By Ellie Abraham, Secretary/Treasurer for the Corona de Tucson Community Alliance.
Corona Cares is celebrating its ninth year of serving the community of Corona de Tucson. It is a neighbors-helping-neighbors program with an all-volunteer staff. It is a nonprofit program registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission as well as a member of the Neighbors Care Alliance through Pima Council on Aging. Services are provided at no charge to recipients. A board of directors governs the program.
The mission of the program is to provide services to elder adults to allow them to remain in their home. Home is where there is familiarity, comfort, safety, and routine.
There are 15 volunteers providing services to 16 recipients. Recipients make a formal application to the program for the services they may need. Services provided are transportation, caregiver relief, friendly phone calls, and friendly visits. Recipients are provided transportation to the American Legion Post 109 Fellowship Day on Wednesdays for an opportunity to engage in games, social interaction, and lunch for a small donation that is for the ladies auxiliary for preparing the meal.
Over the past nine years, some recipients have moved out of the area, moved closer to their family, or passed away. But those we serve are able to remain at home, in place, in their familiar and safe environment.
In addition to the services mentioned previously, Corona Cares provides lockboxes, flashlights, and nightlights to the recipients. During the year-end holiday season, the program provides a holiday luncheon and gift bags for the recipients and volunteers. Last holiday season, together with Long Realty, Newtowners, and Passion 4 Paws, pillowcases were filled with toiletries, snacks, school supplies, and gift cards for the Vail School District Youth on Their Own. Statistics for fiscal year 2018/2019 reveal 3978 miles driven for transportation, 29 friendly visits, 53 friendly phone calls, 14 caregiver relief, and 34 errands.
If you or someone you know is in need of the services of Corona Cares, please contact the program at 395-9327. The program is also looking for volunteers who have a few hours a week to help their community.
CdT Sign Update: The CdT sign contest winner / announcement still in the works! CDTCA, SERC, and Pima County continue to work on sizing, location, and permitting of the monument sign. We will keep you posted with updates!
