Hope for the Holidays (web)

Editor’s note: Hope for the Holidays is a series sponsored by the Rogue Valley Times that focuses on community members or families in need and highlights the work of social service agencies in Southern Oregon. Once a need is filled, donations may be distributed to others in need.

A 67-year-old man battling depression and other health issues could use some clothing, a laptop and basic items to make his holidays feel less dismal.

He’d also really love to find an employer willing to take a chance on a retired construction worker in need of part-time work.

A client of Senior and Disability Services, the man is participating in a behavioral health program called Program to Encourage Active and Rewarding Lives for Seniors (PEARLS).

The eight-part course addresses the symptoms of depression with problem-solving for the challenges that are making the man feel sad and discouraged.

Divorced in recent years and without help from family, the man lives in a small apartment and tends to isolate, thus exacerbating his depression.

Facing chronic medical issues that cause neuropathy, as well as two aneurysms at the base of his neck, he can no longer work in construction but he’s eager to contribute to society. He would need a job that doesn’t require standing all day or excessive walking, so a delivery gig or an office job — on site or remote — would be a good fit.

Due to an error on the man’s Social Security payments — Medicare payments weren’t taken off his monthly checks — he won’t be able to make rent for the next four months if he can’t increase his income or find a roommate.

Caring for two large dogs and dealing with income challenges, he often runs out of money to purchase food for himself because of caring for his dogs. He has lost a significant amount of weight and has expressed despair about finding a reason to live.

He would like to participate in social activities but cannot afford to do so, leading to further isolation at home and increased anxiety about his future.

Ellen Denninger, behavioral health specialist for the Rogue Valley Council of Governments, said the man has made great strides. His struggles, she said, are not uncommon.

“We call it an epidemic of loneliness right now for the senior community,” said Denninger.

“For seniors like him, knowing that someone cares and shows up for him, even though, in our case, we only have eight sessions to work together, makes him feel seen and heard, like he’s a valued part of the community. Otherwise, he would feel isolated and disposable.”

Denninger said the man is eager to feel useful, but also to keep a roof over his head.

“A lot of our seniors want the meaning and purpose and financial support a job would bring,” she said.

“It’s not easy living on Social Security, especially when they make mistakes like they did with him, that can be financially devastating to the point of even losing his apartment.”

Items that would brighten the man’s holidays include gift cards to purchase dog food (PetSmart), toiletries and food for himself (Wal-Mart), warm clothing (Burlington Coat Factory, Ross or Marshals) and, for something to do, model car kits (Hobby Lobby).

For readers wishing to donate specific items, he could use jeans (size 32/20), Skecher athletic slip-on shoes (size 9.5) and a waterproof, lined winter coat (size large).

He would also be grateful for a laptop — used or new — so that he could apply for jobs where he could work from home.

To help, contact Denninger by phone, 541-423-1392, or by email, edenninger@rvcog.org.