Brockton Council of Aging

The Brockton Council on Aging, called BCOA, runs the Mary Cruise Kennedy Senior Center at 10 Father Kenney Way right in Brockton, and folks know it for helping people age 60 and older keep busy, stay social, and get support when they need it, with doors open weekdays from 9am to 4pm, and you'll find Director Janice Fitzgerald along with a full team including an Assistant Director, an Outreach Coordinator and SHINE Counselor Dottie Slack, Program Activities Coordinator, Receptionist/Secretary, Assistant Activities Coordinator, and Volunteer Coordinator making sure things run smooth. The center's got a large, sunny multipurpose room plus 4,000 square feet of expanded space with a modern, welcoming look and outdoor green space built for folks to enjoy. People drop by for art, games, walking groups, movies, talks, exercise or dance classes, train dominoes, and learning programs like the Senior Learning Network, and you'll see groups like the Dull Men's Club and COA Women's Circle bringing folks together for good company and support. The BCOA helps with Meals on Wheels deliveries, SNAP/Food Stamps appointments, and fuel assistance, and the team helps answer questions about insurance, home care, housing, and health, especially with the SHINE program, and every winter and spring, seniors sign up for free tax help. The center supports people with memory concerns with Alzheimer's and dementia info, and makes sure the space is friendly for everyone-working hard on diversity, inclusion, and making sure people with disabilities feel welcome. Volunteers play a big part, over a hundred pitching in every month with leading programs, teaching classes, organizing events, and keeping the library in shape, and the Council on Aging shows appreciation with volunteer events and luncheons. The team runs groups and community events for elder rights, elder abuse awareness, and social services, like the March Against Elder Abuse and World Elder Abuse Awareness Day panels, and keeps folks informed with a monthly newsletter. Regular programs promote active living, social engagement, and independence, always working to help people stay connected and live with dignity, with transportation offered by Dial-A-BAT covering Brockton and neighboring towns. The Board of Directors meets every month at the senior center, and staff work with community partners like Old Colony Elder Services and AARP to connect people to even more programs, resources, and support. The Mary Cruise Kennedy Senior Center is a city-run community center where seniors from across Brockton can come for support, activities, and friends.