My name is Tina Grant, and I am going Over the Edge! Just a little bit about me, I am a 66 year old resident of the Episcopal Retirement Homes Affordable Living community St. Paul Village. I should also mention that I am afraid of heights, so rappelling down the side of a ten story building isn’t exactly my idea of a good time, but this is something that is very important to me. I think for you to understand why supporting ERH Affordable Living is such a cause near to my heart you need to understand where I am coming from, and how ERH helped me. Before I moved to St. Paul Village, I lived in low income senior apartments. You have to understand that I am a person who owned my own home and worked my entire life, so moving into apartments was something I was not looking forward to. My worst fears were realized when the apartment complex turned out to be a combination of seniors and young adults, many of whom were not ready to give up their partying, their drugs, or their alcohol. The halls constantly smelled like marijuana or worse. I couldn’t sleep at night. There was too much noise …and too much violence. Honestly, I was scared to leave my apartment. I lived in fear.
About three years ago, I was walking by St. Paul’s and saw that they were doing renovations to the building. I thought to myself, oh my God, they are making that place better? Because it is already beautiful! I decided enough was enough. I stopped in, took a tour, and put myself on the waiting list for an apartment. By the grace of God I wasn’t on the waiting list for too long, and, on December 31st of 2012, I moved into my new apartment, my new home, at St. Paul Village.
Living here is everything that I hoped it would be. The activities and amenities they offer at St. Paul Village are things that people in my income range usually can’t afford. We have a wonderful activity planner and there is always something to do. Because a lot of us don’t drive, we have a bus that will take us everywhere from Kroger for shopping to plays and cultural events. We also have a community gym with weights and equipment and a wellness staff person that can do assessments or work with us as a personal trainer! I have a garden plot in the back where I can grow everything I need to make a fresh salad…I even grow herbs on my balcony! Life is good here. I should also mention that the people (St. Paul residents and ERH staff) are amazing. We have a real community. People take care of one another.
ERH was there for me at a time when I really needed them. I am going Over the Edge because I want to help other seniors who may be living in a bad situation and deserve better. I am going Over the Edge so I can give back to the organization that has given so much to me. I am going Over the Edge because I love St. Paul Village and the people here. I am going Over the Edge because I am not afraid anymore. I am going Over the Edge because I have so much to be thankful for.
My name is Tina Grant and I am going Over the Edge. To support me, and ERH affordable Living, please click on the link. Trust me, your contribution makes a difference!
See you at the top.
-Tina
