Village Volunteers Give Seniors Their Independence Back

Bobbie Cohen calls it life-changing. The Swampscott resident was the first person to join Seaglass Village, a local program that pairs volunteers with seniors who need a helping hand.

"Their enjoyable conversations have developed into meaningful friendships," Cohen says. "I am so grateful to them for giving me my independence back."

Seaglass Village works across three Massachusetts towns, matching volunteers with adults over 50 who need rides to doctor appointments, help picking up groceries, or assistance with small household tasks. The concept is simple: neighbors helping neighbors stay independent in their own homes.

Volunteer Anna Irvine loves the flexibility. She can contribute when her schedule allows and take time off when family visits. "People are so grateful when you do something that makes their lives easier," she says. "Most are very pleasant and anxious to talk about their fascinating lives."

The tasks volunteers handle might seem small, but they make a huge difference. Member Agatha Marano has received help with everything from changing light bulbs to setting up her Christmas tree to moving lawn furniture.

"In this sometimes cynical world, it's wonderful to know that people really care for people," Marano says. "Something as simple as receiving a phone call asking how you're doing is a really important thing for a person living alone."

The Ripple Effect

The program's success has created a wonderful problem: demand for transportation has skyrocketed in the past year. Executive Director Anne Quagrello is actively recruiting more volunteer drivers to meet the growing need.

The expansion comes at the perfect time. A $30,000 grant from the Women's Fund of Essex County will fund over 70 subsidized memberships for older women living alone in affordable housing across the next three years. Regular membership costs $360 per year for individuals.

Volunteers say the experience gives them as much as it gives the people they help. "For me, it's like paying it forward," says Swampscott volunteer Ivan Sever.

As more older adults choose to age at home, programs like Seaglass Village prove that community support can make it possible while building real friendships along the way.