Since its formation in 2015, the Age Friendly New Bedford initiative has brought together New Bedford residents, city departments, and non-profit agencies from throughout the South Coast to improve our community for residents of all ages.
The partnerships created within the Age Friendly network provided the strength and flexibility required to work through the many challenges the COVID-19 crisis has brought to our region.
The Age Friendly partners have provided extensive food relief, transportation, and wellness checks. They have distributed personal protective equipment, conducted COVID screenings, and been a source of information to community residents.
The New Bedford Council on Aging and Coastline are working with residents and organizations from around the city to address 7 categories of “livability.”
Goal: Support stable housing for older adults
Successes:
• Housing guide finalized
• PPE delivery to housing
• CodeRED sign-ups
• Eviction counseling
• Wellness calls
Goal: Include residents of all ages in parks planning and programing
Successes:
• Additional programs offered to older adults
• Completion of Rec Plan
• Bike NB Pedal Party
Goal: Improve public knowledge of and access to cost-effective transportation
Successes:
• Map of bus lines from senior housing completed
• Info available in Spanish and Portuguese
• Transportation education fun day
Goal: Optimize health and wellness in the community, increase access to fresh foods
Successes:
• Dementia training and caregiver support
• Increased home-delivered meals
• Food security screening tools adopted at Community Health Center
• Distribution of fresh produce to residents
Goal: Promote a network of inclusive social opportunities for older adults
Successes:
• Dementia friendly business support
• Wellness calls to isolated seniors
• LGBTQ bereavement group
• End of life education program
Goal: Connect older adults to employment resources and volunteer opportunities
Successes:
• Meals on Wheels volunteer recruitment
• Census participation
• Monthly career advice with MassHire
Goal: Increase awareness of existing community resources.
Successes:
• Senior Scope publishes COVID alerts
• Coastline Facebook page connects public to community resources
• Communication guidance from MABVI
Get involved:
We’re always looking for volunteers from the community who can share time and ideas. Contact Christine Sullivan at 508-742-9132 or csullivan@coastlinenb.org for more information.
Stay connected:
Follow Coastline on Facebook for updates and events in the community. Click here to visit our Facebook page.
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