The Abington Council on Aging is dedicated to supporting the independence, health, and well-being of the town’s senior residents in a welcoming, vibrant environment. Based out of the Abington Senior Center at 441 Summer Street, the Council provides a wide range of programs and services designed to keep older adults active, connected, and supported. From nutritious homemade meals and exercise classes to health screenings, social events, and transportation services, the Council on Aging is both a resource hub and a community gathering place. With nearly 1,000 new participants joining since 2023, the department continues to grow, offering seniors meaningful opportunities to stay engaged and supported throughout their retirement years.
The COA is open to any Abington resident 55 and older. Seniors from other communities are welcomed but are sometimes subject to additional costs for trips and activities due to federal funding restrictions.
Overview
Mission: The Council On Aging's mission is to safeguard and promote the independence, health, and wellbeing of Abington's senior citizens in a supportive and energetic environment.
Services and Programming: The Council offers a wide array of services and programming to appeal to residents aged 55 and over. Residents can access services such as transportation to local stores, biweekly homemade lunches, parties and games, exercise classes such as yoga and zumba, and health services.
Senior Center: The Abington Senior Center is located at 441 Summer Street and open Monday: 9AM - 6PM, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday: 9AM - 2PM, Friday: 9AM - 12PM.
Services and Impact
Social Services: We help with applications for fuel assistance, SNAP, common housing, and Medicare and Medicaid.
Food Access: We provide nutritious hot homemade meals twice a week and will be introducing a breakfast cafe soon. We make sure to check in on our Meals On Wheels clients regularly.
Exercise: We offer 15 exercise classes here and a brand-new updated gym with state-of-the-art equipment to support residents' health as they age.
Health Services: Free Hearing screenings and Hearing Aid Checks are held the first Tuesdays of each month at 1:00 p.m., located at the Senior Center with Dr. John Klefeker. Please call to set up an appointment (781)-982-2145.
Transportation: We have our own van that we use to help the community with rides to the Senior Center, shopping trips, medical appointments, and social outings. From planned trips to one-time rides, the COA is here to help. Van hours of operation: Monday - Thursday: 9AM - 4PM and Friday: 9AM - 12PM.
Did You Know?
Growth: We have enrolled almost 1,000 brand new consumers since January 2023 and the numbers are still climbing!
Community Partnerships: We work with the DTA and Self Help to aid our consumers with financial benefits and programs. We work closely with the food pantry and many other town departments to help when needed. We are also directly involved with Old Colony Elder Services and Old Colony Planning Council.
An Abington Love Story: Five of our 6-person staff went to Abington HS together! We have been friends for 45 years, grew up together, and now we get to retire together– if that's not a love story, I don't know what is! We are so grateful to be here taking care of friends and parents as so many of our consumers have also been in Abington their whole lives. Although Charlene didn't graduate with us, she is like the team Mum, keeping everyone in line and on target!
Goals and Projects
New Van: We just received a grant for a brand new 14-passenger low-floor accessible van that will be arriving in Fall of 2025. Transportation is available
Renovations: We have renovated the space and added art and pictures of all of our consumers to the common areas. Next, we are planning on adding brand new chairs with arms that are more user-friendly. We would like to have someone come down and help us re-dig the bocce court here, as it would be a fabulous addition to the many activities we offer.
Volunteer Information
We have a COA Advisory Board and two small nonprofit organizations that raise funds to better the lives of the Abington Senior population.
Staff Team
Amy Barrett, Director, Medicare Specialist, Outreach/SHINE Coordinator
Robin Lirosi, Assistant to the Director
Richie Thetonia, Chef and Custodian
Cheryl Ames, Clerical Admin and Transportation
Michelle Thetonia, Van Driver, Meals On Wheels and Congregate Lunch Coordinator
Charlene Sawyer, Meals On Wheels and Nutrition Coordinator