City of New Bedford Official Website - Office of Community Services

Established in 2006, the Department of Community Services is comprised of three offices: the Council on Aging, Human Services and Recreation. Listed below is a “snapshot” of each office and the programs and services they provide.

The mission of the New Bedford Council on Aging is to study the conditions and needs of elderly persons in the community, in relation to housing, economics, employment, health, recreational needs and other matters. It shall analyze the services for the aged provided in the community, both by public and private agencies, and shall make recommendations to the Mayor regarding the development of such programs and their coordination with programs available through the Massachusetts Department of Elder Affairs.

Funding is made available to the Council on Aging from the City of New Bedford, Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, Coastline Elderly Services Title III, and an “Anonymous” Grant that benefits older women in need.

The New Bedford Council on Aging is dedicated to the concerns and well being of the older individuals, to enable them to maintain independence in their own lifestyle and prove the support needed so that they may remain contributing members of the community as long as possible. Among the programs sponsored by the Council on Aging in 2011-2012 are:

Services include: Medical Benefits, Housing, Food Stamps, Crisis Intervention, Advocacy, Discretionary Funding for women 65+who meet eligibility guidelines; Home Visits to elderly shut-ins. This program is offered at the Council on Aging Downtown Senior Center @ 5725 Pleasant Street: Monday thru Friday 9 am - 3 pm; Walk-ins are welcome; appointments are preferred. For information, call: 508-991-6257

Photo Program

The Photo ID program serves New Bedford residents 59 years+ and municipal employees.
Location: Council on Aging Senior Center @ 181 Hillman Street.
Requirements: Proof of residency & ID (Passport, Birth Certificate, State ID, Social Security card, MA license or Medicare card). Appointments are required for Municipal ID’s.
Days of Operation: Tues – Fri. 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Tel: 508-991-6250
Fee: $5.00

"Seniorscope” Newspaper

March 2013 - Newspaper - (click here)

SeniorScope is a free, 12-page monthly publication that has become an integral part of the senior community. SeniorScope’s mission is to inform, educate and advocate on behalf of area elders. For those who are frail, housebound and/or isolated, SeniorScope is a link to their peers and their community. The paper is available by subscription and at more than 100 sites in the community, including Senior Centers.

SeniorScope is recorded on cassette for the visually impaired, with assistance from the New Bedford Public Library. Free copies of the cassette are sent to any visually impaired individual requesting them. SeniorScope staff is located at the Council on Aging: 181 Hillman Street. To subscribe or request a cassette, call Jeannine Wilson @ 508-979-1510.

The SENIOR TRAVEL PROGRAM promotes active recreational opportunities for socializing through sponsored travel. It brings together persons with similar interests and encourages those who have retired, lost a partner or seek out new friends. New Bedford area residents 55+ are eligible to participate.

Contact: Jan Barrette - Senior Travel Coordinator
Office:      Hazelwood Senior Center (553 Brock Avenue)
Phone:     508-991-6171             FAX: 508-991-6163
E-Mail:      jan.barrette@newbedford-ma.gov

Medical Van

The medical van is used for transportation to medical appointments by any senior 59+ or any disabled non-senior who cannot take a bus or taxi because of a special need. (it is not necessary for seniors to be disabled).   The vans are wheelchair-accessible.
Days of operation: Monday-Friday 8:30AM – 12:30 PM. Call 24 hours in advance (every effort will be made to accommodate emergency appointments)
Contact:   508-991-6271
Fee:          $5.00 round trip

Personal Van

Personal van service transports riders to non-medical destinations; i.e. the hairdresser, barbershop, pharmacy, restaurants, nursing home visits etc.
Days of Operation: Wednesdays only 8:30-1:30 pm
Appointments: Call at least 1 week in advance
Contact: 508-997-4882
Fee: $2.00 round trip

