Community Matters
Services to Support Seniors Matter.
Meet Lucille
Lucille Prout had been out of work for some time when she initiated contact with Vocational Rehabilitation. She was anxious to get the skills she needed to re-enter the workforce. Trained as a respiratory therapist, she hoped to find work in the medical field that would fit her skills and experience. As bad and as willing as she was to work, Lucille felt there was one obstacle that would prevent her from getting the job she desired: her appearance.
Last year Lucille had her teeth removed due to medical reasons and couldn't afford to have them replaced. Her therapist and a Senior Center Manager at Lyon Park recommended she contact Coordinating Council for Senior Citizens, a Triangle United Way member agency. When she arrived at the Senior Center, her caseworker, Juanita Allen, noticed that Lucille covered her mouth whenever she spoke.
""I only said what I needed to say, not a lot. Not opening my mouth not smiling. I was really depressed," said Lucille.
"She came into the office and indicated that not only did she need glasses but she also wanted and needed dentures. Improving her self-image and enhancing her overall quality of life were important to her. Lucille felt she would look more suitable during job interviews if she had dentures," said Allen.
At the time, there were no resources available to assist in purchasing dentures. Allen contacted Triangle United Way and applied for a Response Fund Grant and within a few days the request was approved.
Upon learning that she had been approved, Lucille immediately went to Affordable Dentures. "She came into the office the next day smiling and beaming. She was very excited about being able to talk and smile without covering her mouth with her hands," according to Allen.
"I know what United Way does, but I didn't know they did things that big. Now I'm looking for a job. I didn't have any teeth and now I do. Now I'm feeling better about," said Lucille.
She is now also a volunteer at the Duke Street Senior Center where every Wednesday you can find her assisting seniors on quilting projects and the Arts and Crafts every other Friday.
Lucille is one of 4,424 seniors whose overall sense of well-being was improved through active engagement in social, health and community activities. Your gift to United Way matters.
Lucille matters.