Impact of Benevolent Care: ‘I Want to Help’

Natalie Brown’s father suffered a stroke at the age of 67. He could no longer care for himself, nor could his family provide the care he needed. They made the decision to move her father into a long-term care center. One of his best friends transferred there to be her dad’s roommate, where their friends and family could visit with both of them. He thrived there for two years.

But then the bottom dropped out. Natalie’s father had private retirement insurance, which did not cover his care. Her family had to relocate her dad, away from his friend and the home he had come to know. He lived in the new place for just a week before requiring hospitalization. He passed away that night.

“I truly believe the stress of having to move him and having to leave his best friend shortened his lifespan,” says Natalie. “I believe he would have lived much longer had he been able to stay. My mom is now at the age where we are looking for a retirement community for her. Her number one fear is running out of money because of what happened to Dad.”

Natalie, Vice President of Human Resources for Emergent Health Partners in Ann Arbor, joined the Brio Living Services Board of Trustees in 2024. This is when she learned about the Benevolent Care Fund, the cornerstone of the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation, thanks to generous gifts over Brio’s 120-year history.

“I was just floored,” says Natalie. “I’ve never heard of anything like it anywhere. It makes me very loyal to the organization. I want to be here, and I want to help. The mission of Brio is so important to older adults.”

Natalie’s uncle, for whom she and her brother have guardianship, lives independently in Ypsilanti, thanks to participation at Huron Valley PACE. “He absolutely loves it,” says Natalie. “He calls me all the time to share with me what activities they’ve been doing. It’s a really positive experience.”

Learn more about Benevolent Care and the fundraising initiatives of the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation and how you can help support vibrant living for older adults.