Introducing… The Heart of the Matter
Aging Ahead understands storytelling is a vital component of our mission in supporting individuals through the journey of aging. Stories can help educate and inspire all of us to think and act differently. Stories connect us in a unique way by having the ability to touch our hearts in a manner that encourages engagement.
Aging Ahead is excited to introduce our new story sharing platform, The Heart of the Matter. Each month, we will share a story with our boards, staff, volunteers and supporters to help illustrate the impact of our programs and services in the communities we serve.
Nicholas P
Retired life has not been a walk in the park for Nicholas P. In spite of this, he continues to push on with the help of Aging Ahead.
Nicholas P, a diabetic, experienced major health issues a few years ago, resulting in the inability to work. Without the means of reliable transportation, Mr. P found himself home-bound at the age of 65. He was referred to Aging Ahead and began receiving Meals on Wheels and enrolled in our Commodity Box program, a program in which he receives a monthly supply of non-perishable food. Throughout this time, Mr. P continued to suffer financially with cost of living, medical bills, and necessary home repairs he was unable to complete.
During a routine home assessment, Kathy Craig, an Aging Ahead Community Options Specialist, listened to Mr. P’s story, and informed him about qualifying programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Kathy also referred Nicholas to other resources for free home repairs. Mr. P plans to use Aging Ahead’s short-term care to assist him around his home after an upcoming foot surgery. As Kathy left, Mr. P exclaimed, “you can’t know how much I appreciate what you all do. The word that’s missing so much in the world right now is compassion, and you all have so much of it. Thank you.”
Support Highlights:
- Meals on Wheels
- Community Options Services
- SNAP
- LIHEAP
- Short-term Care
If you have a story to share, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your story at www.agingahead.org/get-involved/share-your-story/
Thank you, in advance, for taking time to read and share our monthly stories. We hope they inform and inspire a greater understanding of our impactful, supportive services for that is simply the heart of the matter.
Help us to provide support for others like Nicholas.