Activities & Adult Learning - Resources for Jewish Seniors in Greater Boston

Adult Learning

Adult Learning

Combined Jewish Philanthropies
126 High Street
Boston, MA 02110
Phone: 617 457-8774
http://www.cjp.org

CJP Adult Learning has several adult offerings. For instance, Me'ah is an intensive two-year adult learning program offered in conjunction with Hebrew College. The Genesis Forum is a free lunchtime learning series in the Boston office. Also, special events with impressive lectures are listed on the website. Click here for information. 

Please contact Elana at 617-457-8586 or email her at adultlearning@cjp.org  to find out how to take advantage of these programs.

Adventures in LifeLong Learning

Road Scholar
11 Avenue de Lafayette
Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 800 454-5768
http://www.roadscholar.org

Road Scholar, created by Elderhostel Inc.,  is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing extraordinary learning adventures for people 55 and over. From New Hampshire to New Zealand, South Africa to South Dakota, Elderhostel offers you a world of educational opportunities. Expert instructors, experienced group leaders, and helpful staff create extraordinary experiences by sharing stimulating information, and leading fascinating field trips and cultural excursions. Programs have a special focus which can include outdoor activities, art lessons, and theater attendance.

Click here to find out how to obtain a catalog.

Evergreen Program

Boston University
808 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
Phone: 617 353-9852
Fax: 617-353-4130
http://www.bu.edu/evergreen/index.html

The Boston University Evergreen Program invites elders of the community to enrich their lives through opportunities to learn, make new friends, and participate in the intergenerational setting of the University.

Lectures and discussions on interesting and meaningful topics are conducted by recognized experts. The program also provides the opportunity for noncredit participation in most Boston University courses.

The only qualification for attending Evergreen is attainment of the age of fifty-eight. No educational credentials or professional affiliations are required.

Hebrew College

Me'ah Experience
160 Herrick Road
Newton Centre, MA 02459
Phone: 617 457-8742
http://www.hebrewcollege.edu

Through reading and analyzing core texts and ideas, the Me'ah program helps to develop a framework for understanding Jewish culture and civilization. Before each class there are prepared readings, including passages from primary textual sources and supplemental scholarly materials that reveal the richness of Jewish literature. The first year covers Hebrew Bible and rabbinics, while the following year focuses on the medieval and modern Jewish experience, drawing from primary sources and exploring the distinguishing social and cultural themes of those eras. To find out where a Me'ah class is being held click here.

Me'ah is an adult learning program of Hebrew College and the Commission on Jewish Continuity, made possible with funding from the Combined Jewish Philanthropies.

Institute for Learning in Retirement

Harvard University
51 Brattle Street
Cambridge, MA
Phone: 617 495-4072
http://www.hilr.harvard.edu

Membership has grown from 100 to 500 members, and over the decades thousands of men and women have taken part in the Institute's study groups. The membership is drawn from a broad and diverse spectrum of the community and includes professionals from such fields as education, law, healthcare, the arts, business, and technology. All are distinguished by their keen interest in the world of ideas. The Institute serves as a model for similar academic programs nationally and internationally.

For a membership application and information, email Lynda_Sheehan@harvard.edu or call 617-495-4072.

Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Boston

Foundations of Jewish Genealogical Research
P.O. BOX
Newton, MA 02461-0366
Phone: 617 796-8522
http://www.jgsgb.org

Hebrew College and the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Boston are collaborating to offer Foundations of Jewish Genealogical Research, a course enabling serious adult students with a strong foundation in Jewish Genealogy to research their family of origins. In addition to methodology and knowledge of resources, the course will include introductions to relevant world history, geography, and DNA research.

For more information visit www.jgsgb.org , email info@jgsgb.org or call 617-796-8522.

