Stories of Hope

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Gerald

Everyone has their own definition of independence, and for Gerald S., it's about fully enjoying "little things" that most of us take for granted.

His road to independence began when he joined DePaul in 2000, graduating from Continuing Day Treatment (CDT) to several DePaul group homes to his current residence, the Neighborhood of the Arts (NOTA) Treatment Apartment Program. Although his decision to enter DePaul was a difficult one, Gerald professes that it has ultimately changed his life. "No one wants to be mentally ill, but once I got over the barrier of being angry and frustrated, I started learning the skills necessary to maintain my life and gain independence," he stated with conviction.

His high level of self-sufficiency allows him to participate in the activities he loves the most; you can often find him taking a peaceful walk around the "artsy and welcoming" neighborhood, whipping up a pan of his specialty, lasagna, or cheering on his favorite team, the Buffalo Bills. Gerald also enjoys his freedom and spends time with friends, because "mental illness can be a lonely disease and to have connections with other people is necessary," he said.

Gerald's ultimate goal is to acquire his own apartment through the Supported Housing program. He is confident in himself and his goal. "DePaul has given me encouragement and structure, but it has also given me hope."

John

Choosing assisted living for your aging parent can be a difficult decision. No one knows that better than Mary Ann who was the primary caregiver for her father, John, until he came to live at Westwood Commons, a DePaul Senior Living Community, in 2008.

John, 90, is a widower and was a popular barber in downtown Rochester for nearly 60 years, who cut the hair of local legends and visiting celebrities such as Jimmy Durante, George Gobel and members of Lawrence Welk's band. A native of Italy, he lived independently in his own home until age 85 when he began needing support from his daughter and her family due to health issues.

"Westwood has been a blessing for all of us," said Mary Ann. "Instead of a nurse, cook and housekeeper, I can be a daughter again! It was so hard for me to let go but everyone at Westwood made it easy for me. I know he's always safe and everyone is so kind to him. I know what a caregiver does. The people at Westwood do it with patience and compassion, taking it all off my shoulders."

Now John has the opportunity to socialize and participate in activities. His room is filled with family photos and mementos of days gone by including a beautiful album illustrating his days as a Navy Seabee in the South Pacific during World War II. Mary Ann and her family are always at Westwood visiting John, taking him out to lunch, or bringing him home for dinner. "When my dad returns to Westwood after an outing, he always says, 'It's so nice to be home.'"

JoAnn

Upon entering JoAnn's apartment, you're instantly struck by the meticulous effort and flair she's put in to making it her own. Victorian and colonial style predominate the immaculate, feminine decor that features quilts, embroidered pillows, dolls, and hand-made doilies reminiscent of days gone by.

"It's home now," she says. "It's beautiful here. We are our own community." JoAnn first came to DePaul in 2002. Since then, she has graduated from several increasingly independent levels of care, developed many interests, and has an active social life that includes a quilting class, volunteering at a local elementary school, shopping at her favorite places, going out with friends, participating in activities, and crafting...her true passion. She also recently married!

JoAnn not only embraces life but those around her. Her giving spirit is widely appreciated and she's known to many in the program as "mom" or "grandma."

"My life started with DePaul," she said. "I've grown at DePaul. I have the freedom to make choices and to be me. DePaul gave me the lifestyle I wanted all my life. Now I'm living it."