Our organization has helped many people over the years: read real life testimonials and success stories submitted by community members below.

The Dale Association helps make lives better. Our programs are designed to help people remain independent and to live their best life.  Read about some of the people we’ve helped!

LOCKPORT SENIOR CENTRE:

“If The Dale Association wasn’t right next door, I’d probably never leave my apartment. I visit The Dale’s Senior Centre staff every day when I’m there for lunch and to play cards. The staff is always happy to see me and have been so helpful over the years. I actually miss them on the weekends!”
– Anonymous

SENIOR ADVISOR:

Raymond was out of work due to a disability, and his beloved wife was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Raymond was trying to hold the family together, but was worried about how he would afford health insurance since his wife held the policy. The Dale Association’s Senior Advisor provided immediate caregiver support, helped Raymond find an affordable insurance plan, and arranged for Raymond and his children to see a grief counselor.

C.A.R.E. Telephone Reassurance:

Legally blind, and living alone in North Tonawanda, Ron had become so isolated in his apartment, that when our vision coordinator visited him she was very concerned. She explained our C.A.R.E. telephone reassurance program to Ron, who agreed it would be nice to have someone call him each day to check in.  Our Dale staff arranged for Ron to receive home delivered meals on the weekends – when he typically went hungry. They coordinated a daily ride to his local senior center where he now enjoys a group lunch and socialization, and they found a local volunteer who regularly takes Ron grocery shopping. Even though we can’t restore his eyesight, his whole outlook has changed for the better.

LOCKPORT SENIOR CENTRE:

Lorraine’s daughter wanted her mom to be happy again. But when Lorraine’s husband of 49 ½ years died, she went into a real depression. Her daughter moved her in with her, hoping that would help. After weeks of watching her sit sadly by the kitchen window, she bundled mom into the car and drove her to The Dale Association. Lorraine said she felt like a kindergartner again, going off to school for the first time. But she was warmly welcomed at the door, and she’s been coming to The Centre everyday since. “Joining The Dale Association, where I’m actively involved in social groups and volunteering, has really given me back my life”, says Lorraine.

Membership to The Dale Association allows people to stay connected to their community, gives them advance notice on enrichment activities, as well as discounts on most classes and trips. As Lorraine’s daughter would say, “it has added years, purpose and laughter to Mom’s life.”

TRANSPORTATION:

Arthur has such peace of mind knowing that his mother has a reliable ride with Dial-A-lift to and from her activities and friends at The Dale Association’s program Centre. Arthur’s mom, Olivia, lives a fulfilling life and enjoys spending several days a week at The Dale. She plays cards, takes their day trips in the summer, stays for lunch and takes the chair exercise class. “My wife and I work, and Mom lives with us. We want her to stay active and involved in her community, but it’s hard for us to get her to The Dale and back home again. We appreciate The Dale’s van service and the drivers are wonderful people.”

Vision & Hearing Program:

Since retiring from teaching, Marti loved reading the newspaper and doing crossword puzzles each day. Three nights a week she tutored students at the local public library. She was aware that her eyesight was changing, but assumed it was part of the normal aging process. When her eye doctor told her the shocking news that she had glaucoma she thought her world was ending. Fortunately, Marti’s doctor gave her a name that changed her whole outlook: Nancy Smith, the coordinator for The Dale Association’s Vision & Hearing Impairment program. Nancy visited Marti in her home then helped link Marti to important community services and provided Marti with a desktop magnifier to read the paper, balance her checkbook and keep up with correspondence. Marti never thought she’d need The Dale Association so soon after retiring, but she’s since learned we are so much more than just a senior center!

Powerful Tools for Caregivers:

“For the first time since I started caring for my (chronically-ill) husband, I feel optimistic. The Dale Association’s Powerful Tools for Caregivers course facilitators helped me learn how to create more balance in my life, and to be more effective in this challenging role. It was so comforting to know that other people were in a similar situation. I can’t change Dan’s Parkinson’s disease, but I feel like everything really will be okay.”
– Linda

Support Group:

“I never dreamed I would need a support group. But then I never dreamed that my beautiful wife of 45 years would become so ill. Fortunately, I was retired when Margo got diagnosed and now I’m a caregiver. She took care of me and our sons when I worked, now it’s my turn. Joining The Dale Association’s Caregiver Support Group, with Angie Crawshaw, has become my respite. I can talk freely about my challenges, and get suggestions from the group. They have become like family to me. I look forward to my time there every month.”
– Anonymous

C.A.R.E. (Telephone Reassurance Program)

“As a Dale C.A.R.E. (Telephone Reassurance Program) volunteer, I’ve been calling on Cathryn for three years. We might only talk for a few minutes each day, but she says my phone call is a highlight in her day. Some days, I’m the only person she talks to. What Cathryn doesn’t realize is just how much she has enriched my life. Who knew something so simple could mean so much?”
– Anonymous

Memory Minders:

“Mom looks so forward to Mondays and Fridays – her Memory Minders days. Those are the two days a week that I don’t worry about her. Knowing The Dale Association is picking her up and taking such good care of her gives me the peace of mind I need to go to work. When she gets home she is beaming with all the fun she’s had. She especially loved making jam – ‘just like old times’, she said. Mom’s made friends there who don’t judge her but instead understand what she’s going through with her memory loss. I just love the staff and volunteers at The Dale Association. I don’t know what we would have done without it.”  – Anonymous

PROS Center for Wellness:

Withdrawn and quiet, Teresa came to the PROS Center for Wellness for help with her depression. When Teresa spoke it was a sad whisper, often trailing off into silence. She described her thoughts as being in “a dark, dark place”.

After being with peers in her scheduled groups, a change in medication and some one-on-one counseling, Teresa began to brighten. She started to voice her thoughts clearly, began to interact with her peers, and participated more in her therapy groups. Her mood has lifted, and she’s become a vocal advocate for people with depression. She’s even started her own peer group for Women’s mental health.

John felt like he had nothing to live for when he arrived at our Outpatient Counseling and Treatment Center. John had mental health problems most of his life, but after his father died his depression and anxiety worsened.

With the help of our counselor, John learned to overcome his depression and anxiety. It took time, but today he has a college education, has repaired relationships with his family and has positive future goals.

Peer Specialist Program:

Linda was in the process of selling her home, but her adult ADHD combined with confusion of the sale process left her with high anxiety and fear. Our Peer Specialist provided gentle guidance and organizational assistance. With help, Linda has successfully downsized her belongings from a big, old house to a bright, clean apartment where she is living within her means.