La Porte County Resident

... a REAL Story

At 103 years old, Mattie is surprisingly spry and has a great sense of humor.  When asked how she is today, she exclaimed, “Today’s a good day.”  Then, with a twinkle in her eye, she said, “Every day is good as long as you are here to enjoy it!”

And Mattie does enjoy every day. She continues to be active in her church and enjoys the family reunions where more than 200 members of the extended family will get together each year.  She even went to Washington, DC to attend President Obama’s Inaugural Ball in 2008.

Mattie taught school for 17 years in Mississippi before moving to La Porte County in 1963.  Her husband passed away after 54 ½ years of marriage.  She has lived in her house in Michigan City for 50 years.  It is important to her and her children that Mattie is able to continue living in their home and not be moved to a long care nursing facility.

Her daughter, LaVerne is her primary caretaker.  LaVerne retired in 2006 after serving for 35 years as a police officer with the Michigan City Police Department.

Mattie and LaVerne are both amazing women, strong and self-sufficient.  Until recently, Mattie only had a minimal amount of assistance from REAL Services, thanks to a loving and close-knit family.  As she ages, she is beginning to need a little more help and the family occasionally needs a break from caretaking.

That is where REAL Services is making a difference in their lives.  The staff at the La Porte County office has arranged for help with housekeeping, transportation to the senior center every Tuesday, and bathing assistance twice a week.  Recently, they were able to have a handicap ramp added to her house.

When asked what her life would be like without REAL Services, Mattie replied, “I wouldn’t have a life without REAL Services!”  We doubt that is true, since Mattie herself is just so full of life, but REAL Services has made a difference in her life, by helping to keep her active, independent, and living in the home that means so much to her.