We are currently closed until further notice due to the COVID-19 outbreak
We thank you for your understanding in this matter.
EXPERIENCE CLASSES & PROGRAMS AT HOME!
We wanted to bring the Meridian Senior Center's programs and activities to you, in the comfort of your own home. We are offering these programs, classes and activities online via Zoom, and other Video Chat software. Please click on the "COVID-19 AT HOME PROGRAMS" tab at the top of the page for more information.
Below is information and resources for you and your loved ones regarding COVID-19
Mental Health Resources
Thanks to Governor Whitmer, Michiganders across the state can access specially curated collections of science-backed, evidence-based guided meditations, along with at-home workouts that guide people through mindful exercises, sleep and kids content to help address rising stress and anxiety. Available at www.headspace.com/MI an internet connection is the only thing that is needed to access these tools while you stay home and stay safe.
You can also call the Michigan Mental Health Hotline at 1.888-733-7753
Thanks to Governor Whitmer, Michiganders across the state can access specially curated collections of science-backed, evidence-based guided meditations, along with at-home workouts that guide people through mindful exercises, sleep and kids content to help address rising stress and anxiety. Available at www.headspace.com/MI an internet connection is the only thing that is needed to access these tools while you stay home and stay safe.
You can also call the Michigan Mental Health Hotline at 1.888-733-7753
Meridian Township COVID-19 Task Force
click the link below to visit Meridian Township’s information on its COVID-19 task force
https://www.meridian.mi.us/residents/covid-19-information
click the link below to visit Meridian Township’s information on its COVID-19 task force
https://www.meridian.mi.us/residents/covid-19-information
Tri County Office On Aging
The Tri-County Office on Aging (TCOA) remains committed to keeping all clients, volunteers, staff, and program participants safe and healthy during the continuing Coronavirus/ COVID-19 situation. MI Choice Waiver, Care Management and Case Coordination services are ongoing, and TCOA Supports Coordinators and Access Specialist maintain regular phone contact with clients, and volunteers are conducting friendly reassurance “check-in” calls to over 2,000 clients across the region. Clients with higher needs are contacted more frequently. Clients are still receiving in-home services and supports through TCOA’s network of local providers.
Meals on Wheels home delivered meals eligibility has expanded to include anyone age 60 or older and their caregiver. Home delivered meals clients have seen a change in the delivery process but are not experiencing a decrease in the number of meals. Generally, clients are receiving one week’s worth of frozen and/or shelf stable meals delivered at one time, rather than the typical Monday-Friday delivery. Safety precautions are being taken by volunteers to minimize personal contact with clients.
Congregate Senior Dining sites closed effective Monday 3/16/20 until further notice. A drive-up distribution process launched on Wednesday, March 18 at designated locations to provide food to clients and expand the reach. Clients are receiving one week’s worth of frozen and/or shelf stable meals at the pick up locations.
A limited number of Quarantine Food Boxes were secured by the MI Department of Health and Human Services Aging and Adult Services Agency and the Food Bank Council of Michigan for distribution by Area Agencies on Aging to food-insecure older adults who are sheltering in place during the COVID-19 crisis. One box contains enough shelf-stable food for at least 22 well-balanced meals and is intended to provide two people with two meals per day for 10 days. Each box weighs 26 pounds and contains 33 food items along with breakfast, lunch and dinner recipe ideas.
TCOA has added 20 new home delivered meal clients from Meridian Township since mid-March, and is serving more than 143 total clients from Haslett, Okemos, and East Lansing (zip codes 48823, 48840, and 48864) at local dining site pickup locations, including the Meridian Senior Center, Grange Acres, and two East Lansing locations.
Questions about home delivered meals can be directed to the Greater Lansing Area Meals on Wheels Office at 517-887-1460. Individuals must contact Tasha Stetler at 517-887-1393 for questions about the “Q-boxes” or to reserve a weekly meal pick up.
