At 60 years old, Sao has weathered more than his share of life’s upheavals. Years ago, he
lost his home during the housing crash and went through a painful divorce around the
same time. The combination unraveled the stability he had worked hard to build. When he
eventually moved into Meridian@101, he found himself having to start over on his own and
navigate the challenges of living with new mobility limitations. He needed food,
transportation options, and support he could rely on while rebuilding his independence.
It was his neighbors and the property manager who first told him about TCAA and the
Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN) program. That simple conversation turned out to be a
turning point. Through NHN, he discovered a network of resources and people who
understood the realities of aging, disability, and starting again.
With help from staff, he applied for paratransit and Dial-a-Ride, giving him reliable
transportation for the first time in years. He visited the Food Pantry to pick up food boxes
that eased the strain on his budget, and he recently applied for CSFP boxes to help stretch
his groceries further. Before his hip replacement, he also enjoyed attending congregate
meals at the Escalante Community Center, where shared lunches offered more than
nutrition, but a connection for him.
But what has mattered most to him has been the community built through NHN. He
regularly takes part in NHN classes and events, including the annual Holiday Lights event,
where neighborhood volunteers put up holiday lights on seniors’ homes, which he looks
forward to each year. The combination of practical support, social connection, and
genuine care has made a meaningful difference.
Today, he lives independently and confidently, knowing he has a supportive network close
by. He feels TCAA has played a vital role in helping him maintain that independence, and
he deeply values the ripple effect NHN creates, not only for him, but for neighbors across
the community.
He shares that TCAA has had a lasting impact on his life, and he is grateful for the
encouragement, stability, and sense of belonging he has found through the NHN program.
Do you know a senior that needs a little extra help? Visit our Neighbors Helping Neighbors Program.
