City Fresh has long been a leader in addressing food insecurity across Massachusetts. Through strong partnerships with community organizations—including Ethos, Boston’s Meals on Wheels provider—the company delivers more than 30,000 healthy, fresh, and reasonably priced meals each day to at-risk communities. Their reach extends from Boston to Cape Cod, Lynn, Salem, and Greenfield, serving high-quality meals with dignity to schools, childcare programs, and agencies supporting older adults.

Many partner agencies face funding constraints. As a result, demand has not increased, and some programs have reduced services, leading to roughly 1,300 fewer meals for older adults.

As a trusted meals vendor for Ethos, City Fresh helps power our shared mission of supporting older adults across Boston. Their partnership strengthens the Meals on Wheels program, one of the most proven interventions for keeping older adults healthy at home. Research shows a full year of Meals on Wheels costs roughly the same as a single day in the hospital, preventing unnecessary hospitalizations and premature nursing home placements. Through this collaboration, City Fresh helps seniors remain in the communities they love.

To meet growing demand, City Fresh has adopted its delivery and service models to expand capacity while keeping its core operations in Boston. The organization remains committed to paying all employees at least the Boston living wage, reinforcing its belief that supporting workers strengthens communities.

City Fresh is also active in advocacy, meeting with legislators on Beacon Hill and in local government to elevate the needs of vulnerable residents. Boston City Councilors and other officials regularly tour their facility to see the impact firsthand.

These critical programs provide stable access to free nutritious meals and are one of the most effective ways to promote independence and increase quality of life for Boston’s older adults. In a 2024 survey of Boston Meals on Wheels and Community Cafe programs 84% of respondents said the programs help them to continue living independently, and over 50% of survey respondents said these programs provide more than half of the food they eat in a day. Programs like SNAP, Meals on Wheels and Community Cafes are a lifeline – helping people stay healthy and connected – and we all have a role to play in their success. I’m grateful to live in Boston, a community where we care for each other, and I know that during the holiday season and beyond, we will come together to make sure that all our residents have what they need to live and age well.

Did you know that Age Strong offers a wide range of programs and activities across Boston? We operate two senior centers and are launching new programs at sites throughout the city. We also provide virtual classes and on-demand videos—all at no cost to Boston residents. In partnership with Ethos, we are expanding programming and operations at the Senior Pilot Center in West Roxbury.

In June 2024, the nonprofit organization LGBTQ Senior Housing, Inc. in partnership with Pennrose Companies, opened The Pryde. Located in the heart of the walkable Hyde Park neighborhood of Boston, this adaptive reuse of the historic former Rogers Middle School is a mixed income community consisting of 74 apartments (studios and one- and two-bedrooms), a beautiful residents’ sunroom and courtyard, and The Pryde Community Center, which is located in the transformed former gym.

The Pryde Community Center offers a fabulous and innovative range of programs and services for residents and our allies, as well as accessible meeting and event space.

Now 100% occupied and with a growing waiting list, The Pryde’s outward-facing and community-embracing model is proving to be life-changing for residents while also strengthening and knitting together the communities we serve. Residents are creating networks of care and support, developing and leading on-site programs and classes, and volunteering and supporting small businesses in the Hyde Park community. Our Hyde Park neighbors host events large and small in our space. The LGBTQ community knows that The Pryde is a safe and supportive gathering place. We collaborate with organizations like Ethos to offer programs found nowhere else in Boston.

Earlier this year, WGBH reached out to interview a few residents for a short piece on what it feels like to be an LGBTQ elder during this time of growing backlash. That piece turned into the documentary, “Living In Pryde.” Make a cup of tea, refill your coffee, and come along with the filmmakers as they tell the story of The Pryde and why we need LGBTQ-welcoming affordable housing in every community.

Seniors must now enroll in Medicare, provide a denial letter, or show they’ve applied to retain MassHealth benefits. This new rule has created longer wait times and added complexity, making it difficult for some older adults to maintain coverage. Ethos continues to help seniors navigate the process and access the resources they need to age in place with dignity.

Ethos is thrilled to welcome Craig McAnaugh as our new Board President. Craig has served as Ethos’ Treasurer for six years, bringing both financial expertise and a deep humanity to his leadership.

Craig’s connection to elders began early. Growing up in a family of seven children in Plymouth, Massachusetts, he often took on the peacekeeper role, learning the value of collaboration and care. He spent seven years working at a nursing home while in high school and college, where he learned a great deal about how to engage with elders and perform small tasks that improved their day. “Most every time, a simple conversation about the weather ended up being a learning opportunity and a rewarding experience for me,” he reflects.

Craig has always had an affinity for underserved communities and elders, which inspired him to pursue a career in community health. He spent 15 years at Neighborhood Health, held leadership roles at Tufts Health Plan, and has worked across healthcare

insurance, providers, and hospitals for 31 years. This commitment to serving others aligns perfectly with Ethos’ mission and the clients we serve. Ensuring the financial integrity of the organization is central to his work. He values his ability to work cross-functionally and enjoys helping others be successful and bringing people together. For the past year, he has served as Chief Financial Officer at Blackstone Valley Community Health Care in Rhode Island.

He fondly remembers taking the DOPE Bird 4 Personality Types test, which identified him as a Dove (peacekeeper) and an Owl (wise and analytical)—traits he brings to every decision and conversation.

Craig lives in Rhode Island with his partner of 12 years, who also serves on nonprofit boards. Motivated by missions that improve lives, Craig was matched with Ethos through a Tufts Health Plan program and has been dedicated to advancing our mission ever since.

Since its founding in 2022, the Law Stroud Foundation has made a meaningful impact, supporting initiatives by Persistent Productions, Tufts University School of Medicine, Solacia (formerly My DNR Wish), Together Gloucester, Ethos, and the BRANCH initiative—reaching communities locally, regionally, and globally.

At the Foundation, Steven Law envisions a future where older adults thrive—supported by the resources, systems, and compassionate care they need to live independently in the homes and communities they love. The Foundation champions healthcare built on empathy and meaningful relationships, supporting providers to truly know and care for their patients, leading to better outcomes, reduced burnout, and deeper trust.

Steven draws his inspiration from his 45-year partnership with William “Donald” Stroud, a relationship that guided the creation of the Foundation. He describes Donald as “his fellow traveler in appreciating the beauty of the world,” whose life embraced every stage with possibility.

Steven believes love and knowledge are humanity’s greatest gifts—guiding the Foundation’s mission to empower

communities, support transformative work, and maximize human potential.

Recently recognized with gold-level status by Candid’s GuideStar, the Law Stroud Foundation is poised to expand its reach, engage new mission-aligned partners, and continue building a future where older adults—and the providers who care for them—can thrive.

Join the Mission

If you share this vision, you can help make it a reality. Visit the Law Stroud Foundation at www.lawstroudfoundation.org to donate, explore partnership opportunities, or spread the word. Together, we can help older adults thrive and foster a more compassionate, person-centered approach to aging and healthcare.