For those who don’t know me, my name is Sylvia Exantus, and I serve as the Executive Director of CBES. It is my great honor and privilege to celebrate the organization’s 50th anniversary! 50 years is no small feat! Welcome to our legislators, Board members, consumers, staff, providers, law enforcement partners and community friends. Since 1974, CBES has been a pillar of the community providing high-quality supportive programs and services to Boston’s older adults and younger disabled populations. We have empowered our seniors to age in place with dignity and grace in the communities they helped to build. We owe them nothing less. Our consumers and their families are why we do this important work every day.

 

As we celebrate this milestone, it’s important to look back on our humble beginnings and realize how far we have come. The birth of CBES was tied to community-based action and legislative initiatives spearheaded by its elderly founders, as referenced in Robert C. Hayden’s history of CBES from 1974-1994. People such as Mary Luck, Minnie Ward, and Melnea Cass led the way, meeting in churches to raise awareness about the needs of the elderly in our community. The first group of clients, known as “the originals,” numbered about 200. Fast forward to 2024! The number served by CBES is now approximately 10,000!

 

Yes, we have accomplished much, but it is not enough. We are thankful for the state and federal funds we receive to provide essential support and services to our seniors, helping to keep them out of costly nursing facilities. 

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BUT MORE FUNDING IS NEEDED!

CBES needs your help! We seek to raise $400,000 in this 50th anniversary year to meet rising needs, including:

 

· Equity and inclusion initiatives that reach all those we serve. Right now our agency works with residents speaking 40 languages! All must be included and treated equally! Our digital equity and literacy programs help meet those needs, but these initiatives must be expanded and more equity-inclusion programs developed;

 

· Reducing the social isolation that soared during the pandemic – we are grateful for City of Boston grants that enabled CBES to provide movie nights and barbecues for those we

serve – but those programs must be expanded and more developed;

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· Augmenting the CBES Little Necessities Fund  and these necessities are not so little! This fund covers critical needs such as power lift wheelchairs, beds, air conditioners, and more.

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· Providing advocacy and support for accessibility

for those with physical disabilities and challenges in buildings and institutions in Boston and beyond. This is just a quick look at our fundraising goals. Our Board Fundraising Committee will tell you more later in the program.

 

Over the past 50 years our seniors have proven over and over that they are strong, resilient, and talented, with so much still to give! The truth is that we are all aging. According to the US census, by 2034 there will be more retirement-aged people than school-aged children.

 

Let us re-double our efforts to make sure that CBES has the funding to be here for another 50 years. It will be even more joyous to celebrate the 100th anniversary! Again, we need your help, whether you decide to join a committee, make appeal calls, donate, or volunteer. As the saying goes, many hands make for light work. Happy 50th Anniversary CBES!

The best is yet to come.

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