Since 2003 The Compassion Advocacy Network (CAN) has done what our name implies -- we advocate for a more compassionate world and put that advocacy into action. Our focus involves conducting simple acts of kindness that benefit people in need.
For example, CAN serves:
• Isolated elderly who has limited interactions with families and friends with one-to-one visits
• Families caring for children with cancer
• Persons in need of food and personal care receive items placed in CAN Help Bags
• Growing young adults in need of personal development through programming in finance, literacy, and business
Program Description and Measures
We assist vulnerable populations, primarily seniors, elderly veterans, the disabled, the impoverished, and those who continue to suffer the effects of COVID-19 by providing them with basic needs such as groceries & personal care items.
Target population Area and Numbers to be Served
Elderly persons 62 years or older; (a) Single-family (must be 100% LMI) (b) Multi-unit (must be 51% LMI) 51% of clientele to be served are disabled, elderly, veterans, LMI low-to-moderate-income residents/areas.
Program Description
Program offers:
1. CAN Help! Bags: (items include but are not limited to):
a. Activity booklet & colored pencils for mental stimulation, relaxation, and boredom relief.
b. Quality protein item to meet the basic nutritional need.
c. Snacks for pleasure and self-esteem
d. Hygiene items like bar soap to facilitate proper hand-washing during the pandemic.
e. Relevant additional items. We bring the things to them, limiting their exposure to people by using social distancing protocols.
2. CAN Bus food giveaways bring food and other items to the facilities and distribute to seniors who need food. Seniors get the food they can use.
3. Technology Education programs expand seniors' ability to assist them during the pandemic.
a. "How to set up and use a Smartphone." Goal: Provide seniors with a way to keep up with the latest COVID-19 recommendations and news. Make the phone senior-friendly by enlarging the font size, increasing the ringer sound, downloading apps, updating their contact information, and changing various settings to meet their needs.
b. "How to use Online shopping and delivery." Goal: To limit the seniors' exposure to COVID - 19 by keeping them out of the stores and enabling them to get contact-less delivery of their groceries.
c. "How to use video chat or calling." Goal: to combat COVID-19 isolationism by assisting seniors in communication with their loved ones by sight and sound.