Here are the identified locations by county
TCOA Central Kitchen-5303 S Cedar St, Bldg 1, Lansing
Alfreda Schmidt Southside Community Center-5825 Wise Rd Lansing
Letts Community Center- 1220 W Kalamazoo Lansing
East Lansing Hannah Center- 819 Abbott Rd East Lansing
Haslett Grange Acres Community Room Parking- Lot 6101 Marsh Rd Haslett
Holt: Sam Corey Senior Center, 2108 Cedar St. Mason
First Church of the Nazarene- 415 E Maple St, Mason
Meridian Senior Center at Chippewa MS- 4000 N Okemos Rd Okemos
Williamston Senior Center -201 School St
Stockbridge Township Hall- 125 S. Clinton St. Eaton County
Charlotte-Lawrence Avenue Methodist Church, 210 E. Lawrence Ave.
Delta Township Enrichment Center- 4538 Elizabeth Rd, Lansing
Grand Ledge City Hall- 310 Greenwood, Grand Ledge
Sunfield Village Community Room- 186 Main St, Sunfield
DeWitt – St. Jude Catholic Church 801 N Bridge St, DeWitt
Ovid- United Church of Ovid- 131 Front St, Ovid
St. Johns Senior Center- 201 E Walke, St Johns
If you would like to be a phone pal or email pal to a local senior citizen, please volunteer with the Tri-County Office of Services to the Aging. The first step to volunteering is to register as a volunteer at http://www.tcoa.org/volunteer. They will process applications and reach out to people as quickly as they can
The Tri-County Office on Aging (TCOA) remains committed to keeping all clients, volunteers, staff, and program participants safe and healthy during the continuing Coronavirus/ COVID-19 situation. MI Choice Waiver, Care Management and Case Coordination services are ongoing, and TCOA Supports Coordinators and Access Specialist maintain regular phone contact with clients, and volunteers are conducting friendly reassurance “check-in” calls to over 2,000 clients across the region. Clients with higher needs are contacted more frequently. Clients are still receiving in-home services and supports through TCOA’s network of local providers.
Meals on Wheels home delivered meals eligibility has expanded to include anyone age 60 or older and their caregiver. Home delivered meals clients have seen a change in the delivery process but are not experiencing a decrease in the number of meals. Generally, clients are receiving one week’s worth of frozen and/or shelf stable meals delivered at one time, rather than the typical Monday-Friday delivery. Safety precautions are being taken by volunteers to minimize personal contact with clients.
Congregate Senior Dining sites closed effective Monday 3/16/20 until further notice. A drive-up distribution process launched on Wednesday, March 18 at designated locations to provide food to clients and expand the reach. Clients are receiving one week’s worth of frozen and/or shelf stable meals at the pick up locations.
A limited number of Quarantine Food Boxes were secured by the MI Department of Health and Human Services Aging and Adult Services Agency and the Food Bank Council of Michigan for distribution by Area Agencies on Aging to food-insecure older adults who are sheltering in place during the COVID-19 crisis. One box contains enough shelf-stable food for at least 22 well-balanced meals and is intended to provide two people with two meals per day for 10 days. Each box weighs 26 pounds and contains 33 food items along with breakfast, lunch and dinner recipe ideas.
TCOA has added 20 new home delivered meal clients from Meridian Township since mid-March, and is serving more than 143 total clients from Haslett, Okemos, and East Lansing (zip codes 48823, 48840, and 48864) at local dining site pickup locations, including the Meridian Senior Center, Grange Acres, and two East Lansing locations.
Questions about home delivered meals can be directed to the Greater Lansing Area Meals on Wheels Office at 517-887-1460. Individuals must contact Tasha Stetler at 517-887-1393 for questions about the “Q-boxes” or to reserve a weekly meal pick up.
