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Seniors help in downtown revitalization
By Catherine A. Doherty
The Senior Community Service Employment Program, commonly referred to as the “Senior Aide” program, is a federally-funded Department of Labor program administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs. The program places seniors over age 55, who meet the eligibility criteria, into employment opportunities with non-profit agencies, governmental offices, and Councils on Aging.
Senior aides work a total of 20 hours a week, are trained on the job, and receive a wide variety of additional training, especially with computers. Elder Services is the local administrator of this important employment program for experienced, dependable workers.
Berkshire Bank Foundation Executive Director Peter J. Lafayette, a longtime advocate and board member of Downtown, Inc., approached Elder Services’ Senior Community Service Employment Program last April with a request. Could the “Senior Aide” program find an individual to assist Downtown, Inc., a non-profit agency, with an on-the-street presence; someone who could help keep sidewalks clean, assist merchants in handling emergencies, address tourists’ needs, and act as a goodwill ambassador? Elder Services had the perfect candidate — Michael Lafleur — who had just applied for a position in the Senior Aide program and was happy to accept the offer to work with the Downtown, Inc. staff in their efforts to revitalize and revive Pittsfield’s downtown area.
“I feel that being on the street and being available to answer questions has helped tourists find activities and sites that they might otherwise have missed,” states Mr. Lafleur. “I have directed folks to the Colonial Theater, the Berkshire Museum, and too many of the local restaurants. I also keep an eye out for any problems that might arise with vandalism or graffiti.”
Downtown, Inc. Executive Director Yvonne Pearson will be the first to tell you that changing the perception of downtown Pittsfield takes the combined work and determination of the entire village. “We know that just doing a number of isolated activities will not help us establish solid businesses or build the types of relationships needed for sustained growth in downtown Pittsfield,” explains Pearson. “But we do know that by connecting the dots and creating a mosaic of people and programs, we have a chance to change perceptions and change direction. Having a Senior Aide working directly on North Street is part of that mosaic.”
In addition to Downtown, Inc.’s “goodwill ambassador” Lafleur, Elder Services is utilizing the talents of another Senior Aide, Joanne Griffin, at the famous Popcorn Wagon located in Park Square. “Berkshire Bank Foundation owns the Popcorn Wagon and leases it to Elder Services for $1.00 a year to help raise money for Meals on Wheels,” explains Executive Director Robert P. Dean. “We are fortunate to have Joanne working with the Popcorn Wagon as part of her Senior Aide training/employment program. She is learning the tourism/food concessionaire business and at the same time she is joining Michael in being an advocate of “downtown” Pittsfield.”
“Explaining the history of Park Square and the Popcorn Wagon is part of my position as well as answering questions and promoting downtown merchants,” states Griffin. “I feel fortunate to be a part of the exciting things that are happening on North Street and in all parts of downtown Pittsfield. Third Thursdays have been awesome with thousands of people rediscovering the fun of our beautiful downtown.”
Both Pearson and Lafayette agree that senior aides have made a difference in downtown Pittsfield this summer by assisting tourists, creating a more beautiful space, and being goodwill ambassadors. Elder Services knows that age is an asset and experience a benefit. Downtown Pittsfield is going through some positive changes, and Elder Services is proud to be an experienced partner in helping those changes occur.
Catherine A. Doherty is Elder Services’ Senior Employment Community Service Program (SCSEP) supervisor and the agency’s Planner.