From the CEO

"Seniors want to remain active, engaged,
and independent for as long as possible"

November is a month of gratitude, a time to pause, reflect, and give thanks for the people and blessings in our lives. It’s a season that reminds us of what truly matters: the love we share, the people who support us, and the purpose that guides our days.

At CHEER, we are deeply thankful for our staff, volunteers, and caregivers who give so much of themselves to care for others. Your compassion is a true gift to this community. Each meal prepared, each ride given, each kind word shared, and each moment of patience extended helps someone feel valued, supported, and loved. You are the heartbeat of CHEER’s mission, and for that, we are sincerely grateful.

Yet, in our constant giving, we sometimes forget to be thankful for one very important person – ourselves. Life is busy, especially for those who dedicate their days to helping others. Whether you’re supporting a spouse, raising grandchildren, assisting ageing parents, volunteering in your neighborhood, or working as one of CHEER’s Direct Care Workers, it’s easy to put your own needs last. But self-care is not selfish – it is essential.

We cannot pour from an empty cup. When we neglect our own well-being – physically, mentally, and spiritually – it becomes harder to show up with patience, joy, and energy. Over time, exhaustion and burnout can quietly take hold, leaving us with little left to give. To truly honor those we serve, we must also honor ourselves.

Self-care means giving thanks for your own health and taking time to nurture it. It’s resting when you’re tired, eating nourishing foods, staying active, and finding moments of peace for your mind and spirit. It might mean setting healthy boundaries, finding joy in a hobby, or connecting with friends who lift you up. It’s also recognizing when you need help and having the courage to ask for it.

If you are caring for a loved one and need support, CHEER is here for you. Our Personal Assistance Services Agency (PASA) provides in-home help to seniors across Sussex County, and our Adult Day Program in Georgetown offers a safe, engaging environment where your loved one can thrive while you take time to recharge. You don’t have to do it all alone – help is here, and you deserve it.

As we move through this season of thankfulness, let’s expand our gratitude to include ourselves. Be thankful for your strength, your compassion, and the difference you make each day. Celebrate the love you give and allow yourself to receive care, too.

When we express gratitude for who we are and all we’ve overcome, we build resilience and renew our spirit.

At CHEER, we believe that caring for yourself is one of the greatest ways to continue caring for others. When you make space for rest, reflection, and renewal, you bring your best self to the people who depend on you. When we are healthy, centered, and grateful, our service becomes more joyful, meaningful, and sustainable.

This Thanksgiving, I encourage youto take a moment each day to count your blessings – your loved ones, your community, your purpose, and your own life. Gratitude has a way of filling our hearts and reminding us what truly matters.

From all of us at CHEER, thank you for the love and care you share with others and thank you for taking time to care for you. You are a blessing to this community and we are deeply grateful for you.

This month, choose one small act of self-care each day – something just for you. Take a quiet walk, enjoy a good meal, call a friend, or simply breathe deeply and give thanks. When we nurture ourselves, we strengthen our ability to nurture others and that is something to be truly thankful for.