Here are the identified locations by county
TCOA Central Kitchen-5303 S Cedar St, Bldg 1, Lansing
Alfreda Schmidt Southside Community Center-5825 Wise Rd Lansing
Letts Community Center- 1220 W Kalamazoo Lansing
East Lansing Hannah Center- 819 Abbott Rd East Lansing
Haslett Grange Acres Community Room Parking- Lot 6101 Marsh Rd Haslett
Holt: Sam Corey Senior Center, 2108 Cedar St. Mason
First Church of the Nazarene- 415 E Maple St, Mason
Meridian Senior Center at Chippewa MS- 4000 N Okemos Rd Okemos
Williamston Senior Center -201 School St
Stockbridge Township Hall- 125 S. Clinton St. Eaton County
Charlotte-Lawrence Avenue Methodist Church, 210 E. Lawrence Ave.
Delta Township Enrichment Center- 4538 Elizabeth Rd, Lansing
Grand Ledge City Hall- 310 Greenwood, Grand Ledge
Sunfield Village Community Room- 186 Main St, Sunfield
DeWitt – St. Jude Catholic Church 801 N Bridge St, DeWitt
Ovid- United Church of Ovid- 131 Front St, Ovid
St. Johns Senior Center- 201 E Walke, St Johns
If you would like to be a phone pal or email pal to a local senior citizen, please volunteer with the Tri-County Office of Services to the Aging. The first step to volunteering is to register as a volunteer at http://www.tcoa.org/volunteer. They will process applications and reach out to people as quickly as they can
National Council on Aging
Where to Get Food Help NowAffording healthy food is a challenge for many older Americans, but the spread of COVID-19 has made matters worse. Whether you’re facing difficult financial times or are unable to leave your home, there are resources that may be able to help.
Meals on Wheels
With a network of over 5,000 programs, Meals on Wheels is offered in nearly every community in America. Meals on Wheels volunteers are committed to continuing delivery of nutritious food to homebound older adults and ensuring their health and social well-being.
Food Banks
Feeding America operates over 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries across the United States, each serving a large area. Many food banks are adapting the way they serve their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic to follow physical distancing guidelines, such as setting up smaller community drop-off points.
SNAP/Food Stamps
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps people to afford food at over 250,000 participating grocery stores and shops across the country. While you must have limited income to get SNAP, many older adults and persons with disabilities can deduct medical expenses above $35/month to help get SNAP and increase the amount of monthly SNAP benefits.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
This program provides food and nutrition help at no cost. If you meet the program guidelines, you can pick up the food from your local food pantries or soup kitchens.
The types of food you can get are different depending on where you live, but usually include a lot of shelf-stable items such as pasta, dried beans, canned fruits and vegetables, and soups. To find out how to apply for the program, please contact your State Agency. They can let you know if you meet the program guidelines and where you can get the food.
Where to Get Food Help NowAffording healthy food is a challenge for many older Americans, but the spread of COVID-19 has made matters worse. Whether you’re facing difficult financial times or are unable to leave your home, there are resources that may be able to help.
Meals on Wheels
With a network of over 5,000 programs, Meals on Wheels is offered in nearly every community in America. Meals on Wheels volunteers are committed to continuing delivery of nutritious food to homebound older adults and ensuring their health and social well-being.
Food Banks
Feeding America operates over 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries across the United States, each serving a large area. Many food banks are adapting the way they serve their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic to follow physical distancing guidelines, such as setting up smaller community drop-off points.
SNAP/Food Stamps
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps people to afford food at over 250,000 participating grocery stores and shops across the country. While you must have limited income to get SNAP, many older adults and persons with disabilities can deduct medical expenses above $35/month to help get SNAP and increase the amount of monthly SNAP benefits.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
This program provides food and nutrition help at no cost. If you meet the program guidelines, you can pick up the food from your local food pantries or soup kitchens.
The types of food you can get are different depending on where you live, but usually include a lot of shelf-stable items such as pasta, dried beans, canned fruits and vegetables, and soups. To find out how to apply for the program, please contact your State Agency. They can let you know if you meet the program guidelines and where you can get the food.
