Project Together Opens to Serve Socially Isolated Seniors-October 18, 1977

Designed to combat isolation and provide vital community support, Project Together officially opened its doors yesterday at the I and A building in East Dedham Square. Serving socially isolated senior citizens across Norwood and Dedham, the new social service organization welcomed 30 to 40 seniors to its opening event to outline its comprehensive menu of support programs, recreational activities, and outreach services.

Funded via a project grant from the Norwood CETA consortium, Project Together aims to bridge the gap for elderly residents who face barriers due to a lack of transportation or physical handicaps. Program Director Linda Sussman emphasized that the organization’s immediate priority is making its presence known. Utilizing a team of three dedicated outreach workers, the staff actively seeks out isolated seniors within the community.

Richard Maloof, one of the project’s outreach workers, urged the assembled seniors to contact the office with the names of neighbors or friends who might benefit from the services. While the program primarily focuses on the Dedham and Norwood area, Ms. Sussman noted that any senior citizen—particularly those with physical handicaps—from the 15-town Norwood CETA region is welcome to participate, provided they can arrange transportation to the drop-in center located at 247 Bussey St. in Dedham, with administrative offices situated nearby at 231 Bussey St.

Comprehensive Services and Future Goals

The newly launched center provides a wide array of activities and assistance, including arts and crafts recreation, structured music programs, light physical activity, nutritional services, volunteer opportunities, and daily hot lunches served at noon Monday through Friday. The drop-in space is also equipped with comfortable furnishings, including long tables, chairs, a lounge sofa, and ash trays, alongside fresh coats of latex paint.

Currently, the facility operates from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Organizers ultimately hope to expand operations to eight hours a day, Monday through Friday, though Ms. Sussman acknowledged that initial CETA funding will eventually be exhausted, prompting staff to actively seek long-term financial backing.

Transportation remains a major focus for the group. To bring isolated seniors to the center, the project currently utilizes three drivers with personal cars and hopes to add three more. According to transportation coordinator John Hoell, the long-term goal is to acquire a specialized van equipped with a wheelchair lift. While the drop-in center is not yet fully accessible for wheelchairs, Ms. Sussman confirmed that renovations to make the facility fully accessible are planned once building updates are completed. In addition to welcoming program participants, the organization is actively recruiting senior citizens to serve as program volunteers. Interested residents can reach the staff weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 326-7950.

Dedham Auxiliary Police Promotions

Amidst the community launch, the Dedham Civil Preparedness Agency office hosted promotion ceremonies yesterday for the Dedham Auxiliary Police force, presided over by Auxiliary Police Chief Ford Friend.

Among those advancing through the ranks were Robert Zorn, promoted to sergeant, and David Kentley, promoted to lieutenant. Additional promotions to sergeant were awarded to David White, George Thorn, Joseph Dineen, and Ray Harris. Furthermore, Lawrence E. Brooks, who has served with the auxiliary police for 11 years, was honored with a special plaque recognizing his dedicated service and achievement. All recognized officers are also members of the civil preparedness agency.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger