Legislators champion support for older adults at Mystic Valley event

Special to The Advocate

Mystic Valley Elder Services (Mystic Valley) convened state legislators and community leaders on March 31 for a powerful Legislative Breakfast highlighting the importance of programs for older adults and people with disabilities. The event illustrated the essential role of committed leadership in preserving services that empower people to live safely and independently in their communities.

CEO Lisa Gurgone underscored Mystic Valley’s legislative priorities, including key bills supporting in-home assistance, caregiver support and the Hospital to Home program, which helps patients transition from nursing facilities back to the community.

Legislative Co-Hosts this year were State Representative Jeffrey Turco and District Director Mary Ann Nay of the office of State Senator Bruce Tarr. Representative Turco delivered a moving reflection on his family’s own caregiving journey, describing how Mystic Valley supported his mother‑in‑law in remaining at home. He urged attendees to “be fierce advocates” for families who depend on strong community‑based programs.

Attendees also heard a compelling story of love and resilience from Frank Ouellette and Colleen Molloy. They shared Colleen’s experience of having a stroke at age 53, her extended stay in a nursing facility and the vital role Mystic Valley played in helping them transition to a safer home with support for both.

Mystic Valley extends its thanks to the leaders who shared their perspectives and reinforced the urgent need for investment in services that support aging adults and people with disabilities, including State Senators Sal DiDomenico and Pat Jehlen, District Director Em Sheeran of the Office of State Senator Jason Lewis, State Representatives Christine Barber, Paul Donato, Richard Haggerty and Kate Lipper‑Garabedian, staff for State Representative Brad Jones, State Representatives Joe McGonagle and Steve Ultrino, Everett Mayor Robert Van Campen, Malden Mayor Gary Christenson, Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo‑Koehn, Melrose Mayor Jennifer Grigoraitis and North Reading Town Administrator Michael Gilleberto.

Established in 1975, Mystic Valley is a nonprofit agency that provides a wide range of resources and care for older adults and adults with disabilities. It serves 11 communities in Greater Boston. For more information, please call 781-324-7705 or visit www.mves.org.