in the Air Force and
stationed in Ft. Walton Beach. Her daughter lives in the area.
Joan has suffered
from a heart condition for years, and respiratory problems since 1995.
She is on oxygen for 12 hours a day. Living on less than $1,000 per
month, every day is a struggle to get by.
She lives alone and
is so thankful for the companies and volunteers that are helping her
regain some of her pride in her home.
MARTHA
Martha, 72, has had
open heart, 5-bypass surgery. She is also a Diabetic and has a
deteriorating spine. Her health makes it hard for her to do much
around the home, and living on a very small Social Security income, it
is impossible for her to hire anyone to do what needs to be done.
Martha cares for her
52-year-old handicapped daughter, who lives with her. She had four
children, but lost a son to cancer at a young age.
Her other children live in California and Chicago. She is very
thankful for the companies and volunteers who are making this possible!
SHIRLEY
Six years ago, at
the young age of 56, Shirley went in for hip replacement surgery. Her
doctors "botched" the surgery, and because of that, for the last six years
she has walked with crutches. She will have to use them to walk for the
rest of her life.
She lives alone in
her 41 year old home and struggles to get by on slightly more than $800 a month.
Shirley had the courage to come speak to our Advisory Board and tell
them of her need for help.
She is very thankful
her home was chosen for painting and so grateful for the companies who
made this possible, as well as the volunteers who are giving up their
day to help her.
AMALIA
Amalia, 54,
struggles each day to get by and make a home for her and her 14-year-old
son. She has a Pacemaker, and suffers from Diabetes and High Blood
Pressure. She also has Neuropathy, which is a form of nerve damage from
diabetes.
Her home is owned by
her father, who is confined to a nursing home. They moved into his home
last year. When they moved in, there were no doors to any of the rooms
and leaks in the roof. She has had her homeowners insurance cancelled
twice.
Living on a very
small Social Security and disability income, Amalia has been longing to
have repairs and painting done on the home to make it more livable for
her and her son. She is so grateful for the volunteers
who have given up their day to help her, and the companies who are
making this project possible.
NOMA
Noma has lived in
this home for 20 years. The house itself is over 50 years old. She has
done her best to try and keep it up over the time she’s been the owner. Noma’s husband left
eight years ago and she has been struggling by on $500 a month.
At 72, she has no car, and walks to town just about every day to do her
shopping and take care of necessities. She says that keeps her healthy!
Noma has an
interesting story. She was from a family of 13 children and
herself is a twin, and because her parents couldn’t afford that many kids,
she was given up for adoption as an infant. Taken in by a loving family
in a neighboring town, she grew up as their daughter and never met her
own parents until she was 10. She met some of her siblings, including
her own twin, later in life.
Noma doesn’t have
much, but she says she gets by with help from her church and friends.
"Where there’s a will, there’s a way", she says. Noma has a
wonderful spirit and a great attitude about life.
RUTH
Ruth is 75 years old
and lives alone in her 50 year old home. She bought the house when it
was brand new and loves her home. It has been many years since she’s
been able to have it painted.
Ruth suffers from
Arthritis. She lives on a small Social Security income and the little
retirement she receives every month. After paying for her living
expenses and medications every month, there is nothing left to do the
repairs and fixing up she would like to be able to do.
She is so thankful
for volunteers who have given up their Saturday to help, and to the
companies who are making this possible!
RUBY
Ruby's house was built before 1916, and is one of the oldest homes in the
area. When it was built, just off the railroad tracks, there was no
U.S. 1, this was just a sleepy area in a small town.
In the summer of
’58, Ruby and her husband moved into this home. Her husband was a
commercial fisherman, a crabber. They were married for 43 years, until
his death in 1989 of a Stroke. Ruby, now a widow for 14 years, speaks
fondly of her late husband and her three children, seven grandchildren and 14
great grandchildren.