Shopping Van

The shopping van takes riders to Shaw’s Supermarkets, Stop N’ Shop, Price-Rite & Trucchi’s as well as Department stores (K-Mart, Wal-Mart) every Tuesday, alternating between South end and North end. Two Mondays each month, the van goes to the Christmas Tree Shop, Kohl’s, Vanity Fair, Dartmouth Mall and others.
Days of Operation: Monday &Tuesday 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Appointments: Call at least 1 week in advance
Contact: 508-991-6250
Fee: $3.00 round trip

Contact: Felice Monteiro, COA Coordinator
Office: 181 Hillman St., Bldg. 9
Phone: 508-991-6251 Fax: 508-979-1514
E-mail: Felice.Monteiro@newbedford-ma.gov

Whether you wish to keep in shape, learn a new skill or develop a talent, the New Bedford Senior Centers have a variety of programs and activities to suit your lifestyle. Activities include painting, scrapbooking, line dancing, chair yoga, aerobics, strength and conditioning, chi kung walking, and bingo and computer classes. Amenities offered at the accessible centers include: a computer lab at the Hazelwood Center, a billiard table at the Brooklawn Center, treadmill and exercise bike at the Downtown Center. Health education and services are also available, including monthly blood pressure checks, diabetic clinic, hearing aid checks, and special guest speakers for topics such as fall prevention, Alzheimers support, and healthy eating & cooking demonstrations. Call the Senior Program Manager or any of the Senior Center Coordinators for seasonal program updates and upcoming special events.

WELCOME to the HUMAN SERVICES Office of the Department of Community Services! The Division has staff members who:

The Office of Human Services began its “Shining Lights” ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Program in 2002 to meet a need for newly arrived immigrants who were not ready for traditional ESOL classes. Shining Lights focuses on basic English conversational skills, and is staffed by volunteer teachers.

Since its creation, Shining Lights has served over 400 adult learners to date and provided structured out-of-school programs for over 100 infants and school-aged children while their parents are in class.

Shining Lights is a program offered by the City of New Bedford, offering basic English classes for beginning-level adult students.

Shining Lights classes are 2 hours long, twice a week, for 24 weeks from September 2012 to May 2013. The Shining Lights curriculum is focused on conversational English and students learn at their own pace. In addition to English lessons, Shining Lights also offers life- skills seminars (e.g. Tenant & Consumer Rights), as well as History & Civics workshops and Citizenship preparation.

Childcare is available for free.

The “Clear Paths” project is part of the Commissions for citizens with Disabilities HomeAID Program. The program provides snow removal for disabled homeowners who need access to/from home to obtain critical medical treatment or receive caregivers.

Contact:   Department of Community Services
Phone:     508 961.3136
TTY:         508 979.1796

Established by the City Council in 1983, the Commission for Citizens with Disabilities is a 9-member body appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. All members serve three-year terms and at least five members shall be persons with a disability. The Executive Director, appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council, carries out the administrative functions of the Commission. The Commission is charged with exploring issues relating to citizens with disabilities, providing information, referral, technical assistance, and taking action to ensure the equal status of persons with disabilities. The Commission supports a variety of programs, including:

The Commission is also actively involved in raising funds for the City’s first wheelchair-accessible playground @ Buttonwood Park.

Since the year 2000, CS² - Communities and Schools for Success continues to be a powerful and creative force behind school-based initiatives and stronger linkages to the community. Our mission is to help raise students’ academic achievement while providing access to real-world activities such as summer work and learning experiences, job shadows and career days, volunteer/community service opportunities, and after school programs, especially for those students who are underserved and disengaged. CS² - Communities and Schools for
Success works with community and school partners such as administrators, teachers, students, employers, and civic leaders to address and identify the priorities of the school district. CS² operates through the City of New Bedford’s Department of Community Services in New Bedford High School.

·       To implement and sustain new programs and strategies that improve engagement and motivation for students, particularly those placed at risk
·       To mobilize community support for schools involving families, businesses, and community organizations
·       To expand financial and in-kind resources for schools and communities

Grants research and writing – Each year, CS² has consistently secured grant funds and resources for programs and professional development opportunities that directly benefit students and teachers in our district.

