May 24, 2021
Meal Sites Reopen and Transportation Services Increase
Valley Senior Services is excited to announce meal sites are reopening for community dining on Tuesday, June 1 in accordance with CDC guidelines. Meal sites are open for dining only Monday-Friday from 11:00 am-1:00 pm. Seniors are asked to call the meal site closest to them and sign up at least one day in advance to reserve their space.
Meal sites have been closed since March 16, 2020 with no activities or community dining taking place. Pick up meals have been available for seniors since March 2020 and remain available for seniors who are unable to eat in a community dining setting. Those who are unable to attend community dining or pick up meals from meal sites can call 701-293-1440 for more information about Meals on Wheels delivery. Activities such as cards, bingo, crafts and computer access are returning in late June. Masks are highly recommended but not required at meal sites.
As part of the ND Smart Restart guidelines, Valley Senior Services transportation services are increasing the number of passengers allowed in all counties. Beginning immediately, three passengers are allowed in a van and eight passengers on a bus. Masks are required for drivers and passengers. In Cass County, schedule a ride appointment at least 3-5 days in advance by calling 701-356-7433 (RIDE). For all other counties, please visit ValleySeniorServices.org for schedules and registration information.
Valley Senior Services’ goal is to reduce the loneliness and isolation that our seniors have been experiencing for the past year while providing a safe environment. These changes are being implemented in all six counties served by Valley Senior Services: Cass, Steele, Traill, Ransom, Sargent and Richland counties.
Valley Senior Services continues to monitor the situation, work with state and local health officials and follow recommended guidance as it becomes available. All programs and services are evaluated on a case by case basis to ensure the safety of all involved. Any cancellation announcements will be posted at ValleySeniorServices.org.
March 15, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
We know that the pandemic has changed how we manage our daily lives and so many of the activities that we would normally participate in are not currently available. We are all eager to resume getting together with family and friends and doing the things we love to do.
Getting vaccinated adds an important layer of protection for you, your family and loved ones. We want everyone in our community to be safe.
As the COVID-19 vaccine becomes more accessible, we want to make sure you are getting the information you need. Follow this link for information from Fargo Cass Public Health with details on how to register for the vaccine through their agency.
If you need help completing the Fargo Cass Public Health Contact Form, please call our Resource Specialists at 701-293-1440.
December 1, 2020
With the wellbeing of our clients and seniors as the primary focus, Valley Senior Services is following the North Dakota Department of Health SMART RESTART Guidelines along with the North Dakota Again Services Division recommendations to keep meal sites closed for congregate dining for the foreseeable future, amid concerns surrounding the potential risk of COVID-19. There are a variety of options available for seniors to pick up meals and utilize our transportation services.
To keep you informed on our services to the seniors of southeastern North Dakota, here is a brief update:
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Drive-thru and pick up meals are still available with prepackaged meals. Drive-thru meals are located at Broadway Station and pick up meals are at Trollwood, Ed Clapp and West Fargo High Rise. Participating seniors must register for daily prepackaged meals. Seniors are asked to call the meal site closest to them and sign up in advance.
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Meals on Wheels will continue to be provided as they currently are with precautions to limit contact between volunteers and the seniors who receive this service including requiring volunteers to wear face masks and encouraging seniors to leave a bench or chair outside their door to leave the meal on. Those who are unable to get to a meal site for pick up may sign up for Meals on Wheels by calling 701-293-1440.
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Transportation rides are being provided with a few modifications including requiring drivers and passengers to wear masks, sanitizing after each ride, and limiting the number of riders to only people who live in the same household.
Valley Senior Services is committed to the health and safety of the senior citizens we serve and will continue to evaluate our response to COVID-19. We are looking forward to getting back to a normal service delivery system but know that we all need to be careful. Through all of this, our goal is to provide nutrition and other supportive services to assist seniors to continue living independently as late in life as possible. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have questions or concerns on any of this and thank you all so much for your support of our programs for the seniors of southeastern North Dakota!
August 21, 2020
With the wellbeing of our clients and seniors as the primary focus, Valley Senior Services is following North Dakota Department of Human Services and the North Dakota Epidemiologist recommendations to keep meal sites closed for congregate dining through December 31, 2020, amid concerns surrounding the potential risk of COVID-19.
In making the decision to remain closed, Valley Senior Services feels that under current guidelines this is the safest decision for the seniors we serve. But, given the current situation and the guidance from public health officials on physical distancing, limiting in-person social interactions, avoiding spaces where people congregate in close quarters, the number of staff/volunteers available and the concerns around transmission of COVID-19, Valley Senior Services will reevaluate this decision in 2021.
We continue to provide takeout meals at all meal sites throughout the region and home-delivered meals for those that qualify for Meals on Wheels. The following services are available for our seniors and clients:
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Drive-Thru & Pick Up Meals: Prepackaged meals are available at meal sites with drive-thru and pick up options. Drive-thru meals are located at Broadway Station and pick up meals are at Trollwood, Ed Clapp and West Fargo High Rise. Participating seniors must register for daily prepackaged meals. Seniors are asked to call the meal site closest to them and sign up in advance. Those who are unable to get to a meal site for pick up may sign up for Meals on Wheels by calling 701-293-1440.
