C.A.S.E. NIAGARA

Enhancing Services for Niagara's Aging

Our Mission

To provide community resource education and networking opportunities to enhance services for the aging in Niagara County.

HISTORY

In November of 1985, several agency and organization representatives met to discuss the needs of the growing older adult population in Niagara County. Meeting on a monthly basis, the group later became known as the Coalition of Agencies in Service to the Elderly (C.A.S.E.). The original focus of C.A.S.E. was to provide educational forums across the county that served as vehicles for networking and information and referral.

It became apparent from these forums that transportation was a major concern of many older adults, especially those living in rural areas. Consequently, in 1989, C.A.S.E. conducted a survey which indicated the need for consolidated, concise information about available transportation services in Niagara County. C.A.S.E. members created a transportation directory that is periodically updated. C.A.S.E. also developed a RESPITE brochure including Niagara County respite programs.

In 1990, C.A.S.E. sponsored its first networking conference. The conference is an annual event, usually held in the month of May, that provides current information regarding issues affecting older adults. It also acts as an opportunity for service providers to meet and share ideas.

Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month, except July and August. The meetings start at 9 a.m. and end no later than 11 a.m. The goal is for monthly meeting locations to rotate throughout the county and include presentations by local organizations serving older persons in Niagara County. The presentations allow members to learn in-depth information about available services. There are plenty of opportunities to ask questions and discuss programs. At the end of the meeting, members share information about activities at their agencies and community information.

Any community service agency or individual with an interest in the older adult population of Niagara County is invited to join C.A.S.E. The annual membership dues are $20 per agency or individual membership, paid to the C.A.S.E. Treasurer. C.A.S.E. membership entitles members to monthly networking opportunities, voting privileges (each member agency is entitled to one vote), meeting minutes, complimentary opportunity to share resources at a resource table with paid registration at the annual conference, and opportunities to share information via emailblasts to members and in the C.A.S.E. Facebook group. C.A.S.E. membership runs from September 1st through the following August 31st each year.