At the Hope Services Senior Center in San Jose, transformation happens every day. Few stories illustrate this more powerfully than that of Rosalie Kenyon. When Rosalie, 57, joined the program in 2023, she was quiet, withdrawn, and easily overwhelmed. Staff recall an early moment when a loud noise triggered a disruptive outburst, revealing just how deeply she struggled with emotional regulation. But within just a few months, Rosalie began to change. With guidance from instructor Shelly Hill and the support of a safe, structured environment, she found not only stability and confidence but also a renewed sense of self.

Rosalie Kenyon, 57, is from the San Jose area and began attending the Senior Center in 2023. When she first arrived, Rosalie was introverted and reserved. Staff and participants still recall a memorable moment when someone blew a whistle, startling Rosalie and triggering a tantrum. As her instructor, Shelly Hill, explained, “When she throws a tantrum, no one will be calling 911. Everyone can hear she’s in trouble.” Remarkably, within just two months at Hope Services, Rosalie staff noticed a transformation.

“She’s a completely different person,” Shelly shared. “She’s come out of her shell and blossomed into a rose.”

That transformation became especially clear one day when a new participant with Down Syndrome joined the group. Rosalie welcomed her with open arms, saying, “It’s okay, you are at our table.” She then stood up, grabbed a piece of paper, and wrote down the new participant’s name.

To Shelly, this was far more than a simple act of kindness. In that moment, Rosalie demonstrated profound growth: her emotional intelligence, memory, and writing skills had all noticeably improved. These subtle yet powerful signs revealed how far she had come in such a short time.

Rosalie’s progress is a testament to the impact of Shelly’s guidance and the activities at the senior center. Shelly utilizes Individual Specialized Development (ISD), a method designed to keep the mind sharp through math, games, matching exercises, and more. Rosalie, who once worked only with single-digit math, now solves multi-digit problems. Creative outlets like painting and gaming bring her much happiness. The structure, routine, sense of safety, and community at the center have played a vital role in her growth.

Shelly goes above and beyond in her role, taking time to build meaningful relationships with each participant. This personalized care helps participants feel comfortable and supported. When Shelly visited the Bahamas, she brought back souvenirs for everyone, including a cap for Rosalie, which she has worn every single day since.

Shelly’s love for her work shines through in everything she does. Yet she acknowledges that the most difficult part of the job is when they lose someone.

For some, the Hope Services Senior Center is the last place where they are embraced and celebrated in their lifetime. The team at the Parkmoor office deeply understands the importance of this role and pours their hearts into every day. As much as the participants gain from the program, it’s clear the staff are just as profoundly touched in return.