Leventhal Sidman Jewish Community Center

Explorations: Adult Learning and Enrichment
333 Nahanton Street
Newton, MA 02459
Phone: 617 558-6443
http://www.lsjcc.org/home/seniors.html

Explorations program runs for six consecutive Tuesdays, March through April. Session one is from 10am to 11am and session two is 11:30 to 12:30. Prices vary for member and non-member. Call JCC for brochure and registration at 617-558-6443 or email at seniors@jccgb.org.

Life Long Learning at Regis College

Regis College
235 Wellesley Street
PO BOX 3
Weston, MA 02493
Phone: 781 768-7135
http://regiscollege.edu

Life Long Learning at Regis College (LLARC) is a membership organization which offers daytime programs created by older adults who like to take classes and participate in small group discussions. LLARC involves no tests, term papers, or credits, nor any previous college experience. LLARC members can also participate in many Regis-sponsored cultural events on campus throughout the year.

For more information please click here, email LLARC@regiscollege.edu or call 781-768-7135.

Lifetime Learning Program

Newton Community Education
c/o Newton South High School
140 Brandeis Road
Newton, MA 02459
Phone: 617 559-6994

The Newton Community Education is a self-sustaining arm of the Newton Public Schools, open to all students, regardless of residence. Educational, social, cultural, and vocational programs are provided to adults of all ages endeavoring to provide high-quality classes at a reasonable cost.

"Lifetime Learning" is an eight-week course specifically developed for seniors. Classes are taught by professionals who volunteer their services. Call Lori Swet for more information: 617-559-6994

Nishmat Hayyim

Jewish Meditation Collaborative of New England
1566 Beacon Street
Brookline, MA 02446
Phone: 617 566-8171
http://www.nishmathayyim.org

Nishmat Hayyim is a resource for Jewish communities throughout New England. They offer contemplative Torah study, tefillah, and ways to cultivate better physical and emotional health in a Jewish context. Local and national teachers lead contemplative Jewish services, lectures, and courses supporting Jewish spiritual life and teaching how regular meditation practice can contribute to psychological well being.

One Day University

Babson College
Sorenson Center for the Arts
231 Forest Street
Wellesley, MA 02457
Phone: 800 663-3298
http://www.onedayu.com

Since 2006, One Day University has been bringing together award-winning professors from Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, and other top-tier schools to create stimulating, thought-provoking, live, classroom experiences. Each event features four professors lecturing on topics including history, literature, political science, art, music, philosophy, and more—plus lunch.

In Massachusetts, Babson College hosts the event. Other sites are in Connecticut, New York, California, and Pennsylvania. Call 800-663-3298 to register and learn more about the program.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Brandeis

Brandeis University
415 South Street
Waltham, MA 02454
Phone: 781 736-2992
Fax: 781 736-2122
http://www.brandeis.edu/programs/bali/

The Brandeis Adult Learning Institute (BALI), offered on the Brandeis campus, is called the Osher Lifetime Learning Institute at Brandeis (BOLLI). The BOLLI Program comprises a diversity of courses, seminars, lectures, and programs combined with social events and local and regional activities designed to meet the unique needs of the retired, semi-retired, and adult participants. Members are also welcome to participate in a variety of cultural and educational opportunities that are made available to the entire Brandeis community.

For more information about our program, please contact the BOLLI office at bolli@brandeis.edu or 781-736-2992.

OSHER Lifelong Learning Institute at Tufts

Tufts University
039 Carmichael Hall
Medford, MA 02155
Phone: (617) 627-5699
http://ase.tufts.edu/lli/default.aspx

Lifelong Learning at Tufts University is a membership organization which offers daytime programs created by older adults who like to take classes and participate in small group discussions.  No tests, term papers or credits, nor any previous college experience is necessary. OSHER members can also participate in many Tufts University cultural events on campus throughout the year. The program is designed to meet the needs of the retired, semi-retired, and adult participants. Virtual courses are now being offered in addition to an eight week study group in Lexington at the Brookhaven Retirement Community.

