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Senior center expands outreach, Lifeline support and schedules scam-prevention session May 14
Summary
The Garden City Center reported expanded programming, volunteer-driven outreach, a Lifeline device program in early rollout, and a May 14 scam-prevention presentation with the district attorney's office and GFA Federal Credit Union; staff described an individual who lost large pension sums to scammers.
At the May 5 Gardner City Council on Aging meeting, staff described a range of programming, outreach and consumer-protection efforts for seniors, including an early-stage Lifeline device program, marketing initiatives, trips and a scheduled May 14 program on fraud prevention.
Program staff said the center welcomed more than 4,000 unique individuals in the prior 12 months and has increased newsletter distribution, advertising sales that support the newsletter, and volunteer distribution points. Staff said volunteers maintain multiple distribution routes and are crucial to outreach.
On technology and services, staff reported the Lifeline program is “up and running.” They said the center completed two installs, staff handled about four service calls, and most service issues have been routine (charging problems, incorrect hookups). Staff planned to expand Lifeline marketing by June 1 and to evaluate the pilot after roughly six months.
Staff warned attendees about scams and scheduled a May 14 presentation with two partners—the district attorney’s office and GFA Federal Credit Union. Lori, identified in the meeting as the credit union’s chief compliance officer, will join to discuss protections for seniors. Staff recounted a case in which an individual “took out $85,000 of his pension and gave it to scammers,” then incurred IRS penalties; the center emphasized preventive outreach because recovery options are limited once funds are gone.
Upcoming events and services mentioned included a bus trip to Battleship Cove on June 11 (third attempt to fill the bus), the sheriff’s picnic on June 7 in Shrewsbury, a Moose Hawks game in August, a shredding and electronics-recycling event on Aug. 2, and smaller programs such as ukulele and drum classes. Staff also noted donated items (two VFW pool tables) and the center’s intent to display local artists’ work and VFW materials at the facility.
Staff asked for volunteer support for events and distribution and said marketing efforts will continue as the center prepares to move to a new facility with more space.
