Central Boston Elder Services Host 50th Anniversary Gala

Central Boston Elder Services hosted its 50th year Anniversary Gala Celebration the Golden Era: "A Time to Remember" marking its historic milestone of commitment in helping our seniors and individuals with disabilities remain self-sufficient in their homes. The celebration took place on Saturday, October 26th at the luxurious Hyatt Regency Hotel in Cambridge, MA overlooking the Charles River. The celebration featured musical performances by Top Billboard jazz musician Andre Ward and the well-known local jazz band the Paul White Trio. The evening also highlighted an expo of vendors from Boston and surrounding areas. The evenings' exciting program and award's presentation was emceed by mistress of ceremonies Karen Holmes Ward Boston's own award-winning Host and Executive Producer at WCVB Channel 5.

This year's Drum Major for Justice Award honorees include: Beulah Providence, Founder and Executive Director of the Caribbean Foundation, Frieda Garcia, Community organizer; Social Justice advocate, and Liz Miranda, Massachusetts State Senator of the Second Suffolk District. All three women have made a significant impact in the community through their commitment and advocacy work for older adults in the Boston neighborhoods served by Central Boston.

"One of the things I have been really proud of is taking care of the people that take care of our loved ones and showing that there is a living for folks that choose to work in human services, and they can succeed. My wish is that any elder in our community can live in dignity, safety, and have self-determination and choice.," said Honoree State Senator Liz Miranda.

This year's Keynote Speaker featured Sandra Harris, President of AARP's Massachusetts State Office. Sandra has worked extensively with the City of Boston Age Strong Commission on its Age-Friendly initiative and is a member of the Age Friendly Boston Advisory Council. She is a founding member of the Boston Society of Architect's Knowledge Committee on Designing for Aging.

"As we celebrate this milestone, it's important to look back on our humble beginnings and realize how far we have come. The birth of Central Boston Elder Services was tied to community-based action and legislative initiatives spearheaded by its elderly founders, as referenced in Robert C. Hayden's history of CBES from 1974-1994. People such as Mary Luck, Minnie Ward, and Melnea Cass led the way, meeting in churches to raise awareness about the needs of the elderly in our community. The first group of clients, known as "the originals," numbered about two hundred. Fast forward to 2024, we are now serving over ten thousand seniors" said Sylvia L, Exantus, Executive Director of Central Boston Elder Services.

For over fifty years Central Boston Elder Services has provided high quality, responsive, and supportive services and programs to older adults and disabled individuals needing health and human services. Central Boston Elder Services' philosophy emphasizes providing services in a manner that reinforces dignity and worth.

For more information on Central Boston Elder Services, please visit their website at www.centralboston.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.