Violeta, who is originally from Albania, was recently made a citizen of the United States. She proudly holds a flag from the ceremony that took place in Boston

Community Involvement

Community involvement is essential to the mission and goals of Adult Foster Care of the North Shore.

Deliveries for Veterans, November 2023

Deliveries at the Veterans Northeast Outreach CenterIn November, the AFCNS team collected hygiene products, warm socks and gift cards for the Veterans Northeast Outreach Center in Haverhill. VNEOC, a registered 501 (c)(3), has been serving veterans and their families since 1985, and provides a full continuum of care to Veterans and their families throughout Essex, Middlesex and Barnstable Counties in Massachusetts, and Rockingham and Hillsborough counties in New Hampshire.

 

Community Giving Tree, Lawrence

AFCNS donated time and collected for a clothing drive to the Community Giving Tree in Lawrence, whose mission is to help low-income families in northeastern Massachusetts raise healthy children by providing recycled clothing, baby equipment and other basic necessities.

 

The Rest Stop Ranch

AFCNS has been volunteering at The Rest Stop Ranch. Rest Stop Ranch provides accessible garden experiences for people living with long-term illness and their care-partners.

 

Valentines Day Deliveries

The AFCNS team delivered valentines to various Council on Aging programs and Adult Day Health programs around the North Shore. These valentines were distributed amongst the community through various programs like Meals on Wheels and senior luncheons.

 

January 2023

January 2023

Julie, Bonnie and Bethany from AFCNS and Lyndsey Haight, the executive director of Our Neighbor's TableIn January, AFCNS delivered 150 pounds of food and a monetary donation to Our Neighbor's Table in Amesbury. The organization works with local towns to help ensure that no one goes hungry. Pictured are Julie, Bonnie and Bethany from AFCNS and Lyndsey Haight, the executive director of Our Neighbor's Table.

 

November 2022

November 2022 

Violeta, who is originally from Albania, was recently made a citizen of the United States. She proudly holds a flag from the ceremony that took place in Boston. Congratulations on your accomplishment Violeta! We are thrilled to have you on the AFCNS team.

 

October 2022

 

Food DriveOctober 2022 

Adult Foster Care of the North Shore donated a trunk full of food to the Newburyport Lions Club food drive. The food was given to those in need via local food pantries. In total, the drive brought in 1,145 pounds of food and $578 in cash donations.

 

August 2022

 

Adult Foster Care of the North Shore staff members collected heaps of donations and dropped them off at the Community Giving Tree in LawrenceAugust 2022 

Adult Foster Care of the North Shore staff members collected heaps of donations and dropped them off at the Community Giving Tree in Lawrence. The staff there was all smiles, and they were beyond grateful.

 

July 2022

 

Stage Fort Park Cleanup PhotoJuly 2022 

Adult Foster Care of the North Shore staff members cleaned up Stage Fort Park in Gloucester the day after the conclusion of the St. Peter's Fiesta.  The Gloucester DPW appreciated the help.

 

April 2022

 

The team at Adult Foster Care of the North Shore organized a drive for the nearby Northeast Animal ShelterApril 2022 

The team at Adult Foster Care of the North Shore organized a drive for the nearby Northeast Animal Shelter. The donations made many of our furry friends and their caretakers very happy!

 

March 2022

 

 Sonia, Beth and Annette of AFCNS with Deb of Beverly BootstrapsMarch 2022 

AFCNS staff members donated 40 pounds of feminine hygiene products to Beverly Bootstraps this month as an act of kindness. Pictured are Sonia, Beth and Annette of AFCNS with Deb of Beverly Bootstraps.

 

June 2021

AFCNS Staff Members Advocating to "Bee Kind."

June 2021 

Last month, to recognize Elder Abuse Awareness June, local organizations held rolling rallies through different towns. AFCNS staffers Kelly Beer, RN, and Lori-ann Giamanco did their part to encourage people to “Bee Kind.”

Elder abuse has many forms, including physical, financial or emotional abuse, and may even be self-induced. It is oftentimes a silent and unrecognized problem.

As we age, we lose our mental and physical strength. We become more vulnerable. Males and females are equally likely to be abused or neglected. Social isolation is often a contributing factor. Elder abuse can also be self-induced by neglect.

Some signs of abuse are:
• Unexplained bruises
• Poor hygiene
• Weight loss
• Sudden or unexpected change in spending habits
• Unpaid bills
• Withdrawal from social situations
• Unattended medical needs

Massachusetts has an active hotline for reporting elder abuse (800-922-2275), and all communities have dedicated agencies designed to provide elders with social opportunities and connections to services. Some of the local agencies are Senior Care, Inc., in Gloucester, Elder Services of Merrimack Valley and the North Shore, and Greater Lynn Senior Services. For further information, call The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs (617-727-7750).

