In the planning stages for 2007, The Community Education and Resource Affiliation, Inc. sat down for a strategy session with our partners at The Senior Resource Alliance.  We first took a look at what our areas current needs were in the community.  The state budget has been tight, leaving several valuable programs for Seniors and Children looking for alternate ways to receive funding.  With our mission in mind of reaching into the community and providing education and resources where needed, together we set our goals. 

1.  Raise enough money through our membership dues, health fairs and forums to present each Meals on Wheels program in the tri-county area (Orange, Osceola and Seminole) with a check for $1000.        

2.  Collect enough items (such as gift cards, nick knacks, toiletries, stationary, jewelry, clocks, radios, music, movies, etc.) to give as gifts to all the participants in the Meals on Wheels programs here in Central Florida.

3.  Host our first Annual Benefit Forum where the best-of-the-best from the state present on all the programs and services available to our Community...from Medicaid, Medicare and Veterans information to the referral process for obtaining such programs. 

First money was raised through our three annual health fairs and membership dues.  Due to the high demand on obtaining current information on benefits available in our area, our First Annual Benefit Forum was a huge success, completely selling out in the first 2 weeks it was announced.  With additional planning, the help of our members and other partners in the community, CERA GIVES (our charitable giving campaign) was formed.  CERA and SRA hosted our 2nd Annual Charitable Giving Party in December and were able to not only give each Program the supplies needed for the Holidays, but surpassed our initial goal of $1000 per county and presented each county with a $1300 check.  With the additional private donations given in our name, CERA GIVES raised over $4000 for the Community. 

Looking ahead to 2008, our mission remains the same.  Our goals for 2007 are repeated with the addition of a new forum for health care professionals (i.e. nurses, therapists, etc.) to learn the most up-to-date procedures and cures for several chronic illnesses.  For both our forums this year, we plan on offering Continuing Education Credits to assist professionals in maintaining their licenses/titles.

Need more specific information? 

Please call us at (407) 247- 4119