Concepcion, who prefers to be called Connie, moved to the Brookline Supportive Housing program in early 2015 when a unit in an accessible building became available through the housing authority. Connie has lived in Brookline for a number of years and loves the area. A United States citizen for over fifty years, with roots in Cuba, she worked for many years while raising her three sons after her husband passed away at a young age.

Springwell’s Brookline Supportive Housing Program is designed in the style of a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC), in which housing entities unite with health and social service providers to promote and support healthy and integrated aging-in-place. Connie has gained a sense of security since moving into the Supportive Housing program. With a consistent homemaker and access to the round-the-clock assistance of on-site overnight workers, as well as her personal emergency response system (PERS) and the support of the case manager, Connie feels great peace of mind. She likes being able to maintain her independence while still receiving the help that she needs and wants in her home. Connie enjoys attending activities in the community room and shared that her favorite is Bingo.

“The best part of living in the Supportive Housing program is that I can enjoy time with my son and grandchildren who live nearby, rather than rely on them for assistance for things like laundry and sweeping the floors that my homemaker now assists me with each week,” says Connie. “I love the Springwell program, and hope that others do too.”