Census 2020 - Everybody Counts!

September 30 is the last day to be counted in the 2020 U.S. Census. It is important that every Andover resident is counted, since the Census determines the Town’s representation in Congress, as well as funds for the Andover Senior Center, Public Safety and schools. When we know how many people live in Andover, our local, state and federal governments are better equipped to evaluate the services and programs we need. Further, businesses and other organizations use census data to decide where to locate offices and stores that bring jobs and economic growth to Andover.

Census forms can be completed online or by phone, as well as by mail, but they must be completed by the Sept. 30 deadline. Responses are confidential and protected under federal law. For more information, visit www.2020census.gov.

Are We Open?

Elder Services has never closed. The team has been working throughout the pandemic to provide a range of services to residents. As State guidelines evolve, our programming will evolve. Senior Connections is open! We are offering ’by appointment’ services, Zoom and outside programming. Check out our monthly newsletter for up-to-date information as we slowly and safely resume in person programs.

Stay Active - Fall Fitness 2020

The Fall session is September 8 - October 30Cost of session is $25 and classes will take place on Zoom, at our Clark Rd location or outside.Click here for the Fall Fitness Brochure.

Click here to Register for in-person Fitness Classes

Click here to Register for Zoom Fitness Classes

TRANSPORTATION

Grocery Trips are Back! We are going to Market Basket each week. Contact Patty at Andover Elder Services to reserve your spot (978) 623-8320.

Medical Transportation through Andover Elder Services. Independent seniors can receive medical transportation to and from essential medical appointments that are of critical need or otherwise cannot be rescheduled at this time. Contact Ashley at 978-623-8320.

Ride Match
Ride Match is an online, searchable database for finding medical and other rides in Massachusetts. This service could be used to schedule trips to the grocery store, medical appointments, etc. To plan a trip, visit https://massridematch.org/.

OTHER SERVICES

MENTAL HEALTH & CRISIS
The outbreak of COVID-19 may be stressful for people and communities. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. If you need to talk to someone, these resources are confidential and available for free 24/7:

Call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Text HOME to 741-741 for Crisis Text Line
Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66-746 for the Disaster Distress Hotline

Home internet Access – If you do not have internet access at home or cannot afford to maintain it, but need internet for work or school there are several options available through providers:

Comcast Internet Essentials, a low -cost home internet package for qualifying individuals and households, is now available for free for the first two months.
Access from AT&T is a low-cost home internet package for qualifying individuals and households

Massachusetts 211 – All 211 providers across the US are operational and continue to connect people with services and resources in their local communities including people who are in need of financial or other assistance as a result of lost wages from event cancellations, business closures, and quarantines. Additionally, many 211’s are working closely with state and local health officials to provide up-to-date information to the general public about the virus and outbreak. If you have questions or need help related to COVID-19, you can call 211 or visit your local 211’s website.

The Division of Elder Services/Senior Center is a division of the Town of Andover. The Andover Senior Center is a place of opportunities-a focal point in the community. The Senior Center specializes in services and programs designed especially for elders of the community, but everyone is welcome at the center, regardless of age. The focus of programming and services is on wellness, continuing education and advocacy, encouraging creativity, meeting special needs and giving back to the community. The Center is funded by the Town of Andover, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, grants and private donations. We invite you to access programs and services.

Mission

To provide individuals, regardless of background, the opportunity to seek and readily find fulfillment and growth through programs and services that nurture mind, body and spirit.

Philosophy

Programs and Services are diverse and inclusive, promote dignity and well-being, support independence and encourage continued involvement in community life.

Accessibility

The Andover Senior Center is fully accessible. Upon request auxiliary aides and services will be provided to ensure effective communication and participation in Andover Elder Services programming and services as specified in the Americans with Disabilities Act.

A Inclement Weather Policy

When Andover town offices are closed or there is a state of emergency due to inclement weather Andover Senior Center will be closed. When the Andover Schools are closed due to heavy snowstorm or severe conditions, the senior center may be closed to programing. When closures occur every effort will be made to produce a voice connect call to update participants of the closures. You can also check our information line at 978-623-8302 for cancellations.

If bad weather develops during the day, the senior center may close, based on the towns emergency preparedness recommendation.