By Kate Hill
Staff Writer
For the past 10 years, Community Resources for Independent Seniors (CRIS) has provided information, referrals and services to seniors in the Cazenovia, Fenner and Nelson areas.
CRIS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and coordinating supportive services that help individuals 55 and older to preserve their independence, remain active and engaged in the community, and live safely and comfortably in their homes for as long as possible.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CRIS has made a number of adjustments to meet the needs of the community’s most vulnerable population.
“For CRIS, transitioning into the current COVID situation was just about shifting our focus,” said Executive Director Karisha A. Solomon. “ . . . We are living our mission [of] providing supportive services, just with a new focus on providing COVID information and focusing more on the long term effects on our seniors, like fresh food, medication, healthcare, isolation and depression . . . The hardest part of all of this is not being able to see our seniors.”
According to Solomon, CRIS has responded to the COVID-19 crisis in the following ways:
- By teaming up with local government officials, businesses and other organizations to meet the new needs of the community.
“We are part of the CazCOVIDResponse team that serves the needs of the 55+ populations,” said Solomon.
- By continuing to offer information and referral services through a phone line, 315-655-5743, that provides responses within 24 hours.
- By creating a COVID-19 webpage (cris-caz.com/covid ) dedicated to providing accurate, up-to-date information for seniors.
- By continuing to offer medical transportation to seniors with critical needs through CRIS-CAT (Cazenovia Area Transportation).
“We are committed to have every one of our drivers and passengers have a mask,” Solomon said.
- By providing masks to vulnerable seniors. CRIS received a donation of 100 masks from CazGear for distribution. Volunteers are also making masks for any senior who needs them.
- By adjusting the CRIS TimeBank program to incorporate social distancing protocols.
TimeBank is a volunteer-based network that helps foster a strong, supportive community through the exchange of skills and services. Members are now served remotely or at a safe distance.
“The talents and skills of the members are being utilized to teach [individuals] how to use Zoom, to fix audio issues on computers, and to connect people with materials to make protection equipment,” Solomon said. “With spring coming they will also be helping with outside tasks.”
- By making washable isolation gowns for the employees of the Morrisville nursing home and by teaming up with the girl scouts to provide cookies to the staff. According to Solomon, CRIS purchased a case of cookies and the girl scouts donated another case to the nursing home as a show of appreciation.
- By purchasing materials, like thread and ribbon, to assist in the production of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- By continuing to provide “5 Wishes” documents and by helping seniors to prepare for what happens if they get sick and want their wishes followed.
“I am really proud that we were able to quickly respond to the new needs of our seniors,” Solomon said. “ . . . Community Resources for Independent Seniors is providing resources, but we are also providing peace of mind. Now more than ever we can use more volunteers and donations to help our seniors.”
To request assistance, volunteer or make a donation, please email [email protected], call 315-655-5743, visit cris-caz.com, or send mail to PO BOX 99 Cazenovia, NY 13035.
