As an immigrant from Panama, Elida came to the US in the 1980s to be with her son and daughter. While she enjoyed the comfort of her family, Elida was also looking for independence, so she got a job at Walmart and began her search for her own place to live. It was during one of her regular walks that she saw a sign near Apostles Village Lutheran Church that advertised a new and affordable community development. She called and applied to live there that same day.
It has been over 21 years since Elida moved into Apostles Village, and her presence has positively impacted the community and other residents greatly. She has taught Spanish and computer proficiency classes for other residents, and she has helped staff translate for other spanish-speaking residents during orientations. Elida is a crucial part of the Apostles Village family.
In recent years, she has lost most of her sight, but she has used her bilingual gift and new familiarity with braille to translate English braille books to Spanish for other visually impaired Spanish speaking immigrants. Her talents are special to the Apostles Village community and beyond.
When our residents are well, they are more engaged and happy parents and grandparents, and they contribute to the welfare of their greater communities.
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