July 16, 2015
by Erika Ysaias, United Community Center Marketing staff member
At a very young age Gladys became a widow. Living in Puerto Rico at the time, Gladys had devoted her time to taking care of her sick husband and caring for their three sons and daughter. Gladys was so busy taking care of the needs of her family she did not even notice when her own health started failing.
After her husband passed away, Gladys moved to Milwaukee with her children. When the kids grew up and left the house, Gladys sank into depression. She was alone and feeling isolated. To make matters worse, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her failing health made Gladys retreat even further into her shell. “I used to like being alone all the time. Someone would knock on the door, I wouldn’t answer. The phone would ring, I wouldn’t answer,” she said.
Then she heard a radio ad for the United Community Center’s (UCC) Senior Center. She moved from her home into the UCC Village Apartments. Noticing her depression and medical needs, the UCC staff made every effort to help Gladys get better. Soon, she joined several United Way-funded senior programs and her outlook on life and overall health started improving. The once isolated widow now had a network of friends and was involved in a variety of fun activities. “Now I participate in everything. I never say no, I always say yes,” she said.
Today, Gladys is a happy, healthy, and active person who credits UCC and United Way for transforming her life. She is also thankful she took that extra step towards helping herself, and little did she know along that journey she would also find her true love. “The first time Ricardo came, he just stared at me and sat down at the same table. He said hello, but I was too busy to notice him,” said Gladys. Three days after that first encounter, Ricardo asked Gladys for her phone number. They became friends and soon after, started dating. After six months the couple became engaged. “I’ve been in love with him since I met him.” They married on February 16, 2014.
After being a widow for 35 years, Gladys is now content in this exciting chapter of her life. Through UCC and its United Way-funded programs, Gladys took control of her health and in the process re-discovered love in friendships and marriage.
Meet Gladys and her husband, Ricardo
United Community Center has been a United Way partner since 1970. Learn more about their funded programs.