It wasn't long after I moved to the Valley that I became aware of the good work being done by the Franklin County Home Care Corporation (FCHCC). It may have been through a copy of The Good Life, their monthly newspaper for seniors, that I read at my parent's house. Or through a writeup in the Recorder. Or through a conversation with one of their staffers at a local CDC event. But though I don't recall the specifics of my introduction, I do remember being immediately impressed with the organization and its services.

A private, non-profit corporation established in July, 1974, the Franklin County Home Care Corporation develops, provides, and coordinates a range of home care services designed to support and maintain independent living for elders in the community. With a hardworking and dedicated staff headed up by Executive Director Roseann Martoccia and a volunteer Board of Directors (the majority of whom are elders), the organization is a driving force in improving the quality of life for elders within the 26 towns of Franklin County and the four Worcester County towns of Athol, Petersham, Phillipston, and Royalston.

Truly, the FCHCC has a dual role. As one of 27 Home Care Corporations in Massachusetts, they provide a variety of in-home services to frail elders through their case management system. As a designated Area Agency on Aging (one of 23 in MA), they work closely with area social and home health agencies to identify gaps in service, develop a comprehensive, coordinated system of services and benefits for elders and serve as an advocate and focus point for elders and people with disabilities.

The agency provides some of these services directly, including case management, nutrition programs, information and referral services, and older worker employment programs. Other services, such as in-home services, out-of-county transportation, legal services, home sharing, and peer counseling, are provided by community agencies by way of contracts and grants awarded by FCHCC, with primary funding from the state Executive Office of Elder Affairs. FCHCC also offers services and support to families and friends caring for elder loved ones.

But perhaps FCHCC's most important function is that of clearinghouse for elder care and services information. With just one phone call, community members can receive consultations or referrals from trained specialists with access to an extensive database of state and local resources. If there are elder programs or services available in Franklin County or the North Quabbin, the FCHCC knows about them and can help arrange for a program of care that needs day to day needs.

Right now, though, like all social service agencies, the FCHCC is struggling to keep their programs and services intact in the face of extensive state budget cuts. And more than likely, they'll look to the community to help support their efforts, as they do with their upcoming Walk for Meal for Wheels.

The agency's 10th annual walk-a-thon event, to be held on May 18th at the Turners Falls High School track, is an vital fundraiser for the Meals on Wheels program, which last year delivered 122,888 meals to seniors in the 30 towns FCHCC serves. This year's goal is $12,000, which, if reached, will be the largest amount ever raised in the event.

For coordinator Cindy Martowski, FCHCC's Director of Fund Development, the most rewarding part of the event is "bringing people together for the good of others." Over her seven year involvement with the Walk, Cindy has seen an increasing responsiveness by the community’s individuals and businesses to help. "There is no more "selling" needed. People have their owns stories for me now and donations come flocking in as soon as mailings go out. I simply pick up gifts for the walkers, collect the support from community donors who already want to help their family, friends and neighbors."

The walk-a-thon format is twelve laps around the Turner's Falls High School track, or three miles, and all ages and abilities are welcome. "We usually see the range from strollers and sneakers to canes and wheelchairs," Cindy says. But she also says she's flexible regarding people's ability to walk a few laps around versus the whole three miles. "Community residents care that folks participate, not how many times they go around."

A mix of individuals and teams representing corporations and community groups will be participating in this year's event, including Mealsite teams from Bernardston, Northfield and Shelburne Falls, the Orange Striders (a walking club from the Senior Center), and teams from the FCCHC, Joel McFadden Designs, Gentiva Health Services, and the Franklin Adult Day Health Center.

Cindy says that they're still actively recruiting individuals and teams for the event. And there are plenty of incentives to get you going — those who raise $50 will get an event t-shirt. Those raising $100 get the t-shirt plus an instant camera with film processing included. And all walkers get a bag with an official Meal on Wheels hat, information about the agency, and a few other goodies. There will also be a drawing from all participants' names for prizes donated by area merchants. If you'd like to take part in this fun and worthwhile event, call 413-773-5555 or contact Cindy Martowski by e-mail at CMartowski@fchcc.org.

As one walker says, "it's an hour out of your busy Saturday morning that helps people all year long."

For more information on the programs and services offered by the Franklin County Home Care Corporation, visit their website at http://www.fchcc.org.

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