For more information please contact the OSHER office at 617 627-5699 or email ase@tufts.edu/lli

Retirement University

Hebrew SeniorLife: NewBridge on the Charles
5000 Great Meadow Road
Dedham, MA 02026
Phone: 781-234-9029
http://www.hslindependentliving.org/

Retirement University is a new program for local seniors at Hebrew SeniorLife (HSL) in Dedham and Canton. Retirement University is a semester-long program of four classes designed to allow seniors to hear some of today’s most dynamic personalities and experts discuss topics that will enhance their life in retirement. Retirement University is open to the public. The cost to attend the entire program is $50 and retirees can register at http://www.hslindependentliving.org/

Tickets to individual events are not available. Tickets can be purchased online, by mailing a check or directly by calling (781) 234-9029. 

For mail orders: Write your name, address, email and phone number and mail along with your personal check in a stamped envelope to: Hebrew SeniorLife`s Retirement University, NewBridge on the Charles, 5000 Great Meadow Road, Dedham MA 02026
Phone: Call (781) 234-9029 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. VISA, MasterCard, accepted

University of Massachusetts - Boston

OLLI
100 Morrissey Blvd
Boston, MA 02125-3393
Phone: 617 287-7312
http://www.olli.umb.edu/

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI-UMB) at the University of Massachusetts Boston is for people 50 years old and above. OLLI provides a learning experience at a modest cost that will enrich the intellectual, social, and cultural lives of people who share a love of lifelong learning regardless of the extent of their formal education. No academic or other credentials are required. Most of the OLLI instructors, called facilitators, are retirees. Many of them are retired or current UMass Boston faculty. Others are OLLI members who volunteer to facilitate a course of their interest.

Nearly 70 courses or seminars on a variety of topics are offered each year. They meet once a week during the day and might last anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks. Field trips, special lectures, and social events are also included in the offerings. Most seminars are held at the Harbor Campus of UMass Boston. It is a short walk from the Massachusetts Archives building and the John F. Kennedy Library and easy to reach by public or private transportation. Parking is available for a small fee.

Members may take one or more courses (up to three, depending on availability) per semester, serve on committees, and participate in operating the program.

Wellesley College

Alumnae Association
106 Central Street
Wellesley, MA 02481
Phone: (781) 283-1000
http://web.wellesley.edu

The Alumnae Association fosters life long learning by offering alumnae the opportunity to connect with each other and the College through a variety of programs:Auditor Program - Alumnae may audit select Wellesley College courses. iTunesU - Lectures and other special podcasts are available online, on a computer or on an iPod.The Faculty Speaker Program - Faculty visit alumnae clubs and present exciting topics with a flavor of "Wellesley Today."Travel Program - Alumnae can participate in occasional trips that bring the intellectual community of the college to locations around the world. Please feel free to contact us at alumnae@wellesley.edu.

Workmen's Circle

Yiddish Classes
1762 Beacon Street
Brookline, MA 02445
Phone: 617-566-6281
http://workmenscircleboston.org

The Workmen's Circle/Arbeter Ring, provides a wide range of opportunities to learn and practice Yiddish. Through classes given on three levels, lecture series, A Besere Velt, and the Yiddish Vinski, the Workmen's Circle has become the Yiddish Center of Boston. In addition to the yiddish classes, there are informal conversational groups and a drop-in group in Brookline, Somerville, and Lexington. Call the number above or visit the website for details and schedules.

Community Centers

JCC of the North Shore

Four Community Rd.
Marblehead, MA 01945
Phone: 781-631-8330
Fax: 781-631-8181
http://www.jccns.org

JCC of the North Shore has Jewish programming as well as recreational activities for the whole family.

Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center

333 Nahantan Street
Newton Centre, MA 02459
Phone: 617-558-6522
Fax: 617-244-8290
http://www.lsjcc.org

The JCC offers group fitness classes, personal training, aquatics, enrichment programs, discussion groups, travel, special entertainment, holiday celebrations, and intergenerational activities.

