by Jill Woodley
Glancing in the rearview mirror, the face of 2021 is not what one might expect, given it was a year full of much doubt and uncertainty. It is not a look of contentment from the challenges levied on so many of us, but rather a face with wise eyes and an encouraging smile, reminding us to remember the resilience, the good, and the hope for a better year ahead.
This monthly article in the NG Times is very important on so many levels. It is a place to speak to the services at SCS, a platform to cheer on our volunteers, and an opportunity to speak to the challenges facing older adults who choose to remain home as they age. The latter is, after all, what Seniors’ Community Services is all about – supporting seniors and adults with physical disabilities to live well at home and in the community we all share.
Let’s take a good look in that rearview mirror before we cross the threshold to the new year. It would be remiss not to extend our thanks to everyone who played a role in ensuring SCS remained a vibrant and key part in this community. Thank you to our clients, who have been patient and kind, and offered their own sense of humour when we needed it most. Flexibility has been the key, and, thankfully, so many have stayed nimble while engaging in our virtual exercise programs!
Thank you to the families of the clients who have been remarkable champions for their loved ones. It has been a privilege to provide them the assurance of care during a time when isolation and loneliness are so widespread.
The SCS volunteers have paddled us through 2021 with grace, strength, and confidence. Meals on Wheels, Footcare, Tele-visiting, and transportation did not take a pause, even during some of the darkest days. It was our volunteers who were often the only point of contact for clients who were heeding the stay at home orders. They were bringing food to porches, and offering drives to critical appointments. Behind the scenes, the Board of Directors remained dedicated to supporting the staff, and providing leadership with excellence in navigation and collaboration.
The turbulent waters of the last year put a damper on fundraising, but in that rearview mirror it is clear we launched ourselves over deep puddles with the help of a community that jumped into every event with so much vigor we sold out every time. Our 40th anniversary year may not have been what we expected, but, in hindsight, it may have been more than we ever could have hoped for. Soup & Go, Photos in the Park, Holiday Wreaths, and, of course, the world-famous Morris Tortiere – thank you to our small but mighty fundraising committee for your superhuman efforts.
2021 showed us the kindness and commitment of this community to ensure no one is overlooked, and everyone is cared for equally. When the Diners’ Club could not meet, Shoeless Joe’s delivered every week to twenty seniors. Not only did they provide delicious food, they gave the gift of connection. At Thanksgiving, the Driscoll-Peca Team donated 20 handmade baskets that were delivered to clients who got a very special pick-me-up. Local businesses donated critical funds, and the 100 Women and 100 Men Who Care both chose SCS as the recipient of their generosity.
Val and Byron Morris made 22 handmade tortieres as a fundraiser, and one community member bought ten –not for herself –to give to clients alone during the holidays. Ok, rearview mirror, you are making 2021 look pretty darn beautiful.
To you, year 2022, we step in your direction with confidence and support and a few tricks we have learned along the way. Cheers to our 41st Anniversary! We know this community will make it one to remember.
