For Sitrena Kelly, the CAPABLE program was about much more than making changes around her home. It was about finding practical solutions that would help her stay safe, maintain her independence, and continue living life on her own terms.
After completing the four-month program, Kelly says the experience was well worth the commitment.
“We looked at
some of the challenges that I was having, and then we problem solved together,” she said. “It’s not like they just came and told me what was going to work best for me. They involved me in the process.”
Through CAPABLE, a program that helps older adults age safely in their homes, Kelly worked closely with occupational therapist Tomeeker Gary and registered nurse Belinda Hensley to identify goals, discuss challenges, and find solutions tailored to Kelly’s needs.
Living with sickle cell disease and managing several health conditions, safety was one of Kelly’s top priorities.
“The most significant change was safety,” she said. “I now have grip strips and motion lights on the stairs, handrails on my deck and my shed steps outside, and support bars so I can get in and out of the shower easily.” These modifications were made possible thanks to JFS’ partnership for handyman services with project:Homes.
For Mrs. Kelly, this project carried special significance. I used to volunteer with project:Homes and Rebuilding Together when my kids were small,” she recalled. “I’d go out there and help build porches for people.” Now, years later, they are helping her. “It was really a full-circle moment,” Kelly said.
Beyond the physical changes, Kelly credits the CAPABLE team with helping her feel heard and respected throughout the process.
One thing that stood out to her was how collaborative the experience felt.
“Tomeeker said, ‘We’re going to talk about this together and see what works for you,'” Kelly said. “That made all the difference.”
Rather than being told what to do, Kelly felt empowered to be an active participant in decisions about her health and home.
“What you kind of did was give me the confidence and permission to say what works best for me,” she said about Tomeeker.
That confidence is something Kelly plans to carry with her long after graduating from the program.
As she looks around her home today, she sees more than safety improvements. She sees reminders of the conversations, encouragement, and support she received throughout her CAPABLE journey.
For Tomeeker, watching Kelly’s progress was equally rewarding.
“It was great working with Ms. Kelly,” she said. “Her motivation and positivity are wonderful. We don’t see it all the time, so to have somebody willing and ready to work toward their goals was really special.”
Kelly’s graduation from CAPABLE marks the end of the program, but not the end of her journey. With new safety features, renewed confidence, and a stronger support system, she is continuing to focus on what matters most: staying active in her garden, staying independent, and working towards goals, like getting back on her motorcycle!
Thanks to our partner, Beth Sholom, CAPBABLE is a program offered at no charge that enables older adults to age with independence and dignity. If you are interested in the CAPABLE program for yourself or a family member, please call Jewish Family Services at (804) 282-5644 or visit our website at https://jfsrichmond.org/care/capable/.
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