Brightside: Shore Up
MARYLAND – Life can be overwhelming, and when it comes to our Elders, it’s always good to know they’re cared for by someone that loves them. On this week’s edition of the Brightside, we look at an Agency who supports their seniors.
One call away
That’s the only thing standing in between struggles and services according to Chief Communications officer Julie Peters. “In many cases, we hear from people who just don’t know where to turn, they’re reaching out almost out of desperation like “I’ve called every except you. Call us first!”
With almost a decade of service at Shore Up, she loves making a direct impact on the people in her community. “We were established in1965 as part of Lyndon Johnson’s “War on Poverty” so we provide programs and assistance for individuals that live in low to middle income households.”
She goes on to say, “We can help- we can help with your utility bills, we can help with your childcare needs, we can help with your adult care needs, we can help with job training, if your a HeadStart parent we can provide you skills and training that would help you get a better job.”
Seniors are Special
From an early age to elders, they provide services to individuals who are often times on their last leg..
It’s hard enough to watch our loved ones grow old, and when they need assistance you want to know that they are well cared for.
When it comes to their seniors, Julie says they have a special place in their hearts. “The adult day program that we have at shady pines is another critical service that is especially beneficial for families who are in the “sandwich generation. They have children that they’re taking care of and they also have elderly parents that they’re taking care of, so they feel very stretched out and spread thin.”
Shady Pines
The day program at Shady Pines is for anyone over the age of 16 who needs daytime assistance for whatever reason. They provide activities, meals, and an overall good time with great care givers and Each year they have a “Special Senior Prom”.
LaTerra Wise is the helped bring this event together she says this is an opportunity for some of her clients
who never had a prom to go to one, just one more thing to look forward too. “It’s what keeps them going. Just to have a place to come and be able to make friends- You know you’re never to old to make friends or experience joy in your life and so I thinks that’s the important thing about what we do here.”
Prom King and Queen
Prom King Michael and Prom Queen Amy shares why Shady Pines means so much to them. Michael even gave us a preview of his dance moves. He says why he likes the workers so much. “They’re nice to me.”
Prom Queen Amy says she suffered from a stroke, and it’s so pleased with the staff here. “Oh my god, they’re incredible.”
Boogie Time!
From shiny shirts, to dirty dancing, and everything in between, the residents of Shady Pines boogied down!
and they even had me cut a rug! Despite what many are dealing with, they have workers like LaTerra and seeing how she cares so much, it makes it all that much easier to leave loved ones in her hands.
“People need to be cared for and loved and any time that we get an opportunity to do that, I think that’s what makes life worth living. and to see them come in and smile and to know that they are loved and to hear them tell us that “you take good care of us” it’ means something to know was impacting the lives of others.”
Shore Up will surely be looking on the Brightside.
