TIME TO NOMINATE!
Our volunteers make such a difference here at the Brookline Senior Center. It is that time of year again to show our appreciation. We will be honoring our volunteers this April. At that time, we will award our Volunteer of the Year. In order to find the volunteer who went above and beyond, we need you.
We are accepting nominations for Volunteer of the Year starting now until April 3rd. Please submit your nomination to Valerie at vgraf@brooklinema.gov or by phone at 617-730-2743.
Valued Volunteers of the Food Commodity Program
On the third Wednesday of each month, a small but dedicated group of volunteers gathers at the Brookline Senior Center to ensure local seniors have access to nutritious food. The monthly Food Commodity Program acts as a vital resource for income-eligible seniors facing food insecurity by providing approximately 35 pounds of shelf-stable groceries, along with fresh items.
What makes this program truly special isn’t just the food being distributed, but the volunteers who make it all possible. These committed volunteers arrive early to package food, carefully organize items, and assist seniors with loading groceries into their carts and cars.
The volunteer team includes longtime member Mimi, who has been with the program for over six years. Mimi, who also volunteers twice a week with the Brookline Food Pantry, notes that “the people are terrific and ever so grateful. Everyone is so happy to have this program and I love to help.” Mitch, a more recent volunteer who joined last summer, says, “I feel blessed to be on the giving end. I do receive a great feeling in return.” Fellow volunteer Ed adds that “the program is so fundamental to what people need that it’s a good feeling to help out with something that everybody needs.”
Program Manager Jamie Donchin Jensen emphasizes the volunteers’ importance. “We couldn’t do it without these volunteers. They provide a needed service. Not only do they do heavy lifting, they go above and beyond to help people. They assist folks whose first language isn’t English, using Google Translate to help communicate. If we have more produce than usual or a special item, they are great with handling and distributing it all.”
The Food Commodity Program volunteers’ dedication ensures that the distribution runs smoothly each month, providing essential support to local Brookline seniors. Rain or shine, these reliable volunteers show up ready to serve. Their consistent commitment makes a tangible difference in the lives of our Brookline seniors.
If you would like more information about volunteering at the Brookline Senior Center, please reach out to Valerie Graf, Volunteer Coordinator, at 617-730-2743 or vgraf@brooklinema.gov.
Valued Volunteers
We are proud to introduce our newly published booklet, Valued Volunteers of the Brookline Senior Center. This publication highlights nearly a decade of our amazing volunteers, a sampling of hundreds of our volunteers, both past and present. You can stop by the Brookline Senior Center to get your copy. If you know someone who should be featured for our ongoing Valued Volunteer articles, please reach out to Valerie Graf, Volunteer Coordinator, at vgraf@brooklinema.gov or 617-730-2743.
S.H.O.P (Students Helping Older People)
The SHOP (Students Helping Older People) Program, a collaboration between the Brookline Senior Center and the Brookline High School (BHS), has been a community service club at BHS for over 25 years. Students are paired with seniors to assist with grocery shopping throughout the school year. In addition to providing practical support for seniors, this program also offers high school students valuable life skills. Not only do they hone their grocery shopping skills, it creates opportunities for students and seniors to exchange stories and life experiences, fostering rich intergenerational conversations. These connections often evolve into meaningful, long-lasting relationships, benefiting both the students and seniors involved.
If you are a senior who would like to learn more about the SHOP program, please contact Valerie, Volunteer Coordinator, at 617-730-2743 or vgraf@brooklinema.gov
CLICK HERE to watch a video to learn more about the S.H.O.P program and how it benefits both students and seniors.
Retirement Engagement Alternatives Program (REAP)
The REAP program is designed for Brookline residents aged 60 and older who wish to remain engaged and active in the community while in retirement or partial retirement. Limited additional program opportunities may also be available for individuals aged 55-60. The goal of this program is to enhance the retirement experience by connecting participants with either part-time paid or volunteer work in the community or at the Brookline Senior Center (BSC).
To enroll or for more information, call 617-730-2767 or email Vivian Williams at vwilliams@brooklinema.gov.at vwilliams@brooklinema.gov.
Thinking of Volunteering?
If you have a special interest area or expertise that you would like to share with the Senior Center, please reach out to Valerie Graf, the Volunteer Coordinator, at 617-730-2743 or vgraf@brooklinema.gov to learn more about creating and facilitating a new program at the Senior Center.
Other services
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