During each holiday season, PMMA’s Good Samaritan program takes center stage, thanks to our Angel Tree fundraising campaign. But the truth is, Good Sam is at work in our communities year-round, sometimes when it’s least expected, but needed most.
That’s why we want to share the story of Rebecca Blackburn, who unexpectedly found herself at Clay Center Presbyterian Manor last summer, with almost no belongings.
“Through no fault of her own, my mom relocated to CCPM due to an emergent evacuation from another facility and was unable to bring any of her possessions,” says her daughter, Melissa Kling.
“I was scared and felt lost,” Rebecca recalls. “I was grouchy but tried to be nice.”
Melissa admits she was in a panic when she realized her mom needed a home – quickly.
“My mom is my best friend,” she says. “The most important things for me were that she still be able to live with dignity, be treated with respect, be safe, be clean and free from the stress of failing health. I wanted her treated with love and kindness.”
Love and kindness are exactly what she found when she visited Clay Center Presbyterian Manor and met all the staff.
“I cannot adequately express how amazing the staff that I met that day were,” she remembers. “They treated me with respect, kindness and sympathy.”
The staff quickly found a bed for Rebecca but also recognized that because of the emergency situation, she needed much more than a place to lay her head. They realized Rebecca qualified for the Good Samaritan program.
PMMA’s Good Samaritan program provides financial assistance for residents who have outlived their resources through no fault of their own. It provides room and board, but also helps cover essential needs such as clothing, medications, toiletries, and even medical supplies. Today, it supports almost 400 residents across all the PMMA communities.
Melissa Kling says the Good Sam program was a blessing
“The relief of knowing my mom is well taken care of means more to me than the written word can convey.”
Melissa Kling
Resident Rebecca Blackburn’s Daughter
Good Sam recipients usually remain anonymous, but Melissa and Rebecca were so grateful, they wanted to share their story. Through the program, Rebecca was able to receive the items she needed to truly feel at home at the manor.
“This was such a wonderful blessing,” says Melissa. “To date, we have replaced most of what was lost.”
Along with those belongings, they also replaced their anxiety with a sense of calm.
“Knowing my mom is at CCPM and receiving quality care gives me immeasurable peace,” Melissa says.
She explains that her mom has gone out for meals, participates in her favorite activities and can now walk and pivot with help. And Rebecca agrees – the change has been a good one.
“I really like being here,” Rebecca says. “I get really good care. The staff treat me really well. They laugh and joke and make me feel comfortable with them. I have grown to really care about them.
And she has a message to anyone else considering Clay Center Presbyterian Manor.
“To someone thinking about coming here…If I’m unable to live at home, then CCPM is the best place to be. Here, I feel better…stronger. I feel like I matter.”
This holiday season, you can help ensure we help more people like Rebecca. A gift to the Angel Tree supports the Good Samaritan program. Use the form below to donate now:
