Senior services director reports rising demand and 645 one-way rides in fiscal year

The Town of Marlborough Commission on Aging received the Senior Services Director's monthly report on July 21, 2026. Director Shoshana Merced told the commission that the Energy Assistance program closed in May with 67 applications this year compared with 51 last year, and that the transportation program provided 645 one-way rides during fiscal year 25/26 to 43 distinct individuals.

Merced gave a breakdown of transportation users: "four riders were people with disabilities under age 59, two were people with disabilities age 60 and older, and 37 were riders over age 60," and said the program recorded 645 one-way rides. She also reported that the senior center welcomed 13 new members in May, distributed Senior Farmer Market Nutrition Program benefit cards at Florence Lord Senior Housing, purchased three raised garden beds for a planned community garden to replace the bocci court, and provided social services assistance to 27 people in May and 20 in June. The director said staff provided crisis assistance and referrals to an unhoused individual and helped a resident successfully terminate a lease to move into senior housing.

Commissioners did not take formal action on program changes at the meeting but discussed ongoing needs for staffing and space related to expanding services.