{To
avoid some duplication, this is a combined mailing to the Workers’ Rights
and Health Care Action lists.}
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COMMUNITY GROUPS TO PROTEST CLOSING OF
HOLYOKE GERIATRIC AUTHORITY
Community organizations and members will be
holding a protest over the closing on the Holyoke Geriatric Authority this Wednesday,
February 18, at 12:30 p.m. in front of Governor Patrick's Western
Mass. Office, 436 Dwight St., Springfield.
Because the state has failed to release a
$1,000,000 bond it promised the Holyoke Geriatric Authority in August, 2008,
the Authority administration says it has no choice but to close its doors and
relocate its 65 residents. The facility also provides off-site services
to an additional 65 elderly community members.
John W, Bennett. President of Mass. Senior
Action Council said, "I was born and brought up in Holyoke, and I am
dismayed that the Holyoke Geriatric Authority facility is in danger of being
shut down, For as long as I can remember, Holyoke has provided a place
where the elderly could get affordable care when their families could no longer
care for them. In these times when seniors are faced with rising costs
for food, shelter and health care, it would be a mistake to shut down this
important facility, especially if State funding which could keep the facility
open has, in fact, been earmarked for the Authority.
"We must also consider the impact on the
facility's workers and the Holyoke economy if 130 workers lose their
jobs. In a time when the national focus is on a stimulus package to
increase the number of good available jobs, it seems inappropriate to allow
this facility to close. Massachusetts should be providing the funds
to keep this place open, and then use stimulus funds to ensure that these
workers keep their jobs and that they receive proper pay for the work that
they do."
Arise for Social Justice President Don James says his
organization condemns the failure of Gov. Patrick to release the bond which
will result in the sudden closing of the Holyoke Geriatric Authority.
“We are deeply concerned this closing will have a
traumatic effect on the residents of the Holyoke Geriatric Authority who will
be forced to find housing on very short notice. Relocating a person at an
advanced age can be a death sentence. We call on Governor Patrick and the
legislators to release the promised bond to this valuable social services asset
and to allow the Holyoke Geriatric Authority to remain open and operational for
the people who have called it home for many years.
“We hope the community will join us in opposing
the closing,” James said.
For more information, contact the Mass Senior Action
Council at 786-3741 or 455-3829, or Arise for Social Justice at 734-4948.
MASS SENIOR ACTION COUNCIL – WESTERN MASS MONTHLY MEETING
1:30-3:30pm, Independence House, 1475 Roosevelt Av, Springfield. Jan Denny, Dir of Elder Affairs, will speak on the economic crisis’s impact on seniors. MSAC was founded in 1981 to promote the rights, well being, and dignity of all people, particularly vulnerable senior citizens. Open to people of all ages. MSAC has a proud history of effective community organizing and legislative advocacy on health care, housing, transportation, and other issues. Info: 543-2334, mbewsee@masssenioraction.org, http://www.masssenioraction.org/.
This meeting is directly after the 12:30pm MSAC protest at the Governor’s WMass office, 436 Dwight St, Springfield, over the Holyoke Geriatric Authority closing.
Wednesday February 18
MEET WITH US REP JIM McGOVERN ON THE EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT
2-3:30pm, Teamsters Local 170, 330 SW Cutoff #201, Worcester. Carpooling from Springfield: contact Jon at 827-0301 or wmjwj@wmjwj.org.
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