Fitness Options: The JCC’s Men’s Health Center and Adult Women’s Locker Room offer a premium health club experience. The fee for this is in addition to the general membership fee.   Click here to learn about what is offered in the Fitness membership.

Ryna Greenbaum JCC Travel Club: The Travel Club comprises members of the Greater Boston JCC’s. For many trips, transportation is available from Leventhal Sidman JCC, from 100 Centre Street, 1550 Beacon Street in Brookline, from the Hampton Inn off Speen Street in Natick and from 1179 Central Street in Stoughton. The Club holds bi-monthly dinners with entertainment at Leventhal-Sidman JCC. For more information on trips or dinners, call 617-558-6448. Prices vary depending on membership level.

JCC Without Walls is a collaboration of Congregation Kehillath Israel, The JCC of Greater Boston, Ohabei Shalom and Young Israel to meet the needs of seniors living in the Brookline/Brighton area with generous funding from Combined Jewish Philanthropies. Events are open to the entire community. For more information or to join the email list, contact 617 558-6480.

Click here to learn about the Senior Programs at the JCC and obtain a copy of the  News Letter.

Merrimack Valley Jewish Federation

P.O. Box 937
Andover, MA 01810
Phone: 978 688-0466
http://www.mvjf.org

The Merrimack Valley Jewish Federation (MVJF) brings together the Jewish community with the Coalition of Literacy and Jewish Adult Education with conjunction with local synagogues.  Seniors are supported through the Merrimack Valley Jewish Seniors, a Jewish senior organization that dedicates its time and effort in delivering food, magazines and clothing to nursing home residents.  For more information, please email Michele Soll at info@mvjf.org  or call 978 688-0466.

Striar JCC (South Area Senior Programs)

Ahavath Torah Congregation
1179 Central Street
Stoughton, MA 02072
Phone: 339-364-1488
http://www.striarjcc.org

The Striar JCC Senior program has acquired a new name and new locations. South Area Senior Programs take place at Ahavath Torah Congregation in Stoughton. Every Tuesday classes, lectures, and performances are offered from 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Kosher lunch is available. Sabbath Delight are held monthly (dates to be announced) at Temple Israel, 12 Pond Street, Sharon. Prepare for Shabbat together with bread breaking and discussions led by  guest speakers.  Short Story Hour with Mayer Rossman on the 4th Friday of the month (12:30) at Temple Sinai, 25 Canton Street, Sharon. For more information, call Harvey Levensohn at 339-364-1488.

Cultural Arts & Social Activities

Hadassah - Boston Chapter

2001 Beacon Street, Suite 101
Brighton, MA 02135
Phone: 617 566-0666
Fax: 617 232-7946
http://www.boston.hadassah.org

Hadassah is a volunteer women's organization, whose members support medical care, research, and education and youth institutions in Israel. In the United States, Hadassah enhances the quality of American and Jewish life through its education and youth programs, promotes health awareness, and provides enrichment for its members.

Members are from the Boston metropolitan and city neighborhoods and are drawn to either the age-based or professional programs. Book groups, lectures, study groups, and fundraising options are scheduled throughout the year. 

Discovering What's Next : Revitalizing Retirement

225 Nevada Street
Newton, MA 02460
Phone: 617 467-5438
http://www.discoveringwhatsnext.com

Discovering What's Next is a community-based organization engaging mid-life and older adults in the creative exploration of their next life stage. Programs and services are focused on transitions in careers and  learning how to engage in civic engagement. Adult education, leisure activities, informal support groups, and socialization opportunities are also offered through Discovering What's Next. Click here for the calendar of events.

Goddard House

165 Chestnut Street
Brookline, MA 02445
Phone: 617 731-8500
Fax: 617 731-5188
http://www.goddardhouse.org

Goddard House Assisted Living in Brookline, has invited the public to enjoy the presentations and entertainment.  

