Volunteers Give Seniors Independence in Massachusetts Towns

When Bobbie Cohen joined Seaglass Village in 2021, she didn't just gain access to rides and help with errands. She found friends who gave her independence back.

The Swampscott nonprofit serves aging residents across four Massachusetts communities: Marblehead, Nahant, Swampscott, and Salem's Vinnin Square area. Volunteers help seniors with transportation, household tasks, and companionship so they can stay in their homes longer.

"The whole concept is that neighbors sign up to help neighbors," says Director Penny Stratton. The organization now serves about 100 members split evenly between Swampscott and Marblehead, with growing interest in Nahant.

For volunteer Anna Irvine, the rewards go beyond checking tasks off a list. "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 program's flexibility makes it work for busy volunteers. There's no minimum time commitment, so people can help when their schedules allow without feeling overwhelmed.

But demand is surging. Transportation requests have more than doubled in the past year, and Executive Director Anne Quagrello says the need for volunteer drivers has become urgent.

The Ripple Effect

The impact reaches far beyond getting seniors to doctor appointments or the grocery store. For many older adults living alone, these volunteers provide crucial human connection in an isolating world.

"It's a godsend to have such caring, pleasant people helping," says member Agatha Marano. "Something as simple as receiving a phone call asking how you're doing is really important for a person living alone."

Volunteers often become trusted friends who notice health changes and help connect members with additional resources. Some even communicate directly with family members when concerns arise.

Quagrello says many people don't realize how isolated some seniors truly are. "There are people living alone that don't have family and friends nearby and we are one of their only resources," she explains.

Cohen puts it simply: "Their wonderful volunteers have changed my life. Their enjoyable conversations during our times together have developed into meaningful friendships."

Community members interested in volunteering can help as much or as little as their schedules allow, knowing even small acts of kindness create lasting friendships.