The Greenwich Commission on Aging, under Director Lori Contadino’s leadership, has been dedicated to helping Greenwich be the first town in CT to be designated as both Age and Dementia Friendly in America. The certification comes from AARP, the World Health Organization, and Dementia Friendly America. Now that the pandemic has hit, Lori and her staff, a department of the Town of Greenwich, is working tirelessly to help older Greenwich residents and make sure homebound older adults are not forgotten. Often, it is the people working hardest behind the scenes, that we don’t hear enough about.
“Nutrition is a vital part of an older adults’ overall wellbeing and is especially important during this unprecedented and challenging time,” says Lori Contadino. “We believe that no barriers should exist in getting access to much-needed nutrition and supplies.” Therefore, the Greenwich Commission on Aging, has collaborated with a strong network of community partners, supporters and volunteers, to administer a weekly grocery program for at risk older adults. Last week they delivered 210 bags of groceries to older adults at home.
The program is supported through funds made available by the Federal Government Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES ACT) to the Southwestern CT Agency on Aging (SWCAA). This new program not only provides a much needed level of support to older adult residents of the community, but also relieves some stress on existing services.
Team Greenwich, led by the Greenwich Commission on Aging, works alongside community partners: Greenwich Department of Human Services, At Home in Greenwich, Neighbor-to-Neighbor, Meals on Wheels, Jewish Family Services of Greenwich, Community Centers Inc. (CCI) and River House. Partnering agencies identify older adults who are in need of nutritional support and the Greenwich Commission on Aging administers the roster of enrolled clients and adherence to all federal program requirements.
Neighbor-to-Neighbor willingly offered to be the designated site (Arch Street) for the delivery of groceries from the contracted vendor as well as the centralized dissemination point for the groceries to be picked-up and distributed to enrolled clients.
“It is a pleasure to work with Lori and the Greenwich Commission on the Aging. Her steadfast efforts to serve the community are inspiring,” Said Margaret Tjimos Goldberg, Executive Director of Neighbor to Neighbor. “This is a very challenging time for so many and we expect to continue serving our community in partnership with Lori and her team. A very special thank you to Arch St. Teen Center for their generosity and allowing Neighbor to use their facility and continue our efforts.”
Volunteers from each of the participating agencies assist in the delivery of groceries to clients throughout the community. Lori is grateful to everyone who stepped up to help. “This effort would not be possible without the cooperation and collaboration of our partnering agencies and staff who are all true community champions.”
For additional information contact the Greenwich Commission on Aging 203-862-6710.
If you are a resident experiencing food insecurity, contact the Greenwich Department of Human Services 203-622-3800.
