Three Decades of Compassion: Supporting Seniors in Texas

Consistent Companionship for Well-Being

The Lev at Town Park is the oldest senior care facility supported by the Southern Region Office of Tzu Chi in Texas. Volunteer Joyce Lin (林桂英) recalls, “It’s been more than thirty years since our first visit. We noticed that residents rarely had contact with the outside world, so we designed interactive activities for our monthly visits to bring comfort to their bodies and minds. The biggest reward is seeing their smiles.”

Each month, activities are tailored to stimulate both physical movement and mental engagement. Volunteers incorporate seasonal themes, creative games, and especially a Jing Si Aphorism—a phrase of wisdom from Master Cheng Yen—into the program. Through puzzle games, residents are encouraged to recall and share their thoughts, fostering hand-eye coordination and sparking inspiration.

When volunteers arrive, nursing staff help bring residents to the common room. “Many of these residents have lived here for a long time and have built a strong bond with us. We know each other by name, and every visit is filled with excitement,” Lin shares.

To ensure safety and dignity, volunteers begin each session with gentle reminders about personal boundaries and health considerations. Lin believes that even an hour of sincere companionship can make a meaningful difference: “Accompanying someone is the gentlest act of kindness. We will continue to nurture this garden of silver-haired friends, letting love and dignity bloom with time.”

**LEFT:** Volunteers design interactive games to engage seniors, blending festive elements and creative activities to stimulate both body and mind, also improving their thought and language abilities. | Photos: Chih-Chia Hsiao (蕭智嘉) **RIGHT:** *Deputy CEO Jean* *Hsu (許維真) (left) explains legal documents to Ms. Yu-Zhen Wu (right), helping her understand the requirements for her immigration application. | Photos: Chin-Hung Yeh (葉晉宏)*

Bridging Language Barriers and Bringing Comfort

In November 2024, the facility welcomed a new resident, Ms. Yu-Zhen Wu (吳玉珍), who spoke only Chinese. The staff reached out for help, and volunteers visited her during their regular rounds. Ms. Wu was already familiar to the team, having previously received fresh produce through a food distribution program for local Asian immigrants and Asian residents who live near the Chinatown neighborhood.

Born in Tianjin in 1940, Ms. Wu arrived in the U.S. from Beijing on August 28^th, 2019, intending to return to China the following January. The pandemic changed her plans, leaving her alone in the apartment near the Southern Region Office of Tzu Chi in Texas. After a health emergency, she was transferred to the senior facility, where language barriers and unfamiliar food left her feeling isolated and frustrated.

Volunteer Shiou-Bih Yang (楊修碧), who has a nursing background, patiently explained the routines and intentions of the care staff, helping Ms. Wu understand that her needs were not being ignored. Yang and fellow volunteer Grace Wei (魏任) promised to visit regularly and bring her familiar meals. Moved to tears, Ms. Wu expressed deep gratitude for their timely support, which eased her loneliness.

A few days later, Yang, along with volunteers Pao-Chu King (張寶珠), Jenniver An (梁明嬋), and Grace Wei, returned with a homemade vegetarian lunch, including Ms. Wu’s favorite tomato and egg stir-fry. Despite dental issues, she enjoyed the meal immensely, calling it the best she’d had in days.

Yang reflected, “We all grow old. One day, we may face similar challenges. Offering care, assistance, and a listening ear is a valuable lesson for us all.” The team plans to continue visiting Ms. Wu, bringing meals and companionship whenever possible.

**LEFT:** *Volunteer Shiou-Bih Yang (standing left) and Grace Wei (standing right) visit Ms. Yu-Zhen Wu at the facility, listening to her concerns.* **RIGHT:** *Volunteers bring a vegetarian meal, including Ms. Wu’s favorite tomato and egg stir-fry, which she enjoys thoroughly. | Photos: Chin-Hung Yeh*

Community Volunteers and the Power of Activity

Each month, activities attract a dozen or more residents, with community volunteers joining in. Jatin Tekchandani Ruchel and his wife, Chien-Yun Li (李倩韻), are among those who have found joy in giving back. Jatin notes, “The purpose of coming here is to organize activities and provide community care. These events give residents a chance to socialize and stay active. Movement is life—the more you move, the more energetic you feel.”

On June 21, 2025, volunteers introduced the Jing Si Aphorism, “To give is better than to receive,” encouraging residents to share and learn from each other. The lively atmosphere left a strong impression on nursing staff like Deborah Evans, who has worked at the facility for nearly nine years.

“I love when Tzu Chi volunteers visit. They bring happiness and energy to the residents and to me. The residents look forward to every visit and tell me how much they enjoy it.

The games and exercises help with memory, joints, and bones. I wish the volunteers could come twice a week instead of once a month, because for those who can’t go out, these visits bring them back to life.” — Deborah Evans

**LEFT:** *Nurse Deborah Evans enjoys the volunteers’ visits, saying they bring joy to both residents and staff. | Photo: Chin-Hung Yeh* **RIGHT:** *Community volunteer Jatin Tekchandani Ruchel (left, holding a green pool noodle) values the opportunity to create social activities for residents. | Photo: Chih-Chia Hsiao*

Sustaining a Legacy of Care

The Texas volunteers’ long-term commitment has touched countless lives, offering comfort, dignity, and a sense of community to seniors and new immigrants alike. Their efforts have become a source of warmth and hope, leaving a lasting mark of compassion in the community.