Margarita, 81, has been coming to the Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center for about 12 years.
She was going through a difficult period while undergoing cancer treatment but coming to the Wellness Center helped.
“During my cancer treatment, I found hope and inspiration here.”
Margarita’s doctor has encouraged her to continue coming as the various activities have helped in improving her mental and physical health. Exercise classes, yoga and other activities helped her stay active, but just as important were the relationships she formed with other people at the Center.
Two of those people are Julia and Arnulfo – each living in different areas of San Diego and different journeys but have formed a bond and became friends because of the Wellness Center.
They look forward to seeing each other and catching up on not only daily life but personal challenges and successes.
For Margarita, those relationships are different from casual social interactions elsewhere. She can talk with friends outside of Serving Seniors, but she feels conversations at the Center have greater depth. She says, “I can talk with friends outside of here, but here there is a greater sense of importance. I feel truly connected.”
Margarita has become an advocate for Serving Seniors within the Hispanic/Latino community where she lives. Because of the impact Serving Seniors has had on her and her friends, she encourages others in her community to take advantage of what is available.
