Community Services
Each year Coastline funds numerous programs that meet the needs of older adults living throughout New Bedford, Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Gosnold, Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester. These organizations are funded to provide older adults and their caregivers with supplemental programs that address their mental and physical well-being, socialization and transportation needs. Most programs are open to individuals age 60 or older; some programs are open to individuals age 55 and older.
Wellness Programs
Acushnet COA/Strong Women. Strong Bones
Program focuses on core strengthening and balance along with limited weight bearing exercise. Contact: 508-998-0280
Buzzards Bay Speech Therapy/Self-Improvement Classes for Adults
Provides self-improvement classes to address a variety of cognitive communication changes seen in typical aging as well as neurological disorders. Contact: 508-326-0353
DEAF, Inc. – Senior Support Services
Older adults will receive assistive technology assessment, support to apply for the assistive technology they need for hard of hearing and late deafened older adults. Contact: 617-505-4819
Gosnold COA/Health Services for our Community
This program is a walk-in center to help, give advice, check on medications, nutrition, blood pressure, and coordinate with New Bedford for referrals. Contact 508-990-7408
Marion Council on Aging – Tai Chi
Beginners are introduced to the 22 movement, Wu Style short form, and the fundamental principles of good posture, deep breathing and relaxation. Contact: 508-748-3570
Mobile Dental Hygiene Services
Public Health Dental Hygienists provide dental cleanings, screenings, oral health, information and education. Contact: 508-827-6725
Rochester COA/Stepping and Stretching
This exercise program addresses the physical and emotional needs of older adults recovering from medical issues.
Contact 508-763-8723
YWCA of Southeastern Mass
ENCORE Plus works to reduce the number of women who die from breast and cervical cancer by providing referral services to clinical breast exams, pap tests, pelvic exams, and mammograms. Contact: 508-999-3255
Outreach and Socialization
New Bedford Art Museum - Creative Care Program
Program to engage older adults in meaningful art by delivering kits containing curated art lessons to locations selected by Coastline. Contact: 508-961-3072
YWCA of Southeastern Mass/ Widowed
The Widowed Person Program holds support groups and one-on-one emotional support for newly widowed elders going through the grieving process. Contact: 508-999-3255
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe/The Time of Those Who Are Revered
This program identifies and provides transportation services for Tribal elders from Greater New Bedford to the community meeting room in Mashpee for socialization. Contact: 508-477-5800
Respite
Supportive Social Day Programs - Fairhaven and New Bedford COA
The program provides respite and transportation for elders in Social Day programs. Contact Fairhaven: 508-979-4029; Contact New Bedford: 508-961-3100.
Greater New Bedford Adult Day Health Care (Project Independence)
This program ensures caregivers receive respite by providing adult day health services for elders. Contact 508-997-1441
Transportation
Community Connections/Medical, Social & Recreational Transportation
Provides older adults with transportation to and from medical appointments and social trips, and provides escort services.
Contact 508-990-8194
Dartmouth Council on Aging
Transportation services to Dartmouth residents for doctor appointments, errands, congregate meal site. Contact: 508-999-4747.
MO LIFE/Family Caregiver Transportation
This program provides medical transportation specifically for older adults and their caregivers. Contact 508-992-5978
New Bedford COA Transportation
The Council provides transportation to local and long distance medical appointments and shopping excursions. Contact 508-991-6253
Legal Services
South Coastal Counties Legal Services/Senior Law Project
This organization provides older adults with legal representation in the courts and before administrative bodies including the Social Security Administration. This organization also provides older adults with counsel and advice on a variety of legal issues.
Contact 508-979-7150
Other Programs
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, Inc.
This program provides grandparents with benefit information for health insurance, social services, and parental rights while caring for the needs of their grandchildren. Contact 774-202-0537
Immigrant’s Assistance Center
Provides non-English speaking older adults and their caregivers with case management and outreach to link them to community programs for assistance, including translation. Contact 508-996-8113
PACE/Fuel Assistance
PACE gives fuel to older adults in emergency situations either because they have no fuel or they are facing utility termination.
Contact 508-999-9920
Coastline and many of its programs are funded through contracts from the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Elder Affairs. Program attendees are able to make voluntary and confidential donations to any program; however, no one will be denied a service if he/she chooses not to donate.
Coastline does not deny delivery of service to any person on the basis of age, color, religion, gender , national origin, ancestry, physical/mental handicaps and sexual orientation, who otherwise meets the eligibility criteria for the respective programs.
Individuals who are dissatisfied with, or who have been denied a Title III services, may file a written complaint with the Area Agency on Aging within 21 business days of the adverse action. Please notify Coastline at 508-999-6400 to obtain a copy of the Grievance Procedure Application.