Participant Stories

Berkeley seniors and music: At the Center for Elders’ Independence, Richard Frankel shares his gift with friends.

After 20 years of working at the Port of Oakland, Collins returned to college at age 40 earning a degree in Early Childhood Education. She then operated a childcare business for 10 years, teaching close to 500 preschoolers, many with special needs. She was ready for a change in 2008 and joined Center for Elders…

Ms. Carole Wilson has always been hard working. In order to help provide for her two kids and husband, at times she worked two jobs. In fact, in her 30s, she worked at five fast food restaurants: McDonalds, Burger King, KFC, Boston Market, and Arby’s. Though she liked working at the restaurants because she got…

Mother and daughter Jimmie and Jill Beardsley live together and are close. Jimmie Beardsley, the mother in the power duo, says, “We depend on each other a lot.” And Ms. Jill agrees. “We keep it real though,” she laughs, “and we enjoy each other.” A natural bond strengthens with help It’s because of their love…

With COVID-19 restrictions and precautions in place, Mr. Ervin Vinson visits the center once a week. He says with fewer people around, the center has changed, but that he’s never felt so loved.