Hadassah - NNER

Northern New England Region of Hadassah
19-A Crosby Drive, Suite 210
Bedford, MA 01730
Phone: 1-781-280-0663
Fax: 1-781-280-0174
http://www.nner.hadassah.org/

Hadassah is a volunteer women's organization, whose members support medical care, research, and education and youth institutions in Israel.  In the United States, Hadassah enhances the quality of American and Jewish life through its education and youth programs, promotes health awareness, and provides enrichment for its members.

Hadassah - SNER

Southern New England Region of Hadassah
220 Reservoir Street, Suite 23
Needham Heights, MA 02494
Phone: 781 444-7676
http://www.sner.hadassah.org

Hadassah is a volunteer women's organization, whose members support medical care, research, and education and youth institutions in Israel. In the United States, Hadassah enhances the quality of American and Jewish life through its education and youth programs, promotes health awareness, and provides enrichment for its members.

Within the Southern New England Region of Hadassah there are 18 chapters that cover a wide area. The names of the Chapters are:  Brockton-Taunton, Cape Cod, Charles River, Easton-Mansfield, Framingham-Natick, Hull, Needham, New Bedford, Norwood-Westwood, Orchard Cove, Plymouth, Sharon-Stoughton, South Coastal-Quincy, Suburban South, Sudbury-Wayland, and Wellesley-Weston. Please call the regional office in Needham for the direct contact information to the chapter closest to you.

Hadassah - WNER

Western New England Region of Hadassah
340 Main Street, Suite 869
Worcester, MA 508752-7030
Phone: 1-508-752-7030
Fax: 1-508-752-4101
http://www.wner.hadassah.org

Hadassah is a volunteer women's organization, whose members support medical care, research, and education and youth institutions in Israel. In the United States, Hadassah enhances the quality of American and Jewish life through its education and youth programs, promotes health awareness, and provides enrichment for its members.

Jewish Family Service of Metro West

Healthy Aging: Walk Your Way to Wellness
475 Franklin Street
Suite 101
Framingham, MA 01702
Phone: (508) 875-3100
http://jfsmw.org

JFS-Healthy Aging is a Program of Jewish Family Service of Metro West partnering with the JCC of Metro West and area synagogues to promote healthy aging. JFS-Healthy Aging provides scientifically proven programs designed for older adults to become more active, improve balance and boost self-confidence.

Walk Your Way to Wellness is offered to the public, weekly at a pre-determined meeting place.  Click here to sign up.

Volunteers are needed for coaching in the Healthy Aging Program of Metro West so please consider. Click here to learn more about this volunteer opportunity.

JewishBoston.com

Combined Jewish Philanthropies
126 High Street
Boston, MA 02110
http://jewishboston.com/

JewishBoston.com is, well, a website for Jews in Boston. Here you can find an immediate connection to all the amazing Jewish things that are happening in Boston right now. Discover links to cultural events (music, dance, film, lectures, cooking classes), Jewish education (courses, lectures, trips), organizations (synagogues, community centers, professional networking) and lots more.

Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) created the world of JewishBoston.com so that, finally, there is an easy to find, vibrant online place to connect Jews. No more endless searching for ways to experience Jewish life.  JewishBoston.com is a natural extension of CJP and was born out of the realization that a new way of thinking was needed to bring the community together.  You can read more about CJP and our strategic plan at www.cjp.org/jewishbostonconnected.

So now that JewishBoston.com is available, it’s your turn. You make the site better every time you use it, comment on it, share it with friends. It belongs to you. Discover the richness of Jewish life in Boston. The wandering is over. If you need to get in touch with us, we’re available in all the possible ways: Call us at 617-457-8751, and you can talk to our Community Manager Liz Polay-Wettengel. Email us at support@jewishboston.com, and we’ll make every effort to get back to you within 24 hours, if not sooner. For questions about editorial content or to send us press releases, please contact our editor, David Levy, at editor@jewishboston.com or 617-457-8535. Send us traditional mail at JewishBoston.com, 126 High Street, Boston, MA 02110.

