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-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information Robert P. Dean named Elder Services’ new Executive Director
Robert P. Dean named Elder Services’ new Executive Director
The Board of Directors has announced the selection of Robert P. Dean as Executive Director.
Dean has been Director of Client Services at Elder Services since September 1999, and in that capacity has managed all state funded programs, including Home Care, Housing Programs, Protective Services, Health Care Services, Enhanced Programs, and Information and Referral.
Dean is a North Adams native who
holds a Juris Doctor from Suffolk Law School in Boston, and a B.S. in Political Science from Northeastern University in Boston. Prior to coming to Elder Services, he was employed as Residential Coordinator for Walnut Street Center in Somerville, Massachusetts. Dean is certified as a Crisis Prevention/Non-Violent Physical Crisis Prevention instructor. Previously, Dean served as Service Area Coordinator at Developmental Services of Sullivan County, in Newport, N.H., and as volunteer mediator with the Lake Sunapee Area mediation Program, also in Newport.Dean, a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association since 1983, practiced law in the Boston area through 1993, then relocated to New Hampshire to pursue a career in human services.
When asked to comment on the future of Elder Services, Dean stated, "The two greatest challenges facing Elder Services at this time are the impact of a further reduction of funding for services to elders and the possibility of regional consolidation. The Governor’s budget for fiscal year 2004 projects a statewide reduction of $4.52 million in the core Home Care program. This means that by June 2004, 850 to 900 fewer elders across the state will receive the services that they need to stay where they want to be - in their own homes. Also, during times of economic distress, Boston is quick to look at consolidating Berkshire County agencies with those in adjoining counties. Due to its unique geography and demographics, Berkshire County is not well served by such consolidations."
Dean became the third Executive Director of Elder Services on March 7, 2003, upon the retirement of Catherine R. May. Fred Whitham, of Stamford, Vermont, was the first Director, founding Elder Services in 1974. The agency, which serves elders and their caregivers county-wide, has 136
employees and over 400 volunteers.