Town of Brookline FY22 Program Budget

Human Services l Council on Aging

Program Description

The Brookline Council on Aging (C.O.A.) is responsible for planning, coordinating, and providing comprehensive services for Brookline residents age 60 and over. The Council works with other Town agencies and community providers to enhance the quality of life for our elders. The Council’s goal is to maintain independence, dignity, and connection throughout the life span. Membership on the C.O.A. board includes representatives of six Town departments, 11 citizens, and 15 associate member citizens. Core services include transportation, geriatric social work, home care, advocacy, legal assistance, employment assistance, information and referral, and volunteer opportunities. The C.O.A. operates the Brookline Senior Center at 93 Winchester Street, a centrally located facility where those 60 and older can go for socialization, activity, and services. Programs include: breakfast, lunch, health clinics, health education programs, exercise classes, Asian outreach, Russian outreach, ESL classes, computer lab, Adult Education classes, art exhibits, and recreational opportunities.


FY22 Objectives
  1. Implement new programs for those socially isolated due to COVID-19.
  2. Provide online programming in a variety of subjects.
  3. Once the COVID-19 pandemic diminishes, work with Public Health officials to re-open programs at the Senior Center in a safe manner.
  4. Apply for grants that offer COVID-19 funding.
  5. Provide services to those who do not have access to the internet by working with Brookline interactive group and other community organizations.
  6. To fundraise private money to support Council on Aging transportation programs covering full salary cost of van driver, substitute van driver, substitute bus driver, extended operation of bus including nights and weekends and all fuel costs.
  7. To increase the number of participants utilizing subsidized rideshare options.
  8. To advocate that rideshare revenue resources allocated to the Town of Brookline be utilized in part by a senior transportation program.
  9. To main funding for the TRIPPS program through the Transportation Network funding.
  10. To maintain an Alzheimer’s respite program that provides caregivers support and services so that Brookline residents with Alzheimer’s have the option of staying at home. This program is funded with a state grant.

FY21 Accomplishments
  1. Brookline Council on aging received an EARMARK grant from the department of elder affairs to provide Alzheimer’s respite care.
  2. The Brookline Council on Aging and MA Association for the Blind continued to receive a State grant to provide assisted technology training to vision impaired seniors.
  3. The Brookline Council on Aging was awarded a Service Incentive Grant from M.C.O.A. to provide training and leadership for the TRIPPS program.
  4. Received the grant from Brookline Community foundation to support food insecurity programs.
  5. Our pilot Expanded Transportation Program, utilizing rideshare, continued with private donations to increase transportation options for Brookline seniors.
  6. Successfully raised enough private money to fund entire Van program, substitute elder bus driver and fuel expenses of the van and elder bus.
  7. Partnered with LGBT Aging project to provide bereavement support groups, educational programs and social opportunities for LGBTI older adults at the Brookline Senior Center.
  8. Assisted over 191 individuals with income tax forms partnering with AARP and using their trained volunteers.
  9. Received a grant from a family fund from Boston Foundation to support popular art classes held at the Brookline Senior Center.
  10. Partnered with Town Assessor to provide property tax relief to Brookline seniors. This year, we were able to increase our participants in Tax Work off program to 35.