Key Sunday Cinema Club - Boston Chapter

West Newton Cinema
1296 Washington Street
Newton, MA
Phone: 888 467-0404

The Boston Chapter meets at the West Newton Cinema, Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Price for four shows: $73. Click Here for details.

Since 1992, The Key Sunday Cinema Club has distinguished itself as the nation's premiere sneak-preview film society, showcasing the best in international and independent cinema always before local commercial release. Knowledgeable film professionals, professors, authors, and critics moderate the post-screening discussions, often with special guest speakers in attendance.

Leventhal-Sidman JCC at Hebrew SeniorLife

Friday Oneg Shabbat Program
1550 Beacon Street
3rd Floor
Brookline, MA 02446
Phone: 617 363-8100
http://www.hebrewseniorlife.org/

The Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center, in conjunction with Hebrew SeniorLife, hosts oneg shabbat programs every Friday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at 1550 Beacon Street, Brookline. The program consists of a traditional kosher shabbat meal, a lecture/discussion, and entertainment. Suggested donation is $4. Call for reservations at 617-558-6448.  Transportation is provided from the Newton JCC to Brookline every Friday if reservations have been made.

Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center

Wednesdays at the JCC
333 Nahanton Street
Newton, MA 02459
Phone: 617 558-6448
http://lsjcc.org/home/seniors.html

On Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. a full day program is available to members only. To register for a kosher lunch on Wednesdays, call  617-558-6596 (10 - 11 a.m.) the Friday before the Wednesday program. There is a $3 suggested donation for lunch and full day program. Transportation is available to and from Brookline/Brighton. For van reservations, call  617-558-6596.

Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center

Ryna Greenbaum JCC Travel Club
333 Nahanton Street
Newton, MA 02459
Phone: 617 558-6448
http://www.lsjcc.org/home/seniors.html

Be part of the active community of travelers and leave every detail to the JCC! The JCC Travel Club invites members and non-members to attend a trip. Prices vary depending on membership level. For many trips there will be transportation available in Stoughton, Natick, Brookline and Newton.

The Travel Club holds bi-monthly dinners with entertainment at the Leventhal-Sidman JCC.

For more information on trips or dinners, call 617-558-6448.

New Center For Arts and Culture

20 Ashburton Place, 2nd Floor
Suite 1
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 531-4610
Fax: (617) 531-4611
http://www.newcenterboston.org

New Center LIVE! brings the most acclaimed and original Jewish writers, artists, musicians, actors, political figures, and humorists to Boston for lively, revealing conversations about their lives and work. This new series offers a window into the minds of some of our most creative thinkers while also exploring the fertile, ever-changing nature of Jewish contributions to culture in America and around the world.

Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Needlework

http://www.pomegranateguild.org

Organized in 1977, the Pomegranate Guild has chapters through out the United States and Canada. The Guild’s focus is to heighten Judaic artistic awareness  and create a visual  legacy through quilting, needle pointing, bead work and paper cutting. Programs are at different sites around the Boston area.  RSVP is required for programs as kits are made up in advance. Kit prices vary for each program.  Annual dues are also required. All members receive the Paper Pomegranate, a quarterly national publication, an educational tool which includes needlework techniques, Jewish holiday information and projects, ceremonial symbols, historical information and inspiration for contemporary and traditional fiber art. 

For membership and local programming, please visit the national website for the local chapter. 

Senior Matinees at the Coolidge Corner Theatre

Coolidge Corner Theatre
290 Harvard Street
Brookline, MA 02446
Phone: 617 734-2500
http://www.coolidge.org/senior

Every Wednesday, adults 62 year olds and over pay just $4 for any screening beginning before 4 p.m. The Theatre is completely handicap accessible and is outfitted with assisted listening devices. If you have a Senior Member Coolidge Corner Card, you can get a free small popcorn at the concession stand as well. Just show your card. (Popcorn offer only valid during Senior Matinee screenings.) *Must present valid MBTA T.A.P ID if you are disabled and under age 62.

