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.
Visiting Volunteers
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.
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.
Other services
Can’t find it?
If you’re looking for something and can’t find it, or think there’s something missing here, please let us know!
Valued Volunteers
We are proud to introduce our 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.
Brookline Senior Center Mailings Group
The Brookline Senior Center’s mailing volunteers were recently honored as a group when nominated for the 2026 Volunteer of the Year Award. Each month, this dedicated team comes together to ensure that the Brookline Beacon newsletter reaches approximately 600 seniors in our community.
What makes this group especially remarkable is their flexibility and commitment. They often step in with less than 24 hours’ notice to get the job done. At the heart of the team is their unofficial leader, Michael Weston, who keeps the mailings organized, while also making the experience enjoyable. With his music playing in the background, he creates a welcoming and upbeat atmosphere as everyone works together. As Michael puts it, “I like to keep it low key and lighthearted.” He takes the time to teach each new volunteer so they feel confident working on their own which fosters a true sense of community.
We are very grateful for this core group of volunteers who are always ready to lend a hand at a moment’s notice.