What SCA is Spotlighting this Month

Where Would You Go if You Could?   

What if transportation was not an issue in getting to your destination on nights and weekends when the Mini-Bus is not operating?  Perhaps you’d go to a restaurant, the cemetery, a birthday party, the library, a church service or a friend’s house?  You can! In conjunction with Nutmeg Senior Rides, Suffield Community Aid has funding to assist financially qualified Suffield residents, age 65 and older, or persons with a disability, get to where they want to go. Nutmeg Senior Rides provides door-through-door transportation, for any purpose, 365 days a year.   Call 860-668-1986 to see if you qualify. 

Spring/Easter Basket Program: 

Due to the generosity of our local Girl Scouts, SCA will be distributing candy baskets, toys and food to eligible Suffield families.  Contact SCA at 860-668-1986 to find out more.   

Are You Grieving the Loss of a Loved One?  SCA’s Bereavement Support Group Can Help:   

Masonicare is partnering with Suffield Community Aid to offer a 6six-week in-person support group for persons who are grieving the loss of a loved one. The group will meet at SCA located at 450 South Street, Suffield on Friday mornings from 10:30 – noon starting on April 1 and ending on May 13^.  (There will be no meeting on Good Friday). The program is offered at no cost. Registration is required and all participants should be fully vaccinated. Space is limited – please call Linda Huff at 860-500-4060 to register or SCA for more information, 860-668-1986. 

Parkinson’s Peer Support Group at the Suffield Senior Center:   

The next meeting is scheduled for March 8 from 11:00 – 12:00 Noon at 145 Bridge Street and will include personal trainer, Joseph Hicks.  Joseph will lead the group through some gentle exercises.  A pizza lunch will follow. Call Janet at SCA – 860-668-1986 to register your attendance. 

James F. Coggins, Jr. Community Service Award- Open to Applicants!: 

In memory of our late volunteer and Board Member, James F. Coggins, Jr., SCA offers a $1,000 award to a graduating Suffield high school senior who demonstrates selflessness, generosity and concern for the community through their volunteer activities.  Applicants are required to submit a 500-word essay, by midnight on May 9, supporting their selection to SCA at 450 South Street, Suffield 06078 or email to janetf@suffieldcommunityaid.org  

Jane Purtill Fuller Scholarship for Nursing or Social Service Candidates: 

To recognize the many contributions of our past employee and long-time supporter of Suffield Community Aid, the Board of Directors dedicates an annual needs-based scholarship in memory of Jane Purtill Fuller. This scholarship will be awarded to a graduating Suffield high-school senior pursuing a nursing or social service field of study.  Applicants wishing to apply are encouraged to fill out the common application at the Suffield High School or call SCA at 860-668-1986.  The application deadline is Monday, May 9, 2022.  

Some Ongoing Program and Updates:  

Meals-on-Wheels Seeking Volunteers:  

Volunteering for Meals on Wheels is a great way to make a huge impact in a short amount of time. By delivering meals you bring nutritious food and a friendly visit to seniors in our community. Volunteers deliver the meals to homebound seniors from Monday – Friday. The time commitment is about one hour. For more info, call 860-668-1986. 

Stay Warm This Winter! – We are Still Taking Applications for the CT Energy Assistance Program: 

These government programs help offset the winter heating costs for financially eligible households. Please contact SCA to apply at 860-668-1986.  More information on eligibility is available at www.ct.gov/staywarm  

Operation Fuel Can Provide a One-time Grant of up to $500.00 to Assist Eligible Families with Their Energy Bills:   

Operation Fuel partners with SCA, and more than 100 agencies across the state, to provide low-income families with year-round emergency energy help.  Assistance is provided for residents in crisis for help with their oil, electric, natural gas, propane, or water arrearage bills. Call SCA or go to www.operationfuel.org for more info.   

Free Blood Pressure Screening at the Suffield Senior Center:  

Suffield Community Aid sponsors free blood pressure clinics for residents of all ages at the Suffield Senior Center on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 11:00 – 12:00.  No appointments needed.