The agency that would become Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) was incorporated on Dec. 20, 1972, with the goal of supporting the independence and well-being of our older neighbors.
A great deal has changed since then—but our commitment to that mission remains the same. Scroll below to see a timeline of our history!
Local advocates secure a three-month planning grant for providing comprehensive Home Care services for Cambridge and Somerville residents over age 60. This process culminated with incorporation of the Somerville-Cambridge Home Care Corporation on Dec. 22, 1972. The first Executive Director was Sima Osdoby. The first Chairman for the Board of Directors was Rev. Richard Olson.
The Somerville-Cambridge Home Care Corporation begins operations. Originally housed in the Union Square Library branch, the agency relocated to Powder House Square in April. That first year the agency had six employees and provided five Home Care Services.
The Somerville-Cambridge Home Care Corporation relocates to 249 Elm Street in Davis Square, with a pair of satellite locations nearby to house the expanding roster of programs.
SCHCC receives the federal Area Agency on Aging designation, following amendments to the Older Americans Act to establish a formal network of elder services nationwide. This designation made SCHCC responsible for overall planning, administration and coordination of federally funded services for older adults in Cambridge and Somerville.
John O’Neill hired as Executive Director of SCHCC, a position he would hold until 2017. “We had a number of firsts in the state, but the thing I’m most happy about is that we have a culture that prioritizes helping older people have what they want for themselves,” said O’Neill prior to retiring.
SCHCC relocates to 1 Davis Square, putting all operations in one building. The agency also added a new phone system that featured the agency’s first centralized switchboard for incoming calls.
The Somerville-Cambridge Home Care Corporation renamed Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services, both to reflect the growing roster of programs and its mission of providing services for older adults.
SCES Nutrition Director Alan Balsam pitches the State Department of Food and Agriculture on a pilot program to provide farmers market coupons for eligible older adults. This proposal is accepted, with the first batch of coupons distributing the following year. The program eventually grew to become statewide and eventually national, with funding through the Farm Bill.
Adult Family Care established to give eligible adults another option for receiving care in a home setting. The program provides training, compensation, and ongoing support for a caregiver who lives with the person receiving care. The program is open for eligible adults with disabilities age 18 and up, and this was the first SCES program that served younger adults with disabilities.
SCES relocates to a new building at 20-40 Holland Street. The move allowed SCES to consolidate operations on a single floor in the building (it had been operating out of the second floor and basement at 1 Davis Square. The agency also updated to an automated telephone system as part of the move.
SCES establishes a Money Management program, using a model developed and sponsored by AARP to match volunteers with older adults who need assistance with financial tasks.
SCES receives the new Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) designation from the state. In practice, this re-affirmed the agency’s status as the provider or state and federally funded programs for older adults.
SCES relocates to its current location at 61 Medford Street. The current SCES lease on this location runs through December of 2033.
SCES establishes the CONNECT program to provide in-home mental health support for older adults, who are often underserved due to lack of transportation and other barriers.
CONNECT anticipated the Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT) approach, which is increasingly being offered in Massachusetts to provide support for behavioral health and mental health challenges.
SCES launches a monthly meal site for LBGT older adults, their friends, and caregivers. It would eventually be renamed Kate’s Cafe, after longtime SCES Case Manager and LGBT advocate Kate Thomas.
SCES partners with health care providers to launch the Community-based Care Transitions Program, which sought to reduce hospital readmissions through coordinating with community-based care providers. This program eventually became our Hospital to Home program.
SCES adds a couple of new programs to help during the pandemic. Technology Coaches is a volunteer program that helps older adults set up technology. We also provided free transportation for local older adults to get the COVID vaccine.
Marta Covelo hired as the first woman of color to hold the Chief Executive Officer position at Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services
