Finding His Way: Kenneth Mason’s Journey from Isolation to Community

Kenneth Mason grew up in the ruggedly beautiful Scott Valley near Yreka, CA. Surrounded by mountains, lakes, and forests, he spent much of his life outdoors, embracing everything nature had to offer.

“I used to be an avid sportsman,” Kenneth recalls. “Fishing, hunting, mountains, lakes—the mountain life.”

Those early years were filled with adventure and freedom. But life would eventually lead him down a very different path—one defined not by recreation, but by sacrifice.

Kenneth had known his partner, Robert, for 60 years. Robert was a Vietnam veteran whose health had been devastated by exposure to Agent Orange during the war. When Robert’s condition worsened with age, Kenneth moved to Orland to become his full-time caregiver.

“My partner asked me if I could take care of him,” Kenneth says. “For some reason, I said yes.”

What followed was one of the most difficult chapters of his life.

“I’ll never take care of another person again like that,” he admits. “It was pretty rough. You’re on duty 24/7.”

Many nights, Kenneth would wake to what sounded like Robert calling his name.

“I’d go check on him, and he’d tell me, ‘I didn’t call you.’ That went on for quite a while.”

The physical and emotional demands of caregiving consumed his days and nights. Yet Kenneth remained committed, driven by loyalty and compassion.

“It was quite an ordeal,” he says. “Anybody who takes care of somebody like that, my heart’s out for them.”

When Robert passed away in 2020, Kenneth found himself alone and dealing with more issues.

“I ran out of money,” he says. “I went crazy, and I ended up in the hospital.”

Feeling overwhelmed and without hope, Kenneth attempted to take his own life.

“I had enough with life,” he says candidly. “I tried to terminate my life by using gas.”

The attempt failed, but the experience marked a turning point.

While recovering in the hospital, an unexpected visitor arrived with information that would change everything. A member of the Glenn County Senior Health team introduced him to resources that eventually connected him with Habitat for Humanity Yuba/Sutter and a housing opportunity at Purpose Place, where he’s been for the past 2 years.

“When this first all started, I was broke,” he says. “Now I have money in the bank, money in my pocket.”

More importantly, he gained something far more valuable than financial stability: connection.

“I found my spirit being around people again,” Kenneth says. “I quit hiding behind closed doors and closed blinds.”

The isolation that once defined his days has slowly been replaced by friendship, routine, and belonging.

He speaks warmly of the staff who have become like family.

“Ronda—she’s the mom I never had.”

And Lukas?

“He’s so joyful. A big buddy.”

Living among residents with a wide range of life experiences and disabilities also transformed Kenneth’s perspective on life and community at Purpose Place.

“At first, I thought [Purpose Place] was a ‘Freak Farm” he admits. “I really did.”

But over time, those feelings faded.

“I grew out of it.”

Today, simple interactions—a greeting in the hallway, a friendly conversation, a familiar face—carry tremendous meaning.

“I got a lot of people who come by and say hello, good morning, and stuff like that,” he says. “It helps me out a whole lot.”

Looking back, Kenneth sees how far he has come.