Town of Brookline FY21 Program Budget
Human Services l Council on Aging
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.
- To maintain the pilot transportation program that provides Brookline seniors Lyft and Uber rides by using private donations.
- To create and implement a sustainability plan for the TRIPPS program—the three-year pilot ended June 2019, and the COA is committed to maintaining its best practices. The COA applied for transportation network funding to support the staffing of TRIPPS.
- To provide a variety of interesting daily/diverse programs at the Senior Center.
- To continue to explore efforts on diversity to ensure all elders are served. This includes recruitment of minority staff, board members, volunteers and participants.
- To continue implementing the action steps submitted to WHO Age Friendly Cities Project.
- To expand fitness offerings to low income elders with special emphasis on Brookline Housing Authority residents.
- To continue to provide support and services to Brookline residents and their families with Alzheimer’s disease including hosting a Memory Café program.
- To continue an active food distribution program for low income Brookline elders.
- To continue to expand weekend and evening programs at the Brookline Senior Center.
- To continue to host and provide support to the MA Association of the Blind assisted technology program (VIBRANT).
- Brookline Council on aging received an EARMARK grant from the department of elder affairs to provide Alzheimer’s respite care.
- Received the grant from Brookline Community foundation to support food insecurity programs.
- Our pilot Expanded Transportation Program, utilizing rideshare, continued with private donations to increase transportation options for Brookline seniors. Including securing $34,005 from CDBG Federal funds to partially support the BETS Taxi Discount Program.
- Assisted over 185 individuals with income tax forms partnering with AARP and using their trained volunteers.
- 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.
- Partnered with Goddard House, Center Communities, JF&CS, Brookline Adult Education and BrooklineCAN to provide programs and educational forums for Brookline Seniors and their families.
- Successfully received support in the amount of $189,552 from the nonprofit Brookline Multi-Service Senior Center Corp. for salaries, supplies and program supports.
- Increased operation to include limited night and weekend programs to allow for expansion of programs and services.
- Maintained Brookline’s status as a World Health Organization Age Friendly Town and developed an action plan to promote aging in place.
- Recruited, trained and supervised 513 volunteers who provide essential services and programs at the Brookline Senior Center.