Letter to UJCES: A Senior Living Alone During the COVID-19 Pandemic

A couple of days ago, we received a heartwarming letter that meant the world to us. Valerie Q reached out to let us know how the work of our Social Services department has helped to improve the life of her elderly mother, a local senior living alone during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although at UJCES we strive to help everyone, senior citizens have always been the beating heart of our mission. We see our work as a small way to pay forward all the contributions that our elders have brought and continue to bring to society.

Thank you very much for your kind words, Valerie! It's rewarding to hear that our work makes a real difference, that's what gives us the encouragement to keep doing our best every day.

Letter of Appreciation to UJCES

Dear UJCES,

I am writing to acknowledge the wonderful help and services provided by Ms. Esther T, Case Manager/Social Worker, who has been a true blessing to our family in the past 2 years. During the pandemic, my 84 year-old mother, who is medically frail, received 2 rounds of vaccination early in February 2021 through the help and facilitation of UJCES, when she would otherwise not have been able to get access on her own for many months. She also received supportive calls and regular check-ins which were a monumental connection to the outside world as a senior living alone during COVID-19. Additionally, any food insecurities due to fear of leaving the house and/or weakness were alleviated with help from the food assistance program and regular deliveries. Having access to a bilingual advocate was truly instrumental in ways that might not be obvious and also facilitated trust through partnership and clarity in understanding. It was this missing link that my mother is now able to access certain government programs that would not otherwise be possible for her. The resources and help that she received through UJCES has made a MAJOR impact on her quality of life, and gives her HOPE for the future.

We are so grateful and thankful for the meaningful work of Ms. Esther T and UJCES beyond what this letter can convey, the picture above is one taken recently after receiving helpful services from UJCES.

With appreciation,

Valerie Q.

You Can Help Seniors Living Alone to Receive Helpful Services

At UJCES we work to make sure that older adults in our community can safely remain at home, have nourishing meals every day, as well as have access to spaces where they can socialize, express their creativity and stay active.

Nevertheless, the COVID-19 pandemic has created new challenges and made clear that not enough resources go toward our seniors.

Help us to keep serving senior citizens like Yuet, with the love and care that they deserve!

Donate to UJCES

You can have a direct impact on the programs that we provide to seniors. Make a contribution to finance our food pantry and Senior Centers. Any contribution helps!

Become a UJCES Volunteer

We have opportunities to help provide food assistance through our food pantries, deliver meals to homebound seniors, support special projects, and more. Learn more and apply!

Donate Your Gently-Used Goods

Vintage Thrift is a great place to buy and donate because the proceeds help sustain our social services and assistance programs. More information here: vintagethriftshop.org