Caring for Our Older Neighbors

You’re the Helper She Needed

Mary Lou devoted her career to caring for others. Today, you’re caring for her.

Mary Lou has a heart for building a better community.

She worked with young moms and their kids at Santa Maria Community Services, running preschool activities and pouring into the lives of young families. Then she went back to college at 40 and spent the rest of her career visiting seniors in their homes, sometimes in homes that were falling apart around them. No matter what, she showed up, figured out what people needed, and connected them to help.

Now, you’re doing the same for her.

Today, Mary Lou is 76 and retired, managing lung and heart problems and four collapsed vertebrae. Like many older adults in the tristate area, she lives on a fixed income and has felt the strain of rising prices for food and essentials. “I sure needed help with the food stuff,” she says. She’d spent her career connecting others to help but wasn’t sure she’d qualify for any herself.

When she heard about the Bea Taylor Market, she almost didn’t come. But she did — and now your support provides her with about $100 worth of groceries each month: produce, frozen items and other foods she counts on. Your generosity makes that possible. “I’m just very, very happy to be able to get some help.”

She’s already spread the word to her neighbors. That’s Mary Lou, still helping the community any way she can.

After a lifetime of enriching this community, she’s now experiencing that same care in return, thanks to neighbors like you. Thank you.