Be Connected: Stories from our employees at Age Strong

The Age Strong Commission has been ensuring that older residents are supported and connected to services during this difficult time. “Now more than ever, it is so important for us to support our older residents who are in a high-risk category,” said Commissioner Emily Shea. “Our team has been working hard to make sure that older Bostonians have access to food, medications, and social connections. I’m so proud of all of the ways our whole team has risen to meet these new challenges.”

Older residents have been reaching out in unprecedented numbers looking for help. The Age Strong Commission has set up a call center, fielding over 500 calls each week. Their fleet of shuttles continue to take older residents to critical medical appointments and grocery shopping. Together with the Food Access team and Age Strong staff are helping to deliver thousands of bags of groceries each day. They have also trained over 100 volunteers who have made 7,000 friendly check-in calls to make sure residents are safe and feel connected.

While older residents are at greater risk, they also have shown their resilience, contributing to the community by making face coverings for first responders and phone calls to friends so they feel less alone. Our Age Strong team and the people they serve help show us what empowerment means.

Thank you to the Age Strong team for sharing your story. To submit your own “Story From Our Employees”, write to us at BeConnected@Boston.gov!