While a Christmas present of plain white socks would prompt groans from any child, the gift brought a delighted smile to 72-year-old Samuel Reed. A stunned Reed, whose thoughts and speech are slowed by a 2004 stroke and subsequent dementia, turned the package over in amazement.
“Good dog, y'all,” Reed said.
Then, suddenly, several women's hands flew in front of him, trying to gently pull the socks away from him. In their place, more gifts.
“There's more,” Twylah Jenkins told him as he sat in his wheelchair at the Beechnut Harbour nursing home. “Look at this,” urged Lashunda Walker.
The two were joined by their Zeta Phi Beta sorority sisters, all gleefully pulling out from the boxes things he needed but couldn't dare afford. All but $60 a month he receives in Social Security and other benefits goes to his care at the Beechnut Manor nursing home in southwest Houston.
From the gift boxes emerged a blanket, more socks and sweatpants the way he likes them, without elastic at the ankles. And then the one thing he wanted: a Navy winter jacket.
“I'll be,” he said, his eyes and smile widening. “You did real good here.”
While other groups concentrate on gift drives for children and nursing home residents, the Zeta Phi Beta sorority looked this year for a service project to help a group of individuals who literally have little more than a roof over their heads: adults who have been made wards of the state.
“They are the forgotten,” said Jenkins, president of the sorority's local chapter, which started their Adopt-A-Ward program this year.
These individuals have no close family or friends who can care for them. As a result, the probate courts take over, officially declaring them incapacitated and a guardian is appointed.
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Sorority Ensures Adult Wards Aren't Forgotten
These people without family or friends to care for them truly need a guardianship program.
ReplyDeleteBut when guardians tear families apart strictly for the money, they deserve to burn in hell!
Good for you, Zetas!
ReplyDeleteIt is fitting that this Christmas day, the NASGA blog posts a story of hope.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Zeta Phi Beta Sisters, for all you're doing for the elderly and vulnerable.
We sure wish we had you working with us on guardianship abuse!
You're right, Anon, the story said the wards are without family and friends to take care of them. And we all know that's not true in many cases, especially where there are big estates.
ReplyDeleteBut, the Zetas probably don't know the dark side of guardianship. They certainly are bringing a smile to the needy this season and I thank them for that.
It feels good to make a positive difference in somebody's life.
ReplyDeleteThese sorority sisters will sleep well tonite, content that they have indeed brought warmth and smiles to those who needed it badly.