The Journal recently spoke with Susan Berliner of Jewish Family Service of the North Shore about its new initiative, Beyond the Front Porch.

JJ: Tell us about this new initiative.
SB: Beyond The Front Porch provides educational and social programs for older adults over the telephone using a conference calling service. People can participate from the comfort of their own homes. The program is free for older adults living on the North Shore, and is part of the continuum of services that JFSNS provides for older adults living in their own homes on the North Shore.

JJ: What types of programs are available?
SB: The variety of possible programs is huge. Programs in other locations in the country are running up to 50 classes a week! We have already started or will soon be offering programs such as a book group, play reading group, current events discussion, games, computer assistance (Ask the Computer Doc), virtual travel, art, interviews, health education talks, ways you can volunteer from your home, workshops for people who are caring for a friend or relative and more. All programs are a half hour in length. We are now seeking participants for a telephone book group. Please call for more information.

JJ: The telephone seems like such a simple, low-tech idea.
SB: Many of us have become accustomed to conferences or chats over the computer, but not everyone has access to computers. While my dream is to broadcast our Front Porch programs over the Internet to North Shore residents who cannot attend in person, at this point that would be cost-prohibitive and we would not reach the many people who do not have a computer. The telephone provides an easy and familiar way for people to connect. The telephone also provides a certain level of anonymity that some people may desire.

JJ: Are you targeting specific types of people for the program?
SB: Our priority is to reach those people who are not able to get out to local community programs. That includes those who have transportation or health issues, as well as people who are taking care of someone and so cannot leave their homes as often as they would like. Our hope is to increase social connections among people.

JJ: How does the Beyond The Front Porch work?
SB: Once someone registers for the program, they will be given a schedule of upcoming programs and a toll-free number to call. Each program has a specific two-digit code, and participants are given the codes for those programs that they are interested in. Each participant will be sent a new schedule each month.

JJ: Who is teaching/facilitating the programs?
SB: Programs will be facilitated by JFSNS staff and community volunteers who have been pre-screened.

JJ: What if someone has a hearing or other impairment?
SB: The Mass. Equipment Dis­tribution Program (MassEDP) assists people with obtaining adaptive phones that meet their specific needs. You may contact them to request assistance with obtaining a specially adapted phone. Voice/TTY 800-300-5658
or E-Mail (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

JJ: How can interested individuals get started?
SB: Contact Sara Kramer at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 978-564-0740.