Jackie Schwarz is Chicago born and bred, but has been a resident of Arizona for 25 years, and a
Sun Bird resident for 15 years. About a year and a half ago, while recuperating from open heart
surgery, Jackie became a NWC client, receiving reassurance phone calls from one of our
volunteers, Josephine. They talk once a day Monday through Friday and have become such good
friends they miss talking to each other on weekends.As Jackie recuperated and left her walker for a cane, her NWC case manager recommended the Friday “grocery van”. This van takes Jackie, and other qualified NWC clients on shopping trips to buy groceries and to fill prescriptions. These trips also include joke telling, laughing, Christmas presents, Valentine cupcakes, and people to talk to. This special group of clients has bonded to become a support network, helping and listening to each other.
When asked about how NWC has affected her life Jackie responds, “These people have become my family. If you are sitting home watching the SOAPS, you would have a lot more fun volunteering for NWC.”