MyWhy: Tracy T.
By PPL on May 20, 2026
Meet the PPL Behind the Mission
Our “MyWhy” series highlights stories from our PPL employees, sharing the personal motivations behind their commitment to helping others access in-home care through self-direction. Hear directly from the individuals who bring our mission to life, and be sure to check back regularly as new stories are released.
My “Why” started when I was 12 years old (way back when). I was helping my friend deliver newspapers in my hometown, and we delivered papers inside a senior living high-rise. For three days in a row, we left a newspaper right in between one man’s door because it was cracked open. I finally said, “Are we sure this guy is home? All of his newspapers are still lying here.” So I decided to knock on his door, and when I did, I heard someone say, “Help me.”
Back in the 80’s, living in a small town, I didn’t have to worry about anything, so I just walked right in. Not knowing who lived there or if I was supposed to, I walked in saying, “Hello, does anybody need anything?” I heard a little voice say, “Come over here.”
The apartments were really small, so it didn’t take me long to find this little old man lying on the floor between the bed and the bathroom. I quickly ran over to him, and he asked for assistance getting up. He said he had fallen over a day ago and couldn’t get himself up.
Twelve-year-old me immediately helped him up, got him to his walker, and guided him to his reclining chair. He said he didn’t want me to call anybody. He didn’t want to go to the hospital. He just thanked me and gave me $1, telling me to go to the candy machine and get myself a candy bar. But after I kept asking, “Are you sure you’re okay? Do you need anything else?” he kept saying no. My friend and I left to deliver the rest of the newspapers.
The next day, I went with my friend to deliver the newspapers — but this time, instead of throwing the paper inside his door, I decided to knock and make sure he was okay. When he welcomed me inside, I explained that I wanted to make sure he was safe. He was super nice and told me a little bit about himself. Learning he was alone, I offered him my name and phone number and said if he ever needs anything—errands, cleaning, or help around the house—I would be willing to come after school and help him.
Two days later, he called.
From there, for the next six years, I went every day to help him.
As I got to know Alvin — who at the time was 76 years old, a widower, had no family, did not drive, and walked with a walker — he became like family to me. I shopped for him, visited him, picked him up off the ground, took him to appointments — everything.
Back then, we did not know how to get community support, or even that getting help was an option. When I was 16, I began advocating for him with agencies, asking what I can do to help “my grandfather.” I asked teachers for guidance and even got my parents involved to help advocate for him.
The reality of knowing the struggles people go through — and not knowing what or where to go for help — just stuck with me. I have devoted my whole upbringing and adult career to helping people in all capacities. My family always said I was born to be a “natural caregiver,” and engaging myself in a career that is fulfilling and makes a difference is truly what matters to me and is my “Why.”
Every day until the day Alvin died, I was there.
Right before he died, he said, “I am glad you heard me that day, and I thank you.” I carry his military dog tags with me to this day as a reminder of my why.
I have been involved in Social Services and Human Services roles for over 25 years now. Helping people to remain in their homes and have the services they need to remain independent is something I want to be a part of.
