In observance of the holiday, the Brookline Senior Center will be closed Friday July 4th. There will be no transportation or food services on that day.
A very large THANK YOU to all those that donated, volunteered, worked, planned or shopped at yesterday’s yard sale. We raised $1600+. All proceeds will benefit the Brookline Senior Center
A native Bostonian, Marcia Goldstein lived in several different Boston neighborhoods before eventually settling in Brookline. She worked for many years in Filene’s dress department, and when the store closed, she transitioned to Macy’s jewelry department.
After retiring, Marcia began volunteering at the Brookline Senior Center in 2016. Over the years, she has taken on a variety of roles, but her most notable contribution has been to our daily Springwell Lunch Program. Three days a week, Marcia can be found helping Kristine warm meals, serving lunch to folks at the Center, and distributing grab-and-go lunches.
“I like being out and helping – especially with older people,” Marcia says of her volunteer experience.
During the early weeks and months of the pandemic, Marcia was one of the few volunteers who continued distributing lunches to seniors. “At first, we couldn’t even go into the building – we handed out lunches outside in the cold. But I totally enjoyed it!” she recalls.
In addition to her work with the Springwell Lunch Program, Marcia also supported our pre-pandemic Food Distribution Program and regularly volunteers at our annual Sidewalk Sale as well as annual Craft Fair & Rummage Sale.
When she’s not volunteering, Marcia enjoys participating in many of the Center’s programs, including the Out to Lunch group, theater outings, and musical performances. She also speaks highly of the Brookline Council on Aging’s many resources, such as the transportation services, the Equipment Loan Fund (ELF), and technology assist program. “There are just so many great resources!” she shares.
Marcia is equally enthusiastic about the Senior Center staff. “You couldn’t ask for a better van driver than Agilio – he has a huge heart and I give him an A!” she says. “Ken is fantastic too. He has so much patience.” Of Kristine, she adds, “You couldn’t find a nicer person to run the kitchen. She’s so helpful and understanding.” And about Katie: “If she has an item, she will give it!”
Volunteering at the Senior Center gives Marcia a sense of purpose. “It fills my day, I don’t get depressed, and I look forward to all the activities,” she says. “I highly recommend that people come out of their homes and spend time here with others.”
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.
Are you interested in weekly social visits with seniors in their home? Volunteers are matched with seniors in the community for weekly friendly visits to help with social isolation common for so many homebound seniors. Volunteers will receive initial training and ongoing support from a Brookline Senior Center Social Worker. Please reach out with our Volunteer Coordinator, Valerie Graf, at vgraf@brooklinema.gov or 617-730-2743.
If you or a family member could benefit from a weekly social visit, please reach out to our Social Worker, Sharon Sandalow, at ssandalow@brooklinema.gov or 617-730-2769.
Click here to read more about the Visiting Volunteer program.
The S.H.O.P. (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.
Anne Mogel, a BHS junior and one of this year’s SHOP Student Leaders says, “I’ve had a great experience participating in SHOP. I have been able to form a relationship with the senior I’m shopping for, as well as experience what it’s like to do hands-on volunteering, where I can see my impact up close. I shop for my senior every weekend, and it has become woven into my weekly routine. I’m looking forward to continuing my shopping this year, and furthering my experience!”
Currently serving approximately 30 Brookline seniors, the SHOP program gets high marks from the seniors involved. One senior couldn’t say enough positive things about the two students with whom she has been paired. She noted that “It’s the highlight of my week!” Another senior reflected that “the student’s cheery demeanor is a gift in itself. The program incorporates young people to help older people like me. It’s beneficial for everyone involved. Win Win!”
This program typically runs during the school calendar year, and resumes each fall. If you are in need of a shopper during the summer months, please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Valerie Graf, at 617‐730‐2743 or email her at vgraf@brooklinema.gov, to inquire about the SHOP waitlist and summer options.
CLICK HERE to watch a video to learn more about the S.H.O.P program and how it benefits both students and seniors.
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.
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.
If you’re looking for something and can’t find it, or think there’s something missing here, please let us know!