CPA Member Spotlight: CARE, Inc.

Continuing our Member Spotlight series, Community Provider Association sits down with another one of our members, Bridgette Willson of CARE, Inc., headquartered in Hammond, LA. 

Keep reading to learn more about CARE's experience as a CPA member.

What effect has the COVID-19 pandemic had on the care community? 

In the beginning – before the stay at home order was issued – CARE had already begun social distancing.  We did that mostly when staff were turning in documents or needed help with LaSRS.  We were stressing hand washing and sourcing PPE.

Social distancing

I have to say the social distancing has been the hardest. Our Company loves our staff. 

And to not be able to hug someone whose relative has passed or is worried for themselves and their client has really been the hardest part.

Our hard working staff

During these times of COVID-19, all of our DSW staff should be recognized for their hard work and dedication to CARE by going out in the homes during these challenges times.  

Early on we realized we needed masks – but like everyone else across the state we couldn’t find any.  So we made them.

We had several members of our community and Care staff volunteer to cut material.  We then delivered them to several individuals to sew. 

Carol Cutrer in Ponchatoula and Tiffany Phillips in Covington as well as the Tangi Mask Makers sewed hundreds of masks for our staff and clients. 

Giving people in times of crisis

Everyone helped CARE by giving selflessly of their time by using their talents of sewing to aid our staff during the COVID-19 crisis. 

Do you think you could have addressed the outbreak as successfully if you were not a CPA member?   

NO.  I honestly don’t know how non-members have been able to manage. 

How has being a member of the CPA benefited Care over the years? 

As a founding member this is hard for me to answer.  The CPA has helped in so many ways. 

largest benefit

The largest way we have been helped were our rate increases.  Without the CPA we might actually be out of business or definitely smaller.  If we had not gotten the night rate increase in 2018, as well as the general increase in 2019, we would have to make some hard decisions.

In a single sentence, what is your favorite thing about the CPA? 

Our favorite thing about our membership and CPA is the collaboration with industry leaders across the state.

Want To Learn More About Becoming A Member?