CATA
CATA resumes limited regular-bus service; no mask, no ride Some services to resume Monday – social distancing requiredLansing, Mich. – Effective Monday, May 4, the Capital Area Transportation Authority will resume operations at a modified level of weekday bus service, while weekend service will return to regular levels for most routes.
In its ongoing commitment to the safety, health and well-being of employees, customers and the public, CATA operators and riders will be required to wear a face mask or face covering. Service will continue to operate fare-free, with passengers boarding and alighting at the rear door. New measures also include signage inside buses to ensure that riders observe the prescribed social distance of 6 feet. Riders will not be permitted to stand in bus aisles.
CATA’s public facilities remain closed until further notice, including the Administration Building in Lansing, the CATA Transportation Center on Grand Avenue in downtown Lansing and the Capital Area Multimodal Gateway in East Lansing.
“CATA is proceeding with caution as we resume service in phases to accommodate the needs of our riders – many who represent our region’s most disadvantaged populations,” said CATA CEO Bradley T. Funkhouser. “We are adhering to the governor’s orders and have partnered with the Ingham County Health Department to ensure that our fleet-sanitization and disinfecting protocols – which occur between trips, at shift change and at the end of service each day – are of the highest standard. Personal-protection equipment is issued to all employees, and a no-mask, no-ride rule will be firmly in place.”
Additionally, hand-sanitizer dispensers have been ordered and will be installed on CATA’s 40-foot and 60-foot buses.
“CATA has been a diligent and conscientious partner, working closely with the Health Department so they can maximize safety for their riders,” said Ingham County Health Officer Linda S. Vail. “They have integrated all recommended safety measures into their protocols. With proper precautions such as social distancing, the use of face coverings and good hand hygiene, people can safely use the buses to make essential trips. Many of our citizens rely on public transportation to access their workplaces and many other essential needs, so a gradual and cautious reopening of public transportation is a critical step to meet the needs of the community.”
Service is scheduled to resume as follows:
Spec-Tran & CATA Rural Service
Spec-Tran will resume regular service seven days a week. CRS will operate its normal schedule Monday through Friday.
Weekday & Saturday Service
Routes 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 will operate according to their regular Saturday schedule. Route 1 will not operate after 11 p.m. as late-night service remains suspended. Route 20 will travel into Spartan Village.
Routes 6, 7, 11, 13, 15, 17, 46 and 48 are not normally in service on Saturday and, therefore, remain suspended until further notice. Meridian, Delhi and Mason Redi-Ride; and Mason and Williamston-Webberville Connectors will also resume normal Saturday service.
The Shopping Bus will not operate at this time.
Unless otherwise notified, customers should refer to Saturday schedules for all fixed-route and paratransit services.
Sunday Service
Routes 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20, 24, 25 and 26 will operate according to their regular Sunday service beginning May 10. As a reminder, Routes 6, 7, 11, 13, 15, 17, 22 and 23 do not operate on Sunday.
CATA’s COVID-19 hotline and special demand-response service will be discontinued at the end of service Sunday, May 3. Beginning May 4, Customer Experience Representatives will be available at 517-394-1000, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; CATA Paratransit phone lines will be available at 517-394-2282 Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Spec-Tran schedulers will be available Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Service updates and Rider Alerts will continue to be posted at cata.org.
CATA Emergency Service Hotline Hours, Effective Until May 4Customers in need of a free curb-to-curb ride should call 517-999-2549 during the hours listed below. We appreciate your patience when calling as call volume is extremely high. Call takers are working very hard to schedule your critically essential, medical or work trip according to your travel needs. Delays should be expected, but please know we are committed to getting you to your destination as efficiently as possible.
Monday-Friday
Saturday
Sunday
CATA resumes limited regular-bus service; no mask, no ride Some services to resume Monday – social distancing requiredLansing, Mich. – Effective Monday, May 4, the Capital Area Transportation Authority will resume operations at a modified level of weekday bus service, while weekend service will return to regular levels for most routes.