Ruby has a great,
positive attitude and seems much younger than her 76 years. She lives
on just a little more than $500 a month but doesn’t complain. And though
she has Glaucoma and was left blind in her left eye after an operation
to remove a cataract, she says she is thankful for her health.
DELTA LIFE
DEVELOPMENT CENTER
The Delta Life
Development Center stands as an important part of the community for many
different people and organizations. It is the home of Delta Sigma
Theta, the largest organization of African-American women in the world.
Founded in 1913, it now has over 200,000 members across the country, and
focuses on local, national, and international public service. This
local non-profit chapter has done much in the community, including the
debutante season and ball every year, in which they teach young
African-American teens life awareness with programs such as career
education and HIV awareness.
Many other
organizations meet here, including Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Brevard,
and Seniors at Lunch, a group of senior citizens who meet three times a
week and share food, conversation, and enjoy entertainment.
A gathering place
for the community is important to the well being of any area. Many
thanks go to the volunteers who are helping to beautify
this important part of the local landscape.
SILAS AND BARBARA
Silas and Barbara
are celebrating their 51st anniversary. They have owned
their home for 12 years and it’s been that long since it’s been
painted. Silas is 82, and Barbara is 71. They have
three children, five grandchildren, and five
great-grandchildren, and are very proud of their family.
A month ago Barbara
had a heart attack. While she is still recovering, Silas has had to
care for her, with a little help from a visiting nurse. Because of his
advanced age, his doctor had recently advised him against such
activities as climbing ladders.
They are struggling
to get by on the small Social Security income they receive each month.
Silas and Barbara
have both served their country and communities for many years. Silas
is a WWII Veteran. Until recently, Barbara volunteered eight hours a day at
the Palm Bay Senior Center working with children with Cancer.
Now it’s time for
them to get this gift. They thank each and every one of you, and the supporting
companies, for giving up your day to help them.
THELMA
This was Thelma's childhood home. The home originally had no
electricity and the bathrooms were outside. Life was hard back then.
Thelma remembers that people in the town used to come and beat her
father and stole from him constantly.
She moved to South
Florida and lived there for many years, and eventually came back to the family
home. At 80 years old and living on only $580 a month, Thelma has to
scrimp and save to get by. She has been so determined to get her house
painted, that for a long time she has been buying one gallon of paint
when she would get a Social Security check, and hiding it under her
stairs. But every time she would get a few gallons together, someone
would come steal them.
What you are doing
today means the world to Thelma. Normally a home that needs this much
extensive work and prep would not be able to be handled by your
organization, but because of the help of a "few good men", it is ready for you
to paint today.
Cliff Dykes of
Southland Painting, Jesse Jones of J. W. Jones Painting, Sean Downs, and
Mike Mitchell, all with the PDCA (Painters, Decorators & Contractors
Assn.) volunteered to take on this three-day project, working from Thursday
through Saturday, to make sure the home would be ready for a new paint
job today. Our thanks go out to them, and to all of you who gave up
your day to bring the sparkle back to Thelma’s childhood home.
DELORES
Delores is 71 years
old and is living on $407 a month. She lives alone in this 47 year old
home, with no air conditioning and no insulation. The plumbing is also
in serious disrepair.
The home was closed
up for almost 20 years when Delores went to Illinois to care for her
ailing mother. When her mother passed away in 2000 at the age of 94,
she came back to her home to find it in need of much work. She is
trying to do what she can to make it livable and comfortable.
Delores has constant
back pain, yet she still offered to help in some small way with the
painting. Luckily all of the volunteers made sure she
didn't have to do that!
In a letter written to you,
Delores said that if she wasn’t one of the
fortunate ones chosen, she wanted to say what a wonderful thing she
thinks it is that these community-minded companies and organizations are
providing this assistance. She thanks you all so much.
CAROL
Carol cared for her
aunt who was terminally ill with Lung Cancer. When her aunt died in
1992, she left Carol enough money to put down to get this house built.
