Jack’s Journey

Brighton Center is home. Saratoga Place Apartments has become my second family. They are always there for me, and I am there for them.  

All my life, I have gravitated toward helping with the needs of others. I love to make others happy and healthy. But, when I needed help, Brighton Center became my saving grace. My wife and I were homeless when I learned about Brighton Center. As soon as I walked into Saratoga Place Apartments, I knew I was home.  

Every day, I am touched by the generosity here. Brighton Center helped me get dentures and a bed, two things my wife and I had been struggling with. We have also utilized Senior Support to access Senior Commodities and the Choice Food Pantry to help stretch our fixed income further. 

Being here pushes me to challenge my fears and become a stronger, better version of myself. I am surrounded by Brighton Center employees who have so much love and compassion for the seniors here. 

My dad used to run Panorama Apartments back in the 70s, and I started visiting there often when I was 10. I spent a lot of time around the seniors there and learned about their unique needs. That was probably one of the best experiences I ever had in my life because it taught me so much. As I went through my life, I always gravitated toward looking for ways to help others with their needs. 

Being at Saratoga Place Apartments allows me to continue to fulfill my life's purpose: to help others. When I first moved here, one of the residents gravitated towards me. We spent hours together talking about our lives before he passed away. While the situation was challenging, I believe we really impacted each other. 

Brighton Center really runs this place like a family and it's so unique. I haven't ever seen anything like it. It's really easy to plug in, and I think many people want to give back in meaningful ways.

One of the biggest obstacles I have overcome is that I was not comfortable being out with people, so living here I have been more involved and less isolated. 

I started a peer group called Beat the Blues, where we share how we are doing every week. This gives us an opportunity to talk about what's happening in our lives in a safe and trusted environment. I want to do everything I can to help here. As an AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer, I am a Floor Captain, helping residents to increase their sense of well-being and help them feel safer and less isolated. 

I don’t look at Saratoga as an apartment. This is a home, and the residents here are brothers and sisters. If you take the time to come in and visit, I do not doubt that you would choose this place.  

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