CHEER celebrates 40 years of service with 400 friends

Nearly 400 seniors, dignitaries, and friends helped CHEER celebrate 40 years of service July 21 at the CHEER Community Center in Georgetown. Executive Director Arlene Littleton opened the luncheon thanking the thousands of people who make CHEER so vital to the community.

“We are blessed to have a board of directors that care, a dedicated staff and hundreds of volunteers who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of seniors,” she said to a round of applause.

CHEER was presented with a tribute from Gov. Jack Markell and Lt. Gov. Matt Denn recognizing the organization for “providing 40 years of outstanding service to the senior population of Sussex County through a variety of services and activities that enrich the lives of seniors while allowing them the freedom to live at home.”

Cheryl Hollis, director of professional services for the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities,  said, “The state’s mission is to support seniors to remain in the homes and communities where they are the happiest."

“The state is very aware of senior needs and the growing senior population,” she continued. “And we have the utmost confidence in CHEER and the programs they have implemented to benefit seniors in Sussex County.”

Rep. Harvey Kenton, R-Milford, noted how important the services CHEER provides are to the community. “It’s essential we have an agency that can lend a helping hand to seniors on a day-to-day basis or if they should get in trouble or need help,” he said. “It’s vital we take care of our neediest citizens, and I want to personally extend my gratitude and congratulations to CHEER on its 40th anniversary.”

Rep. David Wilson, R-Bridgeville, noted that CHEER is the agency people rely on in Sussex County. “When there is no one to look out for you, it’s CHEER who takes care of our seniors,” he said. “I know. I’ve been out with CHEER delivering meals on Christmas Day. I’ve seen how their programs make the lives of seniors better. Happy birthday, CHEER, and congratulations.”

The Rev. Grace Batten, president of the agency’s board of directors, led the congregation in prayer and talked about the positive impact CHEER has on seniors. “CHEER takes away the loneliness,” she said. “We’re a family. You can make new friends and get a good meal at a CHEER Center. If you need a ride, we’ll pick you up. If you need someone to talk to, we’ll listen. We care about our seniors, and we’ll do everything in our power to make their lives better.”

Pat Rust, a retired licensed practical nurse who started working at CHEER in 1987 and now serves on the board of directors, remembered all the wonderful things CHEER has done to touch the lives of seniors. “It makes you feel so good when you go home at night to know you’ve made a positive difference in someone’s life,” she said.

Rosalie Walls has been volunteering at CHEER for 15 years. “Volunteering is so rewarding,” she said. “Sometimes we’re the only person a senior sees all day. I get so much out of helping people. Sometimes I think I get more out of it than they do.”

The seniors who attended the celebration said they were grateful for all CHEER does for them and their friends. Jean Miller from Greenwood said it best. “CHEER is my lifeblood,” she said. "They’ve been wonderful to me.”