A Year of Success, Support, and Strong Partnerships for WestMass ElderCare

WestMass ElderCare (WMEC) had a year of dedication and service supporting elder adults in Western Massachusetts. Throughout 2022, WMEC had the privilege and opportunity to serve over 6,500 people across Holyoke, Chicopee, Belchertown, Ware, South Hadley, Granby, and Ludlow. 

Through our services, programs, and partnerships with community organizations, we have continued the work we firmly believe in, rooted in the principles of self-determination, independence, dignity, and choice for older adults and people with disabilities. We’ve provided vital, life-saving community resources, such as home-delivered meals, senior care options, personal care management, and outreach to thousands of individuals in need. 

With the help and support of our incredible staff, devoted community partners, and generous donors, we made an indelible impact this year, including:   

• 12,236 call responses were made by WMEC Community Resource Specialists. 
• 2,343 individuals received nutritious meals delivered to their home or served at our Community Table programs along with daily socialization and safety checks. 
• 2,007 individuals maintained safe, clean-living spaces thanks to WMEC homemakers. 
• 780 low-income elders received home-delivered fresh, local fruits and vegetables through our partnership with USDA Farmers Market Programs. 
• 183 caregivers received vital respite care services. 
• 137 older adults received free legal help to eliminate barriers to housing, public benefits, and other community services. 

Additionally, in 2022 we were thrilled to assist municipalities and allied organizations with preserving the dignity, independence, and quality of life of older adults and persons with disabilities. Through the 2022 Older Americans Act Grant, we facilitated grants to the following organizations: 

• Belchertown Council on Aging: $4,900 for medical transportation, $30,000 for senior nutrition 
• Chicopee/Rivermills Council on Aging: $7,500 for older adult transportation 
• Community Legal Aid: $24,865 for elder law services 
• Granby Council on Aging: $4,071 for elder outreach services 
• Ludlow Council on Aging: $900 for a memory café program 
• South Hadley Council on Aging: $5,304 for a senior tech specialist program, $2,069 for elder transportation 
• Ware Council on Aging: $7,500 for elder transportation 
• Valley Opportunity Council: $7,020 for a senior companion program for caregivers 

As we prepare to enter 2023, we are committed to preserving and enhancing the livelihood of some of our community’s most vulnerable people. We look forward to continuing our work in local communities, building partnerships to create access to resources, providing much-needed respite for caregivers, and empowering consumers to utilize our services when and if they need them.  

• • 12,236 call responses were made by WMEC Community Resource Specialists. 

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• • 2,343 individuals received nutritious meals delivered to their home or served at our Community Table programs along with daily socialization and safety checks. 

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• • 2,007 individuals maintained safe, clean-living spaces thanks to WMEC homemakers. 

_x000D_

• • 780 low-income elders received home-delivered fresh, local fruits and vegetables through our partnership with USDA Farmers Market Programs. 

_x000D_

• • 183 caregivers received vital respite care services. 

_x000D_

• • 137 older adults received free legal help to eliminate barriers to housing, public benefits, and other community services. 

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Additionally, in 2022 we were thrilled to assist municipalities and allied organizations with preserving the dignity, independence, and quality of life of older adults and persons with disabilities. Through the 2022 Older Americans Act Grant, we facilitated grants to the following organizations: _x000D_

• _x000D_

• • Belchertown Council on Aging: $4,900 for medical transportation, $30,000 for senior nutrition 

_x000D_

• • Chicopee/Rivermills Council on Aging: $7,500 for older adult transportation 

_x000D_

• • Community Legal Aid: $24,865 for elder law services 

_x000D_

• • Granby Council on Aging: $4,071 for elder outreach services 

_x000D_

• • Ludlow Council on Aging: $900 for a memory café program 

_x000D_

• • South Hadley Council on Aging: $5,304 for a senior tech specialist program, $2,069 for elder transportation 

_x000D_

• • Ware Council on Aging: $7,500 for elder transportation 

_x000D_

• • Valley Opportunity Council: $7,020 for a senior companion program for caregivers 

_x000D_

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As we prepare to enter 2023, we are committed to preserving and enhancing the livelihood of some of our community’s most vulnerable people. We look forward to continuing our work in local communities, building partnerships to create access to resources, providing much-needed respite for caregivers, and empowering consumers to utilize our services when and if they need them.