Michelle Gucciardi, director of MetroWest SHINE, told the Town of Needham senior center board that SHINE is operating normally while the program waits for guidance from the federal government about a reorganization of health and human services.

"We are currently business as usual waiting for any sort of notification from the federal government about how the restructuring in health and human services is going to affect our program," Gucciardi said. She added that SHINE has selected a training class for 2025 and will train eight new counselors, several from the Needham area.

Board members heard multiple program updates from center staff. A staff member identified as Aiza said the center is tightening registration for online classes: "Starting in the next cycle for May, June, if it's a Zoom event, you won't get the link unless you pay for the series." Aiza also described new offerings and partnerships, including a monthly dance party that has drawn new participants, and meetings with the Needham Public Library to explore staff training and on-site office hours.

Center staff reported heavier demand across services. One staff member said counseling appointment wait times have shortened from four to six weeks down to about one to two weeks as the program schedules more sessions. Social work staff were described as particularly busy and counselors reported a new wait list for counseling services.

Transportation and access updates included an extended late van run so participants attending 1 p.m. programs can get home later in the day. The board also discussed MBTA-owned parking spaces near the center. Latanya, a senior center staff member, said the town had completed striping but remained "waiting on the signs." "I think it's already been approved. I'll follow up with Tim," she said, adding she would ask DPW about how much longer signage would take.

Veterans-related items were raised by a representative of the Needham VFW post, who said the post plans to send materials to the Select Board about exemptions under the Community Preservation Act for veterans. The representative also described plans for the Needham–Arlington community walk on April 19 and encouraged veterans to sign up to tell their stories as part of a Historical Society project.

Other operational notes: staff and volunteers are preparing a volunteer appreciation luncheon; the center reported handling roughly 30,000 "swipes" in the most recent Compass report (a count that includes multiple swipes per person for several activities); and the friends group funded moving donated fitness equipment into the center's fitness room. Staff also reported distributing the majority of a state tablet grant (about 70 of 96 iPads delivered) and completing data collection for the final state report due at month end.

Votes at a glance

- The board approved the minutes for the February–March period with a requested correction. A motion to approve was made and seconded and the board recorded the approval by voice vote ("All in favor"). Exact tallies were not specified in the meeting transcript.

The meeting closed after brief administrative items and scheduling reminders. Board members signed up for upcoming events and programming logistics; no formal policy decisions or external funding commitments were made during the session.