Client Stories

CATHY

Fierce Independence

The first time you meet Cathy, you can’t help but admire her. She came to Serra Center in her early 20s -- over 40 years ago. She is one busy lady at the age of 60+, and she inspires us all with her beaming smile. Check her out -- she’s full of energy and life!

Here is a sampling of all that she accomplishes:

• Working at Kidango, an early learning center, 5 days a week, where she has longtime friends and supervisors who value her can-do attitude and strong work ethic

• Exercising at 24-Hour Fitness three days a week with Troy, her trainer. She’s one strong woman!

• Pedaling around Fremont to various destinations on the bicycle that her brother, Chip, got her

• Maintaining her own house with the weekly help of Serra Center’s ILS and her close siblings, Chris & Chip. A warm home that is filled with family photos!

• Cooking nutritious, healthful meals with her Serra Center ILS Instructor’s meal-planning and prep help

• Taking care of her fish tank with her brother’s help. She loves taking care of them. Her fierce independence seems to be innate.

She does not want to be told what to do or when to do it. She lives on her own terms and we respect her for it! It’s our mandate to empower our clients to live the life that they choose and to reach for their own dreams. Cathy wouldn’t have it any other way.

Courtland

One Determined Man

Courtland is a young man who’s been receiving Independent Living Services from Serra Center since 2015. His goal from the beginning has been clear: to obtain his own apartment and live independently. For the past 5 years while living with his parents and fine tuning his living skills training, Courtland has been searching for affordable housing. He has a great tenacity that led to him finally securing a one- bedroom affordable housing unit in Fremont. Courtland’s ILS Instructor, Matt, says that Courtland persisted in checking on the original application status regularly. The complex management came to know Courtland, realizing he was serious. So when a vacant unit became available, they notified Courtland immediately. Within two weeks from receiving the notice, Courtland moved in to his new apartment! When Courtland wants something, he stays focused and keeps working toward it.

Although he was initially a bit intimidated about this new living situation, Courtland’s adjusted to the sounds and environs of his new digs after just one week. Thanks to his family in large part, he’s all settled in now. His family has always been his champions and in true fashion they helped with furniture, cleaning, setting up and styling his décor.

Courtland’s part-time job at Bay Club in Fremont helps fund his new living arrangement and he’s done really well with shopping and spending wisely. One new challenge is cooking meals. So far, Matt is quite impressed with his skills! On their first grocery shopping trip, Courtland chose lots of fresh vegetables on his own, a testimony to his healthy habits. He’s got a great foundation to build his cooking skills!

Another demonstration of his persistence is the AA degree that he earned from Ohlone College in 2019. His long-term goal is to transfer to a 4 year University to obtain a bachelor’s degree and possibly work in the Hotel Service industry.

Congrats Courtland!

Donald

Ready To help!

Donald volunteers at the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop in Fremont. He’s the “toy & electronics” guy — sorting and testing to ensure that they work properly. And he’s always willing to lend a hand.

Donald’s passion is gardening. He’s been hooked since his mom introduced him as a child on the family farm in Missouri . He grows onions, tomatoes, and squash at his Serra Center ICF- DD/H home.

Donald attends Sorensdale Recreation Center. He thrives at wood shop (making whirligigs, bird houses and benches) and has even won 1st place in the Alameda County Fair for his woodworking! He often helps tutor other students!

At Serra Center we encourage our clients to be as active as possible to foster independence, creativity, and pride in their accomplishments.

Joanne

A Fremont staple

Joanne has lived in our community for 16 years and a Serra Center client for over 20 years. She lives in her own home where we provide her weekly services. Born in Oakland 56 years ago, she has family close by, with whom she spends holidays and family gatherings.

Do you recognize her? Have you guessed where you know her from? She’s certainly well known to any bargain shopper…she worked at our local T.J. Maxx for 15 years. She enjoyed working there and the bus brought her door-to door! Now retired, Joanne’s second career is attending Noll Center Day Program part time.

Joanne likes to be active and partakes in the local chapter of Special Olympics, including track & field, bowling, floor hockey, bocce ball, and she just started basketball.

She’s also very independent: Joanne pays her own bills and shops locally. Her Serra Center ILS instructor for many years, Natalya, visits once a week for ILS training and to take her on errands or to the doctor, help her with “pesky” paperwork, and sometimes the movies (one of Joanne’s favorite activities).

Natalya has become an integral part of Joanne’s life and she welcomes her weekly visits to take care of necessities and for some recreation. The feeling is mutual for Natalya, “She is the best client! We fit together really well — our personalities are similar.” They have formed a special bond and always attend Serra Center holiday parties!

Our directive is always to provide what the client needs and wants to empower them to take charge of their lives and to keep them safe and comfortable. Joanne is a perfect example of our success — and her own!

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STORIES OF GRATITUDE

“I am so happy for the day I decided that Eleanor, my sister, should begin to live independently. Serra Center has been a wonderful organization in helping my sister to fulfill this way of living. I believe that everyone at the Center is so wonderful and is always very helpful. Ellie’s trainer is wonderful. He goes over the top with his services. I have never had a worker or trainer for Ellie that would actually dye her hair! He is always there for her. He carefully plans out everything for her and keeps on top of everything. I appreciate everyone at Serra Center and look forward to a long relationship with them. I fully recommend them to anyone.”

Shirley Gordon / Family Member

“I like living on my own and I do a lot on my own with everybody’s help – like getting my medicine, finding a job, learning money and how to make a check. I appreciate my instructor teaching me how to get the right foods. I am proud of my life because of Serra Center.”

Michelle / Serra Center Client