Wish Book: Reclaiming independence at Avenidas

Each morning, as sunlight peeks through Hebe Garcia-Bolio’s bedroom window in her Palo Alto apartment, she opens her blinds, and takes a deep breath.

“Thank you for allowing me another day,” she whispers to God and exhales, beginning her morning with a quiet moment of prayer.

She prepares a simple breakfast for herself — sometimes oatmeal, other times eggs.

After changing the calendar, she prepares for another prayer and does her morning exercises.

For most people, these tasks might seem routine, but for Garcia-Bolio, they’re personal victories. Since a stroke in 2023 left her unable to use her right hand, each ability to manage daily tasks feels like a milestone.

Following her stroke, Garcia-Bolio began attending Avenidas’ Rose Kleiner Center in Mountain View for physical therapy and group activities, which she credits with helping her maintain her independence.

“I am very grateful to the care partners at Las Avenidas and Palo Alto,” she said. “It was through the social worker, Paula Wolfson, that I found this place.”

Now 70, Garcia-Bolio was born in Mexico City and moved to California at the age of 7. A former Montessori teacher for 24 years, she is now retired and has lived alone for most of her life.

Since starting the program at Avenidas, her mobility has slowly improved.

“In the beginning, after my stroke, I would only dare to go as far as the front of my apartment door. Now, I can walk to the front of the apartment building, which feels like a long way,” she said proudly.

Avenidas is seeking donations through Wish Book to continue to help more people like Garcia-Bolio with their urgent needs.

As she shares her story, Garcia-Bolio beams, her joy evident as she smells the plants in the Rose Kleiner Center’s garden before speaking. She attributes her positive outlook to her strong faith, which has kept her grounded through life’s challenges. She has never married nor had children of her own.

“As a teacher, I always told my students, you have to have fun,” she said.

For others facing similar challenges, she offers this advice: “Even if you’re at this stage in life, you practice, practice, practice. Be consistent in your therapy. … When you plant a seed, you simply plant it, and it grows on its own.”

Avenidas, which translated into English means  “avenues,” was founded in 1969 as the Senior Coordinating Council in Palo Alto, serving the region’s population aged 55 and older. It now operates three main locations, each tailored to specific needs.

The downtown Palo Alto center focuses on adult day programs with various activities, clubs, and events. The Rose Kleiner Center in Mountain View offers a day program for those with mobility or cognitive challenges, while the Chinese Community Center in South Palo Alto provides bilingual programs in English and Mandarin.

Though Avenidas’ facilities are in the southern Peninsula, its services reach residents throughout Santa Clara County and parts of San Mateo County. Beyond physical therapy and classes, Avenidas places a strong emphasis on fostering community, said Kristina Lugo, Avenidas president and CEO.

“There are 600,000 older adults over 60 in Santa Clara County, and even with that large number, many lack social support,” Lugo said. “They live independently, but not so independently that they can easily go out into the community on their own. That’s why they rely on a place like the Rose Kleiner Center, where they can come together and find a sense of community.”

Older adults are particularly vulnerable to loneliness. Nearby, San Mateo County declared loneliness a public health emergency after a report by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy likened the physical effects of loneliness to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

With additional funding, Lugo hopes to expand this community by increasing transportation services to reach more participants in the South Bay.

“We are also expanding our Chinese community center with just a handful of seniors coming in, and now we have over 600 in that program, so we need a larger space,” Lugo said.

Another essential service the organization provides is emergency assistance up to $300, covering needs like eyeglasses or phone repairs.

Daniel Alfaro, 63, is among those who have benefited from this service after suddenly needing new eyeglasses. He is one of many who look forward to coming to Avenidas each week.

Originally from El Salvador, he has had four strokes since 1980, which led him to stop working as a driver. Though his memory and speech have been affected, and he can no longer recall when his last stroke was or who brought him to Avenidas, he is quick to recognize each participant in their group classes and enjoys greeting everyone by name.

“I talk to people a little every day, getting to know them, their stories — and that makes me happy,” Alfaro said.

Classes at the center begin with a “good news” session every week, where leaders share uplifting stories with participants, followed by group exercises, lunches, and shared snacks.

Alfaro encourages those navigating stroke recovery: “Be grateful you’re still alive. Those who aren’t don’t have another chance — but you do. First and foremost, talk to God. You’ll be OK.”

THE WISH BOOK SERIES
Wish Book is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operated by The Mercury News. Since 1983, Wish Book has been producing series of stories during the holiday season that highlight the wishes of those in need and invite readers to help fulfill them.

WISH
Donations to Avenidas will help support the agency’s emergency fund to cover critical needs, including wheelchair repairs, rent, dental care, new eyeglass, mental health consultations and medical co-pays. Goal: $15,000

HOW TO GIVE
Donate at wishbook.mercurynews.com/donate or mail in this form.

ONLINE EXTRA
Read other Wish Book stories, view photos and video at wishbook.mercurynews.com.