From the CEO

"Looking back with gratitude,
looking ahead with purpose."

As another year is coming to a close, December offers us a perfect moment to pause and reflect on how far we’ve come and to look forward with excitement to the bright future ahead. At CHEER, we’ve experienced a year defined by transformation, teamwork, and progress. Every milestone we’ve achieved this year has been possible because of the unwavering dedication, flexibility, and heart of our staff, volunteers, and community partners.

Over the past year, CHEER has embraced change across nearly every corner of our organization. From administrative systems to client services, we’ve modernized the tools that help us better serve Sussex County’s seniors. We utilize PayCor to streamline timesheets and payroll, giving staff more control and accuracy. We introduced a new employee learning platform to strengthen training and professional development. We installed modern phone systems that link all of our sites together, saving money and improving communication across our network. Behind the scenes, our finance team successfully transitioned to NetSuite, a powerful accounting system that helps us manage resources more efficiently and transparently.

We also implemented new systems to bring greater consistency and accountability to our daily operations like our purchase order request process, incident reporting system, and upgraded our data tracking platform from ServTracker to CXM. These changes may not always be visible to the public, but they strengthen our foundation and ensure we deliver the highest quality of care and service.

CHEER’s governance and communications also evolved this year. Our Board of Directors now uses a new software system that improves access to materials and supports better decision-making. Our revamped CHEERful Living newspaper, website, and Facebook page now provide more timely and accessible information to the community.

But our progress doesn’t stop with technology or systems. This year, we expanded programs that enrich the lives of the seniors we serve—programs like CHEER Travel Club and our newest initiative, CHEER Academy. CHEER Academy is designed to empower seniors to keep learning, growing, and connecting through educational, recreational, and wellness-based opportunities. This program represents the spirit of lifelong engagement that defines CHEER.

As we look toward 2026, we’re turning vision into reality with our Gateway East project—a cornerstone of our future. The construction of our Gateway East Apartments I and Administrative and Support Services Building, located next to our CHEER Community Center, marks one of the most significant milestones in CHEER’s history. The Administrative Building will centralize our operations, improving efficiency and collaboration, while the new apartments will provide safe, affordable housing for older adults who wish to remain independent in our community. Together, these projects will shape the next generation of senior services in Sussex County.

Yes, it’s been a busy and sometimes challenging year, but every change, upgrade, and new program has moved us closer to our mission: promoting and maintaining the highest quality of life and independence for our seniors.

To our entire CHEER team—those working in Nutrition & Senior Activities, Transportation, Adult day services, PASA, CHEERMobile, Hospitality, Maintenance, and Administration across the county—thank you. Your adaptability, teamwork, and compassion are what make all this possible.

As we wrap up 2025 and step into 2026, let’s carry forward the same spirit that brought us here: resilience, collaboration, and a shared belief in what we do. The future is bright and, together, we will continue to lead with purpose, serve with heart, and build a legacy of care that lasts for generations.

Here’s to a strong finish to 2025 and to all that lies ahead for CHEER in the new year!
“As we look toward 2026, we’re turning vision into reality.”