In its ongoing commitment to the safety, health and well-being of employees, customers and the public, CATA operators and riders will be required to wear a face mask or face covering. Service will continue to operate fare-free, with passengers boarding and alighting at the rear door. New measures also include signage inside buses to ensure that riders observe the prescribed social distance of 6 feet. Riders will not be permitted to stand in bus aisles.
CATA’s public facilities remain closed until further notice, including the Administration Building in Lansing, the CATA Transportation Center on Grand Avenue in downtown Lansing and the Capital Area Multimodal Gateway in East Lansing.
“CATA is proceeding with caution as we resume service in phases to accommodate the needs of our riders – many who represent our region’s most disadvantaged populations,” said CATA CEO Bradley T. Funkhouser. “We are adhering to the governor’s orders and have partnered with the Ingham County Health Department to ensure that our fleet-sanitization and disinfecting protocols – which occur between trips, at shift change and at the end of service each day – are of the highest standard. Personal-protection equipment is issued to all employees, and a no-mask, no-ride rule will be firmly in place.”
Additionally, hand-sanitizer dispensers have been ordered and will be installed on CATA’s 40-foot and 60-foot buses.
“CATA has been a diligent and conscientious partner, working closely with the Health Department so they can maximize safety for their riders,” said Ingham County Health Officer Linda S. Vail. “They have integrated all recommended safety measures into their protocols. With proper precautions such as social distancing, the use of face coverings and good hand hygiene, people can safely use the buses to make essential trips. Many of our citizens rely on public transportation to access their workplaces and many other essential needs, so a gradual and cautious reopening of public transportation is a critical step to meet the needs of the community.”
Service is scheduled to resume as follows:
Spec-Tran & CATA Rural Service
Spec-Tran will resume regular service seven days a week. CRS will operate its normal schedule Monday through Friday.
Weekday & Saturday Service
Routes 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 will operate according to their regular Saturday schedule. Route 1 will not operate after 11 p.m. as late-night service remains suspended. Route 20 will travel into Spartan Village.
Routes 6, 7, 11, 13, 15, 17, 46 and 48 are not normally in service on Saturday and, therefore, remain suspended until further notice. Meridian, Delhi and Mason Redi-Ride; and Mason and Williamston-Webberville Connectors will also resume normal Saturday service.
The Shopping Bus will not operate at this time.
Unless otherwise notified, customers should refer to Saturday schedules for all fixed-route and paratransit services.
Sunday Service
Routes 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20, 24, 25 and 26 will operate according to their regular Sunday service beginning May 10. As a reminder, Routes 6, 7, 11, 13, 15, 17, 22 and 23 do not operate on Sunday.
CATA’s COVID-19 hotline and special demand-response service will be discontinued at the end of service Sunday, May 3. Beginning May 4, Customer Experience Representatives will be available at 517-394-1000, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; CATA Paratransit phone lines will be available at 517-394-2282 Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Spec-Tran schedulers will be available Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Service updates and Rider Alerts will continue to be posted at cata.org.
CATA Emergency Service Hotline Hours, Effective Until May 4Customers in need of a free curb-to-curb ride should call 517-999-2549 during the hours listed below. We appreciate your patience when calling as call volume is extremely high. Call takers are working very hard to schedule your critically essential, medical or work trip according to your travel needs. Delays should be expected, but please know we are committed to getting you to your destination as efficiently as possible.
