CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. — The Cibola Senior Citizens Center has been closed to public access since March. The daily congregant meals at noon were eliminated because of the closure.
Staff continue to provide services including the two nutrition programs to elderly residents across Cibola County, according to Director Suzette DeAnnond.
The Meals-on-Wheels home-delivery program continues. And seniors can utilize the grab-n-go meals, which are available in the facility’s parking lot Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The director noted that the center has not been forced to downsize staff because of the pandemic.
The staff, all City of Grants employees, include five van drivers, three food service employees, plus an assessments clerk, administrative secretary, and the director.
“Our budget remains the same with local, state and federal funds,” explained Director DeArmond.
“We have received [additional] funding from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and The Families First Coronavirus Response Act to help with COVID-related expenses such as purchasing personal protective equipment, paying for additional food costs and the increased number to-go containers for our grab-n-go meals.”
There has been some fluctuation in the numbers of home-delivered meals in the past six months.
Data for March recorded 2,388 meals and by June that number had risen to 2,615. Demand increased in July to 3,061, but August dropped to 2,876. September continued the downward trend, 2,269, which was 119 fewer meals than the ones delivered in March.
The grab-n-go, also known as the curbside meal delivery, began in March with 1,264 participants. That number grew by more than 900 to 2,211 in June.
Fewer people relied on the service in July, 1,535, but August had a substantial increase.
September, 2,269, was comparable to August data which recorded the delivery of 2,264 curbside meals.
The building at 550 Jurassic Court also houses the volunteer programs coordinator office, which oversees the senior companion and foster grandparent programs. There are 11 foster grandparents and 10 senior companions. These volunteers continue to provide wellness calls to the homebound and seniors who live alone, according to Dorela Chavez, program coordinator.
The center’s advisory board suspended monthly meetings last March. The members are community volunteers who are appointed by the City of Grants council.
Director DeArmond emphasized that the building, located just off East Santa Fe Avenue in Grants, will remain closed to the public until the current health order has been rescinded.
Visit https://www.cityofgrants.net/senior-citizen-center or call 505-285-3922 for more information.