Store owner Jackie Maples flanked by grateful Rippl team members Taylor Boyd, Diva Givens, Kris Engskov and Eric Smith
Photo credit: Macy Welch
What does going to the grocery store mean to you? Going beyond the bread, digging deeper than the deli section—what’s that experience all about?
For seniors living with memory loss, it’s more than just an errand. It’s one of many elements that add up to being able to live an independent life on their terms.
One of the favorite parts of my job is connecting with the people we serve one-on-one to hear what’s going on in their lives—it’s always an opportunity to help! For example, in a recent call a caregiver mentioned she was having a difficult time finding a way to take her mother to the grocery store. Her mother had been struggling with a TBI and other complications of dementia, which meant that shopping can be overwhelming.
I jumped into research mode, first calling local Costco stores, which the caregiver mentioned used to offer senior citizen shopping hours. After tracking down the right people, I found out that, though special hours were offered during the COVID-19 pandemic, they were no longer available due to staffing issues.
Road block? Yes. Stop sign? No.
Our caregivers and patients don’t give up, so why would I? I called every store in their area I could find. I faced a lot of no-thank-yous—28 (not that I’m counting …) but on call 29 I had the great fortune of meeting Jackie Maples who owns Top of the Hill Quality Produce and Meats in Renton, WA, along with her husband Damu.
I quickly explained who I was and described my mission. Jackie immediately responded with what at that moment was the single greatest word in the English language: “Yes!” Jackie didn’t hesitate, offering to open the store an hour early so our patient and her daughter could shop privately. I know ‘yes’ is a small word, but to me and to our Rippl family, it’s huge.
At Rippl, we know seniors have so much life left to live. We’re starting a movement to remove the stigma around dementia, and the truth is we can’t do it alone without compassionate community members who share our vision. It’s the best feeling to see people like Jackie stand up for what we collectively believe in—that a sense of normalcy and purpose makes all the difference for the seniors we serve.
The photo above shows Jackie and I, along with some fellow Rippl team members, during a surprise visit to Top of the Hill. While we were there, our CEO Kris Engskov pulled Jackie aside and mentioned how many people had refused before her, calling her an inspiration. She was moved to tears—it turns out that Rippl’s mission resonated with her much further than the professional front. Jackie cares for her elderly mother in addition to running the store, so she understood firsthand the struggle and need for kindness firsthand.
All heroes may not wear capes, but now Jackie can if she wishes—along with some goodies for her and her mother, our team also gave her a superhero cape, officially welcoming her to our growing tribe of Rippl Changemakers. Onwards and upwards!
Taylor is a Rippl Changemaker and Care Coordinator