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Meals on Wheels: Meal delivery services for registered seniors continue as scheduled. Given the importance of nutrition for this vulnerable population it is important to continue this service that relies on healthy volunteers. As the Fargo community starts to open again, we need more volunteers to help deliver Meals on Wheels to seniors in need. If you are healthy and able, please sign up to help deliver meals to those in need by calling our volunteer coordinator at 701-356-1431.
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Metro Senior Rides: This transportation service is provided to residents ages 60+ in the Fargo-West Fargo-Moorhead-Dilworth metro area. Metro Senior Rides drives clients and seniors to appointments, shopping or other personal needs. During this time, only one rider at a time is allowed in the Metro Senior Rides vans (exceptions are made for married couples or families travelling together). Schedule a ride at least 3-5 days in advance by calling 701-356-7433 (RIDE).
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County Public Transit: This transportation service is provided by all six counties served by Valley Senior Services. The bigger passenger wheelchair-lift equipped buses and vans only allow a maximum of four riders at a time to keep within social distancing guidelines. Call one of the county offices or visit ValleySeniorServices.org for specific ride schedules.
These changes are being implemented in all six counties served by Valley Senior Services. They include Cass, Steele, Traill, Ransom, Sargent and Richland counties.
Valley Senior Services continues to monitor the situation, work with state and local health officials and follow recommended guidance as it becomes available. All programs and services are evaluated on a case by case basis to ensure the safety of all involved. Any cancellation announcements will be posted at ValleySeniorServices.org.
June 23, 2020
With the wellbeing of our clients and seniors as the primary focus, Valley Senior Services is following North Dakota Department of Human Services and Aging Services Division recommendations to keep meal sites closed for community dining through at least July 31, 2020 amid concerns surrounding the potential risk of COVID-19.
There are a variety of options available for seniors to pick up meals and utilize our transportation services. The following services are available for our seniors and clients:
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Drive-Thru & Pick Up Meals: Prepackaged meals are available at meal sites with drive-thru and pick up options. Drive-thru meals are located at Broadway Station and pick up meals are at Trollwood, Ed Clapp and West Fargo High Rise. Participating seniors must register for daily prepackaged meals. Seniors are asked to call the meal site closest to them and sign up in advance. Those who are unable to get to a meal site for pick up may sign up for Meals on Wheels by calling 701-293-1440.
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Meals on Wheels: Meal delivery services for registered seniors continue as scheduled. Given the importance of nutrition for this vulnerable population it is important to continue this service that relies on healthy volunteers. As the Fargo community starts to open again, we need more volunteers to help deliver Meals on Wheels to seniors in need. If you are healthy and able, please sign up to help deliver meals to those in need by calling our volunteer coordinator at 701-356-1431.
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Metro Senior Rides: This transportation service is provided to residents ages 60+ in the Fargo-West Fargo-Moorhead-Dilworth metro area. Metro Senior Rides drives clients and seniors to appointments, shopping or other personal needs. During this time, only one rider at a time is allowed in the Metro Senior Rides vans (exceptions are made for married couples or families travelling together). Schedule a ride at least 3-5 days in advance by calling 701-356-7433 (RIDE).
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County Public Transit: This transportation service is provided by all six counties served by Valley Senior Services. The bigger passenger wheelchair-lift equipped buses and vans only allow a maximum of four riders at a time to keep within social distancing guidelines. Call one of the county offices or visit ValleySeniorServices.org for specific ride schedules.
These changes are being implemented in all six counties served by Valley Senior Services. They include Cass, Steele, Traill, Ransom, Sargent and Richland counties.
We continue to monitor the situation, work with state and local health officials and follow recommended guidance as it becomes available. All programs and services are evaluated on a case by case basis to ensure the safety of all involved. Any cancellation announcements will be posted on this page.
Best wishes –The Valley Senior Services Team
May 1, 2020
We were notified by the ND Department of Human Services that, all congregate meal sites will continue to be closed through June 30, 2020. Valley Senior Services will continue to offer pick up meals and home-delivered meals for those that qualify.
While we are sad that we will not be open for meals and activities until after June 30, we know it is in the best interest of all of you that we comply with this new guidance. We truly hope that you are doing well and look forward to the day when we can re-open and get back to normal operations.
Best wishes –The Valley Senior Services Team
March 16, 2020
With the wellbeing of our clients and seniors as the primary focus, Valley Senior Services is following CDC recommendations to decrease large group gatherings amid heightened concerns surrounding the potential risk of COVID-19.
As part of our response to COVID-19, Valley Senior Services is suspended the following programs and services:
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Activities at senior centers: All activities are suspended.
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Transportation to senior centers: All transportation to senior centers is suspended.
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Congregate dining: Congregate dining is discontinued at meal sites with prepackaged meals made available for pick up. Participating seniors must register for daily prepackaged meals. Seniors are asked to call the meal site closest to them and sign up in advance. Those who are unable to get to a meal site to pick up a meal may sign up for Meals on Wheels by calling 701-293-1440.