During this health crisis, BrooklineCAN (Brookline Community Aging Network) will be providing useful information, highlighting resources for seniors and the Brookline community.
Recently, Eliana von Krusenstiern and Bonnie Bastien launched Mutual Aid Brookline (MAB), a community initiative that has created a central infrastructure for resources to be accessed quickly. Coordinators of MAB are Liz Neill, Elena David, and Eva Ackerman.
The MAB website notes the organization is “an immediate solution to the widespread need of people affected by COVID-19. We are also connected to major foundations and institutions in Brookline and are actively coordinating with them. We are not a 501c3 nonprofit or incorporated. We are just trying to fill the need as quickly as possible.”
The website lists resources for finding help in many categories. One that is especially important is “Supplies Delivered.” Seniors and other at-risk individuals are encouraged to call 617-651-1468 or e-mail MutualAidBrooklineDelivery@gmail.com for additional information.
Brookline senior Claire Goodwin has used Mutual Aid Brookline twice to help her shop at Trader Joe’s. Claire emailed the website and requested someone to shop, indicating where and when. MAB emailed information about the “shopper,” who contacted Claire directly. The first volunteer was a male college student. The second was a female. Claire paid each volunteer in cash for the Trader Joe’s bill and texted MAB to notify them when the transaction was complete. There is no cost for the volunteers. When asked to rate the MAB volunteers, Claire said, “I would rate both of them A plus!”
Another senior, also a Brookline resident, found the system very efficient. This elder needed to fill a prescription at the Harvard Avenue CVS and registered for the service by phone (617-651-1468). Because a prescription needed to be filled, she gave MAB her age and birthdate along with her request. Her doctor called CVS, who called the woman when the prescription was ready. The young male volunteer came to her home to get her CVS and charge cards, picked up the prescription, and brought it to the woman. The entire process took 30-minutes. The woman contacted MAB for information about giving a tip to the volunteer and was told donations could be managed through Venmo. The woman, although she was very pleased with the service, decided to donate by using her personal charge card.
Affiliated with the Brookline Senior Center, BrooklineCAN is an all-volunteer, membership organization that enables older residents to remain independent and fully engaged in the life of the community. The BrooklineCAN website provides a wealth of information, including how to become a member.
If you have news of interest to Brookline seniors, wish to receive the BrooklineCAN newsletter and news releases, or want additional information about BrooklineCAN, visit http://www.brooklinecan.org.
