A Message from the SeniorCare
Board President and Chief Executive Officer

As we move forward into our 54th year, we reflect on some of the many accomplishments this past year. SeniorCare continues to be at the forefront for programs and services for older adults on the North Shore. We have remained steadfast with our mission to assist older adults, their caregivers and others to remain a part of their communities, age in place, and be as independent as possible through our help.

We have made a concerted effort this year in making the public aware of SeniorCare through increased marketing including community presentations, and through written print and social media. We recognize the importance and need for ongoing communication with current and future older adults and caregivers. In the coming year, we will add podcasts as a way to get the word out about programs and services at SeniorCare.

SeniorCare will continue to address social isolation and loneliness. Through our Technology Navigator grant funded program, we offer various services including offering Computer 101 classes to groups and are able to provide participants with Chrome Books, which they are able to keep at the end of the sessions. We have increased our ability to provide in-home services to older adults who need assistance with cell phones, computers, printers, etc. Our Technology Navigators provide presentations on various topics such as use of apps for transportation services, recognizing email scams, accessing medical portals, Facebook basics, and more. Our use of virtual reality with small groups of people affords the opportunity for participants to share common interests. We have focused on housing sites and local YMCAs.

SeniorCare has partnered with the YMCA of the North Shore with their new 44-unit housing site in Gloucester by providing a Resident Services Coordinator. In addition, we provide Supportive Housing and Congregate Dining Services at both Garden City Towers in Beverly and McPherson Park in Gloucester. Our partnership with Harborlight Homes also continued throughout the year. We will embrace any housing related opportunities in the coming year.

Our Caregiver Support program, despite being underfunded, has expanded services offered with more caregiver support groups as well as a weekly caregiver email which provides valuable information and resources for caregivers. In the coming year, and in collaboration with Greater Lynn Senior Services and Somerville Cambridge Elder Services, we will implement a state grant, resulting in the utilization of trained volunteers able to provide caregiver support.

While giving up our AmeriCorps Seniors grant and former Retired Senior Volunteers of the North Shore, we have rebranded to SeniorCare Volunteers of the North Shore and retained all our wonderful volunteers. Volunteers are utilized for many of our programs and services such as our Money Management Program, Ombudsman Program, STAY Pet Services, Evidenced Based Programs. Volunteer Medical Transportation, Friendly Caller Service, Meals on Wheels, and many more.

SeniorCare continues to embrace Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) related activities. DEI is one of the core values of SeniorCare. With new members and leadership on the DEI Committee, internal activities have increased over the past year and will continue in the coming year.

As always, we appreciate the many individuals and organizations assisting us to carry out our mission. This includes our many community partners, contracted providers, and grant and Foundation funders. With gratitude, we thank the many donors who have supported us this year, allowing us to continue unfunded and underfunded services and to create new innovative services to meet people’s needs. Thank you to our Board of Directors and Advisory Council for the time they dedicate to SeniorCare. It goes without saying that we could not do what we do without our amazing and committed staff and volunteers who embrace our mission each day to improve the quality of life for those we serve. Despite the uncertainty of state and federal funding moving forward, rest assured that SeniorCare will find a way to meet the needs of those we serve.