Two residents of Needham Housing have decided to join the ARE YOU OK? program.  In doing so, they will receive a call from "Cheryl" on days that they wish.  They can have a call every day and at whatever time they want between 8:00AM and Noon. This program is free and operates seven days a week.

   Cheryl, who is an employee of the Norfolk County Sherriff's office, was interviewed recently in order to relay some of the amazing rescues she has been able to facilitate.  Here are some of the wonderful outcomes:

   Her fist week on the job ten years ago, Cheryl received a call from a gentleman who was wheelchair bound.  He was expecting a home health worker and needed help getting dressed to "she wouldn't see me looking so disheveled".  Cheryl was able to get a male volunteer from the Council on Aging who helped the gentleman become presentable for his visiting nurse.

   When a woman didn't answer Cheryl's regular call, she called the daughter who raced to her mother's apartment to find her in the bathroom having a major stroke.  Cheryl received a very grateful note from the daughter who was able to provide the necessary help for her mother.

   An elderly woman kept getting the wrong number when she tried to call the oil company.  When Cheryl called at her regular time, the woman told her of the problem.  Knowing that the woman's sons were both away, Cheryl took action and got heat restored to the woman's apartment.

   These vignettes show that over and above the basic phone call about wellness, there can be that extra help that is sometimes a lifesaver.  Membership is free and can be discontinued at any time.  However, no-one quits!  The friendly reassurance that someone is available to check on you becomes part of a member's day. 

   Even with relatives nearby and Life Line backup, that voice on the telephone can't be duplicated.

   To join, call Marie Dimonis: 781-751-3505 or Cheryl: 866-900-7865.  For more information call Bill Dugan: 781-449-0275