A year ago, a small group of concerned older Reading residents banded together to establish a non-profit to support the 60+ population in Reading. We were amazed to find that Reading was the only community in our area without such a group! In February of this year, we successfully formed a 501(c)3 non-profit organization called “Friends of Reading Seniors 60 Plus, Inc.”
Our Mission is to advocate and fundraise for services and activities that enhance the dignity of seniors, support their independence and encourage social interaction.
We want Reading to be a GREAT town for everyone to “age in place”. To achieve this goal, The Friends want to help the town keep pace with the needs of the changing demographics. The over 60 population has begun to surge (23% in 2017, 28.5% in 2024). By 2030 this demographic will represent at least 30% of our community. Reading has been studying the concerns raised by this shift for 9+ years. In 2016-2017, the Town invested $40,000 to commission the University of Massachusetts Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Gerontology Institute to study the needs of this population and make recommendations. In 2022-2023 the Town invested another $40,000 to evaluate needs and make recommendations specific to the embarrassing inadequacy of The Pleasant Street Center. A few recommendations have been implemented thanks to the substantial financial support ($900,000) provided by the town through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). In 2022, The Town took the exciting first step in moving forward on an major initiative by establishing the ReCalc Committee (Reading Center For Active Living Committee). This Committee has been charged to explore the current and future needs of the community and initiate planning for a potential new Senior/Community Center in Town that will focus on residents aged 60+ and possibly other members of the Community.
In addition to these efforts much more is needed. Despite the growth of the 60+ segment of our community, the Elder and Human Services operating funds represent less than 1% of the town’s budget. The Department is currently running on a tiny budget, grants and the fumes of ARPA funds (American Rescue Plan Act) which will end after 2025.
In conjunction with the Town and its Departments, we want to help support the unmet needs of the 60+ residents. A few of these needs are outlined below:
Housing: there is a 5-7 year wait for subsidized housing (veterans and disabled are prioritized).
Transportation: there is no senior transportation system for evenings and weekends.
Nutrition: food provided by Meals on Wheels is often not viewed as palatable.
Social Engagement: Space, hours and programming need to be expanded to accommodate all seniors. Currently the space is inadequate to accommodate all who want to participate in programming and events and there are no provisions through the Pleasant Street Center for people who must continue to work. There is a growing need to support intergenerational efforts. The current senior center is in dire need of expansion and facilities (a bathroom) required by older adults.
Taxes: for residents on fixed incomes, many without pensions, the tax burden is increasingly onerous.
Health and Wellness: since the budget was established, the role of the Nurse Advocate with the Department of Elder and Human Services has been eliminated. This further diminishes the ability of Elder and Human Services to provide essential outreach to the growing numbers of frail elders and the many families who are caregivers. In addition, the Town has an increasing need to support those in need of mental and behavioral health services.
The Pleasant Street Staffing: the essential role of the Volunteer Coordinator is temporarily funded through ARPA.
As taxpayers, the age 60+ residents need to be heard, recognized, and supported. With the help of all members of the Reading community, “The Friends” plan to have a positive influence on present & future aging in Reading.
We are hoping everyone in our community will support this venture. “The measure of a society is how it treats its most vulnerable, Mahatma Gandhi”.
Please add your voice to this important effort. The future of aging in Reading is up to us!
Become a Friend, send a check of $20.00, $50.00, $100.00 or more to our address. In addition, we also would love to have residents of all ages volunteer to help with the advocacy and fundraising effort. Stay tuned for more announcements and events.
Contact Information: friendsofreadingseniors@gmail.com
Friends of Reading Seniors 60 Plus, P.O. Box 275, Reading, MA 01867
