The federal funds distributed through Elder Services Title III Community Grants program are intended to respond to needs specific to our community and to reach those most likely to be excluded from mainstream resources.

To better understand these evolving needs, our Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council holds public hearings every other year where older adults, their families, caregivers and friends can speak to their experiences and to gaps in the region’s service delivery network. Working with the testimony presented, the Advisory Council will identify “areas of concern” which will inform the Request for Grant Proposals to be issued in May.

In the 2021 grant cycle, “Caregiver Support” emerged as an area of high interest for the program’s Advisory Board and this was reflected in several of the awards made that year which included support to

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe for in home services, durable medical equipment and assistive technology to lighten the load on family caregivers age 60 and older

Martha’s Vineyard Community Services to offer a bi-monthly support group for caregivers as well as some respite care

Alzheimer’s Family Support Center to implement cutting edge teleconferencing technology to connect on–Cape caregivers, counselors, and long-distance family members of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementia related illnesses.

Each award period, a substantial portion of the Title III Community Grant funds are allocated to the Elder Law Project at South Coastal Counties Legal Services. These funds support that agency in delivering no cost assistance to about 300 individuals age 60 or older who don’t have the means to pay. The Elder Law project will help with all types of non-criminal matters such as eviction, legal guardianship, power of attorney, and bankruptcy.