#GivingTuesday: A New Home for Four “Brothers”
Each November, we share stories and profiles on members of the Triangle Residential Services community – the staff who form deep and meaningful bonds, the residents who live in one of our ten homes, and the extended families of those we serve. Each of our homes is unique, filled with personalities all their own and customs that get forged with each passing year.
Our newest residential home in Saugus is especially unique, as the residents who just moved in have been a part of our programs for decades. Jimmy, John, David, and Mark have lived in a Triangle home for decades – more than 25 years of living together as a unit. Family members of these four gentlemen stay in touch, come together for celebrations, and support each member of the home as one of their own. A group of four gentlemen, becoming like brothers through the years, who have weaved a larger family of support around their loving home.
As the years have gone on, however, their longtime house on Albion Street in Malden was no longer meeting their needs as they aged. Steep stairs upon entry, narrow corridors, and three-story living were increasingly challenges for Jimmy, John, David, and Mark. A high priority goal for Triangle’s leadership was to not only find a better place for these gentlemen, but a home where they could stay together as a group to age gracefully just as they had thrived during their younger years on Albion Street.
Finding a house that can accommodate the standards of a Triangle residential home is challenging, especially in a competitive real estate market. Drew Warren, Triangle’s Chief Program Officer, and Julia Muthoni, Director of Residential Services, stayed the course and toured dozens of places throughout the last 24 months – never giving up on finding the perfect replacement home for our longtime residents. And their diligence paid off earlier this year when they found the perfect home, only one mile away in nearby Saugus, that checked all our boxes.
Over the summer, for the first time since the ’90s, Jimmy, John, David, and Mark packed up their stuff and moved to their new home. Before moving in, the guys had a chance to check out their new house and picked out a few personalized items for their new bedrooms, such as paint colors and furniture. In July, the trucks came, and, just like that, the crew from Albion Street began a new chapter of their lives in a new home.
When asked about their favorite part of their new home, David simply said, “Everything. I love it.”
“Single-level! No stairs!” added John. Jimmy noted that it is nice to have their bedrooms close to each other, and everyone agreed that their new furniture is much more comfortable and nice. “We are all together and getting to know the new neighbors,” says Jimmy.
The larger extended family of the home – siblings, loved ones, family, and guardians – contributed to the effort by donating new furniture for the living room. Triangle’s facilities team has made sure that any creature comfort missing from their old house would also be realized in the new abode. And after four months in their new home, the smiles on Jimmy, John, David, and Mark’s faces are still as wide as they were on that first visit to their new house.
“John loves his new home! As he and his ‘brothers’ are aging, the new residence provides a safe environment, not to mention that it is a beautiful house!” says Maria, John’s sister. “I love visiting him and seeing how well ‘the Guys’ get along and how comfortable they are with each other.
“And I can’t thank the staff enough as they do all they can in providing support,” Maria adds, speaking to the excellence of care provided throughout the transition by their house staff members, all of whom will continue to work with the guys in their new house.
On a recent phone call with the Friends of Triangle group, David’s sister Donna shared a meaningful testimony with the group. “As I get older, I now know that my brother is where he needs to be. He is with his brothers. He is in a new house that gives him comfort. And he is connected to longtime staff (at the house) and at Triangle (day programs) who I can trust to support him.”
As we take the month of November and the run up to Giving Tuesday to celebrate the successes across our residential homes, we could think of no better story that demonstrates the love, dedication, and care of the Triangle Residential Program. If you are inspired and would like to donate to support our #SupportAHomeNotAHouse campaign, please click here to make your donation today!