Monday-Friday
- Call hours: 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Service hours: 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday
- Call hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Service hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday
- Call hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Service hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
MERIDIAN CARES
Meridian Cares Program for those in need, Financial help for residents - Call or email Darla Jackson 517-853-4204 email Jackson@meridian.mu.us
Meridian Cares Program for those in need, Financial help for residents - Call or email Darla Jackson 517-853-4204 email Jackson@meridian.mu.us
Food Bank Resources
Greater Lansing Food Bank (517)853-7800
https://greaterlansingfoodbank.org/
Dansville Clothing and Food Bank (517)623-0392
Bethlehem Lutheran Food Pantry (517)485-3613
Food Bank Council of MI (517)485-1202
https://www.fbcmich.org/
Williamson Food Bank (517)655-3813
http://www.williamstonfoodbank.org/
Holt Food Bank (517)694-9307
https://holtfoodbank.org/
Capital Area Community Services (517)676-1065
https://www.cacs-inc.org/
Food Pantry First Presbyterian Church Lansing (517)574-5124
Greater Lansing Food Bank (517)853-7800
https://greaterlansingfoodbank.org/
Dansville Clothing and Food Bank (517)623-0392
Bethlehem Lutheran Food Pantry (517)485-3613
Food Bank Council of MI (517)485-1202
https://www.fbcmich.org/
Williamson Food Bank (517)655-3813
http://www.williamstonfoodbank.org/
Holt Food Bank (517)694-9307
https://holtfoodbank.org/
Capital Area Community Services (517)676-1065
https://www.cacs-inc.org/
Food Pantry First Presbyterian Church Lansing (517)574-5124
Caregivers Get Free Lyft During COVID-19
https://www.ncoa.org/news/press-releases/a-ride-to-stay-home-during-covid-19-2/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=OrgSocial
https://www.ncoa.org/news/press-releases/a-ride-to-stay-home-during-covid-19-2/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=OrgSocial
Fun things to check out
Continuing Education
Ted Talks - https://www.ted.com/talks
Talks at Google - https://www.youtube.com/user/AtGoogleTalks
BigThink - https://bigthink.com/videos/
Luminosity - https://www.lumosity.com/en/
LearningRX - https://www.learningrx.com/what-is-brain-training-/
Libraries
https://www.cadl.org/
https://maryland.overdrive.com/
https://www.bcpl.info/books-and-more/downloadables.html
Virtual Tours:
https://www.mlive.com/life/2020/03/pure-michigan-offers-stay-home-virtual-travel-from-museum-tours-to-film-festival-live-streams.html
Museums:
Reina Sofía Museum Radio: Audiovisual resources; an acoustic museum experience Smithsonian Latino Virtual Museum
National Museum of the U.S. Navy National Women’s History Museum
Smithsonian Learning Lab
Michigan is tied for 4th with Nebraska. Let's move up in the rankings by getting more of our friends and family members to complete the 2020 Census
It takes less than 10 minutes and you can complete it online (my2020census.gov), by phone (844-330-2020) or by mail. For more information, visit meridian.mi.us/Census2020
Did you know the 2020 Census informs hundreds of billions in funding for things like education and health programs that communities need? Pledge to complete the 2020 Census online, by phone or through the mail, and then challenge your family, friends and neighbors to do the same. For more information, visit meridian.mi.us/Census2020
It takes less than 10 minutes and you can complete it online (my2020census.gov), by phone (844-330-2020) or by mail. For more information, visit meridian.mi.us/Census2020
Did you know the 2020 Census informs hundreds of billions in funding for things like education and health programs that communities need? Pledge to complete the 2020 Census online, by phone or through the mail, and then challenge your family, friends and neighbors to do the same. For more information, visit meridian.mi.us/Census2020
COVID-19 Scam Watch
MI Attorney General Dana Nessel Issues Urgent Consumer Alert Following Reports of Federal Stimulus Scams
https://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,4534,7-359-92297_92299-523157--,00.html
https://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,4534,7-359-92297_92299-523157--,00.html
4 Coronavirus Scams to Avoid
https://www.ncoa.org/blog/4-coronavirus-scams-to-avoid/?fbclid=IwAR0MiaitJDvx0hfBWCQk74ERhhW7Ws2EbXeLxGrFUp_N-IsoJisXox3jK2M
