Coastline's Information and Referral Department Workers Now AIRS Certified
–By Abrah J. Salk
Coastline Elderly Services, Inc. is very pleased to announce that two of its Information and Referral (I&R) workers are now AIRS certified. AIRS stands for The Alliance of Information and Referral Systems. It's a nationally recognized non-profit organization that was incorporated in 1973 to improve access to services for all people through information and referral. Being AIRS certified means that our workers adhere to a set of standards brought forth by the AIRS organization.
Both Cindy Cobb and Luzia Marques put in many hours of studying in order to prepare for the 100 question exam. Through-out their training for this, they learned how to handle difficult calls, what to look for in a crisis, and how to apply and put into practice the AIRS standards. We have a very experienced I&R staff that provides not only information and referrals but also extensive advocacy towards elders searching for resources and services. The AIRS certification that Cindy and Luzia received is “CIRS-A”, which means that they specialize in Information and Referral regarding elders and subjects on aging.
Client Services Supervisor, Steven Guillotte, who has overseen many of the changes in this department, has to say “Their certification is not just an achievement but a testament to the vast experience they've gained through the years working in the area of Information and Referral.”
Their newly acquired skills and techniques require that they take 10 hours of I&R training every two years in order to maintain their certification. Cindy and Luzia are both dedicated and hard working and they strive to make a difference for Coastline and in the community.
“The real purpose I took this was for the Agency to have this recognition. The credentials are for the greater good of the Agency”, said Cindy Cobb.
Luzia agrees with Cindy and adds, “I'm very pleased with this accomplishment.”
Charles Sisson, Executive Director of Coastline Elderly Services, Inc. is very pleased with this new achievement. “I'm ecstatic. It just further enhances the things that Coastline provides to our community. People can come to Coastline knowing that the information we provide is of the highest standard”.
The AIRS certification is only one step in ensuring that our Information and Referral department remains current and can provide the most accurate of information to our community. A future goal is to develop a resource database that is friendly towards multiple users, which not only includes our staff, but visitors from the community. We'd like to be able to offer guests the ability to do their own search for services that they or their loved ones might need to sustain them at home.
Coastline is always working hard to make sure that we can provide our community and our elders with the most helpful and accurate information. To learn more about Coastline's services and to find out whether they are right for you or your loved ones, please contact us at: (508) 999 – 6400.
