Due to the budget crisis, there is no longer a Social Services Coordinator at the South Hadley Council on Aging. For referrals to other local agencies, please review this page or contact the Welcome Desk for more information.

“Stay Well” Wellness Scholarship

The "Stay Well" Wellness Scholarship is a grant administered by the South Hadley Council on Aging. The scholarship helps South Hadley residents aged 60 or older by offering up to $150.00 per year to cover the cost of fitness classes, activities, and programs.

You may qualify for the Wellness Scholarship if you are currently enrolled in any of the following financial assistance programs:

• Fuel Assistance
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
• MassHealth
• Brown Bag Food Program

To apply, you must verify your participation in one or more of the programs listed above. For assistance, please contact the Welcome Desk for more information.

"Lights On" Program

Are you currently receiving fuel assistance, Brown Bag, SNAP or experiencing a difficult financial time? Speak to Emily Brochu about the South Hadley Council on Aging's Electric Light Credit Program for eligible South Hadley seniors. Support for this program is made possible by the generous donations from members, the community, and local business.

Fuel Assistance

How It Works

The Massachusetts Fuel Assistance Program helps needy families by paying a portion of their heating bills from November 1st to April 30th. If you are on a low or fixed income, we encourage you to apply.

Who Should Apply

Renters and homeowners who pay for their own heat. Renters whose heat is included in their rent. (Those who have a housing subsidy must not receive a utility allowance.) Eligibility is based on the number of people in your household and the combined gross (before taxes) income of all persons residing in the household.

Income Guidelines

If you are a first-time applicant for the Fuel Assistance Program, you must apply in person. Interview sites are available in Greenfield and Northampton, and more information can be found at www.communityaction.us. All appointments must be scheduled through the main office by calling 1-800-370-0940.

Brown Bag Food Program

3rd Tuesday of the Month: Pickup Between 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts provides the Brown Bag: Food for Elders program, which provides a free bag of healthy groceries to eligible seniors once a month. The food items are specifically selected to meet seniors' special dietary requirements to help them stay healthy and active.

The Brown Bag program is for people over the age of 55 who meet certain Income Eligibility. If you qualify for SSI, Medicaid, Fuel Assistance, Veteran's Aid or have a documented disability for which you receive SSDI, you may qualify for Brown Bag monthly groceries.

Each household is permitted only one bag each month. Participants must meet requirements for both age and income. 

Eligibility guidelines updated March 2024 by the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.

Transportation Programs

Companion Medical Transportation Program: 

The Companion Medical Transportation Program is made possible through funding provided by Access Care Partners through the Administration on Aging under Title III-B of the Older Americans Act, administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging and Independence. We are pleased to offer these services at no cost, though we do encourage a voluntary and confidential donation to help sustain our efforts. A suggested contribution of $5.00 per ride would be greatly appreciated.

South Hadley seniors can take advantage of this FREE service for medical appointments outside of South Hadley. Please note that ride availability is limited as we work to hire additional companion drivers, and we cannot transport individuals undergoing sedation.

This service requires a minimum of five business days' notice to schedule a ride. Rides are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to call early to increase your chances of securing a ride.

As an alternative, seniors are encouraged to explore PVTA services, which offer additional transportation options. To reserve a ride through PVTA, call 413-739-7436.

Daily In-Town Transportation Service:

Transportation via the South Hadley Council on Aging mini-bus is FREE for South Hadley residents aged 60 and older. Service is available Monday through Friday, 9:15 AM to 3:00 PM, with additional rides on Thursday evenings by request. 

Advance Notice: 3 business days required for ALL rides

Coverage: Medical and Social Rides (i.e., Medical Appointments, Grocery Shopping, Trips to SHCOA, and Social Events)

Accessibility: Curb-to-curb service with a wheelchair lift; no hands-on assistance

To schedule a ride, please call:

Eric Gallagher, Transportation Coordinator at (413) 538-5030 x6202 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays only between 1:00 and 3:00 PM.

Technology Assistance Program

The Technology Assistance Program is made possible through funding provided by Access Care Partners through the Administration on Aging under Title III-B of the Older Americans Act, administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging and Independence. We are pleased to offer these services at no cost, though we do encourage a voluntary and confidential donation to help sustain our efforts. A suggested contribution of $5.00 per appointment would be greatly appreciated.

The Technology Assistance Program offers free, personalized support to adults aged 60 and over who want help using smartphones, tablets, computers, or other digital devices. Participants can schedule one-on-one appointments for hands-on assistance or attend group learning sessions covering topics like how to use your phone, upload and share photos, manage email and social media, stay safe online, and more. Whether you're just getting started or want to expand your skills, this program provides friendly, judgment-free guidance. Call the Welcome Desk to schedule an appointment or learn more.

Program Options

One-on-One Tech Time

30-minute private appointments where you can bring your phone, tablet, laptop, or any other device and get answers to your specific questions. Sessions are designed to give you practical support and help fix problems with your devices.

• Rolling registration — call the front desk any time to make an appointment

Small Group Training

Relaxed, hands-on sessions where you can ask questions and practice what you're learning on your own device. Classes include step-by-step demonstrations and printed handouts to take home. 

• Maximum 8 participants per class
• Registration is essential — sign up at the front desk

Technology Presentations

Presentations on broad technology topics in an easy-to-follow format. Sessions use interactive examples and games to make learning engaging and practical. There is time for questions at the end, and participants take home a printed handout on the topic.

• Registration is essential — sign up at the front desk

iPad Loan Program

We offer an iPad loan program where you can take an iPad home and try it out for 6 weeks. Before your loan begins, you'll attend a training session and receive an iPad user guide so you can get started with confidence.