Sullivan County Nutrition Services (SCNS) is a nonprofit organization that provides Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors and disabled adults living in Sullivan County. In addition, SCNS provides congregate meals in Newport, at the Newport Senior Center, and in Claremont, at the Earl Bourdon Centre. Congregate meal sites provide an opportunity for individuals 60 or older to socialize and enjoy a nutritious meal with their peers. SCNS also provides senior transportation in Newport. Our transportation service allows individuals 60 or older, who can no longer drive, to live independently and still be able to travel to places like the grocery store, Newport Senior Center, medical facilities, banks and other locations throughout the Newport area.
Contrary to belief, these programs are not fully funded by the state or federal government. It is our responsibility to raise funds or find alternatives to supplement the partial funds we receive. One alternative is to seek volunteers within the community and through partnerships with other organizations like Independent Service Network (ISN).
ISN is dedicated to finding, developing and establishing volunteer opportunities that meet the needs and interests of individuals who participate in their Day Services on a weekly basis. SCNS has been fortunate to be able to form a volunteer partnership with ISN and four of their talented individuals to volunteer with our meal programs.
Individuals volunteer in many capacities such as sweeping and mopping floors, preparing meals, serving, taking orders and serving beverages just to name a few responsibilities. The individuals participating at ISN also develop skills for employment while serving community members.
SCNS could not be successful without volunteers from the community, Pathways, businesses and other programs like ISN. Although participants from ISN are performing selfless acts of kindness each day they volunteer for SCNS, this past week ISN presented Marie and the staff at our Claremont location with a plaque for their dedication to ensuring the volunteer efforts of their participants is a positive experience for them. Marie and the staff make participants feel like part of the work family that works together as a team to serve others.
Congratulations to the staff in Claremont for their outstanding accomplishment!
As previously mentioned, SCNS needs to have fundraisers to supplement the cost of providing the services we provide. We wrapped up our 12 Days of Christmas raffle this week. The remaining winners were as follows, Harold Saltmarsh who won $500 from an anonymous donor, Sharon Spalluto who won $500 donated by Mascoma Savings Bank and Kim Gaddes who won $500 donated by Goodrich Oil.
Congratulations to all of this year’s winners. We would like to take a moment to recognize and thank our sponsors again. The 2019 12 Days of Christmas sponsors were Sugar River Bank, Coronis Market, Clark & Mortenson Insurance, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, Hubert’s Department Store, Anonymous donors, Claremont Savings Bank, LaValley Building Supply, Summercrest Senior Living, Mascoma Savings Bank and Goodrich Oil.
SCNS and the Newport Senior Center will be closed next week on Dec. 25 and 26 so that employees can enjoy time with their families during the Christmas holiday.
All of the staff at SCNS and the board of directors would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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