·       CS2 participates on the NBPS College and Career Readiness Task Force which was formed to devise a multi-pronged approach to ensure all New Bedford students are college and career ready. Specific sub committees that we joined focus on Parental Involvement, Career Pathways, and Targeted Academic Support. CS2 has taken a leadership role in developing and coordinating a new College and Career Readiness Family Engagement Center at NBHS that opened in October 2012.
·       CS2 is an active member of the regional Career/Vocational Technical Education Committee (CVTE) facilitated by Bristol Community College. CS2 schedules and co- administers ACCUPLACER Math & English Tests for CVTE students and has reinstating and is developing new articulation agreements with BCC.
·       CS2 serves as the Pathways One Stop Initiative liaison between the New Bedford Career Center and New Bedford High School to introduce high school seniors who have not yet passed MCAS but have completed their local high school credit requirements to the services available to them beyond high school.
·       CS2 has taken the lead in organizing a committee for the annual Credit for Life Fair at
NBHS. Over 80 volunteers from the business community and staff from NBHS have
been recruited to plan this highly interactive experience that places 350 NBHS students in the position of a 25 year old adult in charge of making their own purchases and daily living decisions.

· CS2 facilitates and monitors NBHS School to Career students each semester.

After School and Summer Programs - CS² continues to design and implement innovative after school and summer programs for high school students such as:

· The 21st Century Community Learning Centers After School at New Bedford High is facilitated by the CS² team. Course offerings have including Hip Hop Club, Art Works!, E-Center Entrepreneurship Club, and Get Fit.
· The Summer Work and Learning Programs managed by CS² for underserved youth have included an entrepreneurship program, a science program at the OceanExplorium, and a park stewards program at the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. CS² continues to mentor these students during the school year to assist them with college and career readiness and to ensure that they stay on the path to graduation.

Entrepreneurship Education for Youth

·       CS2 developed and continues to manage the in-school Entrepreneurship Program at New Bedford High School, the after school E-Club, and the Entrepreneurship Summer Work and Learning Program. Over the years, hundreds of students have learned how to own and operate their own business through these courses.
·       CS2 developed and manages the E-Center (Center for Entrepreneurship at New Bedford High School). The E-Center is used to enhance the classroom experience and serves as a business incubator where entrepreneurship students can create and sell products.
·       With CS2 assistance and letters of recommendation, two NBHS Business teachers received the distinctive honor as the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 “NFTE Regional Entrepreneurship Teacher of the Year” awards. Also in 2009, Scott Paiva, a NBHS student, won 3rd place in the National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge and had the opportunity to meet President Obama in the White House.

Community Service Learning (CSL) and Volunteerism

·       The CS² team encourages the practice of service-learning as a teaching methodology and dropout prevention strategy in the district by offering professional development opportunities and providing resources and assistance to teachers for CSL projects.
·       The team works closely with the UMass Dartmouth’s Center for Civic Engagement both on their Advisory Board and as members of SouthCoast Serves - a regional collaborative focused on increasing volunteerism and service-learning in our region.
·       In partnership with the United Way of Greater New Bedford, each year high school students have participated in the annual Youth Day of Caring. Students are also encouraged to become effective volunteers in the community by using the Volunteer solutions website.

College Mentor/Tutor Placements - In a partnership with UMass Dartmouth, Bristol Community College, and other local colleges and universities, the CS² team has facilitated the placement of college tutors in the high school’s entrepreneurship courses, summer, and after school programs.

Community Partners and Committees include: ArtWorks!, Bristol Community College, Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board (WIB), New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, New Directions South Coast, Inc., OceanExplorium, One Stop Career Center, SouthCoast Serves, United Way of Greater New Bedford, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, and many more.

The Community Outreach Unit is comprised of representatives of the Community Service Department and was developed with the intention of being proactive to residents needs in the community. The NCOU, which meets weekly, attends all neighborhood meetings and special events in the community. The purpose of attending all events and meetings is to represent the City of New Bedford, and bring back information to be disseminated or to have questions answered. The Unit also responds to constituent’s needs in the community and assist those with extenuating circumstances.

