s l u o S r u O Feeding During our 47 years of service, 2020 was undeniably the most unique Senior Resource Association (SRA) experienced. COVID-19 disrupted what was guaranteed in our lives and in the lives of seniors and compounded our clients’ existing crises while jeopardizing our mission to reach isolated and food-insecure seniors. Within the first month, we added 100 new seniors to our Meals on Wheels program. By September, we were delivering more than 13,000 meals each month to 450 homebound seniors every day. Yet with careful execution of our crisis communication plan and help from heroic volunteers, donors and staff, we overcame obstacles and found new opportunities to serve and engage with those in need.
Last year opened doors for new services like our Grocery Shopping Assistance Program for all seniors and a Restaurant Meal Program for Meals on Wheels clients. 2020 drove a new level of creative engagement by our Board of Directors and staff, aligning with strategic goals to enhance client-centered care and inspire our community. Through neighborhood drives organized by Board members, we collected and delivered essential supplies to seniors throughout Indian River County. Coupled with donations from local businesses, the drives also enabled SRA to open a Food and Essential Supply Pantry for anyone in need. What a testament to the resiliency and generosity of our community! Despite stay-at-home practices, we found creative ways to reach donors and participants. When the 2020 Pro-Am Charity Golf Tournament was cancelled, sponsors graciously left their dollars in place. Unable to resume in 2021, we organized a unique “Raise Your Paddle to Help Feed Seniors in Need” campaign with results helping fill the gap left by both cancelled tournaments. With support from many, we transformed our 16th Annual Bingo Luncheon into a Virtual Musical Bingo Event with 167 participants joining us by Zoom for a fun afternoon raising funds for our major programs. And under the direction of Dr. Jacob Craig, our Silver Tones volunteer choristers performed three virtual concerts, all airing on YouTube, our website, and Facebook. Amidst constant changes and uncertainties, the response from our community and supporters was nothing short of miraculous. We could not have done it without every one of them. I remain humbled and grateful to be leading an extraordinary organization in a beautifully philanthropic community. Karen B. Rose Deigl PRESID ENT/CEO