Marshall Home Fund
The 2018 Marshall Home Fund grantees gathered at a reception on May 15.
The following information was provided by the Marshall Home Fund:
Watertown’s Marshall Home Fund held its annual grant award ceremony on May 15, providing nearly $70,000 to 13 local organizations that serve older adults.
Though its grant making, MHF helps Watertown be an age friendly community, one where older residents can be healthy and productive. The World Health Organization and the AARP have established specific goals for a community seeking to be age friendly. The 2018 grantees of the Marshall Home Fund will
provide programs and services that address many of these goals, as summarized below.
Direct health, mental health, and social services for vulnerable individuals: Springwell’s Elder Independence and Safety Fund ($7,000); Watertown Council on Aging’s Emergency Assistance Block Grant ($750); Wayside Youth and Family Support Network’s Annual Health Fair at the Housing Authority ($1,500); and Watertown Health Department’s Compassionate Connections VIII Program addressing challenges associated with severe clutter ($2,500).
Accessible, affordable, fun social activities for groups of older adults: Mosesian Center for the Arts’ Aging Creatively Program ($5,500); New Repertory Theatre’s Page to Stage Workshops ($3,500); and the Generations Together Program at Brigham House sponsored by Watertown Families Together ($2,250).
Affordable and accessible housing for older adults: MetroWest Collaborative Development’s elevator renovation project at St. Joseph’s Hall ($9,500) and their Ready Renter Program and Affordable Housing “How-To” Workshops ($9,500); and the Watertown Fire Department’s Fire and Life Safety Educational Series for Older Adults ($1,500).
Affordable and accessible transportation: Watertown Council on Aging’s Supplemental Transportation for Seniors Program ($5,000) and the Watertown Farmers’ Market program to offer transportation and stipends for older adults ($2,500).
Tools to help potentially isolated older adults integrate into the community: Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired’s Technology Training for Seniors with Sight Loss ($6,000); Perkins School for the Blind’s Thriving with Vision Loss Program ($5,000); and Project Literacy’s English Language Instruction for Ages 55+ ($7,500).
Information about services and programs available to older adults: Watertown Council on Aging’s Directory of Senior Services ($450).
Established in 2005, the Marshall Home Fund is a nonprofit, community-based charitable foundation dedicated to serving Watertown’s older adult population. MHF also provides financial assistance to elderly individuals in urgent need, upon referral MHF by local agencies, town officials, or organizations.
For more information about MHF, please visit www.marshallhomefund.org or email info@marshallhomefund.org.