Powering our communities

This Giving Hearts Day, Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) is proud to support Valley Senior Services, an organization whose mission aligns closely with our own, effectively providing essential services to the communities we serve. Since 1971, Valley Senior Services has been a trusted resource for seniors in the southern Red River Valley, helping seniors maintain independence through transportation, home-delivered meals, community dining, resource services, recreational activities, and more. They serve individuals aged 60+ in Cass, Richland, Ransom, Sargent, Traill, and Steele counties.

Valley Senior Services addresses the growing needs of an aging population. By 2025, 25% of North Dakota's population will be aged 60 or older, mirroring the national trend of rapid population aging. With over 11,200 Americans turning 65 daily, this need will continue to rise. Their services include Meals on Wheels, which delivers nearly 255,000 meals annually—199,000 in Cass County alone—and provides a lifeline for those unable to prepare their own food. Senior Transportation is another critical program, offering over 49,000 rides annually for medical appointments, grocery shopping, and social events. Additionally, Valley Senior Services fosters well-being through health and wellness programs, outreach services, and congregate meal sites at 32 locations.

As part of this year’s Giving Hearts Day initiative, CCEC employees will be completing a heartfelt service project by creating valentines to bring joy to seniors in our area, made a donation to further their programs, and invited Valley Senior Services to our office for a special lunch-and-learn presentation. During this event, employees will gain insight into the crucial work Valley Senior Services does daily. Representatives will share stories of how a delivered meal or a ride to a medical appointment can be life-changing for seniors.

“At Cass County Electric, we believe in empowering the communities we serve, and Giving Hearts Day offers us a meaningful opportunity to do just that,” said Jocelyn Hovland, Communications Manager at CCEC. “We see Valley Senior Services as a deserving recipient because their mission to support seniors is vital to the same areas we power every day. Like electricity, their services are essential to the well-being of our communities.”

For over a decade, CCEC employees have been personally delivering meals twice a month through the Meals on Wheels program, building connections and fostering care for our neighbors. The synergy between CCEC and Valley Senior Services stems from our shared commitment to providing critical resources to rural and urban areas alike. Just as CCEC delivers reliable energy to homes and businesses, Valley Senior Services ensures that older adults have access to nutritious meals, reliable transportation, and social connections. Both organizations understand that these fundamental services help build strong, resilient communities.

CCEC’s involvement in Giving Hearts Day is just one way we live out our cooperative values of community, service, and care. By supporting Valley Senior Services, we’re helping to ensure that seniors across North Dakota can continue to live with dignity and independence. Together, we’re lighting the way for brighter days ahead.

As Giving Hearts Day approaches, we encourage others to join us in supporting Valley Senior Services. Whether it’s through a donation, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, your contribution can make a world of difference. Visit valleyseniorservices.org/volunteer or call 701-293-1440 to sign up as a volunteer or support their programs at valleyseniorservices.org/donate. At CCEC, we believe that when we come together, we can power not just homes, but hearts and lives too.