Council on Aging

Resource Guide

The Westford Resource Guide was created to assist Westford residents who would like to independently  access resources and support services in our area. Residents are always invited to call or meet the Town/Council on Aging Social Worker, Alison Christopher LICSW or Outreach Coordinator, Annette Cerullo LSW. We can provide information, guidance,  support, and assistance with referrals. However, this provides a means for residents to help themselves if they are more comfortable doing so. Please understand that this guide is not all-inclusive of topics or of agencies. Inclusion does not imply a recommendation or endorsement of the listed services. Please research any agencies or services that you plan to hire privately as you normally would.

Mission Statement

The Cameron Senior Center is a focal point where older adults come together for services and activities that reflect their expertise and skills, respond to their diverse needs and interests, enhance their dignity, support their independence and encourage their involvement in and with the center and community.

Meetings

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
        View Agendas
        View Most Recent Agenda
        View all meeting minutes
 
The Council on Aging currently has a vacant seat. If interested in serving on this committee, please complete a Citizen's Activity form at this link: Citizen Activity Form.

Vision

To improve the quality of life for Westford residents who are aged 60 or older and to provide services, advocacy and resource information.

30th Anniversary of the Cameron Senior Center

The Cameron Senior Center Celebrated its 30th Anniversary on June 12, 2024 with a lovely event, where it received proclamations from legislature for all that it has achieved in those 3 decades. A video tribute was produced for the event which may be viewed by clicking here. 

Below is a slideshow of images from the event:

A chronicle of Mickey’s history with the Cameron Senior Center and community she cherished:

Helena “Mickey” Crocker, (named Helena McNiff at birth) was born in our very own Forge Village October 20, 1928; 94 years later her myriad of accomplishments has rippled through the community to only create a more caring community.

Mickey proudly  served as Westford’s Town Aide for twelve years where she worked as a liaison between low-income residents, Community Teamwork and Westford Town officials. Mickey recalled as she learned her position and meeting with other Town aides that other municipalities had senior centers except for Westford and Chelmsford. Her professional collaboration with Community Teamwork allowed and encouraged her to find out what it would take to have a center for older adults to engage in activities and meal programs. However, she realized it wasn’t going to be an easy feat. With Mickey’s   perseverance she successfully organized the Golden Age Club which provided seniors with an opportunity to socialize, engage in activities, trips, special events and support services. She was excited that the Golden Age Club represented all five sections (villages) of Westford and various nationalities. As the club offered classes, dances, and continued growth they quickly outgrew their original meeting space found upstairs in the Westford Town Hall, Grantville Legion Hall (Post 159 FS Healy) and 2 Cross Street. Luckily, with Mickey’s special charm the Franco-American Club granted graciously donated the hall every month. While securing a place for the Golden Age Club Mickey simultaneously started the Council on Aging where she secured annual funding from the state and to this day the Westford Council on Aging continue to receive this vital funding from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. While securing key funding she started such programs which included: Meals on Wheels, Well-Oldster Clinic which provided various routine heath screenings and a hot meal for elderly every Tuesday and Thursday night at Westford Housing Authority communities.   As services and programs continued to grow Mickey still had her determined nature to find a permanent location for the Council on Aging.  She got wind that the Frost and the Cameron school would no longer be needed by the school department and was appointed by the Select Board to Chair the Building Re-Use Committee and that was the beginning of a dream for Mickey to see the Cameron School become home for what is now the Council on Aging and Cameron Senior Center. Helena “Mickey” Crocker shared, “I am so proud of all we have accomplished and the many people/volunteers who have helped to make the Cameron a wonderful and active place.” Amazing this building was built as a little two room schoolhouse in the 1800’s and it never looked better.

Mickey’s contribution to Westford was quoted in a published article “As her list of accolades stretch far and wide through our community.” So many pioneered efforts which are too many to list but included the creation of the Westford Food Pantry, Westford Housing Authority, Founder Foster grandparent program, Headstart classes, Pinch Hit program, Merrimack Valley Homecare, Founder,  Cameron Thrift Shop, Holiday Basket Program, Gay 90’s, Library newsletter, WISH and most recently was honored to have the Helena Crocker Residences attributed to her incredible legacy of truly, “giving.”