BOSTON – State Treasurer Steven Grossman announced last week that the Financial Literacy Trust Fund, a non-profit board for which he serves as chairman, will be awarding $10,000 in grant funding to Highland Valley Elder Services (HVES).
Based out of Northampton, Highland Valley Elder Services will be using the grant to provide money management assistance to senior citizens in Hampshire and western Hampden Counties.
“Senior citizens are one of the most underserved populations when it comes to financial education, and proactive steps to help them preserve and protect their savings are critical,” said Grossman. “Highland Valley Elder Services has a proven track record and demonstrated innovative approaches to effectively reach seniors and help meet their financial education needs.”
Over a dozen organizations statewide requested funding for the two $10,000 grants that were recently awarded under the FLTF’s Financial Education for Senior Citizens Grant Program. The other awardee was Elder Services of Merrimack Valley, which will use their grant funding to serve the financial education needs of Cambodian senior citizens in Lowell.
The arrival of more funding for the Council on Aging in Southwick is certainly welcome.
“We haven’t heard anything about this yet,” said Cynthia Sullivan, executive director for Southwick’s Council on Aging. “But you can never really have too much money (for senior programs)”.
Sullivan would go on to explain that the town generally applies for a Title 3 grant from the organization to fund its nutrition program and newsletter.
“(Title 3 grants) pay our drivers for meals on wheels and for the newsletter we give out for seniors.” Sullivan said, referencing programs the town already has in place.
Regarding the importance of the new financial literacy grant, HVES is enthusiastic and looking forward to implementing the programs in their communities.
“The Money Management Program provides a valuable service to low-income elders who need assistance in managing their financial affairs,” said Nancy Maynard, Interim Executive Director of Highland Valley Elder Services. “This grant will enhance the program by allowing us to reach out to elders living in the community to educate them about financial literacy. Additionally, financial literacy will be added to the training of the volunteer Money Managers, increasing their ability to identify and better serve the needs of the elders they work with.”
A private, not-for-profit corporation, the mission of HVES is to serve older adults and their families through collaboration, education, advocacy, and a range of programs designed to support them where they live.
The city of Westfield has three representatives on the HVES Board of Directors, all of which are involved in the Westfield Council On Aging: Barbara Sokolowski, Vice President of the Council On Aging Board of Directors and the Treasurer of the Whip City Traveler; Bill Tatro, Vice President of the Friends of the Westfield Senior Center Board; and Marion Kraus, Friday morning greeter at the Senior Center and the scheduling coordinator for the Do Re Mi Singers.
In addition, Kraus was appointed President of the Highland Valley Elder Services Board of Directors last fall.
