I began helping with the Spark of Joy program, a way to reach HOA clients though small gifts and mail-outs several times a month.  I hoped that making others feel better would make me less lonely. After a time, I hurt my back and found that my independence was suddenly more limited.  I couldn’t do the dishes, vacuum, or basically do anything that required me to stand for more than a few minutes at a time. While I was making ends meet, as a low-income senior, I knew that I couldn’t afford PCA help.  The HOA nurse suggested that I apply as an HOA client.  I transitioned from HOA volunteer to HOA client.  The PCA support supplemented by HOA now enabled me to stay in my own apartment and still get help with groceries, dishes, and housework. HOA also connected me with Connect America, so that I didn’t feel so alone if I fell.  I didn’t realize how much help I needed until HOA staff helped me with resources that I didn’t even know about before. They helped me get coupons for Anchor Rides, connected me with a Compassionate Companion volunteer to help with the loneliness, and even helped me apply for a grant for some much-needed dental work.  I cannot express how much it has meant to me to be part of this team and I look forward to every call and visit from the HOA volunteers and staff. I still have some hard days, but I try to go into the HOA office a few times a month to help with Spark of Joy again.  My hands are shaky, but I can still stuff envelopes, put stamps on them and do other things that make me feel useful.  I now know that I am not alone, and I want to make sure that the clients know they are not alone either. 

DD has since passed away. Your light lives on.