I do so hate to be predictable, and so my indoor dwelling, non-nature embracing self shall once again bring you tidings of an outdoor extravaganza! Perhaps spring is in the air (or is that the pollen? so hard to tell) or perhaps it’s the special place in my heart that this organization holds, but I’m thrilled to spend A Night in the Garden this Friday with CASA of Madison County and encourage you to do so too.

Taking Care of Our Seniors

CASA is the reason I came to Huntsville (don’t you just wanna write them a thank you right now?!). That’s right, before my time as Our Valley Events’ Digital Media Wizard, I worked at Care Assurance System for the Aging and Homebound, better known simply as CASA. I probably have the only parents in the world who were thrilled their child took a job at a nonprofit (translation- yes dear we will help you eat while you help others). What can I say? I have hippie parents.

So what motivated me, a native city gal from Atlanta, to take this job at CASA? Simple: my grandmother. She is one of my favorite people in the world. I call her at least once a week, but I don’t get to see her nearly as often as I like (she lives in South Georgia) but I want the people near her to be amazing to her (and luckily they are). But not everyone is so lucky.

The aging population is one of the most forgotten and I would argue under-served in this country. And that is exactly who CASA serves. They work tirelessly to keep Madison County’s seniors and homebound individuals safe and in their own homes, instead of going to a nursing home. Its a shame that the very people who spent their lives caring for us, are forgotten as soon as they need a bit of help. Thankfully the seniors in Madison County have the staff and dedicated volunteers at CASA. Many seniors have no one else. We were their family. They would often call the office just to hear a friendly voice.

A Garden Story

The CASA Community Garden provides an extremely important service to the seniors of Madison County. I always called veggie season Christmas in July because our seniors got as excited about the bag of fresh produce we delivered as a child on Christmas morning.

You may be asking why anyone would be that excited about 1 bag of veggies. Because for many of CASA’s clients, the produce we delivered was the only fresh produce they received all year. They simply couldn’t afford it otherwise.

The Garden boosts some pretty impressive numbers: 

• Every year, the Garden produces thousands of pounds of produce
• Volunteers deliver this produce to more than 650 clients EACH year
• Since it began in 1988, the Garden has produced 200,000 pounds of produce!!

But its more than the produce. When our seniors got that bag of produce delivered to their house, they knew that someone cared. That volunteer took time out of their day to do something just for them. Many would stay and visit with the clients. And that time, that visit was worth as much or more than the produce.

Garden Party

So how can you help this amazing organization?? There’s a fabulous party in the CASA Community Garden (the very one I’m been talking about) this Friday May 18th and ALL the proceeds go to CASA! How awesome is that?! (correct answer- very awesome)

This party includes food and cooking demos by the always delicious Lyn’s Gracious Goodness and music by Crossfire. Click here to buy your tickets.

How CASA Makes a Difference

Did I mention that ALL of CASA’s services are provided at NO COST to the seniors and homebound individuals of Madison County? And they receive no government grants for their services.

Their services include:

• Transportation to medical appointments
• Wheelchair ramp installation
• Handrail and grab bar installation
• Minor home repairs (yard work, painting)
• TEMP$ (Taking Energy Measures Personally=$avings) Weatherization
• Emergency weather assistance (heaters, fans, air conditioners)
• Fresh vegetables from the CASA Community Garden
• Telephone reassurance and friendly visiting
• Safety Net Health Care Services
• Information & referral
• Delivery/shopping assistance

So that means funds raised at events like A Night in the Garden and your donations keep their doors open. Without community support there is no CASA. And the seniors in Madison need CASA. Desperately. Think about your grandmother.

Event Details

Date: Friday, May 18th
Time: 6:30pm
Location: CASA Community Garden
Cost: $50 per person. Click here to reserve your spot or call the CASA office at 256-533-7775