This unit includes a Constituent Services Liaison and Ombudsperson for Elder & Disabled Services. These positions, funded by the City of New Bedford & the Office of Housing & Community Development, focus on addressing the needs of New Bedford’s elders, persons with disabilities, and non/limited English Speaking low-income residents.

Nora Andino, Constituent Services Liaison, is a bi-lingual staff (Spanish) member who:

Contact: John Lobo
Phone: 508-979-1692
E-Mail: John.Lobo@newbedford-ma.gov
Office hours: Mon. - Fri. 7:30-4 City Hall, Room 220

Contact: Pauline Macedo
Phone: 508-961-3135
E-Mail: Pauline.Macedo@newbedford-ma.gov
Office Hours: Mon thru Fri 8 AM – 5 PM; City Hall, Room 219
Home, Hospital and Nursing Home Visits available upon request

Marci Pina-Christian, Human Services Coordinator (Neighborhood Outreach, Human Relations:

Neighborhood Update can be viewed on Cable Access Channel 18 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday’s 11:00 am and 8PM

Have a community program that you will like to promote? We would like to here from you.

Contact: Mali Lim, Human Services Coordinator
Phone: 508-961-3020
E-Mail: Mali.Lim@newbedford-ma.gov
Office Hours: Monday -Friday from 8:30 am - 5:30 pm

The Human Relations Commission is charged with promoting mutual understanding and respect among, and encourage and assure equality of opportunity for, all people of the City without regard to their race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation or national origin; to conduct such programs of education, study, research, investigation, and action as will contribute to carrying out that mission.

Contact: Marci Pina-Christian
Phone: 508-979-1464
E-mail: Marcelina.Pina-Christian@newbedford-ma.gov
Office: City Hall, Room 221
Hours: Monday thru Friday from 8:30 am - 5:30 pm

In October 1998, the City of New Bedford received $200,000 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Targeted Cities Initiative for junior high after-school activities. The City subsequently issued an “RFP” (Request for Proposals), funding 11 programs in the spring of ’99. In June 1999, New Bedford was awarded $200,000 in Targeted Cities funds; the City added $250,000 to support more than 40 activities. In 2000-01, City/State contributions exceeded $400,000. During FY02, when State funding ended, the City’s $265,000 maintained the initiative. The City funded $200,000 in FY03 and FY04; $250,000 in FY05. Since FY06, the City has had a $200,000 program City budget for the Invest-in-Kids Program. For the past two years, the City has been fortunate to receive funding through State Senator Mark Montigny enabling the office to expand its program offerings, including Saturday Academy.

Through the RFP process, the Office subcontracts with 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations and cultural/educational institutions to implement out-of-school-time programs for students in Grades 5 through Middle School. During 2011-12, priorities include:

Positive Youth Development. Funded programs must offer activities that are innovative, high quality, and reflective of positive youth development. This approach sets high standards for all youth in education, socialization and citizenship -- and helps young people achieve them. Programs must produce measurable positive outcomes, including acquisition of competency skills. Essential to positive youth development is the inclusion of young people in planning and decision-making. Parents, neighborhood organizations, faith communities, and the widest possible diversity of community groups/informal systems participate in planning/implementing youth services, including the process of developing formal objectives of your program. Positive youth development encourages programs that:

Each year, the Invest-in-Kids Program is evaluated by Brandeis University to ensure high standards of program design and best practices are maintained. A complete program listing is found through the “Invest-in-Kids” link on the City’s web page.

The New Bedford Local Consumer Program (LCP) operates out of the City’s Department of Community Services. Funded by and working in cooperation with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General, the LCP provides free information and mediation to area consumers. A consumer having problems with a business may request mediation services. Staff mediators act as an intermediary between the consumer and merchant, attempting to reach a mutually acceptable solution.

The program is funded by the Office of the Attorney General and there are no fees or income guidelines for this program.

