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Our Residents

Ice Cream Socials at Forest Park Manor and Morris Apartments

Ice Cream Socials at Forest Park Manor and Morris Apartments

Ice Cream Socials at Forest Park Manor and Morris Apartments

Jennifer Adamczyk, program development manager of Peabody Resident Services, explains the home aide visit service to residents at Morris Apartments.

Generous scoops of vanilla ice cream topped with cookie bits, sprinkles, cherries, chocolate sauce and whipped cream delighted residents at Forest Park Manor and Morris Apartments on a recent day, as part of a program aimed at educating residents about independent living.

The ice cream socials were sponsored by Peabody Resident Services, an agency that provides daily visits to seniors and disabled residents who need a bit of assistance living on their own.

For seniors at both Springfield Housing Authority developments, the advice was as good as the treats that came later.

Ice Cream Socials at Forest Park Manor and Morris Apartments

Thomas Forest Park Manor resident Tommy D’Amato chats with SHA Resident Services Coordinator Candra Cripps at the ice cream social.

“So many of our residents need some kind of help, just getting through their daily lives – even if it’s just a little bit of help,” said Maria Paredes, who has lived at the elderly and handicapped housing development in the Bay Neighborhood for the past two years.

“Events like this are good for us, because we get together and get to know each other, and because we learn about a kind of service that we can use,” she said.

Paredes, a survivor of open-heart surgery, is a client of the home care program, so she knows exactly the kinds of thing a home health aide can do – from assisting with getting socks and shoes on, and taking baths, to light grocery shopping, and wound care.

“My life has become so much better since I got the help. I get the little things I need, and I keep my independence,” Paredes noted.

Ice Cream Socials at Forest Park Manor and Morris Apartments

Jennifer Adamczyk, program development manager of Peabody Resident Services, and Maria Hernandez, outreach manager, speak with Morris Apartments residents as they snack on ice cream sundaes.

SHA Resident Services Coordinator Candra Cripps said the Peabody visits will continue monthly at targeted elderly and handicapped housing developments, to keep residents aware of a vital service that makes an important difference for so many – independent living.

“For many residents, a bit of help can mean independence in their lives,” Cripps said. “These kinds of events keep our residents aware of what is available, whether they need it now or in the future.”

At both Morris and Forest Park, residents gathered to hear brief outlines from Jennifer Adamczyk, program development manager, and Maria Hernandez, outreach manager. They detailed the daily home visits that include either one hour, or two hours, of help.

“We want to keep residents in their own homes as long as possible. The best place to be is at home,” said Adamczyk, as residents nodded in agreement.

Forest Park Manor resident Sheila Viktorchik said that in addition to enjoying her ice cream sundae, she appreciated the information.

Ice Cream Socials at Forest Park Manor and Morris Apartments

Forest Park Manor residents line up for ice cream sundaes.

“I liked it. It was interesting,” said Viktorchik, a Forest Park Manor resident the past 10 years.

“It’s good for us to hear about things like this. A lot of people don’t realize what’s out there for them,” she said.

Resident Tommy D’Amato, who recently celebrated his 99th birthday, agreed.

“I think it’s wonderful. They explain everything beautifully,” he said.

4217 days ago / Our Residents
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