Two Southcoast nonprofits are teaming up to expand services for older residents of Dartmouth and Westport.

Coastal Neighbors Network, a relatively new charitable foundation founded in 2017, announced that it will receive a grant from one of New Bedford’s oldest charities, The Association for the Relief of Aged Women (ARAW), which was founded in 1866. The grant is part of ARAW’s Community Partner program.

A press release from Coastal Neighbors Network said the benefits for older residents of Dartmouth and Westport would be “immediate.”

“We are honored and thrilled to have received this grant because it enables Coastal Neighbors to reach out to older neighbors in Dartmouth and Westport who are experiencing real poverty,” said Coastal Neighbors Network Executive Director Andy Pollock. “Our volunteers will provide the new ARAW members with rides to medical appointments, help with small household chores, neighborly check-ins, and social events. This is really a win/win situation and we’re excited to welcome our new members.”

Clare Healy Foley, the Executive Director of ARAW, was also enthusiastic about the partnership.

“The Association for the Relief of Aged Women is extremely pleased to partner with Coastal Neighbors Network to help our older neighbors in Dartmouth and Westport stay safe, independent and connected to the communities they know and love,” she said. “Funds from ARAW’s Community Partner Grant will enable eligible women in our community, regardless of financial resources, to become members of Coastal Neighbors.”

For more information about Coastal Neighbors, visit www.coastalneighborsnetwork.org or call the Executive Director Andy Pollock at 508-556-4004. To learn more about The Association for the Relief of Aged Women, contact the Executive Director Clare Healy Foley at (508) 717-0400, or visit the ARAW website at www.arawofnb.org.