Friends of Vocational Technical & Agricultural Education,
We learned recently, from our colleagues at Minuteman Tech, of an exciting award that will enable the school to offer a range of free services to seniors in Lexington and Minuteman’s in-district communities through its various vocational programs. The program aims to engage students in real-world applications of their skills while providing valuable services to seniors at no cost.
Congratulations Minuteman!!
David
Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical High School Awarded $10,000 Grant from the Dana Home Foundation to Fund Senior grant program Outreach Program
Lexington – Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical High School has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Dana Home Foundation for its Senior (age 65+) Outreach program. This funding will enable the school to offer a range of free services to seniors in Lexington and Minuteman’s in-district communities through its various vocational programs.
The Senior Outreach program, which will run from September 1, 2025, to June 1, 2026, will provide a wide variety of services including automotive care, culinary experiences, cosmetology services, horticulture activities, and technology assistance. The program aims to engage students in real-world applications of their skills while providing valuable services to seniors at no cost.
Program Highlights:
- Automotive Services: Offering oil changes, tire rotations, fluid checks, and more.
- Cosmetology Services: Haircuts and other salon services will be available.
- Culinary Services: Seniors will be able to enjoy lunch at Minuteman’s restaurant.
- Horticulture Services: Floral workshops and arrangements will be offered.
- Technology Assistance: The technology department will provide consulting and support.
*All services must be scheduled in advance by reservation only
Kathleen Bouchard, Director of Career and Technical Education, expressed enthusiasm about the grant: "We are thrilled to receive this grant from the Dana Home Foundation. It will allow us to continue to connect with the senior community while offering our students the opportunity to develop hands-on skills in a real-world setting. We look forward to making a lasting impact on the lives of Lexington-area seniors."
The Dana Home Foundation, which has been a longtime advocate for enhancing the well-being of senior citizens in Lexington, is proud to support this impactful initiative. Since its founding in 2012, the Dana Home Foundation has awarded over $2.3 million to programs and services benefiting seniors, with a focus on improving quality of life and offering support for vital services.
Key Program Goals and Objectives:
- Provide no-cost student run services to seniors in Lexington and Minuteman’s in-district towns.
- Help students develop skills in customer service, employability, and student’s specific trades while building relationships with the senior community.
- Serve approximately 500 seniors through the variety of services offered, fostering intergenerational connections and community engagement.
The Senior Outreach program aligns with Minuteman’s broader mission to prepare students for success while positively impacting their communities. Minuteman students and instructors from multiple departments, including Health Assisting, will continue to work with local senior living communities like Brookhaven and Youville Place in Lexington, contributing to the health and well-being of seniors in the region.
The Dana Home Foundation will host a celebratory event on June 4, 2025, at the Lexington Community Center to honor all 2025 grant recipients, and Minuteman Regional Vocational looks forward to participating in this special occasion. The event will offer an opportunity to network with fellow grant recipients and share the success of their programs.
About Minuteman Regional Vocational
Minuteman High School in Lexington, MA, is a leading vocational-technical high school committed to providing students with a comprehensive and empowering education. With a focus on academic excellence and practical skills development, Minuteman prepares students for success in both college and career pathways.
About the Dana Home Foundation
The Dana Home Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the lives of senior citizens in Lexington and surrounding areas. Through annual grants, the foundation supports a variety of programs that improve the quality of life for seniors, with a focus on health, well-being, and social engagement.
For more information about the Senior Outreach Program, please contact:
Kathleen Bouchard, Senior Outreach Program Coordinator (Email: kbouchard)
Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical High School Phone: (781) 274-1011
Chapter 74 Vocational Technical & Aggricultural Education
LEARNING THAT WORKS FOR MASSACHUSETTS
David J. Ferreira
MAVA Communications Coordinator
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