Betty Wills found family, happiness and a real home. 




The day that Betty has been waiting years to arrive

Betty’s life was frequently a struggle. She had an unstable background including “surviving foster care since the age of four years old”. Throughout her lifetime, she worked odd jobs and made ends meet however she could. She resided in both the United States and Canada. It was a hard life and there were always many challenges, and she had managed for 85 years without asking anyone for help.

Betty officially becomes a U.S. citizen
Three years ago, at age 85, Betty was scheduled to be placed in a homeless shelter. She had no identification, no income and no health insurance. The Bridgepointe A Life Celebrated team heard about her and took action. Volunteers wrapped Betty in love and kindness and gave her an opportunity to thrive.

Betty moved to the Village of Westland Senior Living Community and received care from the Homestead Home Health Care team. Bridgepointe volunteers continued to help her overcome some major challenges, like obtaining a birth certificate, U.S. Citizenship, and a Michigan I.D. Card. These basics were needed to take the next steps, such as establishing an income and signing up for Medicare. She opened her first bank account and wrote her first check. Betty was filled with gratitude for the loving care and support she received.

Betty flourished. She had nutritious meals, many friends and a purpose in her life. You could see her every morning in exercise class, or on Sundays doing ‘hall check’. She was a part of many committees and was selected to be an “Ambassador”, part of a special team to welcome new residents. Her caregivers and her new friends were her family – her only family. She spent each Thanksgiving and Christmas at the home of one of her favorite caregivers. Her birthday was celebrated by all her “girls”. Every day, she knew she was loved. She repeatedly said “These have been the best three years of my life.”

Late in 2013, Ms. Wills passed away at the age of 88. Hers is truly a life worth celebrating!She has been a pleasure to know and to love. She will always be remembered for her zeal for life, her kindness to others and her gratitude.