We had been waiting for it since March 23rd, that fateful day we had to close our Center. Yes, we had been actively participating the day to come when we could re-open, enjoy our meals together, and get things back to normal with our activities and entertainment. After four months of food delivery in the back replacing our comfortable dining inside, that day finally came.
It was Monday, July 6th. In fact that whole week we worked to get back to normal. But it only took us a few days to realize that in our world today—things aren’t normal. The Coronavirus is here. It riddles our hearts with fear, indifference, extreme anxiety and even exhaustion. It stretches us to change our life style, wear those unwanted masks, and distance ourselves from those we love.
Since the virus, we had been feeding over 100 people every day with our drive-thru service in the back. But last week we served an average of only 26 inside our beautiful, cool dining room. It didn’t take us long to figure out that our seniors were trying to tell us it was too early, too much unknown, and too risky for them to make the transition back to what we once had. We should’ve known! After all, they were the most vulnerable to this virus and they saw cases of COVID-19 all around them.
So, Monday, July 13th, our Board of Directors met and came up with the following solution. Beginning Tuesday, July 14th we will re-open our drive-thru in the back at 11:30 a.m. and continue to run it as we have for the last four months. We will also continue with home delivery for those needing it. And we will continue to open the building for those who want to come in and dine inside. As the numbers grow inside- we will start trying to get our activities going again.
I strongly believe God created us for community, to be dependent upon others, to provide help for others, and to trust in and care for those in need.
I also believe God has created a system of warnings in our lives. If our seniors are unsure of the danger of the virus or if they feel unsure about proceeding with our plans—they deserve an alternate plan that allows them to follow their own path in every situation.
We thank our Board of Directors for stepping up and providing this plan.
I take great comfort in knowing that by working together and with God’s help—in time we will get back to normal at our Bailey County Senior Citizen’s Center.
If you would like to be a part of the community, we would ask you to consider volunteering to help us out at our Center.
Many of our volunteers have worked tirelessly that last four months. Some added volunteers; however, would help us stagger the duties and responsibilities so everyone’s job is a little easier. Just volunteering for 1 day a week would be helpful.
If you have any questions about volunteering or the changes at our Center, please call 272-4969.
