Alex Ellis, director of the Gardner Senior Center, told the Public Welfare Committee on Sept. 30 that the center’s services generated an estimated $2.65 million in direct financial benefits to area seniors in the last year and outlined growing demand for case management, transportation and overnight/weekend programming.

"Conservatively, we've calculated about $2,650,000," Ellis said, summarizing the center’s estimate of savings and benefits achieved through counseling, benefits enrollment and direct assistance. Ellis said volunteers contributed roughly 16,000 hours in fiscal year 2024 and that volunteer time underpins much of the center’s work.

Ellis gave specific program impacts cited in the center’s presentation: about 430 seniors participated in a Medicare buy‑in program that saved them approximately $187 a month on Part B premiums (a value Ellis cited of about $964,000 annually); 43 seniors enrolled in a low‑income subsidy estimated to save $264 a month (roughly $136,000 annually) and reduce out‑of‑pocket caps; RAFT housing assistance and other programs contributed roughly $210,000; the center helped 54 people enroll in nutrition benefits (about $215 a month), and a two‑year farmers' market coupon program delivered about $15,000 in produce vouchers.

The senior center also cited casework outcomes including Social Security retroactive payments and pension fraud mitigation. Ellis said the center helped 40 veterans connect to the veterans service officer, resulting in expanded VA health coverage and disability benefits; Ellis estimated a bottom‑end value for that subset at $84,000 based on minimum benefit amounts.

Operational issues raised: Ellis said the center’s overtime allocation is nearly depleted and initial overtime funding for the fiscal year was small ($500). Ellis warned that nighttime and weekend programming, plus additional service demand in winter months, could require transfers or supplemental funding sooner than the normal May transfer process. The center is also preparing for a planned facility move; Ellis estimated a probable move window in March–April of the coming year but said more detailed scheduling depends on other project work and readiness of the new site. The center also noted a needed fire‑escape restoration that may require outsourcing and funding.

Councilors praised the senior center’s work and volunteers and offered to help connect the center with volunteers and partners. Ellis said the center partners with community organizations, Mount Wachusett Community College’s human services department for interns, Community Health Connections and the Community Action Center, among others.

Why it matters: the center’s case management, benefits counseling and direct assistance generate measurable financial returns for seniors and reduce pressure on other social services, Ellis said. Staffing and overtime constraints could limit service capacity during higher‑demand periods.

Next steps: Ellis said the center will monitor overtime usage, seek assistance for volunteer recruitment, and update the council as the planned move and any capital needs (fire‑escape restoration) become more certain.