Habitat for Humanity Helps Tucker Teacher ‘Age in Place’ OUR TOWN DEKALB STAFF
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he City of Tucker’s 2013 designation by the Atlanta Regional Commission as a “Lifelong Community” is one of its most appealing features for potential residents who are looking for a home where they can live for life, or “age in place.” One such resident is retired teacher Lea Ann Lewis, who returned to Tucker to live in her childhood home on Smithsonia Drive and care for her aging parents. After her parents died, Lewis found herself unable on her limited income to afford the necessary repairs on her aging home. The roof was leaking, there was significant wood rot, the plumbing was faulty, and a new front handrail was necessary to ensure that Lewis could safely continue to stay in her home. But thanks to DeKalb Habitat for Humanity, Lewis is now aging in place. After applying to the program, Lewis met with representatives from DeKalb Habitat, who reviewed the condition of her house and noted some repairs that she had not even considered. After that, a doctor and two physical therapists from Emory visited Lewis to do a physical assessment of Lewis as a young student teacher in front of the Smithsonia house. her health and needs. The Habitat crew began working on Lewis’s house at the end of November. Many were volunteers from the Tucker community, including some students from Tucker High School, especially meaningful for Lewis, who once was a young student teacher there. The crew worked every Saturday so that by Christmas, they were able to give her the best gift – a safe place for her to live, hopefully for many years still to come. The Lewis home repairs were funded in part by grants from Lowe’s and The Clare Foundation. “There is a huge need in DeKalb County for senior home repairs yet funding does not keep pace,” said Sharon Steele, executive director of DeKalb Habitat. “Ms. Lewis had inquired about our Aging in Place program some time ago; she met the criteria, completed the necessary health and fall risks assessments and her needed repairs fell within the scope of the Aging in Place program. Any seniors in need of home repair can contact us to mail them an application or they can do so on our website. But our pipeline is currently at capacity based on funding, and we have over 200 DeKalb seniors requesting assistance.” “It is important that seniors have the opportunity to age in place and remain a part of the community where we have familiarity and feel safe,” said Lewis. “I am grateful for Habitat for Humanity and the Age in Place program that made that possible for me.” Learn more about DeKalb Habitat for Humanity and its Age in Place program at dekalbhabitat.org. Sign up to volunteer or donate today.
20 OUR TOWN DEKALB | February 2022
Tucker Rec Schedules Summer Camp OUR TOWN DEKALB STAFF
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ucker Recreation Center has announced a summer camp for ages 5 to 12, open from May 31 to July 29, 2022. Camp registration is by the week, at $128 per child per week. Camp hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with free before care (7:00 to 9:00 a.m.) and aftercare (4:00 to 6:00 p.m.). Breakfast and lunch are included in the registration costs. Camp activities will include swimming, hiking, sports, STEM and art projects, group games, and nature programming. Detail and registration at tuckerga.gov/departments/parks_and_recreation/index/summer_camp.php, or email parks@tuckerga.gov or call 470.481.0205. Tucker Parks and Rec is committed to following all COVID-19 health and safety protocols established by the Centers for Disease Control and Georgia Department of Public Health, as well as any local or state guidelines.
