Athol Launches Free Help Network to Keep Seniors at Home

Before the Athol Kindness Connection even finished recruiting volunteers, seniors were already calling for help. The demand for simple support like rides to appointments and friendly check-ins proved what organizers suspected: older adults want to stay in their homes, they just need a little help.

The new nonprofit launched this spring in Athol, Massachusetts, inspired by the nationwide Village to Village movement. Rev. Cindy LaJoy, the organization's executive director, started exploring the idea after a community member suggested bringing the concept to town during Athol's Year of Kindness in 2023.

The organization connects volunteers with seniors who need transportation, help with errands, small household tasks, tech support, or just a friendly voice on the phone. Membership costs $60 annually for individuals or $100 for two-person households, with discounts available for those who need them.

Despite being founded by church members, organizers emphasize the Kindness Connection welcomes everyone regardless of faith, race, gender, or background. Rev. Dr. Candi Ashenden clarified that while the church sparked the initiative, it operates as a completely secular organization serving the whole community.

To join, seniors must be 65 or older, live independently in Athol, and complete an application with a home visit to match their needs with available services. The organization runs entirely on volunteers who undergo both state and federal background checks for safety.

The Ripple Effect

The response shows how one community addressing aging in place could inspire similar networks across Massachusetts. State senators Jo Comerford and John Velis already secured a $10,000 grant for the organization as part of $100,000 distributed among ten villages in western Massachusetts.

Board members committed to volunteering themselves during the recruitment phase, ensuring no senior goes without help while the network grows. The organization needs both volunteers and financial contributions to cover background checks, gas, and supplies.

The official grand opening happens June 16, but the phones are already ringing with seniors ready to stay right where they belong: home.