News

October 14, 2020

Community Caregivers Receives Top Award

The Guilderland Chamber of Commerce recently honored Community Caregivers with the Top Business 180 Award as part of the Chamber’s Annual Awards Celebration. This distinction was given to a local business or non-profit that was forced to shift operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Community Caregivers is a Guilderland-based non-profit that provides support services to seniors and others in need.

According to Executive Director Lee Lounsbury, Community Caregivers had to quickly adjust to doing things differently. With staff working from home and the office closed, “…We had to think creatively,” said Lounsbury. “It’s been a challenge for sure. But we never missed a day of providing services, and I’m very proud of our staff and our volunteers for rising to the occasion.” In an effort to keep isolated and homebound seniors connected to others and community, the organization greatly increased the number of reassurance calls made by volunteers and staff and added twice-weekly Lunchtime Chat group conference calls which anyone is welcome to join.

Lounsbury said she is thankful that Community Caregivers has experienced an influx of volunteers eager to help out. However, she has concerns regarding the upcoming months and stressed that additional volunteers are always needed. “We’re facing fall and winter and we’ll be there to help folks out. The reality that this is not ending is setting in.”