On March 17, both Cass County COA locations closed their doors to the public due to the Governor’s “Stay home, Stay safe” executive order. Since then, thousands of meals have been delivered to area senior citizens.

 

Prior to the executive order, the COA already had in place an extensive Meals on Wheels program serving all of Cass County. As seniors were asked to shelter in place, the COA expanded upon this program and has more than quadrupled their deliveries of nutritious hot and frozen meals at little or no cost to any resident of Cass County, 60 years and above. “Taking care of seniors is our top priority. Within days of the executive order, we became aware of the immediate need for seniors to have access to food without having to leave their homes,” said Marty Heirty, CEO of the Cass County COA. “The 10,000 meal mark is extraordinary, our mission throughout this unsettling time has been to offer nourishment and comfort to seniors, and we have provided that for hundreds by not only delivering their meals but also providing a daily check-in from a friendly face.”

 

Outside of meal programs, the Cass County COA has also continued to provide In-Home Care assistance to existing clients and Out of County Medical Transportation for appointments identified as high priority. Heirty is proud of the commitment and efforts of the COA staff. “At the time when people were asked to retreat to the safety of their home, these employees came out to meet the needs of their community,” Heirty said.

 

 

Author: 
COA Staff