Canton, Massachusetts · Saved source text
COA statistics
Saved text from 4 source pages. Transcription and OCR may contain errors; verify figures and wording against the original. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
Source page 1
Overview of Councils on Aging Councils on Aging (COAs) are the community focal point for social and support services to elders, families and caregivers in 349 cities and towns in Massachusetts. These municipal agencies develop priorities, serve as advocates and offer opportunities to access programs, services and activities that directly benefit more than 540,000 elders, families and caregivers annually. COAs conduct more than 100 programs from information and referral, outreach, transportation, meals (congregate and/or home delivered) to health screening, health insurance information benefits counseling (SHINE), fitness, recreation, computer access, education/life long learning, among others. In most communities, COAs serve as the only public social service agency and assist numerous non-elders in accessing public benefits. They may also serve as a link to and support for elders and others in case of local emergencies. Each COA determines its own priorities based on unique local circumstances, resources and interests. Volunteers play an integral service role, with more than 31,000 persons recording almost 50,000 hours per week of volunteer support. Regardless of design, a local senior center is often a home away from home for socializing, learning, wellness, "giving back" or just a reason to get out of the house. For the rapidly growing elder population, now totaling nearly 1.3 million elders, COAs and senior centers provide a safe place for Massachusetts elders to remain independent, productive and in the community for as long as possible.
Source page 2
PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES TO ATTAIN ACCOUNTABILITY OBJECTIVES Assists in the development of educational, social and recreational programs for senior citizens. Collects information, recruits and schedules prospective instructors and guest speakers, and keeps records of programming information Plans and coordinates monthly day trip/Overnight trips Assists in publicizing scheduled events and programs by creating flyers and/or brochures and distributing them to various public locations throughout Town. Submits weekly "Senior Neighbors" updates to the Wellesley Townsman, which describe current COA programs, special events, the senior lunch menu, etc Collects and writes articles for the COA's bi-monthly newsletter. Updates the calendar sections, writes movie synopses, describes day trips, includes items of interest requested by staff and/or seniors. Merges and sends completed information to the newsletter publishing service in a timely manner Keeps attendance records for all events and for groups that meet regularly, using the COATS (Council on Aging Tracking System) database. Performs administrative tasks such as sending confirmation letters, ensuring that presenters and instructors have the necessary materials, sending thank you letters, and collecting program evaluation forms when applicable Assists with daily set up and clean up of program rooms. Purchases refreshments when needed and submits receipts to the Director of Senior Services for reimbursement. Assists COA staff with the supervision/ coordination of volunteers. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Source page 3
Town Senior Population Staff Hours
Canton 5300 Director 35
Canton Outreach 35
Canton Clerk 30
Canton Total 100
Dedham 6000 Director 37,5
Dedham No center Ass't Director 37.5
Dedham Outreach 37.5
Dedham Total 112.5
Foxboro 3836 Director 40
Foxboro Social Worker 35
Foxboro Outreach 19
Foxboro Office Man 35
Foxboro Program Coord 35
Foxboro Total 164
Mansfield 2487 Director 37.5
Mansfield Ass't Director 37.5
Mansfield Outreach 20
Mansfield Outreach 37.5
Mansfield Social Worker 37.5
Mansfield Fuel Assistance (Works Oct 1 - Mary 30)
Mansfield Activities Coord 17
Mansfield Total 187
Millis 1808 Director 25
Millis Outreach 15
Millis Dept Ass't 15
Millis Total 55
Milton 6051 Director 37.5
Milton Outreach 37.5
Milton Principle Admin Clerk 37.5
Milton Total 112.5
Norfolk 1626 Director 40
Norfolk Secretary 20
Norfolk Outreach 20
Norfolk Total 80
Norwood 6524 Director 40
Norwood Outreach 40
Norwood Program Coord 40
Norwood Program Coord 25
Norwood Total 145
Sharon 3883 Director 37.5
Sharon Office Man 37.5
Sharon Program Coord 25
Sharon Social Worker/Vol 28
Sharon Receptionist 19
Sharon Total 147
Wellsley 5429 Director 35
Wellsley Office Manager 35
Wellsley Health & Human Service 35
Wellsley Senior Activity Coordinator 35
Wellsley Transportation Coordinatoi 19
Wellsley Volunteer Coordinator 15
Wellsley Total 174
Westwood 3700 Director 40
Westwood Ass't Director 40
Westwood Outreach Coordinator 32
Westwood Administrator 20
1 S 2-Source page 4
60 & Older Under 60
2007
14854 414 Total 15268
2008
24980 789 Total 25769
2009
25479 601 Total 26080
2010
25841 703 Total 26544
2011
24553 987 Total 25540
2012
27947 1037 Total 28984
2013
27530 1229 Total 28759
2014
28987 2027 Total 31014