March 2021

Eduvina Hernandez, one of AFCNS’ amazing RNs, traveled to Indiana this past weekend to compete in the Carmel Marathon series with her son

March 2021

Spring weather presents us with a great reminder to try to spend more time outdoors. Whether for exercise, fun and games or even just a breath of fresh air, the warmer months are the perfect time to enjoy nature. One of our AFCNS team members recently took the opportunity to practice sports and benefit some great charities.

Eduvina Hernandez, one of AFCNS’ amazing RNs, traveled to Indiana this past weekend to compete in the Carmel Marathon series with her son. Their participation (Eduvina in the half marathon and her son in the full) benefitted several organizations and charities, including the Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse & Suicide, the Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency.

Eduvina kept up a steady pace of 13 minutes per mile and completed her race in 2:59:00 – awesome job! Thank you for inspiring us all to get outside and do some good.

 

February 2021

AFCNS & Senior Care, Inc.

February 2021

We came together with SeniorCare Inc. this year to make Valentine's Day a little bit brighter. The valentines we donated to Meals on Wheels brought so many smiles to seniors in Essex County — we were all feeling the love!

 

April 2020

Care Manager Lori-ann recently made a grocery delivery to a family in Salem.April 2020 -The AFCNS team is hard at work making sure our clients are staying safe and healthy. Care Manager Lori-ann recently made a grocery delivery to a family in Salem.

 

October 2019

Glenny Lora, Care Manager with Adult Foster Care of the North Shore, spoke with a group at Oasis Adult Day Health Center in LawrenceOctober 2019 - Glenny Lora, Care Manager with Adult Foster Care of the North Shore, spoke with a group at Oasis Adult Day Health Center in Lawrence. She answered questions about who qualifies for Adult Foster Care and the financial reimbursement for caregivers. We are always excited to help educate the public about our services.

 

September 2019

the annual Care Dimensions Walk for Hospice.  Pictured here are Cynthia & John Bjorlie flying the flag.September 2019 - On Sunday, September 29th, we were proud to participate again in the annual Care Dimensions Walk for Hospice.  Pictured here are Cynthia & John Bjorlie flying the flag.

 

August 2019

 Adult Foster Care of the North Shore (AFCNS) receiving a Three-Year Accreditation from CARF InternationalAugust 2019 - We are pleased to share that Adult Foster Care of the North Shore (AFCNS) has recently received a Three-Year Accreditation from CARF International.

By pursuing and achieving accreditation, AFCNS has demonstrated that it meets international standards for quality and is committed to pursuing excellence.

This decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be given to an organization and reflects our substantial conformance to the CARF standards. An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process and has demonstrated its commitment to offering programs and services that are measurable, accountable, and of the highest quality.

 

March 2019

AFCNS Executive Director, Cynthia Bjorlie MD met with Renee Gauthier LICSW, the Protective Services Director for Senior CareMarch 2019 - AFCNS Executive Director, Cynthia Bjorlie MD met with Renee Gauthier LICSW, the Protective Services Director for Senior Care.  Renee and her team receive, screen and investigate reports of suspected abuse of elders including physical abuse, financial abuse, emotional abuse and neglect.  If you suspect abuse of an elder (over age 60), call their hotline at 800-922-2275.

 

December 2018

Patrick Thorpe, President of BankGloucester, Patricia Ahern, President of Care Dimensions and our own Cynthia Bjorlie, MD.December 2018 -In early December, we were honored to attend the Care Dimensions and BankGloucester annual tree lighting service in remembrance of lost loved ones.
Pictured (L to R) are Patrick Thorpe, President of BankGloucester, Patricia Ahern, President of Care Dimensions and our own Cynthia Bjorlie, MD.

July 2018

Kelly Beer RN attended the Gloucester Council on Aging Health Fair and ran into our caregiver Sharon Orlando.July 2018 - Kelly Beer RN attended the Gloucester Council on Aging Health Fair and ran into our caregiver Sharon Orlando.

November 2017

Senior Care Volunteers LuncheonNovember 2017 - Adult Foster Care of the North Shore attended and sponsored the annual luncheon at Danversport to honor the Senior Care volunteers.

In this photo: Cynthia Bjorlie, Scott Trenti (Director, Senior Care) and Kelly Beer

September 2017

Cathy Fairchild of Northern Essex Elder Transport (N.E.E.T.) pictured here with Cynthia BjorlieSeptember 2017 - Cathy Fairchild of Northern Essex Elder Transport (N.E.E.T.) pictured here with Cynthia Bjorlie.  N.E.E.T (978-388-7474) is based in Amesbury and provides free transportation for elders.

August 2017

AFCNS staff at our annual party for all caregiversAugust 2017 - A wonderful time was had by AFCNS staff at our annual party for all caregivers.  This year's theme was "Mystery and Mayhem."

May 2017

AFCNS office staffers Deanna Benjamin and Karen Bell sitting outside our office during a well deserved break on a beautiful dayMay 2017 - AFCNS office staffers Deanna Benjamin and Karen Bell sitting outside our office during a well deserved break on a beautiful day.