This July, Eastern Area Agency on Aging is celebrating Social Wellness Month with July for Joy—a fundraising campaign supporting the programs that help older adults stay connected, active, and thriving. From exercise classes and Tai Chi to card and board games, arts and crafts, and community cafés, your gift creates meaningful opportunities for friendship, laughter, and belonging.
Our wellness programs are intentionally offered at low or no cost to ensure everyone can participate, regardless of income. But affordability doesn’t mean there are no expenses. Behind every program are real costs—from staffing and supplies to the day-to-day operations that keep everything running smoothly.
While we do receive some support from state and federal sources, it isn’t enough to fully fund these programs. That’s why we turn to our community. Your donation helps us keep costs manageable for participants, preserve access for those on fixed incomes, and expand offerings to meet growing demand.
Our Mission, Their Stories...
"I’ve been coming to the Durgin Center for a couple of years now. I started volunteering after I retired. I like being around people. I’ve made so many friends here that I truly enjoy spending time with. You’re never too old to make new friends.
The Durgin Center provides a very, very important service to the elderly community, because a lot of folks are lonely.
It gives people a good feeling — like they’re important to somebody. Like somebody’s really glad to see them.
There’s a woman who plays Mah Jongg. She seemed a little bit lost when I first met her. Now, if she misses a day, the other players ask where she is. That’s how much she belongs here now. She tells me that she enjoys coming. It’s a good outlet. I’ve seen such a change in her.
If it weren’t here, I think of all the people who would have no place to go. People getting out of their little worlds and being welcomed into a group — there’s no price on that. It’s one of the most worthy causes I can think of in terms of the local community."
"I think I’ve been coming to the Durgin Center for about two years. A lady who lives across from me found a flyer and didn’t want to go alone, so she asked me to come.
I joined the exercise class, and I love it. I had a heart attack in 2018, so since then I’ve been trying to stay healthy. I’ve found my legs are stronger. Even when I’m cooking and stirring thicker food, I can do it easier. I think this class has helped me a hundred percent.
I live alone — my husband passed away 18 years ago — and some days, I don’t have anybody stop in or call.
But when I go to the Durgin Center, I feel like I’m one of the group. I call it a family. We laugh, we talk, and I come home feeling good. Not so lonesome.
And it’s not just me. There are a lot of people who don’t get out until they find something like this. I’ve told people, “Come over, have lunch, sit for coffee — everyone talks and is friendly.” The people who work there are, too. We all need that.
We need places like this, and they need help to keep going. Seniors need this — to stay healthy, keep walking, and keep going as we get older. If you can help us, come over and see what we do. We need people like you to keep it going for people like us."