CRIS — Community Resources for Independent Seniors — recently kicked-off its annual appeal for this year. Through the generous donations by supporting members of our community during last year’s annual appeal, CRIS was able to develop and expand the programs that support its mission of keeping our community elders an active and vibrant part of our community.
The fastest growing segment of the population is those over age 65, according to the US census. CRIS has been working for the last nine years to keep elders living full and active lives in Cazenovia.
Elders today want to contribute and feel engaged in their community. But, there are barriers. While most of us don’t even think about running out to the store to pick up milk, eggs or a prescription, many seniors are unable to do these simple tasks. This limitation can have a ripple effect on a senior’s life. Without the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to their community, everyone suffers.
Elders, businesses, nonprofits and individuals of all ages can thrive, grow and support one another in mutually benefiting way. CRIS’s approach is to marry modern technology with good old-fashioned community integration.
CRIS has developed two programs that begin to address some barriers: CRIS CAT and Timebanking.
One of the biggest worries for seniors in the Cazenovia area is transportation. Without the availability of public transportation, Cazenovia seniors are dependent on friends and family for transportation. Currently, CRIS-CAT has over 40 volunteer drivers who regularly offer their time to drive a fellow community member to appointments, shopping, etc. Since its inception seven years ago, CRIS-CAT has provided over 2,650 rides to more than 220 seniors in our surrounding community. Through this program, relationships are built and elders can rest in the comfort of knowing someone is looking out for them.
Recently, CRIS partnered with the Town of Cazenovia and Bernie Bus to offer free rides to Wal-Mart in Oneida once a month. This service will allow up to 18 seniors and 2 wheelchair people to get their shopping done. We are so thankful for this partnership and all the wonderful volunteers who make this program thrive.
Timebanking is rapidly taking off around the world and in Cazenovia. Cazenovia is leading the way by integrating individual skills, talents, and needs into a mutually benefiting system of exchange. Timebanking provides the platform for all sectors of the community to feel connected and engaged with the community in meaningful ways. We reached over 1,000 exchanges just last week. Interested? Join us for our potluck at 6 p.m. on Dec. 14 in the Cazenovia Public Library community room.
CRIS will also be cosponsoring a lecture series this winter on “Are you Ready? Beginning conversations about Death and Dying.” Details to be announced.
How can you help? Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to CRIS’s annul appeal at the address below.
We are so thankful for our volunteers and community support. Frankly, we couldn’t do it without you. We would love to hear from you. To find out more about our programs or volunteering for CRIS, reach us at: CRIS – Community Resources for Independent Seniors, PO Box 99, Cazenovia 13035; 655-5743; or visit our website at: CALLCRIS.org, CRIS.timebanks.org or check out our Facebook page at: Cazenovia Timebank/CRIS
