Sharon Yager
Council on Aging Director |
The Shrewsbury Council on Aging (SCOA) is a human service
department of the town, which serves the needs and issues of Shrewsbury's
seniors, age 60, and over, or families with senior issues.
The Council on Aging offers a range of programs, services,
and activities, some of which are described below. The department
works closely with other agencies such as the Age Center in
Worcester, Services of Worcester, the Central Massachusetts
Agency on Aging, and the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
It also works with other town departments and agencies, such as
Parks and Recreation, the Health Department, Shrewsbury Community
Services, Shrewsbury Public Access, and the Police Department.
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The department receives funding by local tax dollars appropriated
at the Annual Town Meeting. Other funding is obtained through grants,
the largest being an annual grant given by the Executive Office of
Elder Affairs in Boston where a dollar amount is given per senior
in town. The Friends of the Shrewsbury Senior Center, Inc. is the
fundraising arm of the organization that can also supplement the department's
budget and offer other support. Donations that are received go through
the Friends organization and allow the Senior Center to mail the Council
on Aging Newsletter to every senior in town, purchase equipment and
pay for other special events or needs.
The department is directly overseen by the Town Manager. The Town
Manager also appoints a seven-member board, made up of volunteers,
who meet monthly and work with the Director to continuously evaluate
and update programs and senior needs.
Services Include: Information and Referral, Transportation,
Nutrition, Senior Edition Newsletter, Outreach services, Medical
Screenings: Podiatry, Spinal, Hearing, Blood Pressure, Free Legal
and Financial Clinics, Monthly Educational talks, Volunteer Opportunities
Programs Include: SHINE, Fuel Assistance, RUOK, CARES, Vial
of Life, Friendly Visitors, Grand Reading, and the Watch Your Car
Program.
Activities Include: Line Dancing, Yoga, Reiki, Meditation
Classes, Acrylic Painting, Fabric Painting, Softball, Billiards,
Special events, Community Dinners, Bingo, Bridge and Whist Card
Games and lessons, Senior Computer Classes, Social Groups and trips.
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