Personal Success Stories

Health and Wellness: 

Betty is a cancer survivor. When her husband died she became lost and depressed as a result of this “double blow”. She believes that EdSC saved her life by giving her a meaningful place to be. She is thankful for the support and camaraderie she receives from members. As a result, she has become a devoted volunteer in the Thrift Shop and Coffee Bar several days a week.

Mel was in his 80’s and a widower for about eight years when he started coming to EdSC on a regular basis to play pool. He relied on his buddies to provide emotional support and to help him remain active and connected socially. Because Mel had diabetes, he also attended a diabetes support group and took advantage of Northwest Hospital’s health screenings on site. Mel also would have lunch with a friend at the center on the days he played pool. His children were thankful that they could be sure that their dad would get a healthy, nutritious lunch each day. Sadly, Mel passed away a short time ago as the result of a sudden illness. His daughter said that without EdSC she did not know what would have happened to her father. She held his memorial service at the center which was attended by his many friends.  

Ellen is an 80 year old woman who relies on her electric wheelchair for mobility. She had polio in her 20’s and suffers from a relapsing polio condition. She has been active with the center since 1998 and has used the center employment services to find a person to help with the care of her disabled husband. She has also taken advantage of EdSC’s health care equipment lending program to aid in her husband’s care. Ellen feels she has been able to deal with the stress of being in a wheelchair and the care of her husband by remaining an active volunteer at the center as a data entry assistant. Being of service has given her an outlet and a sense of purpose.

Edie is in the early stages of dementia. Her daughter brought her to EdSC to find activities that would aid in keeping her active and engaged. Edith loves movies and attends the Hollywood History movie program. Her daughter became a volunteer in the Country Boutique so that she could be available during the times she needs to be at the center with her mother. Both mother and daughter have benefited from a positive increase in mental wellness by becoming engaged in activities.

 Social Services and Community Outreach: 

Dorothy has volunteered and worked at EdSC for over 15 years. She started as a part-time employee after a divorce which left her no means of support. She performed janitorial duties under a job program for 55 and older for seven years. Now “retired” she loves how EdSC is her second home and gives her the opportunity to be useful and needed as she is a major volunteer in the Thrift Store.  

Jack is the perpetual handyman at EdSC. When things need to be done, Jack can do them. Jack’s home is in Edmonds and “lives” at the center where he plays an active role in encouraging fellow members to work on jigsaw puzzles. Since suffering a stroke, it is important for Jack to have a place to reach out and help others as he is a bright individual who thrives on people contact and the feeling of being needed.  

Dan was abruptly severed from his home due to a domestic dispute with his wife and her adult children. Distraught and homeless, he lived out of his car in the EdSC parking lot until members and staff got wind of his predicament. Dan is a shy and proud man and refused many offers of help until finally accepting an offer to live with a member on a temporary basis. With the support and encouragement he has received from members and staff, he has emerged strong and happy. He is now one of our highly valued volunteers. 

Trudy is an 80-plus woman who spends most of her days taking the bus around the city of Edmonds with her rolling cart. Trudy currently lives in a rooming house and has very little money, even for food.  EdSC was able to help Trudy by signing her up for the Food Surplus program (Food Lifeline Grocery Rescue) and giving her clothing items from the Thrift Store.  EdSC contacted Senior Services of Snohomish County who helped secure permanent housing in the county as well as assisting Trudy to deal with other difficulties in her life.

Education, Recreation, and Social Programs: 

Barbara’s husband passed away several years ago and living alone far away from family was no longer a safe option for her.  Then her daughter and son-in-law brought her to live with them in Edmonds.  For the first few months, Barbara felt isolated and a bit low despite lots of love and attention from her daughter and son-in-law, both of whom had busy careers. Though she had a place to live in their home, she spent a lot of time still largely isolated during the day, watching television. She liked to read now and then but had a hard time keeping focused or remembering what she had read. Then an Edmonds neighbor began taking her to EdSC. At first it was for an occasional lunch. Later, the neighbor signed her up for a soft exercise class. Barbara has now been a member for several months and participates in as many activities as she can. Her main focus continues to be visiting, reminiscing and joking – and sometimes flirting – with others her age (87) over a good lunch. Barbara feels that she is “alive again!”