Many seniors in our community are doing the unimaginable — raising their grandchildren while battling health challenges, fixed incomes, and homes in desperate need of repair. They never expected to start over in their golden years, but they stepped up for their families. Now they need us to step up for them.

Tom and June’s Story

Tom and June are retired teachers in their mid‑seventies — the kind of people who spent their entire lives pouring into others. Five years ago, their world changed forever. Their only son, along with his loving wife, was killed in a horrific car accident, leaving behind two young children, ages 11 and 14. Overnight, Tom and June became parents again.

Despite their age, grief, and limited income, they stepped into the role without hesitation. They were determined to give their grandchildren stability, love, and a home where healing could begin.

But life didn’t stop testing them.

Five months ago, Tom suffered a stroke that left him hospitalized for two weeks. During that time, the grandparents missed one of the grandchildren’s first football games — a moment that broke their hearts almost as much as the stroke itself. When Tom returned home, he was bedridden, and the weight of caregiving fell heavily on June and the children.

This past summer, Bright Leaf Seniors first learned about the family in the most unexpected way. While our volunteers were working on a neighbor’s yard, June came outside and offered to make lunch for them — even though she was too afraid to ask for the help she desperately needed.

A few days later, one of the grandchildren quietly told a volunteer, “We don’t have water.” We soon discovered the truth: the family had water, but a leaking water heater was destroying their floor. To prevent further damage, Tom and June were shutting off the water completely, only turning it on when absolutely necessary.

The damage was already severe. And with Tom unable to do home maintenance after his stroke, the situation had become overwhelming.

The oldest grandchild, feeling the pressure of watching his grandparents struggle, even asked if he could work with our volunteers over the summer to earn money to help them. That moment told us everything we needed to know about this family’s strength — and their desperation.

Bright Leaf Seniors stepped in. We replaced the water heater and repaired the damaged flooring. But as we continued helping, we learned something even more urgent: Tom and June had fallen behind on their mortgage and were at risk of losing their home.

These two grandparents — once respected teachers who spent decades helping students and families in need — now find themselves in the same position they once supported others through.

And we still have time to help them.

Bright Leaf Seniors is committed to doing everything we can, but we can’t do it alone. Our volunteers are matching donations for the first $500, and every contribution makes a real difference.

Let’s pay it forward. Let’s help Tom and June keep their home, care for their grandchildren, and find stability again. Anything helps — and together, we can lift this family through one of the hardest chapters of their lives.

Helping Tom and June stay in their home.

By Bright Leaf Inc

Helping Tom and June stay in their home.

Help Senior Families Holding Their World Together

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