Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging

To enhance the quality of life of area seniors and caregivers, Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging will provide leadership, resources, coordination and advocacy.

Description:
The Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging is a private nonprofit organization chosen by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs to provide services to elders and caregivers in this region. We are responsible under the federal Older Americans Act to plan, fund and monitor programs for seniors and caregivers. We do this by: conducting assessments of elder and caregiver needs. Evaluation proposals to meet those needs through our Advisory Council of citizens. providers elder and caregiver advocates and voluntary Board of Directors. Supporting approximately $2 million in programs available to the 128,500 seniors and approximately 60,000 caregivers throughout the 61 town and city region.

History:
Thirty-five years ago, forward-thinking local and state officials created the "Region II Agency on Aging" and began a sustained effort to identify and service the needs of the elderly in our communities. A new model of health and social service planning was created that empowered communities to make their own decisions about how federal money is spent to address pressing needs of older persons.
The origins of "area agencies on aging (AAA's)" began in 1965 , with the passage of the Older American Act, part of the "Great Society" and "War on Poverty" programs. to the credit of the state's department of health and human services, Massachusetts became a pilot for the development of community-led organizations and created the first cabinet-level secretary of elder affairs in 1972.

We are now one of 23 AAA's in the state and one of 655 throughout the country. There are also 235 AAA's affiliated with native American Reservations. We are the largest one in the state by both geography and population. Our region consists of 61 communities- 4 cities and 57 towns- with more than 127,500 seniors and approximately 60,000 caregivers.
We began as a staff of four with an elevan-member board, managing disbursement of $450,000 to local organizations servicing the elderly. Today, we have a staff of twelve with 17 board and 45 advisory council members. We manage over $2.8 million in federal funds, most of which is distributed to over 30 programs in 16 agencies. In partnership with funded agencies, we serve over 17,000 elders in the area.
While the elder population is growing (it is over 20% of the population in many of our communities), the resources available to meet emerging needs is diminishing. Since the 1980's our funding has been essentially static. This means that with inflation and the growing numbers of elders, the "buying power" of the funds we distribute is 40% less than 20 years ago!
We're meeting the challenge by focusing on greater support for family caregivers by "helping seniors and their families help themselves". We are responding with programs to empower elders and caregivers with information such as The Caregivers Guide. We are now "on-line" with our SeniorConnection.org services and available on the phone or in person to answer questions people may have about the availability of programs and services they may need.

Contact person: Eileen O'Brien, Director of Information and Referral Services, SeniorConnection, 508-852-5539 V/TDD, (email)

Office fax number: 508-852-5425

Address:

360 West Boylston Street West Boylston, MA 01583 (See a map)

Web Site: http://SeniorConnection.org

Directions:

From West: Take I-290 East through Worcester. Stay in the right hand lane and take Exit 19/20. (Here you will see the road goes straight or you can immediaetly exit right. You want to stay straight and. . . (more)   Nearest Bus Stop: Meadowbrook Plaza, 1 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Are any opportunities appropriate for youth ages 18 or under? If yes, what age range?
	17+

Last updated on July 13, 2009