On March 28, a crowd of enthusiastic supporters gathered at the Boston headquarters of Central Boston Elder Services to celebrate this vital institution’s golden anniversary. For 50 years, CBES has been a pillar of the community, providing high-quality supportive programs and services to tens of thousands of older adults and younger disabled residents in Dorchester, Mattapan, Roxbury and all of Boston’s neighborhoods.

CBES empowers our seniors to age in place with dignity and grace in the communities they helped to build. Its birth is tied to community-based action and legislative initiatives spearheaded by its elderly founders. The first group of clients, known as the “the originals,” numbered about 200. Fast forward to 2024! The number served annually by CBES is now approximately 10,000!

CBES services are vital to the well-being of our residents, our neighborhoods and our city. They include Home Care Programs, Elder Protective Services, Adult Foster Care, Boston Allied Partners, Disability Assistance, Clinical Assessment & Eligibility, Little Necessities Programs, Elder Hunger Prevention, Residence Service Coordination, Senior Care Options, Veterans’ Services, and more.

Every day the need for services grows. As huge numbers of baby-boomers age, the senior population of Boston is predicted to increase 50 percent by 2030. According to the US census, by 2034 there will be more retirement-aged people than school-aged children in America.
We are thankful for the federal, state and city funds we receive to provide essential support and services to our seniors. But more funding is needed.

A campaign to help us meet our needs – CBES is launching a $400,000 fundraising campaign to bolster the organization’s effort. Every dollar raised helps to keep seniors and those with disabilities out of costly nursing facilities, saving significant tax-payer dollars. Along with supporting critical existing programs, the funds raised will provide:

• Equity and inclusion initiatives that reach all those we serve. Right now CBES works with residents speaking 40 languages. All must be included and treated equally. Digital equity and literacy programs must be expanded and more equity-inclusion programs developed;

• Programs that reduce the social isolation that soared during the pandemic – CBES needs to expand community-based activities such as movie nights and barbecues and develop more social opportunities;

• Support for the CBES Little Necessities Fund that funds critical needs such as power lift wheelchairs, beds, air conditioners, and more;
• Advocacy and support for accessibility for those with physical disabilities and challenges in buildings and institutions in Boston and beyond.

Over the past 50 years our seniors have proven over and over that they are strong, resilient, and talented, with so much still to give. Please help us support them! You can go to centrtalboston.org or call (617) 277-7416 for giving information.

Sylvia Exantus is the Executive Director of Central Boston Elder Services.