With Appreciation!

Money Management volunteers left to right: Kim MacRae, David Spitz, Amanda Constant, Deb Costa, David Segre, Betty Eipper and Peg Merzbacher

ESCCI's Money Management Program Turns 25!

By Darlene Skog, Money Management Program Manager

On December 10th, 2024, a festive luncheon held at Alberto’s Ristorante in Hyannis honored thirty-seven Money Management Program (MMP) volunteers and commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Money Management Program at Elder Services Cape Cod and the Islands (ESCCI). Held annually, the MMP Volunteer Recognition Luncheon celebrates the generosity of time and service provided by MMP volunteers. Luncheon attendees included MMP volunteers, ESCCI Board Chair Mary McKenna, Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) Protective Services Regional Manager Elisa Beepath, and other senior ESCCI and MMP staff.

ESCCI Board Chair Mary McKenna congratulated ESCCI on MMP’s 25 year anniversary, expressed gratitude to the volunteers for their service, and then read a congratulatory letter from Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kimberley Driscoll thanking ESCCI for “establishing and nurturing these essential programs” and recognizing MMP volunteers for “helping to prevent larger issues such as late payments, evictions/foreclosures, and utility shut offs while preserving the dignity and independence of the senior."

Elisa Beepath, EOEA Protective Services Regional Manager, . 

presented a citation from Robin Lipson, the Secretary of Elder Affairs, which declared, “The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs extends its heartfelt congratulations on reaching this milestone. Thanks to your volunteers, older residents can remain independent even when they cannot manage their own finances. We recognize and applaud you for the impact you have made on your communities for the past 25 years and look forward to our continued partnership to make Massachusetts a great place to grow up and grow older for all." The speaking program concluded with MMP volunteers recognized by their years of service.

Since 1991 income eligible Cape Cod seniors age 60 and over have welcomed MMP volunteers into their homes to assist with monthly bill paying, balancing the checkbook and statement, and avoid being scammed. New volunteers are always welcome! MMP volunteers undergo a robust application, interview, and background check process before taking MMP New Volunteer training. Once trained, MMP volunteers are matched with an elder and conduct monthly bill paying sessions in that person's home to help them stay current with bill paying and maintain their independence. 

If you are interested in becoming a Money Management Program volunteer, please call Dawn Ericson-Taylor at 508-258-2490.