Hope Blooms

Your support of Hope Blooms helps hundreds of men and women like Mary.

As a child, Mary experienced the pain of abandonment and cruelty. Like many Minnesota children, she received support and care from St. Josephs and Bethany Place. The support she received ended when she turned 18 and she quickly found herself homeless, with one set of clothing, working as a dishwasher and “resting” at night in abandoned hallways - too afraid to sleep.

For more than 20 years, Mary managed to survive. Finally in 2010, nearly blind and scared, but with a deep seeded hope; she found Touchstone Assisted Living.

“When I arrived, I was scared. I never lived any one place for very long. I could barely see, so even walking around my apartment was very hard. I didn’t trust I would be able to stay, even though I was told Touchstone could be my home forever.”

Mary’s team quickly realized that with medical help, Mary could probably see clearly again. Within the first three months of joining Touchstone’s community, Mary had her first doctor’s appointment in more than 10 years. She had cataract surgery; and for the first time in more than 7 years, she was able to see.

“The car ride home was a miracle. Everything was bright, bold and colorful. I could see faces instead of blurs. I could walk into a grocery store and see fruit and find my favorite cereal, Corn Flakes.”

Today, almost a year later, Mary is part of the breakfast bunch, walking group, the Rummy 500 club, the Step Up club and The Karaoke crew. She is an avid reader, journal writer and hopes to learn to sew – all things impossible before her surgery. She manages her diabetes through diet and dancing... not exercise, but dancing.

“Before Touchstone, I was afraid of abandonment, I didn’t trust. Today, I’m part of a community. I have a home.”

Your support of Hope Blooms helps fill the $85,000 health and wellness gap which makes it possible for Mary to have a home, experience community and thrive.

THANK YOU for Helping HOPE BLOOM