Liz Saldana, 63, was the primary caregiver for her husband, who had lost a leg several decades earlier while fighting in Vietnam and recently had a debilitating stroke. Overwhelmed, Liz was nearing the brink when she came upon a mental health booth at a Healthy Aging Summit.

"I started bawling," Liz recalls. "I was on thin ice, burned out, a hopeless mess."

The encounter started Liz on a course of regular, free counseling offered by Project Hope, a group of programs for older adults in Stanislaus County. Therapy gave her the tools to deal with "feelings of anger and depression," she says.

"I was able to relax, allow my feelings to come, and say, ‘It’s OK,’" Liz says. "You can’t put a price on calmness. It’s an awesome feeling when you get peace of mind back."

Liz’s story exemplifies how dedicated services for older adults, caregivers, and adults with disabilities empower older Californians and enhance their lives.