Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer Question: I have been driving for more than 50 years, but recently noticed that my parallel parking skills are not what they used to be. I also tend to avoid driving at night, especially in the rain, because the...
When dealing with credit card debt, make it a priority
Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer Question: I owe a sizable amount on several credit cards. This past year, I was hospitalized and had to charge my deductibles and some medications. In addition, I had to replace the transmission on my car. I can afford to pay...
On ADA anniversary, the impact is all around us
The Americans with Disabilities Act has made a world of difference for millions across our country since it was signed into law in 1990. Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer As we celebrate its 31st anniversary, we can see how it has changed our physical...
For caregivers, balance isn’t optional
Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer Q: For the past several years, I was the primary caregiver for my elderly parents before they died. Now my husband has become wholly reliant on me for his care. I am exhausted and getting deeply discouraged. I keep hearing the...
‘Red flags’ for hoarding must be taken seriously
Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer Q: I have a casual acquaintance I’ll call Sarah. Together, we go out to dinner or attend social events. When we pick Sarah up, I am never invited into her home. A mutual friend described the apartment as extremely cluttered,...
Dealing with grief after the death of a beloved pet
Joan Hatem-Roy holds her dog, Sadie Q: We recently lost our wonderful dachshund, Gretchen, who died at the age of 12. Our children have moved away, and some of our friends just don’t understand the scope of our loss and the role this small dog played in our...
Celebrating Juneteenth
Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer This weekend, communities around the country will recognize and celebrate Juneteenth, an important annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Many of us were taught in school that slavery ended with...
Finding ways to save on groceries, despite rising cost of food
Q: I live in an apartment in a small housing authority development. After paying my essential monthly expenses, I rarely have any money left. My neighbors are in the same situation. We especially worry about the cost of groceries. Do you have any ideas that could help...
Getting help with affordable internet
Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer Q: My daughter and son-in-law both lost their jobs this past year due to the pandemic. They still haven't found secure employment and decided it was best for their two children to move in with me. They needed an internet...
Overcoming “re-entry anxiety”
Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer Q: I have spent the last 15 months leaving home only for the most essential reasons. I occasionally saw close neighbors but always wore a face covering and kept a safe distance. Since I live by myself, this was a very...