Local organizations working to reduce food insecurity and social isolation among seniors are getting money to help with COVID-19 recovery efforts.

Fallon Health gave $100,000 in grants to community based programs like the Genesis Club. They reach out to older adults living with mental illness to reduce their isolation. Before COVID-19 members would meet at their clubhouse, now they're training staff on how help their community stay connected virtually.

"People with mental illness, mental health conditions very often have co-occurring physical chronic conditions so they are very often the most vulnerable to this virus. It was a true lifeline for people who couldn't leave their apartments, their homes during the early stages of the pandemic. Calling into our daily house meetings at 9 o'clock in the morning was an absolutely lifeline and continues to be for many people," says Executive Director Lisa Brennan.

Saint Paul's Elderly Outreach also received a grant. Before the pandemic they would make home visits to people who wouldn't normally be able to go to the senior center. They're visiting a lot more people because the senior center is closed and the extra funds are helping.

"When we go into someone's home right now we find people are they feel so isolated, so depressed. We walk in and they're so excited to actually see anyone go in there. So when we go out to help them we are bringing food it inspires them to do something they feel like they need to get a little dressed up a little prepared for a visit. Isolation right now during COVID is really difficult for our seniors," says Director, Vo Robert.

​Fallon Health has given money to 10 different organizations in Berkshire, Middlesex and Worcester Counties.