50+ Lifestyles

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know!

By Sue Fleischman Rector
CASI Director of Development

I find myself using that odd statement more and more in my life as I continue to be amazed at all of the things I continue to discover that I had not known.  I have been associated with CASI since my Mother was involved back in the early 2000s. Apparently, I have been “living under a rock” when it comes to understanding all the exceptional services that CASI staff have offered to support older adults in our community for over five decades.  Or, perhaps it is that CASI does not “toot their horn” loudly about the work that is being done behind the scenes; they just do their work  because it is the right thing to do.  That is most likely the case.

Let me share a few “Did you Knows” – that I learned about CASI’s important behind the scenes work.

• CASI has a six-person Senior Advocacy team – all social workers with huge hearts for seniors.  At no charge to anyone who asks, our advocates provide assistance in applying for Medicaid, food stamps, elderly waivers, and finding  access to services that are available to them in the community.
• For over ten years, CASI has given away over 2000 fans through our “Be a Fan to a Senior” program.
• For over 15 years, Advocates have helped over 600 seniors per year apply for rent rebates.
• The Senior Secret Santa Program is in its 16th year and has given away over 14,000 holiday gifts to seniors throughout our community helping to ensure that seniors are remembered during the holidays.
• Thanks to generous donations from the community, CASI has a Basic Needs Closet that is available to anyone in need.

That is just a snapshot of CASI services that may not be well-known, but are of significant importance to seniors in our community, particularly low-income seniors.  If you have questions, please contact CASI by calling 563.386.7477 and asking for a member of the Senior Advocacy team.

Sue Fleischman Rector is Director of Development at CASI, located at 1035 W. Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA  52806. For information call (563) 386.7477 ext. 229 or email srector@CASIseniors.org.