United Way Capital Area Stories
Wilbur
Central Austin
Wilbur Wieding is 85 and a combat veteran of World War II. Following his military service, he had a successful 39-year career with the U. S. Postal Service, which ended with his retirement in 1985. Living in New Braunfels, Wilbur and his wife, Ruth, enjoyed the good life, did some traveling and were able to care for themselves. In 2003 after 56 years of marriage, Ruth passed away.
A CRITICAL TIME
For a short time, Wilbur was able to handle living alone. His only son, Del, soon became concerned that his father was becoming depressed and isolated. To address these issues, Wilbur came to Austin to live with Del and his wife, both of whom were still working full-time.
Wilbur’s situation is not unique. Approximately 65,000 households (20 percent) in Travis County are currently taking care of an elderly relative. United Way Capital Area (UWCA) and our partners are focused on Austin’s older adult population to ensure they live in a safe and stable living environment, have optimal physical and mental health, and engage in the community. A LASTING CONNECTION
“I was at a crossroads when my wife passed away,” Wilbur recalls. “I didn’t deal very well with her passing and I sort of felt like I had been in a cocoon.” That was before Wilbur began going to Elderhaven Adult Day Care, a local adult day care program offered by Austin Groups for the Elderly. Wilbur was understandably nervous about spending his days there. To say he was welcomed is an understatement. “Not only was I accepted,” Wilbur said about a Valentine’s Day party, “but the clients voted me King and my friend Olga, Queen. I had not danced in years, so after we were crowned, Olga and I danced. It was a new beginning for me.”
It’s why UWCA invests your dollars in health, along with other focus areas including education and income. By investing your dollars with United Way Capital Area, you ensure that Wilbur and other older adults in Central Texas can connect to the vital services and programs they need.
