Henrietta: “I Got My Life Back”

“Simply effervescent” describes Enriqueta “Henrietta” Tovar, age 77. Her passionate spirit and energy warms the hearts of everyone she meets.

Born in Columbia, South America, Henrietta moved to the U.S. in the 1970s with her husband. They raised their three children in Milwaukee, Wisconsin before moving to Houston, Texas after their children were grown. Henrietta and her husband had been married for more than 48-years when he was diagnosed with lung cancer.  For six long months, Henrietta provided him with round-the-clock care before he lost his battle with the disease.

That’s when Henrietta decided to move to the Twin Cities to live with her daughter, Liliana, a psychologist at a local women’s center. Despite having undergone quadruple bypass heart surgery years before, Henrietta was an extremely active and social person. So, immediately, she needed something to do and started volunteering at Volunteers of America’s Southwest Center’s Senior Dining program. “I enjoy getting out of the house, having fun and being useful,” Henrietta chuckled while recounting her story.

Then, she suffered a stroke. The stroke affected Henrietta’s vision, her speech and the right side of her body. But that’s not all. The normally lively Henrietta became lethargic and depressed. Due to her health problems and fragile mental state, Liliana was uneasy about leaving her mother at home alone while she was at work.  

So, Liliana began to look for adult day programs and found Volunteers of America’s DayElders at Southwest Center. The program offers care and a variety of activities for older adults, age 55 or more, who have limitations of physical and/or cognitive limitations. The Center’s warm, safe, environment supports the physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of DayElders participants.  

Since February 2007, Henrietta has attended the program and has regained most of her strength and physical abilities, as well as her spirit. “The staff is wonderful,” Henrietta reported. Then she rattled off a lengthy list of the activities in which she participates including computer training, crocheting, exercise/aerobic classes, Bingo and other games.

When asked how the Southwest DayElders program has made a difference in her life, Henrietta revealed, “When I came to DayElders my [soul] started getting better. I got my life back.”

Today, Henrietta continues to attend the DayElders program and continues to spread her warmth and effervescence to all who come through the Center’s doors.

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