DANVILLE — Senior citizens — or as some say, “seasoned citizens” — can find an oasis of help at CRIS Healthy Aging, 309 N. Franklin St. Among the services are help with issues involving finances, health, nutrition, socialization and more.
Roslyn Cox, Senior Information Services caseworker at CRIS, detailed those services at a recent meeting of the Danville Lions Club. CRIS is one of more than 20 groups that receive donations from the local club.
A non-profit organization, CRIS has been serving older adults in Vermilion County for more than 50 years. The goal is to help seniors stay safe, healthy and independent in their own homes for as long as possible, Cox said.
In October 2022, CRIS entered a supportive relationship with Carle Health. However, that relationship will end at some point, Cox said.
Since the beginning of this year, CRIS has ramped up its outreach effort, Cox said, so that more people in Vermilion County can learn about its services. As a result, more people are coming in for services, she said, and that means CRIS could use more volunteers to help out. People can apply for volunteering opportunities on the website at https://agestrong.org.
One of the popular services involves food. The breakfast café is open 7-9 a.m. weekdays and lunch is served 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Suggested donation is $4 for ages 60 and over (if able to pay) and $6 for those under 60.
Also offered on certain days are bingo, euchre, dominoes, cards, support groups, bridge, special speakers and classes. A garden share program (giving free produce to ages 60 and over) is offered from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays until mid-September.
CRIS also offers help with financial issues. For example, seniors 60 or over can get their taxes done free during tax season. Also, they can apply for the driver’s license plate sticker discount for $10. The sticker discount is income-based ($33,562 for single-person households and $44,533 for two-person households based on the previous year).
In addition, there are money management programs and help for people needing to enroll or make changes with Medicaid or Medicare.
With its focus on healthy living, CRIS offers activities and programs to get seniors socially involved. As part of a state-wide effort to increase social connections, CRIS is giving away free Alexa devices to qualifying adults while supplies last. Qualifications include being 60 or over, a resident of Champaign or Vermilion County, have Wi-Fi in their home and struggle with isolation or loneliness. Call or text (217) 689-8581 to learn more.
In addition, CRIS has support groups for grandparents, and classes including exercise, stress busters, and technology. Services address elder abuse, memory care and caregiver assistance, plus others.
CRIS gets state funding, Cox said, and also has a local source of money for emergencies or one-time assistance.
Learn more about CRIS services and how to volunteer by visiting its website at https://agestrong.org or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CRISHealthyAgingVermilion/. You also may call 443-2999 or visit the local center at 309 N. Franklin St.
For Lions Club membership information, write to: Danville Lions Club, P.O. Box 1396, Danville, IL 61834; email bwallpe45@hotmail.com or call (217) 474-9210. You can also visit the club on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/danvillelionsclub/ or Lions District 1-M website at www.district1m.org