Highland Valley Entry

Mission Statement

Highland Valley Elder Services serves older adults and their families through collaboration, education, advocacy and a range of programs designed to support them where they live.


Who We Are

We are a private, not-for-profit corporation serving twenty-four communities in Hampshire and Hampden Counties of western Massachusetts.

The agency receives funds from two main sources: the Administration on Aging (AoA), (federal funds) through its designation as an Area Agency on Aging (AAA), and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA), (state funds) through its designation as a Home Care Corporation/Aging Services Access Point (ASAP).

Our best services are those that empower elders to discover their own strengths, their own talents, their own solutions.


Our History

1974 Highland Valley Elder Services Center was formed as a result of Massachusetts creating a cabinet position focused on creating community and long term care services for elders.  First location was Gothic Street, Northampton

1975 Senior Aide Program began

1977 Name is changed to Highland Valley Elder Services, Inc.

1978 The Federal New Older Americans Act is passed

1979 Highland Valley opens 10 meal sites and an office in Westfield

1981 Omnibus Reconciliation Act allows waivers to use Medicare funds for home and community based services in Massachusetts

1982 The Nursing Home Ombudsman Program is implemented.  Highland Valley moves to the Clark School Campus in Northampton

1983 The Massachusetts Elder Abuse Reporting and Protective Services Act is passed defining abuse

1985 Personal Care and Homemaking added to service offerings

1987 SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) and Adult Family Care Programs established

1989 Respite Services option offered

1990 Coordination of Care Program began

1995 HEN (Hilltown Elder Network) Program launched

1996 Senior Pharmacy Program 5 Year Pilot began

1998 Money Management Program started

1999 Supportive Housing Program initiated and Take Charge Program Pilot began

2002 ECOP (Enhanced Community Options Program) and State Caregiver Program launched

2003 East Mountain View HUD site opens

2004 Choices Program began

2005 Caring Homes Pilot and CSSM (Comprehensive Screening & Service Model) Program started

2007 PVADRC (Pioneer Valley Aging & Disability Resource Consortium) created with Highland Valley as a member

2009 Chronic Disease Management Instructors trained

2012 Agency expanded an additional 2,000 square feet for new Home Care Case Management offices on the first floor at our main site

2014 First annual Meals on Wheels Walkathon raises over $10,000 to benefit our Nutrition Program and first successful transitions occur from nursing homes to living centers under the Money Follows the Person demonstration project