Swampscott's Seaglass Village Moves To Former Clarke School

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — Seaglass Village has moved into a larger office at the Clarke School in Swampscott, a step the organization says gives it more room for its growing membership, volunteer corps and programs.

The group had spent the last four and a half years in office space provided by the First Church in Swampscott Congregational.

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The new office offers more day-to-day operating space and includes dedicated meeting space for committees, volunteers and other Seaglass Village activities. The organization supports people who are aging in place in Marblehead, Nahant and Swampscott, and it said it will soon serve Vinnin Square as well.

Its work focuses on helping members remain independent in their own homes through practical assistance, volunteers and community resources.

"We will always be grateful to the First Church for giving us a home when Seaglass Village was a fledgling organization," says Heidi Whear, president of Seaglass Village and one of its founders. "But we had reached the point where we simply needed more space. When the opportunity at the Clarke School became available, the board knew it was the right time to make a move."

Executive Director Anne Quagrello said the move reflects the organization's continued growth.

"Our member and volunteer community continue to grow, and we needed a space that could grow with us," said Executive Director Anne Quagrello. "Having a dedicated meeting room is especially valuable. Our committees can meet when they need to without having to find space elsewhere or use space that the First Church needs for its own important work."

That growth has also increased demand for volunteer help. Seaglass Village has handled more than 700 service requests so far this year, and more than 90 percent involved transportation to and from medical and other appointments.

"Volunteer drivers are our greatest need right now," said board member and volunteer coordinator Claire Regan. "As more people join Seaglass Village, we want to make sure we have enough volunteers to respond when members need a ride."

Volunteer drivers must provide proof of a clean driving record and pass a CORI background check.

People interested in learning more about Seaglass Village, becoming a member or volunteering can visit the new office at Clarke School, 100 Middlesex Avenue, Swampscott, during working hours from 9 a.m. to noon. Information is also available here or by emailing info@seaglassvillage.org.

Prospective volunteers can also attend Seaglass Village's next quarterly Volunteer Roundtable on Sept. 14 at 1 p.m. at the Clarke School. Sharon Thomas, a licensed social worker and part-time driver for the Swampscott Senior Center, will discuss working with older adults who live independently and share insights from her experience.

Registration is available through the Events tab at www.seaglassvillage.org.