Friends of DEHS launches push for new senior center

By Mike Berger

The Canton Select Board took under advisement at its meeting Tuesday night a request to recognize a new nonprofit group, the Friends of the Canton Department of Elder and Human Services (DEHS), whose purpose is to be a “trusted community partner and to help make a new modern facility and expanded services a reality for Canton.”

Exterior of the existing senior center on Pleasant Street

The group sees a need for a new center and wants to start planning for the next generation of Canton residents.

Making a presentation to the Select Board was Katherine Szymanski, who said the 501(c)(3) charitable organization was established to support DEHS and improve the quality of life for older adults in town through fundraising, volunteerism, community awareness, and advocacy.

“Our role is to complement town services, not replace them,” said Szymanski.

Szymanski noted that 37 percent of Canton’s population is currently 55 years of age or older and that figure has been steadily growing, reinforcing the need for adequate space, programs, services and resources, both for today and in the future.

The current senior center on Pleasant Street is 6,100 square feet and has limitations on space and program capacity. Szymanski said a modern facility would allow room for expanded programs, services for not only older adults but also for veterans, social services, and community activities. Early planning discussions have identified a facility in the range of 20,000 to 25,000 square feet to serve Canton’s growing needs.

In addition to building a strong membership and volunteer base, the Friends of DEHS is hoping to increase community awareness through presentations, outreach and social media.

They are also aiming to develop relationships with community organizations, businesses and supporters; create a sustainable fundraising program and pursue appropriate grants; and work with DEHS to understand needs and identify areas where the Friends can provide additional support.

Szymanski said the Friends also want to collaborate with other town boards and committees and work on practical short-term improvements while building toward a long-term solution.

In other news from the October 6 meeting …

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