Genny's Story
Touch, smell, hearing, sight -- we take these senses for granted. Imagine, waking up in the morning one day and you can't see anything. That is what happened to Genny Teske. Although it came upon her more quickly than most, over four months Genny went from seeing clearly to losing more than 85 percent of her vision.

This wasn't going to keep Genny down for long, however. "I could have just sat there, feeling sorry for myself. That was not my way and the people at the Sight Center weren't going to let me do that," she said. Cleveland Sight Center is a United Way of Greater Cleveland partner agency. "Even though I had been a United Way donor for many years, I hadn't thought about where that money went or about the Sight Center in particular. I gave because it was the right thing to do," Genny said. The first step to helping Genny was a Sight Center case worker who visited her in her home. She assessed safety and mobility issues and provided vision aids to Genny. Soon, Genny was participating in the Sight Center's low vision clinic and support groups that were invaluable to her. "It took me about a year to adjust to my changed circumstances, but I was able to adapt with the help of the Sight Center," Genny said.

Today, Genny continues to give back to the community by speaking about the experience of losing her sight and talking about the great work the Sight Center does. "It is truly a blessing to have such a wonderful and important place like the Sight Center right here in Greater Cleveland… it has made such a difference in my life."

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Gert's Story
For many seniors loneliness is as common as aging, but not for Gertrude and Julius Yoblansky. For 31 years, the Jewish Community Center (JCC), a United Way community partner, has been part of Gertrude and Julius Yoblansky's life and that relationship continues. Although Julius now uses a wheel chair and lives with Parkinson's disease, diabetes and a hearing impairment, Gert and he attend the senior programs every Friday at the JCC. These regular activities protect against any loneliness that might darken their days. Gert takes a leading role as a facilitator for the group's "Rap" session, at which seniors discuss current events. For some seniors, the JCC may be their only point of social contact. In addition, social programs the JCC offers consultations on issues of concern such as housing and healthcare, and the opportunity to enjoy a good meal and have fun.

United Way and The Jewish Community Center...improving lives of Greater Clevelanders.

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