Resources

    Be Ready for the Recovery – Content by Judy

    Marketing trends have been heading in new directions for a while but the COVID19 is really pushing that envelope into horizons we cannot even imagine. We currently are living, working, and shopping in ways we never dreamed of. And these new ways too will change quickly as we readjust to a whole new “normal” as we come out of this lockdown.

    We will mourn the loss of many things, as we start consuming services and goods in different ways. We will be discovering what companies and businesses have survived. What new businesses have emerged.

    Stopping for a coffee can be a good example. How many of us stopped daily for that great cup of Joe? Couldn’t live without it…. Until….. Our lives changed. The habit got broken because we were no longer leaving the house every day. The question becomes how many cups of coffee will that business sell as we all come out of this pandemic? Will the local shops even reopen?

     

    Companies must adjust quickly if they plan to survive and be profitable over the next 5 years. Marketing trends have been heading in new directions for a while but the COVID19 is really pushing that envelope into horizons we cannot even imagine.

    Trends show we will continue to hold virtual meetings which will become a more efficient use of time. We will socialize in every different ways. We have found we do not like social distancing so much. Clubs will pop up and memberships will increase. Facebook groups will evolve and start gathering in person. Established groups such as VFWs, The Elks, The Moose will attract new members. Senior Centers, the Y, Park n Rec and similar organizations will experience a surge in activity as people discover their new routines.

    The public will spend months perhaps years looking for and discovering their new day to day habits. And when creating this new life, they will select the parts they liked and discard what they will not do again, and businesses need to be where the consumer can find them such as SeniorCenterCt.org. This collective site is trusted and contains trusted information. This cutting-edge resource is that place where users find what they are looking for, mark their calendars with activities and though clickable ads find services and products they are looking for. Plus, then can relay all this information to their family and friends.

    Businesses need to:

    • Be that trusted advisor/service/site/provider
    • Strengthen existing customer relationships
    • Identify real opportunities and shift accordingly
    • pinpoint key priorities
    • determine their brand and do extensive brand building so their company is easy to recognize
    • Be ready for the recovery

    And all businesses need to be very aware of the senior population. As a group they will be for the most part the least affected by all of this. For the most part their income will continue to be very stable. And they still will be purchasing and consuming at the rate they were.

    Resources like SeniorCenterCt.org will grow in popularity as the senior population, their friends and families are looking to establish and get back their “new” ordinary lives.

    Drive-Thru Food Distribution

    Connecticut Food Bank in conjunction with Foodshare will be offering a weekly Drive-Thru Food Distribution in Norwich.  You remain in your vehicle and groceries will be placed in your trunk or back seat.  Please wear a mask.  No appointment needed – just show up during hours listed below.

    WHEN: every Monday

    LOCATION: Parking lot across from Pistol Pete’s Bar & Grill

    28 Stonington Road, Norwich, CT 06360

    HOURS: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm

    For more information visit: www.ctfoodbank.org/mobilepantry

    Or call the Connecticut Food Bank: (203) 741-9751 or (203) 469-5000

     

    Emergency Food Delivery

    A service provided by Senior Resources Agency on Aging

    Are you having difficulty adjusting to the new normal?  Do you need assistance buying groceries?

    Are you finding it difficult to safely go grocery shopping?  Senior Resources can help!

    Contact Senior Resources at (860) 887-3561

    Ask to speak to one of the staff regarding the Emergency Food Delivery Program.

    Senior Resources can purchase a $50 maximum household grocery order and deliver it to you.  Please have your grocery list ready when calling and be prepared to answer a few eligibility questions.

    You will be asked if you are 60 years old or older and if you are enrolled in certain programs.  You may be eligible for other programs that can help you.  In order to be screened for eligibility for other programs Senior Resources can assist you with, please know your gross monthly income.

    Contact Senior Resources with any questions.  (860) 887-3561

    DoorDash Food Box Delivery

    DoorDash, the popular food delivery app, is helping to bring non-perishable food boxes from the Salvation Army to people in need.  This program is in collaboration with United Way.

    Food boxes sent out to individuals and families typically including oats, rice, dry beans, tuna, peanut butter, canned vegetables, canned fruit, and powdered milk.  All shelf-stable food items.

    The program is aimed to address the needs of high risk individuals during the COVID pandemic and to help those who are homebound, individuals who are high-risk of severe complications from COVID, those aged 65 years and older or those in quarantine.

    TO RECEIVE A FOOD BOX:

    Call United Way 2-1-1 and tell them you are interested in the DoorDash Food Box Delivery through the Salvation Army.  United Way will communicate your request to the Norwich Salvation Army who will contact you to arrange delivery.  DoorDash will pick up the food box from the Salvation Army and deliver it to you.  Deliveries are normally on Thursdays.

    This program is though a partnership with the State of Connecticut, Salvation Army, United Way and DoorDash and is overseen by Connecticut Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt

     

    Internet Service Payment Help

    Are you a Grandparent raising a Grandchild?

    Norwich Human Services has two programs available to assist grandparent who are raising their grandchildren pay for internet service so their grandchild can attend remote learning opportunities.

    If you currently have Comcast Internet Essentials plan, which costs $9.95/month, Norwich Human Services can help pay for 6 months of service per household if this is the internet plan you have.

    Funding for this program is made possible by a grant from Chelsea Groton Bank.

    If you currently have any other higher priced Comcast plan or any internet plan other than Comcast, Norwich Human Services can help pay $50 for 6 months of service per household toward your bill.

    Funding for this program is made possible by the Community Foundation and Graustein Memorial.

    For more information or to apply for assistance,

    Please contact Lee-Ann Gomes, Norwich Human Services Director (860) 823-3778