WESTFIELD-A “team effort” is how Fran Aguda describes the Volunteer Companionship Program through the Westfield Council on Aging.
Aguda, who has served as program coordinator since 1992, said her upcoming retirement is bittersweet. A morning open house is slated Nov. 29 starting at 9 a.m. for city residents to see Aguda and wish her well on her life’s next journey.
Fran Aguda, coordinator for the Volunteer Companionship Program through the Westfield Council on Aging, seated, will be retiring at the end of the month. Aguda is seen with Tina Gorman, executive director, Westfield COA.
“The companionship program is a team effort between me and the volunteers,” said Aguda. “The friendships I’ve made have been phenomenal.”
During a recent interview, Aguda emphasized how the program began in 1989 with approximately 25 clients and has blossomed over the years. Currently, the program serves more than 200 clients annually with the assistance of more than 50 volunteers.
“The most meaningful part of the program is serving Westfield’s frail elders when gaps in services exist,” said Aguda.
Aguda noted that under her leadership she has stressed the importance of “the human touch.”
“Some clients are isolated and can be scared,” said Aguda. “It’s important to match the right volunteer and client together.”
Tina Gorman, executive director, Westfield Council on Aging, echoed those sentiments.
“Fran does a phenomenal job matching volunteers and clients to ensure it is the right fit,” said Gorman, adding, “Fran is really good at that.”
Over the years, through grant funding, the program has expanded to include hazardous weather check-ups, home evaluations, outreach to the Spanish community working with the Westfield Spanish American Association, and creating a booklet of local resources for seniors. Additionally, grants have supported a house number visibility program, a lock box project, participation in a dementia friendly community initiative, and most recently, a senior safety program.
Gorman and Aguda thanked the various organizations that have supported the program over the years including Sarah Gillett Services for the Elderly, Baystate Noble Hospital, and the state Executive Office of Elder Affairs, as well as private donations and the Westfield Community Development Block Grant program.
As Aguda departs in a few weeks, Gorman said she determined the need for splitting the duties into a full-time and part-time position.
“Fran has been doing 1 1/2 job positions,” said Gorman. “Nothing rattled Fran with her challenging workload, however, we are now seeing more complicated case management cases.”
The new roles which were posted in October include a part-time Companion Program Coordinator and a full-time Outreach Coordinator.
“Joyce Peregrin, a familiar face in Westfield, will be retiring from the Westfield Athenaeum to assume the part-time duties of Companion Program Coordinator,” said Gorman. “Joyce brings a wealth of experience from her many years as outreach librarian.”
Aguda’s immediate plans after retiring include day trips with her husband Daniel as well as spending the holidays with her extended family members.
“We have big families,” said Aguda.
Travel is also on Aguda’s radar as she looks forward to visiting her sister in San Francisco as well as visiting family members along the way. She also looks forward to volunteering her time for nonprofits in the Greater Westfield area as well as for the Democratic City Committee.
Relaxing pastimes include walking her Lhasa Apso named “Benny,” as well as sewing, rug hooking and cross stitching.
“I may take a class or two at Westfield Creative Arts too,” said Aguda.
As thoughts turn to a new chapter in her life, Aguda is passionate about the continued success of the companionship program.
“Day after day, week after week, volunteers provide a helping hand, provide a shoulder to lean on, and share light moments with our seniors,” said Aguda. “The service our volunteers provide is priceless and praiseworthy.”
Gorman concurred.
“Whenever Fran was asked to assist with a case management case she never hesitated,” said Gorman. “She has always had the magic touch in finding a way to help others.”
