AgeSpan (formerly Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley

Cause Area

  • Advocacy & Human Rights
  • Community
  • Hunger
  • People with Disabilities
  • Seniors

Location

280 Merrimack St., Suite 400Lawrence, MA 01843 United States

Website:

http://www.agespan.org
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Website:
http://www.agespan.org
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Organization Information

Mission Statement

The mission of AgeSpan is to ensure that a choice of programs and services is available and accessible to meet the diverse needs and changing lifestyles of older adults. We believe that home based care, community support services and assisted living programs maintain the dignity of human life by promoting and encouraging the maximum independence of the people they are designed to serve.

Description

AgeSpan, formerly Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, Inc. is a private, non-profit corporation established in 1974 by a group of citizens throughout the Merrimack Valley who were committed to developing programs and services for elders. The Agency is governed by a policymaking Board that oversees the management of the Agency. Members are a blend of representatives from Councils on Aging and At Large members from communities in our area with 51% of members over the age of 60.

AgeSpan has become a leader in creating services, programs and opportunities for older adults. As an Aging Services Access Point (ASAP), the Agency receives state funding to provide services designed to maintain an elder's independence at home and in the community. AgeSpan is also the designated Area Agency on Aging (AAA), receiving federal funding to fund community services and provide information and referral to elders, families and the community. The Agency also receives funding from a variety of grants, foundations and fund raising efforts and matching funds from local communities.

Reviews

Would you recommend AgeSpan (formerly Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley?
8 reviews Write a review
by Tina K. (2011-11-07 10:21:22.0)
I have been a friend in deed for over 5 years now. I had lived with my Grandmother and helped her during her later years until she passed away 6 years ago. When I saw the ad that Elder Services was looking for volunteers I realized I could help other elders just as I helped my Grandmother. I enjoy visiting with elders. I love hearing their stories and helping them feel connected to the world. I visit an elder now that doesn’t drive. I take her out a couple times a month to do her shopping and have lunch. Sometimes I’m the only person she sees in a week. It only takes an hour or two out of my week but it means the world to her.
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by Jack S. (2011-09-06 05:31:29.0)
This organization allows me to help people that are very interesting and show a great determination to be able to live independently. Their willingness to go the extra mile is very inspirational to me. I certainly feel that I receive much more than what I give. People went out of their way to help my mother who lived in NYC, so that she might stay in her own home until she was 92, and I want to repay their kindness by helping others.
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by Carl B. (2011-08-08 07:59:06.0)
It's great to do something for others. These people always appreciate what I do. So it is especially reqarding. It makes me happy!
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by David B. (2011-07-03 17:27:55.0)
I volunteer as Friend-In-Deed for two elderly men. In one case, I drive my client to McDonalds where he meets for several hours with his friends. This is usually his only opportunity to socialize. It is highly rewarding for me to know he remains connected with his outside world. With my second client, I visit at his home playing a game called Rummikub, a gin rummey game played with tiles. It is interesting over time how this person's mind has developed and cherishes our times together. As a volunteer, I feel blessed to have the opportunity to interact with these individuals and improve upon their life along with my own. The Elder Services organization provides me with the training and follow-up to ensure my weekly visits are conforting to my clients and myself. Sometimes I am called upon to assist them with grocery shopping or driving to banks, haircuts, etc. The professionals at Elder Services are great people and make you feel very wanted inside their organization.
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by Jane M. (2011-07-01 17:22:01.0)
I have been volunteering with Elder Services for a little over a year. I am pleased to have the time to help seniors who need support with shopping, doctors' appointments, and a friendly face to chat with. The seniors are so appreciative for all the help they receive and it makes me feel good to know that I am able to assist them.
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by Wendy B. (2011-07-01 08:12:25.0)
I am a Friend in Deed with Elder Services of Lawrence, and have been part of the program for a little over a year. Being able to provide an elder the chance to get out of their home, or just to visit with them when they have no one else makes the experience more than worth while. Our lives consist of running from one thing to another, my life is no different, however my visits are the highlight of my week and I get out of them as much as my elder does! And as all would understand I sometimes feel like I am burning the candle at both ends, the end truly justify the means! Volunteer it will change your life!
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by Toni C. (2011-06-30 18:15:08.0)
I volunteer as a medical advocate and transportation. Merrimack Valley Elder Services has given me the opportunity to serve the Elders of my community. MVES provides not only provides training for this wonderful opportunity to serve but also reimburses for mileage expense. I have had wonderful experiences taking Elders to medical appointments. I always feel great joy when given the opportunity to volunteer for Elders in my community . My parents live far away - I hope if I am not there for them that someone in their community will be able to provide a ride, friendship or help decipher medical terminology in a medical appointment. I am glad to have this opportunity to be a part of my community.
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by Brian C. (2011-06-30 09:52:15.0)
I am a Friends In Deed who has been volunteering there for almost 10 years. I started my volunteer work in a newly founded program called the Medical Advocates program doing statistical computer work using Microsoft Excell and Microsoft Access. My first assignment was to put training materials into Powerpoint to train medical advocates. Now, I do the statistical work of the Transportation program, the Medical Advocates program and the Friends In Deed. They had been very accommodating to my disabilities which are legal blindness and hearing loss. I am looking forard to my 10th anniversary there.
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