Our Stories

Uncover the inspiring stories that illustrate how ElderHelp enhances the quality of life for seniors through compassion and community engagement.

Our History

Mission & Values

Meet our Volunteer Services Manager – Gaby Gabriel

Meet Gaby Gabriel, ElderHelp's Volunteer Services Manager! We asked Gaby to share about her approach and her perspective now that she has been in the Volunteer Services Manager role since fall of 2024. She moved into the position after working on ElderHelp's Food...

Walking with Her Memory: How My Mother’s Spirit Guides Me

By Andrea Hogan, Chairperson of the ElderHelp Board of Directors It was my mother's diagnosis with Alzheimer’s that made me first think about aging and subsequently compelled me to get involved with ElderHelp of San Diego. I am almost embarrassed to admit that up...

Feeling connected

He reached for my hand, and for 10 strong seconds, we connected. “I miss human touch,” he said. “I miss having someone to talk to. That’s why I appreciate ElderHelp. You give me a connection, and I need that. Everybody needs that.” Mel recently celebrated his 90th...

Let’s Talk About Bruno

Bruno receives food pantry support from ElderHelp and also utilizes rides through Seniors A Go Go to get to his doctors' appointments and to help with errands. At 90, Bruno has no living relatives in the U.S. and just a few friends. He said the birthday card we sent...

I feel safe, and that’s good

Her two-room apartment abounds with memories–collectibles, mementos, photos of happy times and sentimental reminders of loss. She grieves the recent death of her son. With declining vision, she had to give up her car. Yet Thalicia’s life is joyful. A music lover, she...

You are keeping me alive

Making History… Together

If walls could talk in Joanne’s beloved home of 66 years, they’d tell stories of four children playing in the backyard, a registered nurse who not only raised those children but also supported her husband’s esteemed military career. She’s a dedicated Padres fan, a...

A Special Birthday

“I haven’t had a balloon for my birthday since I was a child,” exclaimed Barbara as volunteers greeted her. But turning 80 was even more special when presented with a customized pink walker. “Barbara told me she was dreaming of having a pink walker someday,” shared...