Celebrating 55 Years of Service, Strength, and Community
2026 marks a special moment in CHEER’s story. This year, we celebrate 55 years of serving the seniors of Sussex County! 55 years of meals delivered, friendships formed, independence protected, and community strengthened. From our beginnings in 1971 as Sussex County Home Services, Inc., to the evolution of our name and mission over the decades, CHEER has grown because our community needed us to grow. And we answered that call every single time.
As we step into this milestone year, I find myself reflecting not just on how far we’ve come, but on what our progress means for the people we serve. At its heart, CHEER’s 55-year journey is a story of hope, stability, and reassurance. The very things seniors and their families count on us to provide.
Looking back at 2025, our organization underwent one of the most transformative years in recent history. We modernized nearly every corner of our operations. We embraced new systems—PayCor, NetSuite, CXM, upgraded phone
systems, standardized processes and each upgrade strengthened our foundation and our ability to deliver consistent, high-quality services. We elevated communication, governance, and training. We expanded programs like the CHEER Travel Club and launched CHEER Academy, championing lifelong learning and connection for our seniors.
Then there was our momentum with our Gateway East Project. The largest, most ambitious project in CHEER’s history. The construction of Gateway East Apartments I and our Administrative & Support Services Building is more than an expansion. It is an investment in the next generation of senior services. These apartments will provide safe,
affordable housing for older adults who want to remain independent in Sussex County. The administrative building will bring our teams together, strengthen collaboration, and improve efficiency across every program we offer. This project represents our commitment to meet the evolving needs of our community for decades to come.
“CHEER’s 55-year journey is a story of hope, stability, and reassurance.”
But, as proud as I am of our infrastructure and innovation, I am most proud of the people who carried us through 2025 and positioned us for a powerful 2026. Our staff – in Nutrition & Senior Activities, Transportation, Adult Day Program, PASA, Hospitality, Maintenance, CHEERMobile, Administration, and every team across the county – are the backbone of this organization. Their compassion, resilience, and adaptability made every accomplishment possible. Their work is deeply human and their impact is felt every day in the lives of the seniors we serve.
This anniversary year is not just about celebrating the past; it is about honoring the people who built CHEER and the people who keep it moving forward.
Throughout 2026, we will host special events to celebrate our 55th year, including a major celebration scheduled for May 5, 2026 (“5/5 for 55”). More details will be shared soon and I hope you’ll join us as we honor our history, our staff, our volunteers, and the thousands of seniors and families who trust us.
As we begin this new year, CHEER remains committed to improving services for our seniors and strengthening the work environment for our employees. That means embracing new partnerships, deepening existing ones, and exploring every opportunity to grow because we cannot do this work alone.
Fifty-five years ago, CHEER began with a simple mission: to help older adults live with dignity and independence. Today, that mission is stronger than ever and, together, we will shape a future filled with opportunity, connection, and care.
Moose Lodge #646 Donates to CHEER