CREST

CREST serves over 300 aging population and caregivers annually in Martin County in south central Minnesota. Our Caregiver Support services include Caregiver Support Groups in support of Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Low Vision focus. Individual conversations have increased with COVID-19 increased isolation. Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes provide caregivers a plan to take care of their own health. Dementia Friends opens doors for us all to relate more positively with persons with dementia. 

Live in Home services include transportation for Seniors to not only medical appointments, but also grocery shopping, visits to the library and hairdresser, as well as social activities. In home services of housekeeping assistance have  been suspended during the pandemic. A Telephone Assurance project has resulted in volunteers and staff talking to homebound seniors once or twice a week to check in with them and provide contact with others. These calls have lengthened as the isolation goes on. Outside help includes raking and mowing lawns, fixing gutters and other minor repairs. These services are delivered primarily by volunteers. Gift gas cards are provided volunteer drivers for trips over 100 miles round trip. 

With COVID 19 all services are expanding to include mailings with resources, projects and activities participants can do at home, and delivery of gift baskets to volunteers and participants,  increasing ways to keep in contact,  and exploring new contacts safely. 

Governed by a volunteer board of directors CRESTs mission is to Enhance the Lives of Those We serve. Partnering with others increases our capacity to service more residents. We greatly appreciate our partners, our volunteers, our participants and donors supporting our services.