The Central MA Senior Bulletin – February 28, 2023

We’re excited to announce that CMAA’s President & CEO, Dr. Moses S. Dixon, has been appointed to Governor Healey’s Advisory Council on Black Empowerment! This Council will advise Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll on issues related to the economic prosperity and wellbeing of Massachusetts’ Black community, including education, health care, housing and workforce development.

Congratulations on this amazing achievement, Dr. Dixon!

Grandparents Raising Grandkids: The Challenges They Face and Where to Find Help

It’s estimated that 1 in 10 children in the U.S. are being raised by at least one grandparent. This month, we’re sharing some of the challenges grandparents face in these situations and resources available for grandparents raising grandkids in Central Massachusetts. You can also check out the piece in this month’s Sutton Senior Center newsletter!

Help Your Community Make a Difference

Long-term care is a crucial part of many people’s lives. Why not help?

Our Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program volunteers visit residents at local nursing homes and rest homes on a regular basis to explore resident concerns regarding personal care, personal belongings, roommate problems, food, etc. They also provide education for caregivers, families, and community members.

Volunteers must have a desire to help others, 1+ hour per week, reliable transportation, and COVID-19 vaccination. A healthcare background not required.

Email OMB@seniorconnection.org to learn more.

RESOURCES & AWARENESS

After March 2, 2023, COVID-19 SNAP Emergency Allotments will no longer be distributed. 

Starting in April, households receiving SNAP will get only one payment (the normal monthly benefit). You can get your normal benefit amount on DTA Connect or by listening to the information about your case by calling the DTA Assistance Line at 877-382-2363.

Throughout this public health emergency, there have been protections in place and/or additional benefits available to low-income seniors (and others).  However, as of April 2023, major food and health insurance programs are scheduled to revert to pre-pandemic assistance levels. Review your MassHealth and SNAP benefits now!

Click the button below for more info about these changes or contact Community Legal Aid for further assistance.

CMAA Recognizes Black History Month

Happy Black History Month!

We are deeply committed to recognizing the stories, challenges, and successes of African Americans over the course of history. Check out our recent social media posts and learn more about the lives and achievements of some incredible people.

We’d also like to share this excellent resource that discusses aging and Black communities. Take a look!

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Worcester Consumer Rights Program staff will be at the Worcester Senior Center, 128 Providence Street, Worcester on March 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

They will provide free literature describing their program and informational materials about consumer issues.  The staff will be available to discuss how this program can help seniors resolve complaints with businesses, such as home contractors and car dealerships.  The Worcester Consumer Rights Program works in cooperation with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office to conduct inquiries into consumer complaints against businesses made to the Attorney General’s Office

To learn more, contact the Worcester Consumer Rights Program at 508-799-8486