The healing power of a loving community
Juanita Holt believes that living in Huffman Place, one of St. Mary Development Corporation’s apartments for low-income seniors, had a significant impact on her cancer remission.
When Juanita Holt and her husband, Byron, moved from their rental house into Huffman Place five years ago, they had no idea what was ahead of them.
The couple was forced to move because they couldn’t keep up with the demands of managing a house. They were both slowly becoming weaker and the yard work and housekeeping was too much for them. They also could no longer afford their rent.
Shortly after moving into Huffman Place, Byron became severely ill. Juanita was also ill and could no longer take care of her husband. Byron had to move into a nursing home, where he died. Soon after, Juanita was diagnosed with cancer. But the family atmosphere at Huffman Place helped her immensely.
“You never feel alone here,” says Juanita. “It’s so valuable if you’re healing from an illness or grieving over the loss of a loved one…you’re never alone.”
While she was struggling with her illness Juanita routinely found hugs and words of encouragement from her apartment neighbors. Juanita has been in remission for five years and thanks the Lord for every day of her life. She believes that living in Huffman Place had a significant impact on her healing process.
“The atmosphere and closeness of the family here is instrumental in healing,” Juanita says. “I really believe during our illnesses, we need stability. We find it here; people are always here for you. The attitudes are so positive here. A glowing, positive attitude makes you think you can do anything…that’s great for healing.”
Juanita loves the family she has made through Huffman Place. The activities coordinated by Carolyn Good, the building manager, have kept her close to her neighbors. “We can hardly keep up with all the activities Carol puts together for us!” Juanita says with a laugh.
Being an ordained minister, Juanita especially loves the prayer breakfasts, Bible studies and Christian concerts. She also looks forward to the potluck dinners. When she’s not spending time with her neighbors, Juanita likes to read.
Juanita’s favorite story about Huffman Place is when she parked her car somewhere different than usual and received a call from a concerned desk worker making sure she was alright. She called Juanita just because she didn’t notice her car in its usual spot.
“What a blessing it is!” Juanita says. “It’s so wonderful. It’s independent living but so supportive.”
Juanita realizes living at Huffman Place is special. “Praise God that we have our situation. It takes organizations like St. Mary to put together a place like this. It really takes good management to put something together like this for seniors.”
“When I was so sick, I couldn’t get my head off the pillow,” Juanita says. “I would leave the room and someone would hug me and ask me how I was. When your neighbors are so close to you they become like brothers and sisters – family.”
We work toward the day when
all residents of southwest Ohio -- especially the economically disadvantaged -- have a decent, affordable
place to live and become part of a thriving community.
