7 Essential Services And 2025 Updates From The Dartmouth Council On Aging (Dartmouth MA)

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The Dartmouth Council on Aging (COA), located in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, continues its vital mission in late 2025 to serve as the central hub for the town's elderly population, aged sixty and older. This fully Multipurpose Senior Center is more than just a building; it is a critical resource network designed to promote the health, independence, and well-being of the approximately 10,000 seniors in the Dartmouth community. As of December 23, 2025, the COA is actively finalizing its calendar for the coming months, offering a fresh slate of programs, from essential nutritional and financial assistance to a robust schedule of physical and social activities.

The COA operates under the motto of designing, promoting, and implementing comprehensive services, ensuring that the older adult population has access to the support they need to age with dignity and engagement. The current focus remains on providing up-to-date resources and maintaining a vibrant community atmosphere, especially through its diverse program offerings and dedicated leadership.

Leadership, Contact, and Core Mission Profile

The success of the Dartmouth Council on Aging is rooted in its dedicated staff and the governing board that guides its strategic direction. Understanding who runs the center and where to find it is the first step in accessing its invaluable services.

Key Personnel and Contact Information

  • Council on Aging Director: Amy DiPietro is the current Director, overseeing the daily operations and strategic planning for the Senior Center.
  • Veteran Service Officer: The COA works closely with Matt Brouillette, Dartmouth’s Veteran Service Officer, to ensure veterans receive the benefits they have earned.
  • Governing Body: The COA is governed by a board of nine Council members who design and promote the services offered to the community's elders.

Dartmouth Senior Center Location

The Dartmouth Senior Center is the physical home for the Council on Aging and the main site for most programs and events. The COA proudly identifies as a fully Multipurpose Senior Center, a designation that reflects the breadth and depth of its offerings.

  • Physical Address: 628 Dartmouth Street, Senior Center, Dartmouth, MA 02747
  • Phone: 508-999-4717

The 7 Core Pillars of Dartmouth COA Services: Essential Support for Seniors

The Council on Aging's programming is structured around seven essential categories of support, each designed to address a critical aspect of senior life in Dartmouth, from physical health to financial stability. These programs are continuously updated to reflect the current needs of the community.

1. Comprehensive Outreach and Referral Services

The Outreach & Referral program acts as the frontline for seniors navigating complex government and social systems. The COA staff provides direct assistance with essential applications and referrals to local and state resources. This is one of the most critical aspects of their social service offerings.

  • Application Assistance: Help with state and federal forms.
  • Insurance Counseling: Assistance with health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid.
  • SNAP (Food Stamps) & PACE (Fuel Assistance): Direct help applying for nutritional and heating aid.

2. Nutritional Support and Food Security

Addressing food insecurity is a major focus for the COA. They operate two key programs to ensure no senior goes hungry.

  • Regional Elderly Nutrition Program: The Senior Center serves as a meal site, providing hot, nutritious meals each weekday.
  • COA Food Pantry: The on-site pantry is open to those over 60, disabled, and in emergency situations, operating on the last Tuesday of every month.

3. Financial and Tax Assistance Programs

Seniors in Dartmouth have access to programs designed to ease the financial burden of property ownership and daily living. This includes leveraging statewide initiatives and local funding.

  • Senior Property Tax Work-Off Program: This highly recommended Massachusetts program allows qualified homeowners to reduce their property tax bill by up to $1,500 by volunteering their time for the community.
  • Real Estate Assistance Fund: Local funds are sometimes available to offset a portion of the real estate tax on a personal residence for the elderly and disabled.

4. Senior Transportation Services

Maintaining independence often relies on access to reliable transportation. The COA's transportation program offers a seamless, curb-to-curb service for the elderly.

  • Purpose: Transportation for medical appointments, grocery shopping, and social outings.
  • Service Type: Curb-to-curb service ensures accessibility and ease of use.

5. Robust Fitness and Wellness Programs

Physical activity is a cornerstone of the Senior Center’s offerings, with a wide variety of classes to suit all mobility levels. These programs are essential for maintaining strength, balance, and flexibility.

  • Strength and Balance: Strong and Steady, Strength and Flex, and Osteo Exercises.
  • Mind-Body: Tai Chi and Gentle Yoga.
  • Cardio and Social: Line Dancing and the Walking Club.

6. Social and Recreational Activities

Beyond structured classes, the COA calendar is filled with recreational activities, including card games, arts and crafts, and special seasonal trips. These events foster a sense of community and combat social isolation, a key focus for the Council on Aging.

7. Resource Partnerships (Coastline Elderly Services)

The Dartmouth COA functions as part of a larger network. It frequently partners with organizations like Coastline Elderly Services, Inc., to expand the range of care options, including home care and other vital community services, ensuring comprehensive support for Dartmouth seniors.

Your 2025 Fall & Winter Guide to Dartmouth Senior Center Events and Updates

The final quarter of 2025 and the start of the new year are packed with activity, reflecting the COA's commitment to continuous engagement. The following dates and details are the most current information available, highlighting key registration windows and governance meetings.

Crucial Registration Dates for October 2025 Events

Planning for the next season's events is already underway, with a specific focus on the unique seasonal and other activities planned for October 2025. Seniors must pay close attention to the registration windows to secure their spot.

  • Dartmouth Resident Registration: Registration for all October 2025 events begins on October 1, 2025.
  • Non-Resident Registration: Registration opens one week later, on October 7, 2025, for seniors from surrounding towns.
  • Note: All classes and events require pre-registration.

Latest 2025 Governance and Planning Meetings

The COA's Board of Directors meets regularly to discuss policy, budget, and future programming. These meetings are open to the public and provide insight into the COA’s strategic trajectory.

  • August 2025 Meeting: The Board of Directors held a meeting on August 28, 2025.
  • October 2025 Meeting: A Board of Directors Meeting was scheduled for Thursday, October 23, 2025.
  • December 2025 Planning: The COA calendar includes events and updates stretching into December 2025, demonstrating a proactive approach to year-end service delivery.

The dedication of the Dartmouth Council on Aging to its community is clear through its robust and constantly updated catalog of programs. By leveraging the Senior Center's resources—from the essential Regional Elderly Nutrition Program and vital Outreach services to the engaging fitness classes and the beneficial Senior Property Tax Work-Off Program—Dartmouth's elderly population has a strong foundation for a healthy and active life.

dartmouth council on aging dartmouth ma
dartmouth council on aging dartmouth ma

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