Ethos

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about ethos (Print this text) In the summer of 1972, Governor Frank Sargent issued a call for a new state initiative to help elders 'age in place.' Called "Home Care," this was one of the nation's first efforts to create case-managed elder services as alternatives to costly, dehumanizing and overly medicalized nursing homes. That September, a group of southwest Boston activists formed an ad hoc coalition to advocate for the area's 32,000 elders. Six months later, Southwest Boston Senior Services, Incorporated was formed -- a non-profit "Home Care Corporation" whose purpose was to promote the independence, dignity and well-being of area elders. In May, 1973, the new Corporation elected Sam Messina, a well-known senior activist, as its first President. In 1974, the agency began with a staff of four and funding for seven elderly meal sites. One year later, it received its first state Home Care contract and started a transportation project with the purchase of three vans. Thirty-five elders were served. In 1977, 400 elders received Home Care services, another 65 Meals On Wheels and a new Volunteer Services Program was started. In 1983, the agency expanded its portfolio to include elder protective, congregate housing and nursing home ombudsman services; in 1996 it significantly enhanced services for very frail elders; and in 1996 it initiated a crisis intervention program for self-neglecting elders. By 1998, with a $6 million budget serving elders throughout the city, the agency had outgrown even its name. Ethos was born. Today, Ethos offers the broadest array of home and community based services of any eldercare agency in Boston. Its Protective Services and Long Term Care Ombudsman programs have grown substantially and now assist elders anywhere in Boston. And through a partnership with two other Boston-based home care agencies, Ethos sponsors citywide programs that serve both the frail and disabled: Boston Money Management, a volunteer bill-paying service; BostonElderINFO, a free information and referral service, and the Caregiver Alliance, a support program for family caregivers. Thirty years ago, a handful of activists joined a visionary Governor to put the "human" back into human services. Today, Ethos stands as a monument to their success. Guided by principles of care, compassion and community, Ethos is one of Boston's most vital and vibrant non-profits, a linchpin in a community-based system supporting the independence, dignity and safety of the elderly and disabled. Designations by Mass. Executive Office of Elder Affairs: Aging Service Access Point for southwest Boston Elder Protective Services Agency for City of Boston Long Term Care Ombudsman Agency for City of Boston Elder Nutrition Project for southwest Boston, Allston, & Brighton Agency Characteristics

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