‘They gave me a hand without even knowing me:’ Brockton Senior Finds Hope and Community at Catholic Charities South

Lupe, a 70-year-old longtime resident of Brockton, said it is impossible to capture in words the difference Catholic Charities Boston has made in her life over the past few years.  

As a client of Catholic Charities South’s Elder Outreach and Brockton Food Pantry, as well as a graduate of the ESOL program, Lupe said the agency has helped her with everything from getting food on the table to learning English to supporting her in finding housing. Lupe was also one of 4,000 Catholic Charities clients across Eastern Massachusetts who received a Thanksgiving meal this year through the agency’s annual Thanksgiving distribution.    

Above all, however, Lupe said Catholic Charities Boston provided her with a strong and compassionate support system to lean on during some of the most difficult moments of her life. 

“It was not about them giving me things but just being there for me and with me,” she said. Now, as Lupe enters the holiday season – a time she often misses her loved ones most – she said she finds relief just in knowing Catholic Charities is there.  

Lupe first reached out to the agency after her husband, who had been supporting them, passed away unexpectedly. Unable to speak English and thousands of miles away from her children, she reached out to Catholic Charities seeking food assistance. From that very first day, Lupe said she was greeted with unwavering compassion and warmth, as the staff quickly introduced her to Catholic Charities South’s ESOL classes and Elder Outreach program. 

“They gave me a hand without even knowing me, and that is why I am so grateful,” she said.  

Beyond assistance with basic needs, including grocery deliveries, transportation to medical appointments, and housing resources, Lupe said the Elder Outreach program introduced her to a network of local seniors who were also seeking companionship and community. One of the activities Lupe said she has most enjoyed is the program’s community sewing classes. Today, she uses her sewing skills to volunteer part-time for a local seamstress.  

“It’s not a full job, but it keeps me busy and gets me out of the house,” she said. 

When Lupe was diagnosed with a tumor two years ago that required immediate brain surgery, it was her community at Catholic Charities South she turned to. Through this difficult time, she said Elder Outreach Program Director Maria Teresa Aiello was always there, checking in on her and ensuring she had everything she needed to recover.  

While Lupe’s physical mobility and English-speaking skills were partially impacted by her diagnosis, she said her sense of hope and resilience remains stronger than ever. 

“My faith is what motivates me,” she said. “I believe God is with me and that one day I’ll be with my family again.” 

To find out how you can support Catholic Charities Boston’s clients most in need this holiday season, visit our Hope for the Holidays page.