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AUG 2 8 1980 C.O.A. ACTIVITIES
The C.O.A. was organized in 1976. Its overall goal was to help the
approximate 5,100 senior citizens meet their basic needs and continue living
here .ith a deserved dignity. Its specific goals were determined by a question-
aire sent out to all the senior citizens in 1976. Some of their problems were
finances, housing, food and nutrition, social needs, personal counseling and
dealing with the Governmental Agencies designed to help them.
The original staff was all volunteer with a Coordinator who gave four
hours a week. Presently we have a paid part-time Coordinator and an Assistant
with approximately 125 volunteers (see attached chart for growth in program
usage and volunteers to staff them).
It started operating on the second floor of the Visitors Center and then
moved to more accessible space -in the Church of Our Redeemer on Meriam Street.
Recently more space was made available which will relieve many of our space
problems in running our present programs. A breakdown of services for 1977
through 1979 can be found on the last page.
PRESENT COA PROGRAMS (total 29)
I IDENTIFICATION & DISCOUNT CARDS
2,000 issued since 1976 covering area stores.
TRANSPORTATION DISCOUNTS - TAXIS
Books of coupons valued at 20% discount are purchased through COA
office. 260 sold since 1976.
FRIENDLY VISITORS
Thirty volunteers visit thirty shut-ins weekly. Includes fifteen
high school seniors.
GROCERY SHOPPING FOR SHUT-INS
Run by the COA in conjunction with Concord Hill Market and FISH.
Delivery weekly (6 served).
TELECARE
Reassurance calls made to fourteen seniors seven days a week.
DE_ORMATION & REFERRAL
COA staff handled 7,379 calls year ending 6/80.
OUTREACH
Funded by MMHC. Part-time senior aide works out of COA office. Year
ending 6/80 average of sixteen clients, 277 visits, mileage 875.
_' PJ S ON WHEELS
Thirty-six clients and sixty-five volunteers pack and delivered two-
pack meals prepared at Symmes Hospital. Emergency meal packages are
available at COA office (blizzards etc.).
OOCASIONAL LUNCHEONS/BUFFETS
Boy Scouts & High School seniors organize and serve meals.
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CONGREGATE MEALS - Bedford/Arlington
Forty-two seniors receive low cost meals served by outside Nutrition
Centers. (financed by Federal/State programs) Transportation paid by
Lexington seniors or MMHC. Estimated need - 13,000 meals annually.
MINIBUS
Started 1977. Door to door transportation to Lexington center and
Burlington shopping center on Fridays by volunteer. 516 rides per
year 6/80.
TIPS & RECREATION
Minimum of three trips monthly over 1,400 participants year ending 6/80.
COA budget covers part of transportation. Balance paid by pa ticipants.
PICNICS/MOVIES
Sponsored jointly by COA & Recreation department.
NEWSLETTER
Monthly to all seniors sixty years and over.
ELDER CHORUS - YOUNG AT HEART
Twenty-five members practice at Estabrook Hall on Wednesdays and
entertain at Nursing Homes etc. in surrounding towns throughout the year.
LEGAL AID
Sponsored by MMHC semi-monthly visits - one made by a paralegal to
COA office. Sixty-seven clients served - year ending 6/80.
TAX & FINANCIAL HELP
Started 5/80 - temporarily suspended.
OIL PROGRAM
For the winter 79/80 - 107 citizens met the financial guide lines and
received assistance. Program run by full time CETA employee.
BRIDGE LESSONS
Weekly at COA office.
DROP IN CENTER
Open three days per week.
COA OPEN HOUSE
Programs held for seniors at the Church of Our Redeemer.
ARTS & CRAFTS
Sponsored by Recreation depaatment - seniors participated average
ten per class.
JOB PLACEMENT & COMPANIONS
Average of three placements weekly.
COUNSELLING
Clients assisted by the Coordinator under the guidance of MVMH.
MMHC & TRI -COMMUNITY CLINICS
In year ending 6/80 supplied homemaker/chore assistance to 87 seniors.
Tri-Community Clinics served approximately 284 clients on approximately
3,523 visits.
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VOLUNTEERS
Over 100 volunteers augment the part time COA staff. Volunteer
hours including Meals on Wheels totaled 6,242 year ending 6/80.
COMMITTEE ON COUNCIL ON AGING
Made up of Coordinators from surrounding towns who meet for exchange
of information.
LEXINGTON ASSISTANCE FUND
Offers usually one time assistance in the form of a check for out-
standing bills for food and oil.
EDUCATION COURSES
Courses to seniors are held at the high school due to space limita-
tions at COA office.
FRIENDS OF COA
Made up of citizens of all ages. The committee acts as an advocate
for the Council and raises funds.