ABCD Elder Services include intergenerational programs and senior services to help empower older citizens to prevent illness and disability and maintain optimum well-being.
Action for Boston Community Development is Boston's antipoverty agency, serving more than 100,000 low-income Greater Boston residents through its city-wide network of neighborhood-based organizations. ABCD provides innovative, timely programs that promote upward mobility and a higher quality of life for people and communities.
ABCD Elder Services include intergenerational programs and senior services to help empower older citizens to prevent illness and disability and maintain optimum well-being. Programs include:
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Foster Grandparents
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SHINE
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Fall Prevention
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GRANDS
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Healthy Eating
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Access to Benefits
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Elder Affordable Housing
Foster Grandparents Program
This heartwarming program integrates older, low-income residents, 55-years-of-age and older, into the neighborhoods of Boston and Quincy to enhance the growth and development of children. Over 150 seniors spend 20 hours per week with children in schools, hospitals, child care centers and Head Start programs.
GRANDS - Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
This project increases opportunities for grandparents raising grandchildren in the Boston area by leveraging the assistance of 55+ volunteers. The volunteers are working to expand educational and social opportunities for grandparents raising grandchildren in the Boston area and to conduct a community needs assessment.
The SHINE Program - Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders
The SHINE program provides free health insurance information, counseling and assistance to Massachusetts residents with Medicare and their caregivers. Information is disseminated by volunteer trained and certified SHINE counselors who provide information on Medicare A & B, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage, Medigap, Mass Health, Medicaid and other programs that help pay for health care costs for people with limited income and resources.
A Matter of Balance - Fall Prevention Program
Many older adults experience concerns about falling that can restrict their activity. A Matter of Balance is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. The program includes eight two-hour classes presented by trained coaches using a detailed training manual and two instructional videos. Program components include:
Group discussions
Mutual problem solving
Exercises to improve strength, coordination and balance
Home safety evaluation
Healthy Eating for Successful Living in Older Adults teaches participants the principles of good nutrition and encourages positive dietary changes through goal setting and group support. The program includes seven two-hour classes presented by trained coaches using a detailed training manual.
A supplemental budgeting and advocacy curriculum includes budgeting support for healthy eating in low income populations and teaches advocacy skills through the creation of a community event to promote healthy eating.
Elder Affordable Housing
ABCD's elder affordable housing projects now total $28.2 million in HUD 202 funding
Over the past several years, with a total of $28.2 million in HUD 202 funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, grants from the City of Boston and several Boston banks, ABCD has developed 45 units of elder, affordable housing in Mattapan, 71 units in the North End, 45 units in Dorchester, and is preparing to break ground on a $9 million, 45-unit building in Roxbury.
The Roxbury HUD 202 elder housing initiative will provide 45 units of elder affordable housing next door to the Warren Gardens Housing Development in Roxbury, an area with a huge demand for elder affordable housing. The proposal was developed in collaboration with the Warren Gardens Tenants’ Association.
