Economic Development

   Business Training Workshops
   Individual Business Counseling
   Hilltown Business Directory
Housing Programs

   Homebuyer Counseling
   Housing Rehabilitation
   Housing Development
   Community Planning Assistance
Social Services

   Hilltown Elder Network (HEN)
   Health Outreach Program for
        Elders (HOPE)
   Hilltown Food Pantry
   Families Together
Community Facilities

 

 

 

 		               
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Hilltown CDC Social Services Programs 

The Hampshire County Hilltowns served by Hilltown CDC suffer from a lack of social service programs, especially for elders and families. Though Community development organizations often focus on economic development, maintaining affordable housing and community planning, Hilltown CDC includes Social Services as a priority area. Hilltown CDC is dedicated to filling the social services gap in the Hilltowns and remains acutely aware of area social needs and is committed to the intensive nature of ongoing fundraising for social programs in rural areas. 

Mass. Community Development Block Grants form the base, though not the total extent, of funding for Hilltown CDC social service programs, which require many supplementary funding sources in order to insure stability and provide continuity.

HOPE Program

The HOPE Program (Health Outreach for Elders) brings in-home medical services to homebound elders.  Administered by the Worthington Health Center from its central rural location, HOPE brings vital services that have previously been unavailable.  Home nursing visits, medication and podiatry services and physician home visits meet the needs of elders who are struggling with issues of illness, recovery, medication, aging, home safety and independent living. Under a doctor’s supervision, a registered nurse and/or podiatric specialist visit homebound elders in need.  Some patients require direct services while others need care coordination or medical oversight.

Currently over 150 elders are visited periodically.  A large portion of HEN participants are served by this program, thus helping to create the beginnings of a local comprehensive system of elder in-home care.  State Home Care services are supported by these services.  HOPE also helps to arrange medical transportation for elders, an immense task in the Hilltowns, especially during the winter months.  HOPE staff  help to limit suffering and isolation and provide many necessary medical services, some for the first time.  HOPE also offers elders in-home assistance with the task of organizing Medicare, insurance and other medical billing issues. 

HOPE is funded entirely by CDBG support.  The HOPE program is  administered by the Hilltown Health Centers and funded, in part, through  Massachusetts Community Development Block Grants and the Towns of Chesterfield and Cummington.

Interview with Michelle Taylor, BSN, nurse/manager of the HOPE program

Interview with Mary Kane, RN, nurse/manager of the HOPE program