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-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information Elder Services' Highlights: 1974-2004
1974
¨ Berkshire County Commissioners vote $16,000 in seed money to establish non-profit Home Care Corporation to provide in-home services to county's elders through contract with state's Department of Elder Affairs.
¨ June 25, 1974, Berkshire Home Care Corporation is incorporated.
¨ Board of Directors hires Frederick H. Whitham to start Berkshire Home Care, which is staffed with three employees.
1975
¨ Berkshire Home Care Corp. designated as county's Area Agency on Aging, under the federal Older American's Act. Title III Subgrants established.
¨ Elder Nutrition Program becomes part of Berkshire Home Care. Delivery of Meals on Wheels begins.
1977
¨ Nursing Home Ombudsman Program launched by Berkshire Home Care.
1981
¨ Berkshire Home Care Corp. changes name to Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc.
1983
¨ Adult Foster Care program and Protective Services for elders are begun.
1988
¨ Elder Services purchases monthly newspaper, Berkshire Senior, for $1,000.
1989
¨ Catherine R. May named Executive Director.
¨ Elder Services’ Caregiver Support Group begins.
1991
¨ Elder Services' moves office to 66 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield.
1992
¨ As a result of insufficient funding, fund-raising to support Meals on Wheels begins.
1994
¨ Elder Services establishes its own kitchen in Lanesboro to prepare meals.
¨ Money Management Program begins.
1997
¨ Elder Services is designated Massachusetts Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) for Berkshire County.
¨ Elder Services becomes contact point for SHINE (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders).
¨ Richard and Rita Gallagher Alzheimer's Resource Center opens.
1998
¨ One-millionth meal prepared by Elder Services' kitchen.
2000
¨ Providence Court in Pittsfield designated first and only Berkshire County Supportive Housing site.
¨ Elder Services website is established. www.esbci.org
¨ Hospital Liaison Case Manager position established at Berkshire Medical Center and at Fairview Hospital, to provide bedside information to elders regarding available in-home services.
2001
¨ Community CHOICES program begins.
2002
¨ The Family Caregiver Support Program is introduced and the Caregiver Services Fund is established to assist caregivers with a variety of needs and expenses.
2003
¨ Two millionth meal served by Elder Services' kitchen.
¨ Personal Care Assistance program begins. Eligible elders can now hire, supervise and schedule their own personal care workers, receiving more hours of care than would otherwise be possible.
¨ In collaboration with the Town of Lee, Elder Services begins process to convert Lee Central School building into senior housing with enhanced services.
¨ Robert P. Dean named Elder Services' third Executive Director.
2004
¨ The Council on Aging (COA) Caregiver Fund is established to assist each town’s COA to identify caregiver needs and provide access to funds to support them.
¨ With the support of a venture grant from Berkshire United Way and in collaboration with Berkshire County Arc, a Minor Home Repairs Project is initiated.
¨ The Volunteer Recognition Dinner in April honors five outstanding volunteers: Myrna Rosenberg for SHINE (serving Health Information Needs of Elders), Wallace Boyer for Ombudsman Program, John Tufo for Community Services, Joseph Tirrell for Money Management, and Barbara Callahan, Nutrition Volunteer of the Year.
¨ Berkshire Performing Group, the Earth Angels, donates $7,000 to Elder Services from the proceeds of their annual shows.
¨ In partnership with Berkshire Health Systems, and funded by the Massachusetts Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., information about mammography and breast health is provided to women over 60.
¨ Elder Services operates the historic Popcorn Wagon in Pittsfield through the generosity of the Berkshire Bank Foundation.
¨ On June 8, 2004, Elder Services celebrates its 30th Anniversary with a fundraiser at the Country Club of Pittsfield, which nets over $23,000 for Meals on Wheels
¨ Elder Services enters a 30th Anniversary Float in Pittsfield’s 4th of July Parade, Hinsdale's Bicentennial Parade, and North Adams Fall Foliage Parade.
¨ Through the generosity of Pittsfield Cooperative Bank and Link-to Life, Elder Services receives donations from Sheeptacular Pittsfield!
¨ Renovation of the Lee Central School housing project begins. The expected completion is spring 2006.
2005 as we move forward…
¨ Elder Services continues to promote elder independence through the efforts of 114 staff and 556 volunteers who serve over 10,000 elders and their caregivers a year.