The home was built in 1993, and Carol and her husband moved in, excited
to have their new home and looking forward to many years enjoying it
together.
Then, 11 months
later, her husband died. Carol was left a widow, and since then has
faced a daily challenge to make ends meet. She gets by on a
small Social Security income each month, but also has to baby sit to
bring in enough to meet her bills.
Her home has not
been painted since it was built, and in a letter to your organization, she
wrote, "To have my home painted by you would truly be a blessing." Her
sincere thanks goes out to the volunteers and companies who have made
this blessing possible.
LITTLE STEPS CHILD
CARE
Connie is the owner
and director of Little Steps. The center has been in operation for
four
years, but she has been dedicated to working with children for years.
There are 65 children who spend their days here, ages six weeks to 12
years.
Connie is known in
the community as being very willing to work with lower income parents
who are referred to her from Child Care Association, a state agency.
Connie herself was a single parent trying to work and have a safe
childcare situation for her children, so she can relate to the struggles
of the parents she serves.
Her goal is to
provide a loving, fun environment for the children she cares for.
She even provides transportation for more than half of her children
because the parents can’t afford to pay for both day care and an
automobile.
Connie Hill goes out
of her way to help those in need in her community. She says this gift
of painting provided by you all today is truly a godsend. To the
volunteers, Brevard County, and the companies who are making this
possible, Connie, her staff, and the children offer a big THANK YOU!!
ROSA
Rosa lives alone and
is struggling to get by with a very small Social Security and Disability
income, while still having to pay a mortgage on her 30 year old home.
Several years ago she was forced to refinance her home just to get by.
Rosa is 55 and
suffers from Graves Disease, which is a condition that attacks the
thyroid gland. In Rosa, it has caused her to lose her eyesight. She
has lost all vision in her left eye, and doctors are still trying to
save her right eye. She has had six surgeries on her eyes, and the
doctor needs to do more.
Rosa is so happy
that she will finally have her home painted. She extends her thanks to
all the volunteers who have given up their Saturday to make this happen,
and to the companies who are making this possible.
QUEENIE
Queenie's home was purchased in
1967, and in 1969 she turned it into The Holiday Shop, a consignment
crafts shop. At the time, there was just a drawbridge that got drivers
over the river to her shop. The shop became a gathering place for
visitors and she offered coffee, tea and cookies. Customers could even
get foot massages!
The home eventually
became a floral business, and Queenie served the area’s floral needs for
weddings, churches, and other events.
Queenie is now 89
years old and is legally blind. She needs assistance to walk. She is
living off less than $700 a month in Social Security and food stamps.
She is used to being an independent woman who was always helping others
in her life. She isn’t used to being on the receiving end of help. But
it’s her turn. After a lifetime of giving, she is now getting back.
And you, the companies and volunteers who are making this happen, are
lucky enough to be the ones helping such a wonderful woman.
And Queenie thanks
you all from the bottom of her heart.
RICHARD
Richard Carroll
drove long haul over-the-road tractor-trailers for 30 years. He is now
74 years old and lives alone in this home. He has no close family to
help him and is living only on his small Social Security income. He
has lived in this home for 30 years.
When the Indian
River County Council on Aging first learned about Richard last July, he
was living with no electricity, no phone, no utilities of any kind. The
home was infested with cockroaches and was in complete disrepair. He
wasn’t eating properly. He was unable to keep up with his basic needs
without help. And he wasn’t getting any help.
Now, with the help
of the Council on Aging and the diligence of his caseworker, Sheldon
Kleger, Richard has electricity and receives Meals on Wheels daily.
They have someone come every week to clean his home. Though he is still
alone and has to struggle to get by on his small income, he is now
getting most of his basic needs met.
Today, with this
next step you are giving him back some of his pride in his home. He is
very grateful to the volunteers for what they are doing for him today!
