Vicky Coleman first began the CAPABLE program to reduce her pain and improve her ability to safely walk throughout her tri-level home.
“They gave me my CAPABLE book, and had to read my rules and everything about it,” she said. “Then after that, I was set up with different homework to do.”
Those early stages laid the foundation for something much deeper.
Through the client-driven brainstorming process, Coleman was given the opportunity to work as a team with the clinicians. This process improves the clients’ self-efficacy and builds self-confidence to address challenges once the CAPABLE program is completed.
In Coleman’s case, that process included looking at how best to manage everyday tasks like organizing items in her home, cleaning and dusting, and going up and down the stairs safely.
“They would sit down with me and give me their professional opinions — what they thought would be good for me inside and outside the home,” Coleman said.
That guidance quickly turned into meaningful changes. After watching how Coleman moved through her home, the CAPABLE team recommended and installed additional railings to improve her safety. What started as two railings on one wall became a more complete support system, giving her confidence as she moved up and down the stairs.
“That helped me a lot,” she said.
“I said l always wanted some lights behind the hedges back there,” she said referencing a need for improved lighting at the back door of her home. “That way, it would light up when I come in.”
The result? A safer, more accessible home designed with her needs and preferences in mind.
What Coleman treasured most about the program wasn’t the equipment or even the progress; it was the people.
“The nurses were my favorite part of the whole program,” she said. “It’s awesome. If it wasn’t for them, I don’t know what I’d do. They take care of me now like family. I don’t have any close relatives left. They helped a lot. I learned to laugh from it.”
Recently, Coleman reached a major milestone, graduating from the CAPABLE program. The moment was marked with a heartfelt celebration, complete with a banner and sparkling cider, honoring all the hard work she put in and the independence she gained along the way.
For Coleman’s family, the impact has been just as profound.
“The program has meant a lot to our family,” her niece JaMari Sellers said. “We’ve lost a lot of people recently: her husband and her siblings. She was always the one taking care of everyone else.”
Through grief and uncertainty, the family worried about whether Coleman would be able to remain in her home.
“Seeing her go through all of that has been really hard,” Sellers said. “We didn’t know if she’d be able to stay here. But through this program, she’s gained her independence. She’s able to stay in her home.”
Today, Coleman’s story is one of resilience, support and renewed independence. With the help of CAPABLE, she hasn’t just adapted. She’s thrived.
The CAPABLE program is a partnership of JFS Richmond and Beth Sholom. Participants must be at least 60 years old, live within the Richmond area, meet income eligibility requirements and experience challenges with daily activities such as bathing, dressing or mobility.
If you or someone you know could benefit from the CAPABLE program, or to learn more, go to JFSRichmond.org or call (804) 282-5644.
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