Chenango Valley Adult Enrichment Center Program Director Bonnie Lamb sits with a participant and the center’s support dog as the organization celebrates being COVID-19 free. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – The Chenango Valley Adult Enrichment Center in Norwich doesn’t have any active coronavirus cases, and representatives of the center said that was made possible due to the high priority placed on safety.

According to Chenango Valley Adult Enrichment Center Program Coordinator Bonnie L. Lamb, Chenango Valley is a social adult day center that offers services to Chenango county and surrounding communities.

Lamb said the center opened about two years ago, and is the only senior center in the area that is permitted to operate by New York State. She said their programing offers caregiver respite, caregiver support, socialization, nutritious hot meals, medication reminders, music and recreational therapy.

She added that the center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“As the pandemic continues to thrive and with the number of confirmed cases rising there are many who are isolated at home,” said Lamb. “For seniors, isolation can be harmful both physically and mentally.”

“All safety guidelines provided by the DOH are strictly followed.”

Lamb said there are many individuals in the community that are unaware of the center’s services, and that could benefit from them now more than ever.

She said the center closed in March when the pandemic hit, and they closed for about two months.

“We opened back up in July and we’ve been good since,” she added. “The safety of our members is our top priority, staff is tested weekly and COVID screenings are given to each member on arrival.”

“We are a non-profit organization, our resources for advertisement are low. Even more so now because of the COVID Pandemic.”

Lamb said the center works with a variety of funding sources including Medicaid Long Term Care (MLTC), the office of the aging, and private funding as well.

She said interested individuals can reach out to her office at (607) 373-3653 and visit their Chenango Valley Adult Enrichment Center Facebook page.