ShalomBoston.com

http://www.shalomboston.com

ShalomBoston.com helps residents and visitors alike find the Jewish resources they need, including information on synagogues and religious services, kosher food, other religious or ritual needs, local events of Jewish interest, and a myriad of ways to connect with others in the Jewish community.  Greater Boston, all of Massachusetts, and  parts of neighboring New England states are included.

Temple Emanuel

Senior Activity Program
7 Haggets Pond Road
Andover, MA 01810
Phone: 978-470-1356

The Temple Emanuel Senior Program meets on oneThursday of each month from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. and provides lunch, a speaker, or presentation. This program runs from September to June and is available to all seniors in the Merrimac Valley. There are three bus trips yearly. New participants are always welcome. Please call the temple office to confirm the dates of programing at 978 470-1356.

Temple Emanuel

L'Chaim
345 Ward Street
Newton, MA 02459
Phone: 617 558-8100
http://www.templeemanuel.com/

The L'Chaim Group for senior citizens offers exciting and interesting programs including special trips and social action projects.  Meetings are held once a month on Tuesdays between 1 and 3pm.  For more information call Doris Lelchook at 617-244-3752.

General Activity & Learning Information

Council on Aging

Councils on Aging (COAs) are the community focal point for social and support services to elders, families and caregivers in 349 cities and towns in Massachusetts. These municipal agencies develop priorities, serve as advocates and offer opportunities to access programs, services and activities that directly benefit more than 540,000 elders, families and caregivers annually.

COAs conduct more than 100 programs from information and referral, outreach, transportation, meals (congregate and/or home delivered) to health screening, health insurance information benefits counseling (SHINE), fitness, recreation, computer access, education/life long learning, among others. In most communities, COAs serve as the only public social service agency and assist numerous non-elders in accessing public benefits. They may also serve as a link to and support for elders and others in case of local emergencies.

Each COA determines its own priorities based on unique local circumstances, resources and interests. Volunteers play an integral service role, with more than 31,000 persons recording almost 50,000 hours per week of volunteer support. Regardless of design, a local senior center is often a home away from home for socializing, learning, wellness, “giving back” or just a reason to get out of the house. For the rapidly growing elder population, now totaling nearly 1.3 million elders, COAs and senior centers provide a safe place for Massachusetts elders to remain independent, productive and in the community for as long as possible. To locate the COA in your town, click here for the Massachusetts directory. To read the COA Newsletter click here and find the newsletter you are looking for.

Village to Village Network

2011 Crystal Drive
Suite 800
Arlinington, VA 22202
http://vtvnetwork.clubexpress.com/

The Village toVillage (VtV) Network has been created by the National Association of Villages for Villages.

VtV helps communities establish and manage their own Villages. VtV has been developed in response to requests from Villages nationwide. Villages are based on the needs of your community. Villages do everything and anything that their members want and need. Villages are usually membership-driven, grass-roots organizations, are run by volunteers and paid staff, coordinate access to affordable services including transportation, inspiring health and wellness programs, home repairs, social and educational activities and trips. Villages offer vetted-discounted providers.
 

Village model complements other community approaches to aging such as Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) and Municipal Senior Programs.

Currently, fifty Villages are operating across the country and one has opened in Australia. In Massachusetts the programs that have formed are: Beacon Hill Village Inc, Cambridge At Home, Carleton-Williard at Home, Nauset Neighbors, Neighborhood Falmouth Inc, Newton At Home, The Andovers Village At Home, Vineyard Village At Home, Wellesley At Home Inc, Programs that are not in the Network: At Home In Melrose, B’nai B’rith Housing New England, Mary J Ford, Public Independent Living Options Team (PILOT).
 
Click here, and then click the VtVN Directory to see if there is a Village in your area.