The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) has extended the operations of its Cambridge Senior Center to five days per week instead of the previous four. Since October 17, 2022, the seniors have been able to attend the center for social and recreational activities from Monday through Friday.

The expansion was only possible due to the record amount of $68,000 raised at MAPS 5th Annual Chip In for Charity Golf Tournament in September. The event, co-chaired by Rui Domingos, President/ CEO of MIT Federal Credit Union, and Walter Sousa, owner of Inman Square Wine and Spirits, gathered approximately 120 community members, business leaders, volunteers, and supporters to benefit the MAPS Senior Center.

“We are beyond pleased to make this expansion a reality for our beloved seniors,” said MAPS CEO Paulo Pinto, MPA. “We couldn’t be more thankful to all the donors and supporters who stepped up and helped us to reach our goal. They are truly making a difference in the lives of the many seniors who attend our center.”

“The seniors are very excited to come to the center five days a week now to see their friends,” said Helena Mancini, MAPS Senior Center Coordinator. “I am preparing many activities for them, and I am sure that we will have a fun time exercising, dancing, and socializing together.”

MAPS is also partnering with Faialense Sport Club in Cambridge. The Portuguese social club is now providing daily nutritional lunches to seniors from Monday through Friday, paid for by Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services through a contract with MAPS.

The MAPS Senior Center is a linguistically and culturally competent space designed to prevent isolation and promote wellness through case management and daily social and recreational activities, including exercise classes, arts and crafts, educational programs, and nutritional meals. It serves nearly 50 Portuguese, Brazilian, and Cabo Verdean seniors now from Monday to Friday on the second floor of MAPS’ Cambridge office at 1046 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA.

 MAPS has served the Portuguese-speaking communities of Massachusetts and others since 1970. The organization offers a wide range of free health and social services through its six offices in Cambridge, Somerville, Brighton, Dorchester, Framingham, and Lowell. To learn more about MAPS, visit maps-inc.org.