by Susan Buchholtz and Evergreen Life Services
Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving memory? For many of us, it’s memories of gathering with family and the house filled with the aroma of a tasty dish made by your Mom, Grandmother, or a special relative that lets us know it is Thanksgiving. Stories are shared, and a great deal of laughter fills the room. My favorite recollection was hearing my Grandfather’s booming voice announce, “Time to eat,” and we would rush to the table! As simple as that is, it is a memory I will always cherish.
It is heartbreaking to think of what past holidays were like for many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who grew up in an institutional environment. Before Evergreen, many of the individuals served had not experienced heartwarming traditions. Their Thanksgiving memories were feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Meet Bobbie. He came to Evergreen Life Services with little more than the clothing on his back, no personal items, nothing he could call his own. All he has ever wanted was to be a part of a family, and he has found that family with Evergreen.
Bobbie loves a traditional Thanksgiving meal with his Evergreen family and enjoys rooting for his favorite football team, the Cowboys, as part of his yearly Thanksgiving tradition. Evergreen has helped Bobbie achieve many of his dreams, including visiting the Cowboy’s Stadium.
Bobbie now has a place he can call home with a bedroom, a kitchen, a living room with a comfy couch, and a family to celebrate with during Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, or any special day of the year!
You can create memories this Thanksgiving. Bobbie and others in our care want to experience a joy-filled holiday with decorations, special meals, and days filled with opportunities for fun and being with others. Your generous gifts enable our mission to continue providing homes filled with color and charm, creating a caring and loving place for Bobbie and all the people we serve when they cannot be home for holidays.
We ask you to consider donating to enable individuals with disabilities in your community to receive the support, care, and encouragement to flourish, not only on this Thanksgiving Day but every day of the year.
Thank you for being so dedicated to our mission, and may your Thanksgiving be filled with love and memories that will last a lifetime.
Warmest regards for a blessed holiday season,
Sue Buchholtz, President & CEO
Bobbie now has a comfortable place to call home!
