OCTOBER 2021 NEWSLETTER | THE BAYPATH BULLETIN |
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Massachusetts Money Management Program |
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Q&A with a BayPath Money Management Volunteer
In honor of the 30th anniversary, Statewide Money Management Program Coordinator Carrie Haskell recognized the dedication of the MMMP volunteers who had 10 or more years of service across the state. While compiling the list and the certificates, Carrie noted that Mr. Don Curtis has been a Money Management volunteer since its inception 30 years ago, making him the longest-serving volunteer within the entire MMMP program!
BayPath has the distinctive honor of working with Don as a member of our Money Management volunteer team and recently had the opportunity to learn more about Mr. Curtis and his journey with the Money Management program.
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BAYPATH: How many consumers do you work with at a time? What is your time commitment?
Don Curtis: I prefer to work with one consumer at a time, which enables me to get to know them and understand their financial situation with a singular focus. When I first start working with a BayPath consumer, I invest whatever time is needed upfront to review their financial challenges, work with them to determine their goals, and together we develop a plan to get their bills current. Thereafter, I meet with them monthly to review their bills and outgoing expenses, write out the checks and make sure they get posted.
BAYPATH: What is your favorite part of volunteering for this program?
Don Curtis: I enjoy helping people realize they do have sufficient funds to keep the bills paid, food in the fridge, and still have a little extra to do whatever they choose to use it for. It is also my goal to help people find and remove hidden fees such as bank fees or subscriptions that they don't need or use and point out what discounts they are eligible for, like fuel assistance.
BAYPATH: If you were to share one success story with us, which one stands out to you?
Don Curtis: In one instance, I was working with a couple who still resided in the home they owned for years. Upon reviewing their finances, I saw that they did have sufficient funds but were not in a position to manage their federal benefits any longer. So, going through the proper channels, I became their Representative Payee. With that designation, I was able to directly manage their accounts, income, and outgoing expenses. When I started this journey with them, they had a lien on their home and were delinquent on their heating bill. After I was able to stabilize their finances, the lien was removed, their bills were brought up to date, and they could put in a new furnace.
BAYPATH: After 30 years, do you see yourself retiring from this volunteer work?
Don Curtis: I have been working with my current consumer since 2003. As long as he needs me, I will be there.
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The Money Management Program is made possible through our wonderful and dedicated Volunteers.
BayPath benefits from a large and dedicated corps of volunteers for its Money Management Program. The program, which covers the 14 communities BayPath serves as well as the 12 communities served by HESSCO, currently has 79 volunteers working with consumers. Of those, 16 have been volunteering for 10 or more years, tying Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services for the most volunteers with a decade or more service with any agency in the state.
In addition to Don, BayPath’s volunteers include Jack Oster, who has been with the program for more than 25 years, and Anne Plaisted, a volunteer for over 22 years. The additional volunteers with 10 or more years of service are: Karen Spaziante, Linda Maguire, Kellianne Erath, Dorothy Vine, Judith Petrovic, David Crimmins, Lori Dunne, Stan Gagin, Maureen Osolnik, Richard Gottlieb, Ann Hendricks, Linda Sakin, and Glenda Thomas.
We salute them for their service and gratefully acknowledge all they have done and continue to do to improve the quality of life for the consumers we serve. Thank you to all of our dedicated volunteers!
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To learn more about the program or refer someone to the MMMP, volunteer, or donate, please contact BayPath's Money Management Program Supervisor Sue Burns at 508-573-7241 or via email at [email protected]. |
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OLDER AMERICANS ACT - GRANT RECIPIENTS |
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BayPath is the local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for MetroWest. Area Agencies on Aging were established under the Older Americans Act (OAA) in 1973 to respond to the needs of Americans aged 60 and over in every community.
As such, BayPath serves as the public advocate for the needs and preferences of older adults within our 14 MetroWest communities, working with an advisory council with other advisors as mandated by the Older Americans Act (OAA). The goal is to determine unmet needs and then support the development of comprehensive community-based services within our planning area tailored to meet those needs.
On an annual basis, BayPath invites applications for grants under the Older Americans Act, Title III, Parts B, D and E. These grants support and extend needed community-based services, which enable persons age 60 and older to remain in their homes and communities. Grants are awarded through a competitive proposal review process.
BayPath would like to congratulate the Grant Recipients for the Federal Fiscal Year 2022 (October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022):
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TITLE III B
COMMUNITY SERVICES
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Framingham State University
Adventures in Lifelong Learning
Marlborough COA
A clutter-free lifestyle: Assistance with hoarding
MetroWest Legal Services, Inc
Senior Citizens Legal Project in MetroWest
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TITLE III D
HEALTH PREVENTION PROGRAMS
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Framingham COA
Healthy Living in Spanish & Portuguese
Marlborough COA
Program to Encourage Active Rewarding Lives
MetroWest YMCA
Diabetes Prevention Management
Sherborn COA
Matter of Balance and Walk with Ease
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TITLE III E
FAMILY CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAMS
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Framingham COA
Continuing Connections - Year 10
Natick COA
Powerful Tools for [Family] Caregivers
Sherborn COA
A Healthier You: cultivating resilience and wellness
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AREA PLAN - Meeting the Needs of Older Adults |
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As the local AAA for MetroWest, BayPath is required by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) to complete a community needs assessment every four years. This assessment took place in October of 2020. The finalized area plan summarizes the significant needs of older adults in MetroWest and outlines how BayPath Elder Services intends to address them over the next four years.
