The Harwich Fund of The Cape Cod Foundation recently awarded $2,000 to Friends of Harwich Council on Aging (COA) for the development and implementation of its “Living YOUR Best Life” program.
To date, The Harwich Fund has awarded more than $8,500 to nonprofits addressing the needs of Harwich residents of all ages impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Harwich COA Director Emily Mitchell said the pandemic has increased anxiety and isolation
among seniors who face the highest health and mortality risks. She also said many community,
respite, and in-home programs designed to serve older adults remain on hold or have been
greatly modified, creating a gap in services.
The Harwich COA’s program intends to fill the gap with a 10-week, evidence-based course
designed to provide participants with tools to build their resiliency so they can adapt well in the
face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, or significant sources of stress.
“There could be no better time to work with older adults in our community to develop tools and
strategies that expand resilience,” Mitchell added. “Simultaneously, we recognize that building
resiliency is valuable in all contexts. When this pandemic is firmly in the rearview mirror, we still
envision a role for this program in helping folks address more ‘ordinary’ difficulties and
stresses.”
Those wishing to donate to The Harwich Fund can visit harwichfund.org or send a check
payable to The Harwich Fund to: The Cape Cod Foundation, 261 Whites Path, Unit 2, South
Yarmouth, MA 02664.
