Harwich Appoints New Council on Aging Director

HARWICH – The Town of Harwich has selected a new leader for the Council on Aging.

In October, Harwich selectmen confirmed Town Administrator Christopher Clark’s appointment of Emily Mitchell as new director.

Mitchell was born and raised in Harwich. Her father is former Harwich Police Lieutenant Barry Mitchell, and her mother Lisa, works for the state Department of Corrections as the Superintendent of the Massachusetts Treatment Center in Bridgewater.

She graduated from Harwich High School in 2011 as the valedictorian of her class before moving on to graduate from Providence College summa cum laude in 2015, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Women’s Studies.

“Growing up in Harwich, it’s clear that the senior population here is the largest age demographic. I think the latest town census has it over 50-percent, so I’m thrilled to be able to work on services that reach such a large number of people, said Mitchell.

“I think that something we’re looking forward to is expanding the outreach so that all of the people who fall within that category can be connected to us here.”

Mitchell worked over three years for the town at the front desk at the community center, leaving the position in August 2017.

“I had some familiarity with the building and the people who take advantage of our programs and services, so it was a great introduction and it’s great to be back,” she said.

One of 19 applicants for the position, Mitchell was appointed as COA Office Manager on October 9.

Mitchell says that along with expanding the total reach of the COA, she also has a goal of expanding the senior transportation system.

“That is something that seniors are really indicating is a problem and a need that’s not being fully met. So, how do we get people to medical appointments, how do we get them to events, how do we get them to the grocery store? Those kinds of things,” Mitchell explained.

“One, expanding who we reach. Again, it’s a quite a huge segment of our population and our programs are extraordinarily well attended, but there’s still many many people who could benefit from the services who they don’t know they exist.”

By TIM DUNN, CapeCod.com News Center 

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