For many years, Peggy, age 78, was a caregiver for her mother and boyfriend. She was glad to care for them during their time of need, but it also took a toll on her physical and mental health. “I knew I was under stress each time I was a caregiver, but didn’t realize the extent and how it was affecting my health until I no longer cared for them because they died.” Additionally, caregiving caused financial stress and uncertainty. “It was a financial hardship for me. Caregivers in those days didn’t get a subsidy from the government like they do now,” Peggy added.

More than just affordable housing

Peggy needed an affordable place to live, so she moved to Marian Housing Center in Racine, Wisconsin, where she found more than just affordability. “We have all these different activities…I try to be involved in as many activities as I can, but I got to the point that sometimes I had to back off because I wasn’t spending enough time in my apartment doing my own laundry,” Peggy laughed.

Peggy benefited from a meaningful partnership between Mercy Housing Lakefront and Society’s Assets, gaining both valuable health information and the hearing aids she needed. Peggy jumped at the opportunity to get new hearing aids because her previous ones didn’t work, and she could not afford to replace them. “I went without hearing aids for about 20-30 years before I got them. When I finally got them, I started to hear things that people normally hear. I must thank Jo Ann [Rodriguez, Resident Service Coordinator] for bringing Society’s Assets here. They helped obtain grants for the hearing aids. Jo Ann brings in such good resources for us.”

Prioritizing physical and mental health

Living with numerous chronic health conditions, Peggy also prioritizes exercise and appreciates Jo Ann for organizing onsite health programming for residents through a partnership with FoodWIse. “I was always thankful that we have that group programming here. And what’s so great, too, is we don’t have to go anywhere to exercise; it’s available right here. We don’t have to pay for it…These activities have become very important to me, and they really help the mind stay sharp. I also participate in the classes about nutrition.”

As of September 30, FoodWIse, one of six SNAP-Ed implementing agencies in Wisconsin, is no longer able to provide exercise and nutrition classes at Marian Housing Center because of the congressional budget reconciliation bill signed into law on July 4, which eliminated all SNAP-Ed funding.

While the news is disappointing to Peggy and other residents who enjoyed the programming and experienced health benefits, we are working with community partners and seeking donations to fill the gaps.