In the last two editions of The Beacon, we described some of the wonderful community organizations that Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) is supporting this year through our Title III grant program.
In our final installment today, we introduce you to the five final organizations that MVES selected for grants: Mystic Valley YMCA, GreenRoots, Inc., Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers, Melrose Council on Aging and Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless.
Like all our awardees, these organizations are based in the 11 communities served by MVES and provide programming designed to benefit older adults. (If you’re interested in participating in any of these programs, please contact the organization directly.)
Mystic Valley YMCA — Enhance® Fitness: Mystic Valley YMCA is based in Malden and serves residents from Malden, Medford, Everett and other surrounding communities. It offers a variety of programs that focus on preventive health. The Y’s Title III grant helps support Enhance® Fitness, an evidence-based group exercise program for older adults that uses simple, easy to learn movements that promote a healthy, active life. It is also designed so that people with arthritis can exercise in a safe way. Enhance® Fitness classes offer aerobic, strength and balance exercises while also providing a social engagement component, offering a sense of community and social connectedness among class members. The grant funding from MVES enables the Y to offer the classes at no charge. If participants wish, they can make a voluntary donation. Enhance® Fitness is offered at three sites: Mystic Valley Y in Malden, the Medford Senior Center and The Community Family’s adult day center in Everett. Participants do not need a Y membership to attend.
GreenRoots, Inc. — Transportation and Health Justice: GreenRoots Inc.’s project is dedicated to improving transportation access for older adults in Chelsea, while also connecting older adults to health programs and events. GreenRoots begins by connecting with residents at sites like the senior center and housing for people aged 60 and up. They establish a multilingual dialogue to identify the transportation needs of the community, identify gaps in service and address reliability failures. GreenRoots then works to increase enrollment in the MBTA’s Senior CharlieCard and The Ride and helps address any concerns or challenges that arise. Additionally, GreenRoots works to expand senior engagement in its gardens and Teaching Kitchen to connect older adults with fresh, locally grown produce while learning about gardening, cooking and nutrition. The group also focuses on increasing access to preventative healthcare by hosting health fairs that connect older residents to health information and resources, as well as mobile clinics that provide services such as blood pressure checks and diabetes screenings.
Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers — Immigrant Integration Services: Since 1970, Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) has served the growing population of Portuguese speakers in the Mystic Valley area, including Brazilian, Cabo Verdean and Portuguese residents. The Immigrant Integration Services Program provides a gateway to MAPS services and supports. It prioritizes health promotion, support services and social engagement. This includes case management, information and referrals, interpretation and translation, crisis intervention and prevention counseling, and legal services such as assistance with immigration and citizenship. The program strives to help residents overcome barriers to integration in the community and become less reliant on services. MAPS operates a regional senior center in Cambridge that serves as a hub for much of its outreach and advocacy efforts, as well as providing a central location for social and health activities.
Melrose Council on Aging — Live Well ~ Age Well: The Melrose Council on Aging (COA) has a long history of serving adults aged 60 and up, caregivers and adults with disabilities. While the Melrose COA is well established in its role of building community and supporting older adults in navigating services and resources, its Title III grant has a specific goal. Their MVES grant funding will enable the COA to deliver 18 events throughout the year that focus on learning new skills, creative expression and social interaction. Several events will be geared toward encouraging participation by LGBTQIA+ older adults. All the activities and events are designed to reduce isolation, increase engagement and raise awareness of the services and supports available through the COA and the Milano Center in Melrose.
Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless — Casa Project: The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless will use its MVES grant to address housing issues and promote housing stability for older adults through its Casa Project program. Casa Project advocates work closely with older adults in the region to complete and submit applications for a variety of housing support programs, ranging from long-term programs like Section 8 to short-term emergency aid such as the RAFT program. Older adults also receive counseling and referrals for other programs and services that may help prevent displacement or eviction. Advocates communicate by phone and Internet, allowing older adults to receive services without having to leave their homes. Translation and interpretation are offered through multilingual staff as well as a translation line.
If you missed the first two parts of this series, you can click here to read Part 1 and Part 2.
