For Lauren Golda, her new job as Council on Aging Director in Acushnet is a homecoming in more ways than one.
With the position, the 29-year-old is returning to a town she lived in for much of her childhood. She is also returning to a role specifically working with the elderly – where her career first started.
Golda began working with older adults in high school, pursuing a certified nursing assistant license at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School. As part of the program she worked directly with seniors living at the Jewish Convalescent Home in New Bedford.
She continued that work while in college at Bridgewater State University. She also later obtained a master’s degree in health care administration.
“I love the community here,” said Golda. “Everyone is on a first name basis… It’s a strong community where we have a committed group of people coming in every day.”
In her career, Golda has also worked as a case manager for Coastline Elderly Services in the New Bedford and Dartmouth areas. There, she also helped older adults with the sometimes complicated process of getting discharged and returning home with services in place to support them.
“A lot of times, people didn’t know what Coastline had to offer until we were there,” she recalled. “It was nice for families and residents to have a friendly face in (discharge) meetings and ultimately someone to support them in getting home.”
Golda was hired by Acushnet selectmen in January when then-COA Director Heather Chew resigned after 12 years of service in the position.
Her positions including Coastline and, more recently, supervising a primary care practice in Taunton have given her experience working with older adults who need support and knowledge of the existing resources and programs available to help them.
“This was a good opportunity for me,” she said. “I have a lot of different experiences but it all makes sense for this role, and it all works together.”
Golda said she plans to take time to learn the rhythm and needs of the senior center before deciding on any changes. She can see that the programming is appreciated by Acushnet residents and older adults in nearby towns.
“Right now, I’m sticking to everything status quo,” she said. “It’s only been a month and I want to put people at ease that I’m not going to come in like a Tasmanian Devil and mess with everything.”
That said, she is hoping to add new programs, including a meditation class that is expected to begin this month, and perhaps attract new faces to the senior center.
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