At age 80, after three years healing and getting stronger in a nursing facility, Norma got the chance to move—to her own home, with the help of Freedom Resource Center.
“I thank God for Freedom Resource Center and for what it is doing and for what it has done for so many people”
Norma Bethke
Give With Your Heart
The fear of uncertainty and the unknown is something we all face in our lives. For Norma Bethke of Jamestown, that feeling was never as real as when she was put into a nursing home. “It was more than a little scary,” Norma explained. “I don’t warm up to strangers quickly and I didn’t know anybody in the building.”
Norma was admitted to the nursing home at age 75 in 2007 “When I entered the nursing home I was lost, lonely, scared, and confused. What I was facing…I didn’t know.” She told us. Over time the warmth and caring the residents, administrators, and staff showed Norma put her at ease. It wasn’t easy, but eventually Norma felt comfortable. “It wasn’t a place to just wait and decay; it was a place of learning, hope, and healing for me,” she said.
After the long road of healing came self-reliance and less need for care. “What the nursing home had to offer, I felt I didn’t need anymore. I felt it was time to go home.” Norma stated. Wanting to go home, Norma had a conversation with her social worker and was referred to Freedom Resource Center’s Jim Holben, a staff member in our Jamestown office.
On October 4th, Norma, now 80 years old, transitioned into her own place with the help of Jim. “I’m so glad to be home and have my freedom. I think he worked night and day. I wouldn’t have gotten home without him,” Norma said. Norma’s gratitude to Jim is evident. She even wrote a letter of gratitude to Jim’s supervisors. Jim insists he was simply doing his job at Freedom Resource Center.
The move home isn’t the last step in our partnership with Norma. To this date, Jim is a regular visitor of Norma’s to ensure the transition is working smoothly and that her needs are being met. He continues to point her toward available resources in the community and encourages her to keep active. “I thank God for Freedom Resource Center and for what it is doing and for what it has done for so many people.” Norma told me with a smile.
Donate to Freedom Resource Center on February 13th to help someone like Norma remain independent.
