What’s Happening at SCA This Month?
COVID-19 Help & Resources Available: Staff has been working inside our locked door since the pandemic began. We have used the time to familiarize ourselves with programs and resources to help our residents who have been impacted by COVID-19. Due to the generosity of the greater community, we have created a special COVID-19/Crisis Relief Fund. This fund will target one-time assistance to those residents who do not qualify for other needs-based programs and whose lives have been significantly & negatively changed by COVID-19. Call to find out more or to apply confidentially.
You’re invited to The Memory Café – Virtually! – Zoom Bingo Planned for July 15 at 10:30 a.m.! For those with early to moderate cognitive loss, their friends and family. Jump on a ZOOM call for fun, company and conversation. This month features ZOOM BINGO! Email Nicole Matson at nmatson@homehelpershomecare.com for information and instructions. The August 12 meeting will feature ZOOM Trivia!
Summer Camp for your Children or Help with Daycare? SCA has funding available to subsidize participation for eligible Suffield children and youth attending Suffield Park & Rec. and other camp programs. This summer, since opportunities for camp might be limited, SCA may be able to help with a one-time payment to your daycare provider in lieu of a camp subsidy. Call for more information or to apply.
Dementia Caregiver Support Group: The group meets virtually the last Tuesday of each month via Zoom at 11 a.m. The next meeting is Tuesday, July 28. The group is led by a trained Alzheimer’s Association facilitator, Nicole Matson of Home Helpers of Central CT. Her email is nmatson@homehelpershomecare.com or call 860-810-6123 or 860-668-1986 for more info. The August 25 meeting is scheduled at 11 a.m. via ZOOM.
Some Ongoing Program and Updates:
James F. Coggins, Jr. Community Service Award: The 2020 recipient of the James F. Coggins’ Community Service Award is Kati Davis. Kati, a student at Suffield High School, received $1,000. The James Coggins’ Community Service Award is given yearly to a graduating high-school senior who demonstrates selflessness, generosity and concern for the community. Kati has been the student leader for the Foundation for Exceptional Children of Suffield for the past four years. Kati has been a volunteer coach for both Suffield Park & Rec as well as the Suffield Soccer Club. For the past two years, Kati was a coach for the U9/U10 SSC Girls’ team. With aspirations of becoming a physician, Kati volunteered her time last summer at a local pediatrician’s office. On behalf of the SCA scholarship committee, we wish Kati continued success in all her endeavors!
School Supply Collection Needs Your Help: We are starting to collect NEW items only for the “Return-to-School Backpack Program” to assist low-income school age children in Suffield. One-inch 3-ring binders, Post-its, calculators, ear buds, page dividers, dry-erase markers, rulers, pencil sharpeners, highlighters, scissors, index cards, and pencil pouches are needed. We already have the backpacks! Monetary donations are also welcome! Please drop off your donations in the large plastic bin near our entry door by August 10 at 450 South Street.
SCA has a new, self-service, mini-food pantry outside our front door! Please stop by if you are a Suffield resident in need of this free service.
Rental Rebate Program for Elderly & Disabled Residents: The state provides a reimbursement program for Connecticut renters who are elderly or totally disabled, and whose incomes do not exceed certain limits. SCA is now doing phone and email applications for the CT Renter’s Rebate program. There are no in-person appointments permitted at this time.
SCA Seeking Volunteer Gardeners: The garden provides fresh vegetables for residents utilizing SCA’s Food Pantry. To ensure social distancing, volunteers need to call SCA to secure their time slot.
Are eals-on-Wheels an Option for You? Qualified homebound Suffield seniors, and those fearful of leaving their home during Covid-19, and who are at least age 60, can receive healthy lunches and dinners delivered to their door. Meals are diet specific. A $2.50 donation per meal is suggested by CRT to help cover costs. New safety precautions have been implemented to eliminate any need for direct person-to-person contact.