CEO Element Care, Doug Thomson, Congresswoman Lori Trahan, YWCA Executive Director John Feehan

YWCA Greater Newburyport and Element Care’s PACE Program Celebrate with a Ground Breaking Ceremony for YWCA Residences at Ingalls Court 2, Methuen, MA., the second phase of their affordable housing project. The initial phase opened in May 2025 and resulted in the completion of 48 units for low-income seniors.

The second phase will see 48 affordable housing units with direct access to Element Care’s PACE program through a covered bridge connecting the two buildings.

Element Care is a non-profit organization that provides personalized health care to older adults enabling them to live safely in their homes. The new PACE program provides comprehensive services as well as activities to follow older adults to stay engaged and receive coordinated care at home.

Local dignitaries including Congresswoman Lori Trahan, Senator Pavel Payano, Methuen Mayor David Beauregard, CEO Element Care, Doug Thomson, and John Feehan, YWCA Executive Director, welcomed over 100 attendees including residents of Ingalls 1.

YWCA Board President, Julia McDonald, Congresswoman Lori Trahan

“We are thrilled to have welcomed Congresswoman Trahan as our keynote speaker to shine the spotlight on the importance of affordable housing and onsite access to health care for our most vulnerable elderly population” YWCA Executive Director John Feehan said.

Element Care is a multi-disciplinary health care program including well and sick visits, primary care, dental, vision, behavioral health, social work, physical and occupational activities, meals and transportation. Studies confirm that PACE participants have lower rates of hospital stays, reduced recidivism and improved quality of life.

YWCA Board President Julia McDonald and Methuen Mayor David Beauregard

The YWCA Residences at Ingalls Court are designed to allow seniors to age in place, the units include roll-in showers with strategically placed grab bars to reduce the risk of falling; kitchens which can easily be converted for wheelchair accessibility; community areas where residents can meet and socialize.  The buildings are designed to meet Passive Housing Standards which not only means it will be extremely energy efficient but also means seniors will not have to deal with cold winter drafts.”

“We believe combining affordable housing and healthcare will provide a new model for senior care in the Commonwealth and beyond” Julia McDonald, YWCA President Board of Directors said.

YWCA Residences at Ingalls Court 2, Methuen, MA. is projected to open November 2026.