When Juanita Stokes first entered the Chicago home of Frank and Viola Paulus as a temporary Home Care Assistant (HCA) through the Intouch Home Care Program with Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI), no one anticipated the lasting bond that would form.

The Pauluses, in their late 90s, quickly connected with Stokes, impressed by her dedication and compassion. Their daughters, Kristi Gunther and Holly Mair, requested that she be assigned permanently. “Juanita learned their routines quickly and showed great initiative,” said Mair. “She was present and bereaved when Mom died. Over time, she became part of our family.”

Stokes, who began caregiving at age 9 for her great aunt, calls her work “a calling.” She affectionately refers to Frank as “Pop.” A World War II veteran and retired farmer from Colfax, Ill., Paulus raised two daughters, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren with Viola. He remains mentally sharp at 105, despite mobility challenges following a stroke in 2004.

Last summer, Stokes faced her own health battle: breast cancer. After surgery and chemotherapy, she attempted to return to work but realized she needed more time to
heal. “I didn’t want to be there unless I could give him 100%,” she said.

Knowing “Pop” needed reliable care, Stokes recommended her cousin, Khadeja Wood, a fellow caregiver who had recently moved back to Illinois. Wood joined LSSI and became Paulus’ home care assistant.

Their story is a testament to the power of compassion, resilience, and the deep connections formed through LSSI’s Intouch Home Care Services.

To learn more about Intouch, which serves clients in Cook County, visit LSSI.org/Homecare.

Photo Caption: 105-year-old Frank Paulus with his former LSSI Intouch Home Care
Assistant, Juanita Stokes.