The Senior Center will be closed on Monday, November 11 in honor of Veterans Day, and Thursday, November 28th in observation of Thanksgiving. No transportation or food services will be available on those days.
The Senior Center is open on Friday, November 29, but there will be no Springwell lunch, no transportation to and from the Center and no medical transportation.
Director of the Brookline Senior Center, Ruthann Dobek, often says, “When you need something done, you ask a busy person!”
Recently one of our staff was out of the office, unexpectantly due to a family emergency. Her responsibilities include the Medical Transportation Program. Phone calls desperately needed to be answered and rides scheduled. A couple of dedicated volunteers immediately stepped into action. They handled over 50 messages in one day requesting medical transportation, all while managing their regular volunteer duties. This commitment saved the day for dozens of folks who rely on this essential transportation service.
This situation highlights the unwavering dedication of our volunteers, who are always ready to jump in and help keep the Senior Center running smoothly. Our volunteers provide essential services. We are deeply grateful for all of our volunteers for the tasks they are schedule to do and the countless “extra mile” efforts they contribute to our community every day.
If you have a special interest area or expertise that you would like to share with the Senior Center, please reach out to Valerie Graf, the Volunteer Coordinator, at 617-730-2743 or vgraf@brooklinema.gov to learn more about creating and facilitating a new program at the Senior Center.
Are you interested in weekly social visits with seniors in their home? Volunteers are matched with seniors in the community for weekly friendly visits to help with social isolation common for so many homebound seniors. Volunteers will receive initial training and ongoing support from a Brookline Senior Center Social Worker. Please reach out with our Volunteer coordinator, Valerie Graf, at vgraf@brooklinema.gov or 617-730-2743 to learn more.
If you or a family member could benefit from a weekly social visit, please reach out to our Social Worker, Sharon Sandalow, at ssandalow@brooklinema.gov or 617-730-2769.
The S.H.O.P. (Students Helping Older People) Program, a collaboration between the Brookline Senior Center and the Brookline High School (BHS), has been a community service club at BHS over 25 years. Students are paired with seniors to assist with grocery shopping throughout the school year. In addition to providing practical support for seniors, this program also offers high school students valuable life skills. Not only do they hone their grocery shopping skills, it creates opportunities for students and seniors to exchange stories and life experiences, fostering rich intergenerational conversations. These connections often evolve into meaningful, long-lasting relationships, benefiting both the students and seniors involved.
Anne Mogel, a BHS junior and one of this year’s SHOP Student Leaders says, “I’ve had a great experience participating in SHOP. I have been able to form a relationship with the senior I’m shopping for, as well as experience what it’s like to do hands-on volunteering, where I can see my impact up close. I shop for my senior every weekend, and it has become woven into my weekly routine. I’m looking forward to continuing my shopping this year, and furthering my experience!”
Currently serving approximately 25 Brookline seniors, the SHOP program gets high marks from the seniors involved. One senior couldn’t say enough positive things about the two students with whom she has been paired. She noted that “It’s the highlight of my week!” Another senior reflected that “the student’s cheery demeanor is a gift in itself. The program incorporates young people to help older people like me. It’s beneficial for everyone involved. Win Win!”
The SHOP program has officially started for the 2024/2025 school year and students are ready to start shopping! If you are a senior who would like to have a student shop for you, please call Valerie, the Volunteer Coordinator, at 617‐730‐2743 or email her at vgraf@brooklinema.gov.
CLICK HERE to watch a video to learn more about the S.H.O.P program and how it benefits both students and seniors.
The REAP program is designed for Brookline residents aged 60 and older who wish to remain engaged and active in the community while in retirement or partial retirement. Limited additional program opportunities may also be available for individuals aged 55-60. The goal of this program is to enhance the retirement experience by connecting participants with either part-time paid or volunteer work in the community or at the Brookline Senior Center (BSC).
To enroll or for more information, call 617-730-2767 or email Vivian Williams at vwilliams@brooklinema.gov.at vwilliams@brooklinema.gov.
If you’re looking for something and can’t find it, or think there’s something missing here, please let us know!