FFY2022-2025 Goals, Objectives and Strategies
Goal #1: Meet the needs of the older adult through programs and partnerships that address those with the greatest economic or social need, those isolated and low-income minorities.
Goal #2: Continue targeted outreach and support of the LGBTQ+ older adult.
Goal #3: Strengthen and expand the Nutrition Program.
Goal #4: Help older adults live healthy and active lives.
Goal #5: Support, educate, offer training and respite to family caregivers.
Goal #6: Connect consumers to resources through person-centered, directed planning.
Goal #7: Protect rights and prevent abuse of older adults.
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IN-HOME CORONAVIRUS VACCINE AVAILABILITY |
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Eligibility
- In-home vaccinations are available for anyone who is unable to get to a vaccine location.
- It can be for your first and then a second dose of Pfizer or Moderna or a single Johnson & Johnson dose.
- For individuals who meet the criteria for a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
How to register for an in-home vaccine
- Call the In-Home Vaccination Central Intake Line at (833) 983-0485.
- Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Representatives are available in both English and Spanish and also have access to translators for over 100 languages.
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The following links are to mass.gov and provide additional information and answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the in-home vaccine program, receiving a booster, eligibility, and more:
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OCTOBER HEALTH AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS |
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There are many health observances in October. Below we highlight the most relevant health concerns for older adults: |
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month is promoted by The National Breast Cancer Foundation. The past year has posed a challenge to just about everything, and breast cancer prevention was no exception. Many women delayed screening which resulted in setbacks in early detection. We encourage all women to get screened and perform self-examinations at home. Early detection can save your life or the life of a loved one. |
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Older adults (65 and older) are often more prone to malnutrition because aging may come with a cumulation of diseases and impairments, which may directly influence the balance between nutritional needs and actual nutrient intake. Even if someone is overweight or appears healthy, they still may suffer from malnutrition. If you have an older adult in your life, check in on them. #BeaNutritionNeighbor! Learn More.
BayPath's Nutrition program and home-delivered meals service help combat the undernourishment of MetroWest Seniors every day. Contact our Information and Referral team at 508-973-7200 for more information.
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Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. However, mental illness affects everyone directly or indirectly through family, friends or coworkers.
That is why each year, during the first week of October, NAMI and participants across the country raise awareness of mental illness, fight discrimination and provide support through Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW). Learn More.
Elder Community Care (ECC) provides counseling and other support services specifically designed to meet the mental health needs of older adults in MetroWest. Contact Edmilse Diaz ECC Triage Coordinator at 508-573-7237 to learn more about this BayPath program
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OCTOBER
BayPath Meals on Wheels will receive a $1 donation for every $12.00 Bloomin' 4 Good Bouquet with the red circle sticker sold at the Hannaford store located at 193 Boston Post Road West, Route 20, Marlborough MA.
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NOVEMBER
BayPath Meals on Wheels will receive a $1 donation from each purchase of the $2.50 reusable Fight Hunger Bag at the Hannaford store located at 193 Boston Post Road West, Route 20, Marlborough MA.
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SEPTEMBER
The September 2021 Stop & Shop Community Bag Program in the Westborough store netted a $350 donation for our Meals on Wheels program.
$350 can fund three emergency meals for 35 homebound older adults!
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LGBTQ+ EVENTS - All ages and SOFFAs welcome! |
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Virtual Coffee Hour
Chat about this 'n that
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Virtual Café
Lunch and Chat
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The Dune Shack
A virtual art space
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Tuesdays @ 11 a.m. except for the 3rd Tuesday of the month
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3rd Tuesday of each month @ noon.
Come to chat or to listen
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Thursdays @ 11 a.m.
Make art or just chat!
This is a welcoming space
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To learn more about our LGBTQ+ Initiative and our LGBTQ+ and SOFFAs (Significant Others, Friends, Family and Allies.) friendly intergenerational events, please contact our LGBTQ+ Initiative Program Coordinator Julie Nowak at 508-573-7288 or via email at [email protected]. |
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BayPath Elder Services, Inc. |
BayPath is a designated Massachusetts Area Agency on Aging and one of 25 Massachusetts Aging Services Access Points.
BayPath is dedicated to being a trusted partner, providing an array of services and programs to older adults and individuals of any age with disabilities who require support to maintain their independence.
BayPath's Information and Referral team are happy to answer your questions and direct you to the proper support. Call 508-573-7200 or visit
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Caregiving MetroWest, a BayPath program, offers extensive resources and information for family caregivers on our caregiving website: CareGivingMetroWest.org
BayPath also provides direct support for family caregivers through our Family Caregiver Support Program. Contact our Caregiving Specialist, Donna Murray, at 508-573-7239 or [email protected]
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The BayPath Family Caregiver Support Program and CaregivingMetroWest.org have been made possible by funding from the Older Americans Act as granted by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. Participants may make a voluntary donation toward the cost of this federally funded service. Click here for more information.
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