We cannot mediate if a consumer has already initiated legal proceedings or if the complaint is against a government agency, charity or private individual.

Complaints will be reviewed once all paperwork is received. If it does not fall within the LCP jurisdiction, it will be referred to the appropriate agency. If it does fall within the purview of the LCP, staff will mediate the complaint through an informal process via phone or mail.

Please be aware that mediation is voluntary; a business has the option to refuse to participate in the process. If LCP staff are unable to resolve a complaint, consumers are advised on other options, including how to file in Small Claims Court or how to contact the local Bar Association to find a private attorney.

The City of New Bedford is a No Place for Hate ® Community. Certified by the Boston regional office of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), New Bedford conducts at least four initiatives annually to prevent hate crimes and promote understanding to retain its certification. The Office of Human Services has been the New Bedford lead in this program. The ADL has provided the Office with annual matching grants that have funded:

During 2012 – 2013, the No Place for Hate Committee will explore topics relevant to current events in New Bedford, including interfaith peace initiatives, and efforts to reduce homophobia, racism, bullying, and anti-Semitism.

For regional material, go to the Anti-Defamation League’s website: www.adl.org. For more information on New Bedford’s No Place for Hate® Program:

Know Your Rights is a annual 1-day Conference for the Portuguese Speaking Elder Community presented by Bristol Elder Services, Catholic Social Services, Coastline Elderly Services, Immigrant’s Assistance Center, South Coastal Counties Legal Services and the City of New Bedford’s Office of Human Services was a success.

Approximately 138 elders living in the Greater New Bedford & Fall River area attended the annual Conference, which was held on June 20, 2012 at the United Fisherman’s Club of New Bedford from 9 a.m.-1:00 p.m. The theme for this year’s “Conhece os Seus Direitos VIII “ conference was “End of Life Issues”; topics covered were Spiritual Planning, Hospice, Funeral Planning & Last Wishes. In addition to the above, information was given about benefits, federal, state & local programs and how to access them in their native language. This event was live broadcast by the Portuguese Radio Station “O Voz do Emigrante” to benefit those who were not able to be physically present.

The next Portuguese Elder Conference “Conhece os Seus Direitos IX” will be held in May or June 2013.

As part of its mission to provide high quality, positive “out-of-school-time” activities, the City of New Bedford Department of Community Services offers a weekly, no-fee Saturday Academy Program for 4th and 5th grade boys from Parker, Swift, Ottiwell, Kempton & Phillips Ave Schools. The Saturday Academy Program is a 31-week program for students of promise referred by the school principal. The program coordinator along with the Saturday Academy lead teachers keep close communication with the school teachers. We serve the students a hot breakfast in the morning followed by Academics. After academics students have lunch then activities are held, which include going on fieldtrips, which incorporate education and fun, such as the New England Aquarium, Harvard Museum and the Children’s Museum. We also have speakers come in and talk to the students regarding various topics such as proper hygiene and making good choices. We have the students do community service related activities, which in turn will help them appreciate their community. We have taken the students to Nursing Homes to sing to the elderly during Christmas time. We provide different kind of activities such as an Easter egg hunt and a scavenger hunt. As part of the enrollment process, parents agree to have their son attend Saturdays with their Saturday Academy t-shirt, which is provided, and also agree to have their child attend the program from October - June (9:00 am - 2:00 pm). The program is based at the Dennison Memorial Center. Breakfast and Lunch are provided. Round-trip transportation from the schools is available at no cost.

The Sunset Supper & Social is a 16 week program for “downtown” seniors and residents with disabilities. Hosted by the Office of Human Services, 35 participants gather weekly for a nutritious meal with an opportunity for socialization at the Grace Episcopal Church of New Bedford (community room- side entrance) from 4:30 – 7 p.m. This program gives elder residents who usually don’t venture out at night the opportunity to gather one evening a week in a safe and comfortable environment. Downtown residents 62+ and residents with disabilities are invited. This Program is funded by the City of New Bedford. Pre-Registration is required.