- Home
- Departments
- Community Services
- Elder Services
- Outreach and Support
Outreach and Support
The Outreach Team, Kristine Arakelian and Shawna McCloskey, at the Robb Center are available to Andover residents for assistance on a wide variety of issues. Answers to questions regarding transportation, housing, access to Meals on Wheels and aging in place are just a few of the social services available at the Center. Support Groups meet regularly at the center. Family members may obtain information and support to assist them in caring for an aging parent or relative.
To learn more about a specific program, click on the tab below or contact Kristine or Shawna at 978-623-8320.
Congratulations to Kristine and Shawna for their Rotary Club Citizens Who Care Award.
Meals on Wheels are available to Andover residents age 60+ and adults living with disabilities. Nutritious, hot meals are prepared daily (Monday - Friday) by Chef Jim in the Robb Center kitchen. Volunteer drivers deliver the meals to eligible residents each day prior to noon. In 2024 the Center prepared and delivered over 24,000 meals to Andover residents.
The program offers more than just a meal. Our drivers check in with their participants and offer a friendly smile and words of encouragement.
To learn more about the program contact Shawna McCloskey at 978-623-8320 or email at shawna.mccloskey@andoverma.us . This program is supported through AgeSpan.
maBereavement Support Group
The Bereavement Support group is a 9 - week session lead by Tufts Medicine, Care at Home. The group supports each other and discusses ways the loss of someone significant can affect our lives. Registration is required by emailing susan.toleos@tuftsmedicine.org. Seats are limited.
Family Caregiver Support Group
This group meets the 3rd Monday of the month at 1:30 pm. The group connects with others, share concerns and learn about available resources. This is an open group but registration is requested. Led by Ashley English, Services Coordinator. ashley.english@andoverma.us
Diabetes Support Group
This group meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 2:00 pm at the Robb Center. Join Cherie Monahan, MSC, RN, CPNP-PC, to discuss lifestyle, healthy eating and more. All are welcome, registration requested.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group - Coming Soon
Parkinson's Support Group
The Parkinson's group meets the 2nd Thursday of the month at 1:30 pm. Each month a different speaker presents on topics related to living with Parkinson's disease. To learn more contact Kristine Arakelien, LCSW at 978-623-8320 or kristine.havemeyer@andoverma.us. Registration required.
Alcoholic Anonymous
Thursdays, 7:00pm to 8:00pm at the Robb Center
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS® is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. Open meeting, no registration required.
Narcotics Anonymous
Tuesdays from 6:30pm to 7:30pm at The Robb Center
The Andover Coconuts Group of Cocaine Anonymous is a 12 Step Big Book Topic, Speaker, Discussion meeting. All are welcome, no registration necessary! While the name “Cocaine Anonymous” may sound drug-specific, we wish to assure you that our program is not. With its all-inclusive Third Tradition and First Step, Cocaine Anonymous welcomes anyone with a drug or alcohol problem and offers a solution. It doesn’t matter to us if you drank or what type of drugs you used; if you have a desire to stop, you are welcome here!
AgeSpan Mobile Market (Brown Bag)
This once a month service provides a bag of shelf stable groceries for seniors who are approved by AgeSpan. Bags are picked up at the Rob Center the 4th Tuesday of the month, 9:00am to 10:30am. Preregistration is required, applications available through AgeSpan, call 978-683-7747.
Neighbors in Need Food Pantry
During the summer of 2025 the Neighbors in Need Food Pantry will be located at the Robb Center on Thursdays, 4:00 - 5:00 pm. For more information visit their website or call them 978- 699-3683.
Village Food Hub
Located at the Ballard Vale United Church at 23 Clark Rd. The Village Food Hub is a nonprofit organization founded to strengthen community food system and make it more equitable by increasing access to healthy and nutritious food, while also reducing waste and promoting environmental sustainability.
The Hub has an open pantry as well as a locker program. For more information visit their website or call them at 978-360-4395.
YMCA Mobile Food Pantry
The second Wednesday of the month,10:00am to 12:00pm - The Merrimack Valley YMCA Mobile Food Pantry is at The Robb Center. Food bags are distributed on a first come, first served basis. No registration required.
AgeSpan
Financial Support
- Wood Trust
- Towle Fund
Fuel Assistance
Housing & Homelessness
Legal Resources
MassHealth & Medicare
- SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Everyone)
The Social Work Team (Kristine & Shawna) conduct home visits upon request to assist senior residents in aging in place. The goal of the team is to support seniors decision making on where and how best to remain living safely and independently.
advocacy
Grief Support
Hoarding Support
Isolation Assistance
Safety Assessments
Wellness Visits
Family Services of Merrimack Valley Outreach Nurse
-
Kristine Arakelian
Outreach Social WorkerPhone: 978-623-8320
-
Shawna McCloskey
Social Services Case ManagerPhone: 978-623-8320