06/09/2016
Why Phyllis Loves Community Options
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Meet Phyllis. She is one of many seniors living at Sherri Park Apartments in Lyndhurst, where the Jewish Federation of Cleveland supports the Community Options program. The program helps older residents stay active and engaged as they age in place at Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs).
In 2005, when Phyllis’ husband died, leaving her alone in a three-bedroom home in Richmond Heights, she decided it was time to move.
“I felt so lonely in a big house, and I had nothing to do," said Phyllis. When she heard how the Community Options program engages the residents at Sherri Park, she didn’t have to think twice.
Phyllis (right), enjoys the company of Pat Keating, resource coordinator at Sherri Park.
Through social and health programming that ranges from bingo nights to health checks to short trips around Cleveland, and more, the Federation-supported program helps seniors stay mentally and physically fit and socially engaged in the community. What makes Community Options unique is how the residents drive the programming on their own with the help of a resource coordinator.
“I run the Bingo nights here at the building, and I love it,” said Phyllis. “About 20 people come every time and we have a great time.”
Ever since she started living at Sherri Park, Phyllis says she has had no time to be alone. She thanks the Federation and Pat Keating, the resource coordinator at Sherri Park, for providing her all the support she needs at her age.
“Pat is such a doll,” said Phyllis. “She is a good friend and a cheerleader for all of us. If not for her and the Federation, I’d be moping around looking at the four walls in my apartment.”
Programs like Community Options are possible because of generous donors like you. To learn more about Community Options, contact Melanie Halvorson at mhalvorson@jcfcleve.org, or 216-593-2868.
