Page 23 - Middleborough 2024 Town Report

R E P O R T O F T H E M I D D L E B O R O U G H
COUNCIL ON AGING
SHINE Medicare Counseling Program
The SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs
of Everyone) provides free health insurance
information and counseling to Massachusetts
residents qualifying for Medicare. The COA
houses the regional ofice for the SHINE Program,
serving 31 Southeastern Massachusetts towns
and cities, and coordinating over 50 volunteers
and certified counselors. Funded by a Medicare
grant administered through the Massachusetts
Executive Ofice of Aging & Independence, grant
monies support program stafing and expenses.
In 2024 the SHINE program served 1,184
Middleborough residents and more than 13,053
people region-wide, a 13.77% increase over
last year.
VOLUNTEERS
More than 120 very dedicated volunteers work with the COA to
serve the community. Volunteer drivers deliver Meals on Wheels
and provide transportation to medical appointments outside of
Middleborough. Others volunteer in the kitchen and dining room,
on the grounds, preparing mailings, knitting for charities,
shopping for homebound clients and ofering professional
services. Still others organize the COA’s emergency food pantry
and shop to keep it stocked. The Board of Directors provides
guidance and community connection, while Middleborough
Services to the Elderly, the COA’s Friends Group, raises funds to
help meet community needs. In 2024 more than 19,380 hours of
volunteer time were donated in support of the COA. We are truly
grateful for the ongoing support of our many volunteers.
TRANSPORTATION
Many rely on the COA’s transportation program.
Funded by GATRA, we provide about 16,000 rides
each year. The Fixed Route Shuttle brings
downtown area residents to nearby medical and
shopping centers and other local services. Our
Dial-A-Ride program ofers seniors and disabled
citizens curb-to-curb service for medical, food
shopping and social needs. We provide bus
shuttle service from Middleborough to
downtown Taunton three days a week, providing
access to Morton Hospital, The RMV, the
Department of Transitional Assistance and more.
This route also stops at venues along Route 44 for
shopping, including Walmart and GATRA’s
Taunton terminal, where riders can connect to
additional bus routes in the region. Our Plymouth
route provides access to area medical providers,
the DMV and other important services located
there. The vans are lit equipped to accommodate
wheelchairs and walkers. In addition, a small
corps of volunteers provides rides to out-of-town
medical appointments.
Above:
Dial-A-Ride Program GATRA bus
Right:
From The Enterprise, Joseph Correia of
Middleborough, boards a Council on
Aging GATRA bus .
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