Independent Living Success Stories

Ellen

Though Ellen’s hearing deteriorated years ago, she hasn’t let it slow her down. By focusing on creating Healthy Citizens, United Way of Central Oklahoma is working to ensure all central Oklahomans have access to health care and critical services.

Ellen enjoyed dining with friends, talking about the world around them and the many experiences they’d had throughout their lives. These types of social gatherings became increasingly difficult for Ellen to participate in once her hearing began to fail her.

After visiting a physician to assess the extent of her hearing loss, Ellen purchased her first pair of hearing aids. The experience was unpleasant and the outcome was less than desirable. Ellen talked to her son, a speech pathologist, about her situation, and he suggested she visit the John W. Keys Speech and Hearing Center. The agency specializes in helping people with speech and hearing disorders and graduate students receive hands-on experience through the center, allowing them to learn while providing a valuable service to people like Ellen.

“The staff at Keys is very nice and professional,” Ellen says.

Ellen received a professional hearing test and an upgraded pair of hearing aids from John W. Keys at a very reasonable price. This service was of the utmost importance to Ellen since she lives on limited financial resources.

“They take their time with mom,” Ellen’s daughter adds. “The professor is always there to ensure everything is done correctly, and if it doesn’t work one way, they will try other ways until something works for mom.”

Now at 94 years old, Ellen can once again join the conversation.

Herb

After retiring from careers in the military and civilian service, Herb wanted to remain active.  Service to others has always been an important part of his life. 

He discovered United Way Partner Agency, RSVP or Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.  It was a perfect match.

These days, Herb is a volunteer Provide-A-Ride driver for RSVP.  At least 300 days a year, Herb drives a frail senior citizen to a critical doctor’s appointment at no charge.  The elderly people he serves are incredibly thankful for his help as they have no other means of transportation for medical care.

Herb is humble about the priceless service he’s providing.  He says he gets more out of the experience than the people he drives.  While the senior adults he chauffeurs are healthier, Herb enjoys the opportunity to volunteer.  The rewards of giving back keep him young and engaged as an important member of our community.