Social Worker Helps Needy Through Milton Residents Fund

Social worker Diane Ferrari is the administrator of the Milton Residents Fund, a restricted charitable fund that assists Milton residents in financial need. In describing her work, Ferrari said that the Residents Fund and her office are like the center of a wheel of organizations that lend a helping hand to those who need it. She talked with columnist Julie Fay about the work, her motivation and the rest of the helping wheel. 

Who is helped by the Milton Residents Fund?

Any Milton resident can come to us. We respond as quickly as we can through a confidential application and appointment process. Requests for assistance are considered on a case-by-case basis and are approved by the Trustees. We primarily provide fuel and rental assistance, but there’s always an ability to be creative and try to get something else for people that they might need. We serve nearly 300 families a year.

Have you seen a change in the clientele?

The last few years have been so tough. There are a lot of middle-class families who are struggling to meet basic needs because of unemployment. We’ve been able to assist them, and if they’ve been eligible for other programs, such as fuel assistance or food stamps, I’ve referred them there as well. The state and federal funds were much lower this winter for fuel assistance, and in some cases, we’ve helped make up the difference. 

Where do the funds come from?

The funds are comprised of gifts left by friends and members of First Parish and invested by the Trustees of Parish Funds. In addition, we receive grants from the Copeland Family Foundation; the Selectmen, through the Governor Stoughton Trust; and many generous gifts from individuals and organizations in the community.

 Do you sometimes see people whose needs are greater than what the Residents Fund can meet?

Yes. I say we’re a good place to start, and if I can’t help, I try to direct people. I have a whole list of resources available. I’ve referred two different women to DOVE (Domestic Violence Ended) in a week. I refer people to a career center in Quincy for employment assistance. I send people to the Food Pantry. I have the (Milton Early Childhood Alliance) book I can give out. I see a lot of newcomers to town, who may not be as familiar with resources in Milton as they might be in Boston, for example.

 What are some of the creative ways you can help people?

I knew of a woman who was fighting cancer and also raising her grandchild. I was speaking to the seniors at the about this challenge, and they asked how they could help the woman. I mentioned that she thought she would be more comfortable sleeping in a recliner, and the seniors bought one for her and had it delivered within a week. It’s such a generous community.

Another longtime client had a major drain problem in her home, with sewage backing up into her basement from the pipes. We were able to get a drain service out to her house and pay for those services plus the extensive cleanup.

 What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

The Christmas program is one of my favorite things. Every child under 16 whose family receives help from the Milton Food Pantry receives several gifts. It’s a town-wide effort that includes the public and private schools, the seniors at , the Milton Junior Woman’s Club, church groups and many individual donors.

 Why do you do what you do the rest of the year?

This is such a generous community, with so many who assist in the mission of helping people. Their generosity is a huge motivator to make a real difference with the funds. It’s very exciting.

Most importantly, the clients are so appreciative. You can’t measure that kind of impact. It’s fabulous to think that we can make a difference.

Reach Diane Ferrari, LICSW, at the Milton Residents Fund at 617-696-1214. Donations may be sent to her attention at Milton Residents Fund, 535 Canton Avenue, Milton, MA 02186.