— When an employee delivers a meal to a senior, they know they’ve brightened someone’s day.
— When they drive a busload of older adults to a senior center, they know it could be the only time all week that many of the seniors will get out of their home.
— And when they discover a senior has fallen or suffered a stroke in their home, they know they may have saved someone’s life.
“I love my job. I’ve thought about leaving. I just can’t,” said Cheryl Ware, who heads our OTR Senior Center. “It’s the best darned job in town. These folks – these seniors – they embrace you. They embrace each other. We’re family.”
Our Employees Love the Working Conditions
Parents discover that they can work here and still be available to care for their children. Our employees rarely work weekends, evenings or holidays.
They also like not having the constant supervision they might find elsewhere. And for those who don’t like sitting at desks, our jobs are ideal.
Our leaders show their appreciation. We provide gift cards for extra efforts by individual employees or a special treat, such as ice cream, for our entire team.
We’re also known for teamwork. Our entire Executive Team deliver meals when a holiday schedule might require extra help. Our CEO has even helped to dig out our vehicles during snowstorms. “Everybody pitches in,” said Connie Baker, our Chief Operating Officer. “It doesn’t matter who you are or what your title is.”
And we’re known for promoting from within. Crystal Holliday started with CASS as a bus driver. Then, she worked in various financial roles at CASS, earned two college degrees and became a certified public accountant. Now, she’s our Chief Financial Officer.
But we also have high expectations for our employees. Seniors depend on us. We expect all meals to be delivered, even if the circumstances are challenging, including snow-covered streets and icy steps.
And if no one answers the door when we’re trying to deliver a meal, we notify the senior’s emergency contact. We don’t leave until we know the senior is OK.
Many CASS Jobs Are Great for Retirees
CASS can accommodate retirees who don’t want to work fulltime but want to get out of their homes, earn extra income and help people.
John Jarman, one of our Meals on Wheels drivers, works about 20 hours a week, which helps him stay fit. “I’m not just sitting around. I’m keeping busy.”
And the job keeps his mind sharp. He has to make sure he delivers the right food to the right people. “I have to stay alert. I have to stay focused.”
He might only spend five minutes in someone’s home but he knows it can make a difference in their day. “Their needs are all different. They’re all lonely. I give them an ear.”
Seniors Show Their Appreciation
One of our managers was amazed at the reaction she received when she arranged for musical entertainment at our OTR Senior Center. “The seniors responded by singing along and dancing,” she said. “It warmed my heart and soul. Seniors were crying tears of pure joy. They thanked me for bringing this wonderful experience to them.”