The bright sunshine and cooler temperatures of fall in our beautiful town are always a lift to our spirits. However, as we approach the end of 2022, one word comes to mind to capture the essence of this year—uncertainty. Between rising food and gasoline prices, increasing rents, and hikes in the cost of home heating, we have all been impacted by economic challenges this year. In response to this year’s unpredictability, Suffield Community Aid maintained our ability to assess the changing needs of residents and offered a safety net of support. Providing a feeling of safety and security is no easy task, nor can it be accomplished alone. It is with the unwavering kindness and collective generosity of the Suffield community that we are able to provide certainty and stability for residents in need.

Produce from SCA’s new-and-improved garden.

From a Suffield mom who received help:

 

“SCA has been a paramount support in some of my most vulnerable and exposed moments. I’m a single- mom of a kindergartener, hard-working healthcare employee, and a learner. Unfortunately these responsibilities and a major change in life circumstances led to financial hardships. I reached out to SCA and was overwhelmed with emotion for SCA’s support. You’re always greeted with welcome and supportive arms, and for that I will hold endless appreciation and respect.”

 

In times where we were all unsure of how to stretch our dollars a little bit further, you still found a way to ensure that residents in Suffield had heat, food, supplies for school, gifts for the holidays, and more. Without you, we would be unable to continue the work started at Suffield Community Aid over 100 years ago:

 

To provide health and social services to positively affect the well-being of residents during times of need.

 

Thank you for your continued support of our mission! Your goodwill extends far-and-wide to households who may be facing food insecurity, or would be in jeopardy of being unable to afford fuel this winter.

 

Volunteer Charlie Slater, with the many bags of non-perishable goods packed for Suffield families, who participated in our “Return to School” Backpack Program.

 

In 2021-2022, Your Donations Provided:

 

• 872 lunches for low-income seniors.
  
• 281 residents (comprised of children, adults, and seniors) with personal hygiene and non-perishable food items from our Food Pantry.
  
• 208 blood pressure screenings at the Suffield Senior Center.
  
• 181 holiday and other seasonal baskets to low-income
  households.
  
• 74 filled backpacks to financially qualified school-age children.
  
• 35 transportation subsidies, 3 Adult Day Care subsidies, and 2 mental health subsidies.
  
• 22 low-income households with critical fuel assistance.
• 13 campership subsidies to children living in low-income homes.

 

*Please click here to read our complete Annual Report for 2021-2022.*

 

Two of SCA’s Meals-on-Wheels drivers, Bob and Kerry White, were honored for their respective 20 and 25 years of volunteer service (and counting). Meals-on-Wheels drivers delivered over 7,000 meals to elderly, homebound residents in the past year.

 

From a resident who received help:

 

“Thank you for all of your help and kindness. You have been a big part of my brothers and my lives and livelihood. So many times I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

 

As we enter the 2022-2023 heating season, we’re again met with the uncertainty of weather and fuel costs. We know that you’ll be required to make difficult decisions regarding where to help and how. Our hope is that you’ll consider a donation to SCA, in any amount, to provide a safer and more stable heating season for our neighbors in need. Donations can be mailed (envelope enclosed), sent via PayPal on our website, or made on our Facebook page: Suffield Community Aid, your local safety net. Thank you for any support that you’re able to offer!

 

Wishing you and your family a magical and safe holiday season!

 

Sincerely,

 

Danielle Annibalini, LCSW

Executive Director

 

Marla Adelsberger

President

 

P.S. Did you know that Suffield Community Aid was able to grow and distribute organic produce this year? Well… thanks to an incredible group of gardeners and your donations, we distributed countless vegetables AND delivered homemade bouquets to our Meals-on-Wheels recipients.