When a broken pipe flooded Groves Senior Apartments, over 100 seniors found themselves in a desperate situation. The flooding happened at sun up with no warning. Many were rushed to a local hotel in just their pajamas and slippers, with no access to their belongings. The damage was extensive, and they faced weeks of uncertainty. It was an emotional and financial nightmare.
But they didn’t face this crisis alone. NU-HOPE Elder Care Services, an organization that has been advocating and assisting seniors since 1975, stepped in to help.
Debbie Slade, NU-HOPE’s Executive Director, visited the hotel daily to check on the residents. She made sure they had the basics—clothing, personal care items, and food. Slade provided them with gift cards to local stores, as well as essential items obtained from the NU-HOPE Thrift Stores. She also assessed their needs and signed many up for NU-HOPE’s Meal and Activity Center.
It was a hard but difficult task, according to Slade, “Every day, someone told me that NU-HOPE made an impossible situation bearable. They knew NU-HOPE had thrift stores, but most had no idea how much more they do for seniors. They were surprised by how quickly we responded and how many services we offered. It was traumatic, but they were also so grateful.”
50 Years of Helping Seniors
“NU-HOPE has been assisting seniors for a long time,” says Slade. “Every day, we help nearly 400 seniors stay in their own homes by delivering meals, providing help with bathing and homemaking, offering respite and caregiver support, and running senior meal and activity centers. We also assist seniors facing energy crises through EHEAP. And when Adult Protective Services has an emergency, they call us.”
Slade reflects on NU-HOPE’s nearly five decades of service. “Next July marks our 50th Anniversary. I can’t even begin to count how many lives NU-HOPE has touched over the years.”
While the Groves incident was unusual, it wasn’t the first time NU-HOPE stepped in during an emergency. “We provide services to seniors every day, but we also are one of the first groups responding when disasters strike,” explains Slade. “Right after Hurricanes Charley, and Irma, our staff hit the streets to check on seniors. When wildfires filled entire neighborhoods with smoke, we made sure seniors knew where to shelter.”
“But not every emergency gets media attention,” Slade adds. “In my 43 years with NU-HOPE, I’ve dealt with a variety of crises—from panicking seniors trapped by snakes to armadillos digging holes under a 95-year-old man’s door. I’ve even dodged bullets while visiting client homes.”
Slade continues, “In nearly 50 years, every day brings new challenges. But every day also brings another success story. NU-HOPE changes lives daily, and we’re proud of that.”
Raising Awareness and Building a Stronger Network
As NU-HOPE approaches its 50th anniversary, the organization is launching a year-long initiative to raise awareness about the issues seniors and caregivers face and explore how the community can become more supportive.
Each month, NU-HOPE will spotlight a different issue related to aging, posting articles that explore how such issues impact the entire community and NU-HOPE’s roll in addressing these issues. NU-HOPE will also host meetings with community groups, leaders, and government officials to discuss these critical issues, gather feedback, and build stronger partnerships.
“Community engagement is crucial,” Slade emphasizes. “We want to hear from local leaders and citizens about their experiences. This feedback will help us develop strategies and policies that truly address the needs of our aging population.”
Breaking Down Barriers and Expanding Resources
NU-HOPE is also dedicated to removing barriers that prevent seniors and caregivers from accessing essential services. Whether these obstacles are physical, financial, or social, NU-HOPE is committed to overcoming them. “We know there’s a need to improve access to transportation. Lately, we’ve heard a lot about the need for better mental health support, access to technology, and personalized training to help seniors stay connected in the digital age. We also see the value in increasing intergenerational activities.”
A Community Call to Action
As NU-HOPE celebrates its 50th anniversary, the organization isn’t just looking back—it’s also looking forward. The anniversary is a call to action for the entire community—individuals, businesses, and organizations—to join in this vital mission.
“We’re committed to building a community where every senior and caregiver feels valued and supported,” Slade says. “As we celebrate this milestone, we’re inviting everyone to be part of a movement that will transform lives. Together, we can create communities where people of all ages and abilities are supported, and where no senior is left behind.”
“We’re proud of what NU-HOPE has achieved in our first 50 years, but the needs of seniors, caregivers, and our community are always evolving. We’re ready to work hard to meet these changes head-on. It’s our goal to collaborate with our community to make the next 50 years even better than the first. We hope everyone will join us in this effort. Together, we can build a future where no one has to face aging or caregiving alone.”
For more information about NU-HOPE’s initiatives and how to get involved, please visit www.NuhopeElderCare.org or call (863) 382-2134.