By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Grafton – Formed in the early 1980s, the Friends of Grafton Elders (FOGE) is an all-volunteer nonprofit fundraising organization that helps town residents age 60 and over. The organization funds programs at the Grafton Senior Center as well as assisting other elders, noted Rita Cohen, FOGE president.
“We are a separate entity and help all seniors in Grafton whether they go to the center or not,” she explained. “Our charter says that we provide funding for services designated to meet their physical, social, and psychological needs to enhance longevity and quality of life. We do this by providing financial support for various senior programs.”
Cohen became involved with FOGE when she moved to Grafton 11 years ago, after living in Westborough for 25. She served as a FOGE board member for nine years and president the past five. The organization welcomes the next generation of seniors to participate.
“We’re trying to reach out to the younger seniors and get the baby boomers more involved,” she said, “When they hear the word ‘elders’ they think ‘old people.’ We’re actually a very active community.”
FOGE has observed increasing interest in pursuing physical activities among the population that it serves. The organization funds exercise programs held at the senior center. In addition to a general exercise class, offerings include chair and mat yoga, beginning and advanced tai chi, and Zumba. As interest has grown, so has FOGE’s financial support.
“There are younger seniors attending the exercise programs,” Cohen noted. “We started small and now the classes’ attendance has grown to about 45 people. Right now we give about $16,000 a year for the exercise programs. Like anybody else, seniors need to stay fit for their health and wellbeing.”
When the senior center’s van showed signs of aging, FOGE raised the funds to purchase a new one.
“Two and half years ago, FOGE did a fundraiser and we paid over $56,000 for a new van for the senior center,” Cohen said.
FOGE is also among the sponsors of the center’s van transportation to medical appointments. Additionally, the organization has purchased computers for the center, and funds social events including a tea with a guest speaker and trips to Wright’s Farm Restaurant in Rhode Island.
“Seniors like to go out to lunch,” Cohen said with a laugh.
Beginning each November, FOGE offers a heating assistance program. It’s available to Grafton residents at least age 60 whose household income is not more than 65 percent of the Massachusetts median income. Assistance is offered regardless how their homes are heated.
“The majority of seniors are on a fixed income, and the heating costs go up and down like a yo-yo,” Cohen said. “This year we were lucky because it was a mild winter, but the winter season before was terrible. It was extremely cold and we provided wood, and paid for electric and gas bills for those who qualified.”
FOGE makes itself available to seniors in need of transitional assistance due to unforeseen emergencies.
“We recently helped a senior – a smart, professional – who was scammed out of their life savings,” Cohen said. “We helped pay for their rent for a few months until they could get back on their feet.”
Cohen has met with local clergy to remind them that FOGE will assist elders.
“Clergy know their congregates and who could use help,” she said. “Seniors are a very proud bunch and would rather not come forward to ask. As emergency situations arise, we will help whenever we can.”
For more information about FOGE and to contribute a tax-deductible donation online or postal mail, visit fogeinc.org; contact [email protected]; 508-320-2659; FOGE P.O. Box 186 , Grafton, MA 01519.