Restoring Hope and Promise in Individual Lives

When possible, Eyes on Aiken provides direct and often sustained support until a situation is rectified. Below are sample stories of people receiving individualized remedy, abbreviated to respect their privacy.

Eyes on Aiken assisted:

  • 97 year old woman whose home was infested with bedbugs after offering housing to a homeless man (see full story below)
  • 88 year old man battling cancer whose home had become inhabitable
  • 68 year old woman who was homeless and had mental health issues
  • 27 year old man who had been unemployed to acquire training in a technical field and to secure gainful employment
  • Young mother in need of affordable housing
  • Homeless mother with special needs in finding housing
  • Adolescent and her mother in getting mental health counseling
  • Senior woman in decluttering her home
  • Middle aged man in finding employment, and securing food and clothing

The Load Gets Lighter When Many Hands Are Lifting

In a heartwarming display of community support, individuals rallied together to assist Ms. Elsie Dyar, a 97-year-old resident who was struggling with a bed bug infestation in her apartment. Ms. Dyar, known for her kindness, had graciously opened her door to a homeless person, inadvertently inviting the unwelcome pests into her home.

Despite the diligent efforts of the newly appointed property manager to secure help for Ms. Dyar, no solution seemed within reach. In this critical moment, the property manager reached out to Eyes On Aiken, and the organization took charge of orchestrating the necessary assistance to eliminate the infestation and ensure Ms. Dyar’s safety until her home could be thoroughly treated.

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Eyes on Aiken’s Executive Director, LaShaun, and Co-Director Teresa, quickly sprang into action, embarking on a collaborative mission. They worked in unison with Councilwoman Lessie Price, Lisa Adams and her network of resources, New Salem Church, the Shealy family (Ms. Elsie’s own family), the management of The Senior Village at Dupont Landing, Keyatta Priester from Aiken Electric Co-op, Aiken Furniture Company, Howard Johnson’s, and numerous other dedicated individuals.

Thanks to the collective determination and dedication of this diverse group of supporters, Ms. Elsie Dyar now resides in her home with newly furnished surroundings, completely free of pests and in a spotlessly clean environment. This successful endeavor has prompted Eyes on Aiken to extend its benevolence by adopting the Senior Village at Dupont Landing as part of its ongoing commitment to being a beacon of light, a source of companionship, and a voice for seniors as they enjoy the golden years of their lives.

Mr. Sherman Barton is a 92-year-old man who has had challenges finding a place to call home.  Eyes On Aiken found out he had been living in a hotel since August of 2023, with no family.  Teresa and I went to introduce ourselves to Mr. Barton and asked if he would be willing to allow us to help him.

Quickly he agreed to have us help.  As a result, Mr. Barton has been accepted to a nursing facility.  It warmed our hearts when Mr. Barton said, “I can now get three (3) meals a day with vegetables and protein”. 

Mr. Barton is now in a safe, clean, and attentive environment where he can make friends and participate in daily activities.  He now has Eyes On Aiken as his family.