With the rain and cooler weather we know that fall has officially arrived! That means Halloween and our annual Day of the Dead celebration is right around the corner. Please watch for a newsletter update on this event and a postcard in the mail. Once again, it is a Facebook live event, hosted virtually as Covid numbers are still too high for us to celebrate in person. I’ll be sending out more information about ways to log on and watch. Be sure to save the date: October 31, 2021 at 2:00pm.
We’ve had a busy month in the office with equipment lending and lots of new inquiries keeping us busy and actively recruiting caregivers. We had a caregiver training September 25 and welcomed new caregivers to our team. If you are donating items, the storage room is downstairs. Lending hours are Monday-Wednesday, 9am-1pm. Please note that we do not take medical supplies, opened briefs, tubing, syringes, etc. It’s helpful sometimes to call ahead to be sure we have the equipment you need.
Patti will be hosting another quarterly volunteer event the week of October 18th. Keep an eye out for an engaging event. If you are interested in being part of our quality team of volunteers please give Patti a call at 505-930-8614
There have been some big changes that I want to share. At the September board meeting, the CHC board of directors decided to permanently close Casa Cielo, our end of life residence. And, I wanted to let you know that I’ll be stepping down as Executive Director for Coming Home Connection at the end of this month. See the segments below for more in-depth information.
As you may know, New Mexico Covid numbers are still high. We are working from home more and our office hours have temporarily changed. We are open Monday-Wednesday iin the office from 9am-1pm. Let us know how we can be of help! Just call the office at 505-988-2468.
Please be safe out there. If you haven’t gotten your shot, be sure to sign up. Just call (505) 913-3080 and schedule your shot today! Self scheduling is available at sfvin.org.
Warmly, JoDee Powers
Casa Cielo Closure
Following months of deliberation and analysis, it is with sadness and regret that the Coming Home Connection Board of Directors has decided to close Casa Cielo. We want to thank all of you for supporting our end of life residence. Over the last two years we served more than 36 individuals and their families with quality 24/7 care. However, with the Covid 19 pandemic and restrictions we were unable to find viable grant funding sources and obtain the substantial donations necessary to sustain the $250,000 budget to support a low or no cost 24/7 care for residents for whom dying at home was not an option.
Though we are saddened by the closure of Casa Cielo, CHC will continue expanding services to provide low cost in-home care, quality training and support for caregivers and volunteers and provide navigation services to area seniors.
Volunteer Program
There is definitely an influx of calls from people who need some extra help with no ability to pay and we are always on the lookout for new volunteers to join our team. Below are some of the volunteer services you can sign up for:
**Running errands
**Tidying up (handwashing a few dishes, taking out the garbage, change the sheets on a bed, doing a load of laundry)
**Companionship while a caregiver runs errands
**Cooking a meal
**Organization
**Meet in the community for breakfast/lunch
If you have a few hours a month to devote to someone in need, please contact Patti at 505-988-7019
I wanted to let our CHC community know that I am stepping down as Executive Director at the end of October to pursue long awaited interests and spend more time with family. It has been my honor and privilege to serve our clients, volunteers, residents and staff during my time with Coming Home. I know that moving forward CHC will continue to provide quality in home care, navigation and senior services. I will miss seeing so many friendly faces and wish each and every one of you all the best! JoDee
Day of the Dead celebrations
With the Delta variant on the rise, our annual Day of the Dead celebration will be virtual once again. Keep your eye on this section for more information. We’ve once again scheduled a guest chef, music, stories and more. Watch for more information and set your alarms to watch this Facebook LIVE event, 2pm, October 31, 2021.
