August 1999

Senior Center
Turns Life Around

At age 64, Mary had a stroke. When she tried to go to work at Leeker’s pharmacy, she realized she didn’t know where she was going or how to get there. Mary moped around the house, dragging her feet and looking "depressed and messed up," according to her daughter, Sheryl.

Sheryl wanted to help her mom, so she took her to the Northeast Senior Center (2121 E. 21^st Street). "I didn’t think I would be able to cope," says Mary.

A widow since 34, the stroke left her weak in her right arm and leg. She lost her job and had nowhere to go, until she regained life at the Senior Center, one of four centers in Sedgwick county provided by Senior Services, Inc. of Wichita, a United Way-funded agency.

"I now walk a mile a day, five times around the building, five days a week," exclaims Mary.

Mary can enjoy a meal at the center, play games, work out, read and do other activities with around 60 other seniors who visit the center daily.

"They are like my family…I’m a mom to all of them," boasts Mary.

Since attending the center, Mary has regained the mobility and strength to visit her children in Alabama, Colorado and California. "I never gave up hope emotionally or spiritually," adds Mary.

Mary also volunteers at the center, giving people rides and entering walks for the River Festival, Via Christi and the Cropwalk.

Northeast Senior Center receptionist Neola said she's seen a great change in Mary. "She came in here depressed and introverted...we are very proud of her and the progress she has made," exclaims Neola.

"This place has been a lifesaver for me…this is the place to be, whether you think you want to or not," says Mary.

Call United Way of the Plains at 267-1321 to find out more about how your money is helping our community.