CASA of Jackson County set to close its doors

News

Wednesday, 08 January 2020 12:58

CASA of Jackson County was established in Scottsboro in September of 1979 by Interface Mission Service, TARCOG and one of its first volunteers, Beverly Waldrop. For the last 40 years, Jackson County’s elderly, handicapped and homebound have been taken care of by CASA, that ran on the compassion and good will of its many volunteers, its food pantry, donations of wheelchair ramps, grab bars, indoor and outdoor home repairs, medical supplies, toiletries, furniture, kerosene for heating, help with prescription medicines, drives to and from the doctor, calls to check in on someone living alone, clean sheets, clothes, walkers, canes – but mostly, from the funds donated by community members and businesses. Clarion was recently notified of the impending closing of CASA of Jackson County, by the following letter: “Dear Jackson County Neighbors, Care Assurance for the Aging and Homebound of Jackson County (CASA) will be closing its doors starting February 1, 2020. It was with a heavy heart that the Board of Directors made this decision. Of late, the demand has exceeded our resources. Because of declining contributions, we can no longer afford to meet our overhead costs. We also support a Social Security Administration program—the Payee Program. But again, due to overhead costs we can no longer support the program. We will be providing information to our clients concerning alternative options. CASA was founded to help the aging, homebound and disabled. Years ago, we became one of the first government-sponsored food pantries. There were no others, and there was a genuine need. Now, thankfully, there are many food pantries. We are happy to announce that the Scottsboro Salvation Army is willing to take over the food pantry. They will announce when they are ready to take on this service to those in need in Jackson County. Jackson County’s demographics show a rapidly increasing aging population. That may change, but not in the near future. The need is still there. Depending on funding, we hope to be able to reopen and continue our mission of helping the aging, homebound, and disabled. If you are interested in helping, please contact Kathleen MacDonald at 256-259-3736. Thank you and God bless, Jan Kinnison President, CASA Board of Directors.”