Local non-profit Seaglass Village is looking for more volunteers to help seniors with transportation and simple chores.
Membership in Seaglass Village is open to adults aged 50 and older and includes access to a variety of volunteer-delivered services and programs, such as transportation to medical appointments, grocery stores, and errands, as well as social and educational opportunities. The organization currently serves Swampscott, Nahant, and Marblehead, with plans to expand into Salem.
The organization is actively seeking additional volunteers who can give a few hours – or more – each month.
“Volunteering gives me a great sense of satisfaction,” says volunteer Anna Irvine, of Swampscott. “People are so grateful when you do something that makes their lives easier. Most are very pleasant and anxious to talk about their fascinating lives. The more people you meet, the better it is.”
Volunteers can choose when and how they contribute, making it easy to fit their service into busy schedules.
“The flexibility works out great,” Irvine said. “ln fact, it allows me to do more when I’m available and take time off when family visits from out of town.”
Volunteers support adults over 50 with rides to appointments, picking up groceries or small household tasks. Swampscott resident Bobbie Cohen, who was the Seaglass Village’s first member, said that the program has changed her life.
“Their enjoyable conversations, during our times together, have developed into meaningful friendships,” Cohen said. “I am so grateful to them for giving me my independence back.”
Seaglass Village member Agatha Marano said that the services are “a godsend.”
“I’ve used (Seaglass Village) for rides, simple chores, light bulb and battery replacement, Christmas tree setup, and even moving lawn furniture and hoses in and out,” Marano said. “In this sometimes cynical world, it’s wonderful to know that people really care for people. Something as simple as receiving a phone call asking how you’re doing is a really important thing for a person living alone.”
As the number of older adults choosing to age in place continues to grow, so does the importance of community-based support, according to Executive Director Anne Quagrello. Seaglass Village offers a way for neighbors to come together, strengthening the fabric of the community one connection at a time.
“We encourage community members who are interested in experiencing the rewards of volunteering to get involved,” Quagrello said. “There are many ways you can help: by providing transportation, assisting with small tasks, or simply offering companionship. And right now we particularly need drivers, as the demand for transportation has skyrocketed in the past year.”
To volunteer, or to learn about becoming a member and the accompanying benefits, visit seaglassvillage.org or call 781-718-0401.
“For me, it’s like paying it forward,” said Swampscott volunteer Ivan Sever.
Seaglass Village was honored at the annual Women’s Fund of Essex County Grantee Recognition Breakfast for its commitment to community and aging services. The nonprofit also received a major grant from the Women’s Fund of Essex County to support reduced-cost memberships for income-eligible women in Swampscott, Nahant, Marblehead, and Salem over the next three years. The $30,000 grant will fund over 70 subsidized memberships for older women living alone in affordable housing.
Standard membership fees are $360 per year for individuals and $540 for households of two or more.
