Current Appeal

For some, the phrase “life is a highway” has a literal meaning. Carol was born in Modesto, California but her childhood was spent in transit. Her father was in the Air Force and Carol remembers many long car trips, moving the family from place to place. She spent time in Alaska, Oregon, Texas, and Maine.

“It was exciting going to Alaska. I really liked Fairbanks,” Carol recalls. “It was a nice, dry cold. Maine got that cold wind right off the Atlantic.”

Carol eventually returned to California, married, and had her first daughter. For most of her life, she “did the stay-at-home mom thing.” Two more children followed, and, for the first time, Carol found herself laying down roots.

Then Carol and her husband divorced, and she again found herself behind the wheel of a car, on a new journey. Her children had grown and relocated to the East Coast, so Carol followed her oldest daughter to Buffalo.

Here she found a job. She liked the work – it gave her an opportunity to get to know the area and people. Soon, she found permanent employment at the convention center, where she was promoted to head janitor.

Time passed and long-term medical issues caught up with Carol, forcing an early retirement. Her mobility was impacted, and it became difficult to leave her studio apartment. Her children checked in as often as they could but, with family and jobs of their own, Carol often faced long stretches of time alone. For someone accustomed to seeing new things and being on the move, this was a difficult time.

Then Carol found a new way to engage with Buffalo.

“The best thing my kids ever did for me was buy me that scooter,” Carol says, speaking fondly of her motorized wheelchair. Once Carol was able to leave her apartment, she scooted out every day the weather allowed. It was while she was exploring the city that she came across Friends of Night People.

“They have really good food,” Carol says. “It is a balanced meal – nice and hot. My medication costs are really crazy sometimes. It is not easy to make ends meet some months. That is when I really appreciate having Friends of Night People nearby.”

It is not just the meals that bring Carol to Friends of Night People.

“I really enjoy the people around there. They talk to you like a real person – they don’t look down on you because you need help. The chef is excellent. He even comes out to talk to me on my scooter. He said if I need a special diet for my kidney issues, he could help me with that. I am just so very thankful to have a good meal and someone to talk to.”

Carol also picks up meals for her housebound neighbor. “They’re a real treat for her,” Carol says. “She eats a lot of freezer dinners, so having a hot, prepared meal is a big deal for her.”

Because of you, Carol and her friend do not struggle with hunger.

At Friends of Night People, we support those in our community by building relationships and creating connections between others.

Your gift is so helpful to Carol and all of our guests. Please help today.

Thank you,
Sincerely,

 


Joseph S. Heary

Executive Director

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