VIVIENNE
Vivienne came down
from Michigan in 1981 to this home, to take care of her elderly mother
after her father passed away. She cared for her mom day and night until her
death in 1985.
For the last 20
years Vivienne has suffered from COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease), which is a disease that makes it hard for her to breathe and
do everyday activities. It is worsening each year. She has had knee
surgery on both knees, and has to use a walker or cane to get around.
And yet, with all
her health problems, Vivienne is still in the role of caregiver today.
She cares for her 81-year-old sister Mary, who has been in and out of
hospitals since the age of seven. She came to live with Vivienne about 10
years ago when she was widowed.
She still has a
monthly mortgage to pay on the home and has to pay for both her and her
sister’s medications - all on the very small Social Security income
they receive.
Vivienne is so
grateful for the work the volunteers are doing today. Thank you for
making Vivienne and Mary's world a little brighter!
MITCHELL AND DEBORAH
The home of Mitchell
and Deborah McCue is 60 years old. It is their family home, and they
have lived there for 23 years. They’ve owned it for the last three years.
It has probably been 20 years since it has been painted. They have a 10
year old son, Matthew.
In 1977, a motorcycle
broad sided Mitchell, and his problems began. He has Chronic Pancreatitus. He contracted
Hepatitis from a blood transfusion from one
of his many surgeries. Half of his stomach has been removed. He has
been through many experimental studies, and is still in and out of
hospitals.
Because of his
medical condition, Mitchell is unable to work. Deborah was working
full-time to help support the family. About a month ago she was laid
off, and their challenges got even greater, living only on Mitchell’s
disability.
The family is so
grateful for the work the volunteers are doing today.
DORIS
Doris is a delight.
She is 82 years old, and though she is confined to bed and has many
health problems, her mind is sharp as a tack and she is funny and
upbeat.
She was a commercial
artist, specializing in airbrush. She worked for companies such as
Westinghouse, and did freelance work as well. She still has the
spirit of an artist, but her body, unfortunately, is ailing.
Doris is on oxygen
24 hours a day. She suffers from Emphysema, heart problems, high blood
pressure, and problems with her blood. She is in and out of the
hospital frequently. But, she says with a laugh, "Other than that, I’m
in perfect health."
A widow since 1976,
Doris was all alone in her home in Baltimore, with her kids grown and
out of the house. Fifteen years ago, on the recommendation of a friend
who lives in the area, she decided to move to Sebastian. The small
25 year-old home she bought then still has its original paint.
Doris is so excited
about getting her home painted. Because she can’t get out of bed to
visit with the volunteers as the work is being done, she’s hoping
someone will take a picture and show her how it looks when it’s
finished!
DISABLED AMERICAN
VETERANS
The battles of
nations may end, but the personal battles of those disabled in war only
begin when the guns fall silent. These men and women must struggle to
regain health, reshape lives shattered by disability, learn new trades
or professions, and rejoin the civilian world. At each step, they need
help to help themselves.
For three quarters
of a century now, that aid has come from the Disabled American Veterans
(DAV), a nonprofit organization of more than one million veterans
disabled during time of war or armed conflict.
The DAV is totally
supported by membership dues and contributions from the American
public. Not a government agency, they receive no government funds.
This local chapter of
the DAV is an important gathering place for these vets and their
families. Their members have helped their country and their community
for many years. Many thanks go to the volunteers who are making
this happen.
PALM BAY ELEMENTARY
Palm Bay Elementary
serves over 700 students. The majority of the families these students
belong to are lower income, and 78% of them are on reduced or free
lunches.
Palm Bay Elementary
has a large exceptional education population. It serves as a Center
School for Exceptional Education. These students with special needs are
bussed here from other districts.
This school wing
being painted houses six classrooms: an art room, two physical
education classes, and three rooms for exceptional education students.
Every day, about 150 students attend class in this building. The
students in these classes will be so happy to come in on and see
their building with a fresh coat of paint.
