Donors like you have made it possible for residents to get through this pandemic in a safe and affordable home. Sylvia is a resident who is grateful to have stability during profound economic uncertainty. Sylvia says, “I’ve taken COVID, and made some lemonade!”

The youngest of six children, Sylvia grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. Although her father only had a third-grade education, he was a huge proponent of higher education and encouraged all his children to excel in school. Sylvia did just that. First, earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing and later a graduate degree in divinity from Fuller University.

After spending her entire life in Ohio, Sylvia was ready to forge a new path in a new place. Guided by faith, she left her hometown 20 years ago with her two adult daughters, father, and granddaughter in tow, setting out for Arizona.

For the past two years, Sylvia has called Page Commons senior community in Gilbert, Arizona, home. She has not let COVID slow her down or dampen her spirits. Although she misses seeing her family as often, she looks for the good in everything and finds ways to stay active and healthy through these uncertain times.

Sylvia and her family are committed to their community’s health. They’re taking all safety precautions to ensure they can still have dinners together, but at a distance. Recently Sylvia, her daughters, and granddaughters spent an evening enjoying the musical Hamilton via Zoom.

“I love it, I absolutely love it,” said Sylvia of her experience living at Page Commons. Support from donors and community partners makes it possible for seniors to age with dignity in affordable rental homes that promote community and inclusivity.

There are several Resident Services programs Sylvia is particularly fond of that help keep her active and engaged. She has enjoyed the pizza parties, BINGO games, and Coffee Time in the mornings. Sylvia appreciates Mercy Housing’s focus on health and wellness and always looks forward to the Arizona State University nursing students’ visits to check her blood pressure.

Sylvia plans to continue teaching as an Adjunct Professor at Maricopa Community College while sharing her love for storytelling. She has been an instructor there for the past decade and continues to evolve her craft as the landscape of education changes. Sylvia is also currently working on a book and dreams of visiting Jerusalem in the future.
With your support, we can continue to keep seniors safe and aging with dignity.