Disaster Recovery- Elders, San Antonio Puerto Rico

The distribution of meals for the elderly during weekends continued with the help of our volunteers.  Some of them came with their children to teach them about taking care of those in need.  One of our volunteers came with one of her sons and said:      "I learned about service with my mother who used to help others in need and took me with her when I was a girl.  We walked long distances to bring breakfast to the sick or elderly, helped with their personal hygiene, prepare lunch for them, washed their clothes, among other things.  My mother did it because she cared for others, it was a voluntary work.  We need to help each other. That's the reason I teach my children in the same way my mother taught me."  Photo#1 is the volunteer with her son and participant.

In January 2016 we also had the opportunity to help an elderly who lived with his sick brother and had lost most of their belongings due to a fire in their home.  We provided them with emergeny groceries like rice, beans, cereals, juice, sausages, crackers, applesauce and some clothing.  Photos #2 & 3.  They were very grateful for what they got from Proyecto La Nueva Esperanza who helped them in a critical situation.

During this period the Case Manager took some of our participants to different appointments in our official vehicle.  Those participants  didn't have anyone who can take them or were without transportation.  One (1) was taken to APS (mental health appointment), one (1) to a TANF renovation (economical help), two (2) to PAN renovation (food coupons) and three (3) to Medicaid renovation.  Thanks to the transportation provided the participants didn't lose their benefits.  Photo# 4 shows one of them going to his appointment.

We are very grateful for our donors for their support.  Our goal is to continue and improve our services for the benefit of the elderly community.