New coordinator at Family, Community Support Services to help seniors

By Rob Vogt

Sheryl Cassar wants to help seniors and make Claresholm an even better place to be.
She began her new role as senior services coordinator with Claresholm and District Family and Community Support Services on Jan. 28 and set to work immediately.
Cassar looks after seniors who come into Family and Community Support Services.
She provides assistance in applying for the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security.
Some people may not have a computer, fax machine, or cell phone so Cassar helps submit documents to various agencies, by faxing or scanning and e-mailing them.
She also looks for information for supports for seniors on everything from food to accommodation and more.
“We try to help them out as much as we can in giving them that information,” Cassar said.
There is another important role she plays.
“Quite often we’re here to listen,” she said.
To that end, Family and Community Support Services offers coffee, snacks and an opportunity to chat every Tuesday afternoon at 1 p.m.
It is a welcoming, safe place and a chance to meet people.
Cassar moved to Claresholm about 2.5 years ago, from Calgary, where she had worked with Suncor Energy and Mount Royal University.
Before that, she worked at the College of New Caledonia in Prince George, B.C., in continuing education and offering life skills training.
Now, she is enjoying her new role with Family and Community Support Services.
“It’s great,” she said. “I love meeting people and helping.
“I love to help people out.”
“Every day is a different day,” she later added.
She noted all the Town of Claresholm staff have also been great.
“They make you feel so welcome and supported,” she said.
Moreover, the role is a learning experience.
“I don’t profess to have all the answers right off the bat, but I will get them,” Cassar said.
Her goals in her new role are simple.
“Supporting the community and getting to meet people in the community,” she said. “I want to make Claresholm a better place for seniors.”
Cassar also wants to bring new ideas and build on existing ones.
She takes pride in seeing someone smile when she gives him or her the answer they were looking for.
“That’s the gift,” she said. “That you’ve helped, you’ve made a difference.”