Gladys Berry
When Gladys met Private Samuel O. Berry Sr. in 1959, less than 2 years after his
discharge from the US Army, she never thought they’d be married for 55 years and have
3 children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. At 82 years young, she is aging in
place independently since the passing of her husband and doing well until her recent back
surgery in 2019. She is not able to step into the tub to shower and is in need of a walk-in only shower that also has grab bars and a seat. With a recommendation from her Hartford HealthCare physical therapist & home health aide, a call was made to our Family Service department. After a home repair evaluation and a completed application, Ms. Gladys will soon be able to access her bathroom and be safe.
Fred and Cheryl Lesniewski
Fred, a Connecticut native joined the US Navy in 1971 as a machinist mate on the
submarine USS Patrick Henry (SSBN-599) where he had periscope liberty just once! After
4 years of service he returned where he met and married his wife of 41 years, Cheryl.
They purchased their home in 1978 and have lived there ever since. As they have aged
so has the house and with this year, in the midst of the pandemic, they have had several large areas of
repairs (furnace, water heater, failed appliances) that needed immediate attention.
Cheryl and Fred were overwhelmed and didn’t know where to turn when Fred, trying to step into
the tub to shower, became a challenge. There are also other bathroom repairs that need to be done,
including grab bar installation and flooring. Cheryl shared her concerns with her good neighbor & friend, Susan, who recommended Hartford Area Habitat. Susan’s son had volunteered with Habitat through their Church and said to give us a call. Through the spirit of friendship and Faith, they will soon have their bathroom repaired and a walk-in shower installed through our Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity’s Brush with Kindness program & partnership with the Home Depot Foundation.
