June 19, 2020 - Update

At the current time Senior Connections and the Clark Rd site remain closed to visitors and we are working towards a phased reopening.  Podiatry and tax appointments have begun on a limited basis.  If you had an appointment cancelled due to the pandemic, our office will contact you to reschedule.  No new appointments are being taken at this time as we work to reschedule past appointments.

Fitness is coming back in July!  We have schedule an 8 week fitness session including outside classes and Zoom classes.  The session will run from July 6 - August 24 at a cost of $25.  More details will be available shortly.

GROCERIES/PHARMACY

Neighbors in Need  http://www.needfood.org/

• We will hand out bags of food either from the back of our truck or in the parking lot at your regular pantry place and time.
• If you or someone you know is over 60 years old, has an underlying health condition, or is not feeling well and is unable to come to the either the food pantries or the diaper pantry, and does not have food or diapers, please call 978-685-8321.

Locations/Hours

Thursday Food Pantries

• 8:30-9:30 am Inglesia Adventista Del Septimo Dia 297 S. Union St. Lawrence
• 10-11 am Boys and Girls Club, 136 Water Street, Lawrence
• 4:00 - 5:00 pm Andover South Church 41 Central Street, Andover

Friday Food Pantries

• 8:30-9:30 am Third Baptist Church 22 Warren Street, Lawrence

Meals on Wheels:

Andover Elder Services is making Home delivered meals available to any senior or adult with disabilities that request assistance. The screening process has been waived during the pandemic. We typically ask for a $3.00 donation for the meals. However, we are not asking for any individual donation for the extra meal. (978) 623-8320

TRANSPORTATION

Medical Transportation through Andover Elder Services. Independent seniors can receive medical transportation to and from essential medical appointments that are of critical need or otherwise cannot be rescheduled at this time. Contact Ashley at 978-623-8320.

Ride Match
Ride Match is an online, searchable database for finding medical and other rides in Massachusetts. This service could be used to schedule trips to the grocery store, medical appointments, etc. To plan a trip, visit https://massridematch.org/.

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-unemployment-assistance

To file a UI claim online:
https://www.mass.gov/unemployment-insurance-ui-online

To file a claim by telephone number:

https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-unemployment-assistance

TeleClaim Center (617) 626-6800

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Voice Relay 711

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

TeleCert Line (617) 626-6338

To request weekly benefits, daily 6 a.m.–10 p.m.

Employer Customer Service Line(617) 626-5075

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

MENTAL HEALTH & CRISIS
The outbreak of COVID-19 may be stressful for people and communities. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. If you need to talk to someone, these resources are confidential and available for free 24/7:

• Call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
• Text HOME to 741-741 for Crisis Text Line
• Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66-746 for the Disaster Distress Hotline

Friendly Caller: Elder Services Staff will check in with those we know are at greatest risk for social isolation. We will be asking the community to let us know of anyone we should be calling or if anyone would like to receive a call from a friendly voice.  This program will continue after the crisis. Call (978) 623-8320

OTHER SERVICES

Home internet Access – If you do not have internet access at home or cannot afford to maintain it, but need internet for work or school there are several options available through providers:

• Comcast Internet Essentials, a low -cost home internet package for qualifying individuals and households, is now available for free for the first two months.
• Access from AT&T is a low-cost home internet package for qualifying individuals and households

Massachusetts 211 – All 211 providers across the US are operational and continue to connect people with services and resources in their local communities including people who are in need of financial or other assistance as a result of lost wages from event cancellations, business closures, and quarantines. Additionally, many 211’s are working closely with state and local health officials to provide up-to-date information to the general public about the virus and outbreak. If you have questions or need help related to COVID-19, you can call 211 or visit your local 211’s website.