2021 started off full-swing with addressing some of the ways we could show caring action for our elders. Through Rez Refuge, a non-profit based on a Navaho reservation in Arizona, we learned of the plight of their elders, especially during the winter months. Many live in hogans in remote areas and are dependent upon others to provide the most basic of necessities. Similar to our approach in supporting children rescued from sex trafficking, we asked a lot of questions, and learned how we could best support their needs.
Wood was needed for heat and cooking. The thought of elderly folks freezing in the cold Arizona weather spurred us into action. We procured bundles of wood from a nearby outlet, and within a day, 3 truckloads were picked up by reservation volunteers and delivered where needed.
The second most important need was to provide stoves for those elders who had no source of heat or way to cook food. With a list of stoves and stove parts in hand, our CARE Team arranged for those needed items to be delivered directly to the reservation. Upon delivery, reservation volunteers assembled the new stoves, and were able to repair those older stoves in need of parts. No longer were their elders subjected to surviving the frigid conditions with blankets and layers of socks.
The third imperative need was to provide portable water tanks to hold gallons of fresh water outside some of the hogans. The elders without tanks had to hobble over to a well in the freezing cold to draw water in a bucket, then carry it back again. We quickly sourced a supplier for the tanks in a neighboring town. When the owner found out why we needed them, he volunteered to truck them out himself for a faster delivery. A meaningful and caring gesture!
As ongoing dialog continues with Rez Refuge, we are finding new ways to assist their elder population. Our most recent endeavor included providing 2 dozen workbooks, “The Importance of Being an Elder in This World”. They were a welcome gift to fill the hours with uplifting materials meant to entertain and stimulate value in the life of an elder.
Autumn Hardy of RezRefuge expressed in their community publication, “We can truly say there was ‘unified caring’ flowing within our community. Once UCA reached out and we began to get to know one another – they have been such a great help with supporting our organization… thank you to UCA for providing our community with such tools to benefit each member.”
As we continue our quest to find ways to create more meaningful and comfortable lives for our elders, we feel a door has opened for those on the reservations. Our CARE Team is exploring those opportunities as well as others to help our elders know they are cared for, respected and are not alone.