From isolation to inspiration, how TRE helped Sheera rediscover life and art
Life Before TRE
Sheera’s story of gaining support from The Resource Exchange (TRE) exemplifies TRE’s mission of advocating for independence. She faced immense challenges after getting sick, and it had put stress on her family and took a toll on her relationship with them.
“I was totally stuck. My husband and my son could not help. I couldn’t get out, I couldn’t do anything,” recalled Sheera.
It started in her early twenties when she faced significant health issues. Though she tried to hide the impact it had on her, she described how by the time TRE was involved she had deteriorated a lot without the support of services.
Then everything changed for Sheera when she heard of TRE and gave us a call.
How TRE Changed Her Life
“The first lady who answered the phone was the most amazing person in the entire world, and she changed everything… I’ll never forget, I was sitting there on the stairs crying to her because I didn’t know what to do,” Sheera recounted.
Through TRE, Sheera was able to hire her caregiver, Tashina. Daily tasks that monopolized her thought process like going to the bathroom and showering are easier to navigate with Tashina’s support.
“Tashina’s been the catalyst for really all the good in my life,” reflected Sheera.
The everyday tasks most people do without a second thought like getting dressed, making a meal, brushing your teeth, can become monumental challenges when you live with a disability.
“Every single movement I make is a thought process. Having somebody there to know that I can get out of bed safely is mind-blowing,” expressed Sheera.
Sheera went from only being able to shower every couple of weeks to showering daily, and having clean clothes and sheets was a major improvement in her daily life. Tashina also prepares dinners for Sheera, which has empowered her to put a meal on the table for her family and have more quality time with them.
Beyond hygiene and household chores, Tashina also helped Sheera reconnect with her family, like when she was able to attend her son’s award ceremony. Being able to just be a family, free from the added responsibilities of being caregivers, allows each person to focus on their connection to each other. Sheera’s spiritual life was also improved because she was able to attend synagogue for the first time in over five years.
Sheera captured the transformation she felt when she finally received support, “It changes things from being black and white to color.”
Art as Healing
Sheera was one of the featured artists in TRE’s 2025 Art Show & Sale, though she almost didn’t participate if it hadn’t been for Tashina’s encouragement.
Her artist journey began when she got a degree in ceramics and worked as a three-dimensional artist. However, after she got sick, she wasn’t able to work in the mediums she used to. With Tashina’s push to transition to two-dimensional artwork, she found her creativity again and was able to express what is within her.
“In my head, I have a world that is away from pain,” explained Sheera.
Transitioning to two-dimensions was a challenge and took experimentation with different materials and techniques until she found what worked. She found that pastels were easier to hold, and sandpaper was a medium that didn’t require a lot of pressure in order to transfer color.
She entered two sandpaper pieces into the art show and emphasized, “The two-dimensional world has changed everything, and again thanks to you, and thanks to Tashina. You guys changed my life again.”
A Lasting Impact
TRE’s support changed Sheera’s life that she expressed she has so much gratitude for.
“TRE is beyond amazing. Every single person I have talked to in TRE has changed my life in very profound ways. I don’t think I would be here… I couldn’t do anything without you guys. The amount of appreciation I have for you guys is overwhelming,” Sheera revealed.
Sheera’s journey is proof of what is possible when people advocate for independence. From isolation to rediscovering family, faith, and creativity, her life changed because TRE was there. However, changing budgets and legislation often threatens the resources that families depend on, making your support more critical than ever. TRE needs your help to keep providing essential services. Together, we can ensure that every person we serve can live a life full of color, connection, and possibility.
