The Somerville Cambridge Elder Services Board of Directors recently bid a fond farewell to three long-serving members (from left) Neil Winston, Liz Aguilo, and Kathryn Erat. The board is currently taking applications for new members. SCES Executive Director Paul Hollings is also in the photo.

By Leslie Hergert

Want to help a great organization make a difference in the lives of local older adults? Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) is currently taking applications for several vacancies on our board of directors.

SCES’s mission is to support elders and people with disabilities to live with dignity in the setting of their choice. Here are a few common examples of how we help older adults overcome challenges to independence and well-being:

• Delivering hot meals and homemaker services for an older adult who was depressed about quality of life after a hip replacement surgery.
• Providing personal care and a lifeline alert for a cancer survivor who otherwise could not have returned home safely after a bad fall.
• Coordinating money management assistance for a local renter who was struggling to manage her finances and facing eviction.

SCES board members are volunteers who work with the executive director to set policy for the agency. They also perform the vital role of serving as advocates and ambassadors for the agency’s mission – helping SCES develop and maintain the community partnerships that are essential to the success of our mission.

Our ideal candidate recognizes the importance of supporting our older neighbors and is comfortable helping SCES spread the word about the impact our programs have.

Our board of directors includes people with diverse viewpoints, experience, and skills, who represent the communities we serve. We especially hope to add more Latino, Haitian, and Southeast Asian members. Legal, financial, or organizational knowledge a plus. Board members must commit to active participation in a collegial spirit.

Interested in joining the SCES Board? Contact Leslie Hergert, SCES Clerk and Chair of its Governance Committee, at lfhergert@gmail.com for more information.

Leslie Hergert is Clerk for the Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services Board of Directors.