CHAP marks 30 years of service
By Don Robinet/Chatham This Week
For 30 years, the CHAP program has helped seniors remain in their own homes.
That milestone was marked Sept. 23 with a lunch and open house for clients, volunteers and community partners at the CHAP offices on Richmond Street.
Office coordinator Rachel Christensten said the open house was "an opportunity for clients, staff, volunteers and community partners to network." She added, "It's a really fun time."
Christensten said CHAP provides five core services – transportation, frozen meals, home helpers, client intervention and assistance, and caregiver counselling.
"We enable seniors to maintain independence and quality of life," she said.
Speaking to the gathering of about 100 people, executive director Brad Davis said, "Our clients are the reason for being here." He added, "Your personal stories move us. Your personal stories give us motivation."
He said staff is committed to providing service to clients. "It doesn't matter what happens, nothing gets in the way."
Mayor Randy Hope, who was on hand for the ceremonial cake-cutting, said he first became aware of CHAP in the 1990s when he was an MPP and his Adelaide Street office was located in the same building.
"It's money well-spent and money well put to use," he said. "We never know what programs are actually available till we actually need them."
Referring to statistics that CHAP provides more than 2,000 rides per month, Hope said, "Without volunteers, I would hate to see what it would cost to provide rides."
He added, "Our goal is to keep people in their homes as long as possible. We're appreciative of what you do."
Raleigh resident Doris Hunter, a CHAP client, was given the honour of cutting the cake. She said she uses the transportation service about three times a week, so that she can attend events at St. Andrew's Residence.
"It's a wonderful service," she said.
CHAP is a subsidiary of Family Service Kent, and is currently in need of volunteer drivers. Anyone interested in helping out may contact volunteer coordinator Marjorie Crew at 519-354-6221 ext. 241.