Garden Court endowment helping low-income seniors in Santa Barbara
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Julia Reed is a senior living in Santa Barbara.
She knows all too well the challenges of living on a fixed income.
“Let’s just say I don’t have much money left over at the end of the month once I’ve paid rent and you know a few utilities, cell phone, and stuff like that … living on Social Security is not easy," said Reed.
One day, Reed embarked on a journey to improve her health by walking.
"As a result, I developed plantar fasciitis in my feet and I couldn’t walk any longer," said Reed.
She was recommended to get a pair of orthopedic shoes by her podiatrist.
But her health insurance wouldn't cover the cost.
That’s when the Garden Court Endowment stepped in.
“As a result, I’ve lost 100 pounds. I reverse my diabetes. I’ve cut my medication‘s in half ... and I’m definitely a new person in these shoes that I have ... it's a game changer," said Reed.
Funds are available for low income seniors in the section 8 program in the City of Santa Barbara Housing Authority.
“There are certain types of walkers that are not fully covered. There are certainly mattresses are not covered. There are lots of items that seniors need and they aren’t covered by other sources and we can meet their need in a rapid way," said executive director Chris Tucker of the Garden Court with the Cnet of Santa Barbara Housing Authority.
Leaders of the endowment hopes more seniors will access this program to meet their needs.
“One of our wonderful residents here at Garden Court ... is Timothy ... he has been an engineer in NASA in his lifetime and he unfortunately sustained a traumatic brain injury," said Tucker.
In order to help Timothy communicate to the world, the endowment helped purchase a replacement of a communication device which was stolen from him.
“And now he can communicate with his doctors and his neighbors and the people who he shares his community with," said Tucker.
The endowment also helps seniors get hearing aids, laptop computers, dental care and other services not covered by Medicaid.
As for Reed, if you see her on a power walk, keep in mind, she's unstoppable.
“I walked three miles which is pretty darn good for an old lady," said Reed.
Fueled by the generosity of local foundations and community members, providing critical support to those in need, the Garden Court Endowment was initiated through substantial grants from the Alice Tweed Tuohy Foundation and the Hutton Foundation.
The initiative was complemented by significant contributions from various local businesses and organizations.
For more information on the Garden Court Endowment, visit: http://www.gardencourt.org.
