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Written by Administrator
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Monday, 04 May 2009 12:08 |
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30 Faces for 30 Years: En Nu Liao
“Thank you CASL for developing a service that allows me to age with respect, dignity and joy.”
En Nu Liao, 92, Adult Day Center client.
Immigration is a challenge to even the hardiest young person when the language and customs are foreign. But imagine immigrating to a strange land when you are past retirement age and unable to connect with others through work or school. Where you have no friends, the only familiar face is a daughter. That is what happened to En Nu Liao, who arrived in this country from Guangzhou, China at age 70 to reunite with her daughter. Retired from her job as a factory worker, Mrs. Liao was thrilled to see her children again. She feared, however, that she would spend the rest of her life cut off from others.
But Mrs. Liao could not have imagined the CASL miracle. The Chinese-American Service League’s multi-service menu has guided her through the transition from older person alone to respected elder within a caring, supportive network of friends.
When Mrs. Liao needed help in learning English for a citizenship class, CASL helped her learn the language, as well as the naturalization process. When she found herself lost in government’s bureaucratic procedures, CASL assisted her to gain access to social-welfare benefits. When she was lonely at home while her adult children were at work, CASL arranged transportation to pick her up to attend Adult Day Services, a center where she has spent five days a week for the past 10 years. Along with nearly 100 elders like herself, Mrs. Liao has built and maintained bonds with friends at the Center. Once afraid she would remain lonely for life, Mrs. Liao has gained the reward of building emotional support with friends of all ages.
For Mrs. Liao and many others, there is no place like CASL. “I no longer worry about anything in my life,” says Mrs.Liu.
“Because I know CASL will be there for me, no matter what.”
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Last Updated ( Monday, 04 May 2009 12:35 )
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