Through a collaboration with the Bridgewater State University Masters in Social Work program, the Pembroke COA/Senior Services has a new social work intern. Nathan Zimmer, in the final year of his MSW degree program, will be providing services at the center from now through the Spring of 2027. Nathan is a lifelong resident of Marshfield. He received his Bachelors Degree from Ithaca College in New York. He developed an interest in social work over the last several years and while his prior work experience has been with a younger population he chose the internship in senior services to increase his knowledge of social work with seniors. He works under the supervision of the Outreach social worker at the COA and receives clinical support from the college.
The scope of his work includes supporting seniors in group and individual sessions. Recently he has been involved in the Grief and Parkinson’s support groups. He is in the process of scheduling office hours available to seniors who wish to schedule time to discuss issues of concern. He accompanies the Outreach social worker on home visits and Meals on Wheels deliveries. He also assists with applications for financial assistance such as the “fuel assistance” program which provides funds to qualifying individuals to help with home heating costs during the winter months. Recognizing rising costs in this area, Governor Healy recently announced increased funding for the program as well as expanded financial eligibility criteria making more residents eligible for the program.
Nathan also expressed an interest in providing education and support to seniors in the technology area. Plans are being made to provide help with smart phones and use of the internet to access needed information and resources. He is collaborating with the social work interns at the Duxbury and Marshfield senior centers to bring more educational programs and information about all that is available at the senior centers across the local area. Many seniors do not realize that they can access programs at any senior center regardless of what town they reside in.
For more information or to request assistance contact Marie Vitale, Outreach Social Worker at 781-829-3658.
Ken Pike, M.Ed, LCSW, is a lifelong licensed social worker and has worked as a certified SHINE counselor and outreach social worker assisting seniors with accessing a variety of needed resources and services over the past 10 years.
