Tabitha Goggins has touched the lives of more people in her retirement than most people do in a lifetime.  For serving as an inspirational role model to people of all ages, ABCD Elder Services honors her.

For many people, retirement is a chance to enjoy a more leisurely lifestyle.  But not for Tabitha Goggins.  She traded in her retirement for a full-time commitment to the community, volunteering as a Foster Grandparent for the past 16 years.  She officially retired again this past June at 91-years-young, after logging more than 15,000 hours caring for children in need, most recently serving at the Hennigan School in Jamaica Plain for 13 years.     

Tabitha has received numerous accolades for her efforts, including the receipt of a $25,000 award from the Corporation for National and Community Service in recognition of her extraordinary service in the Foster Grandparent Program.  She was director of the Foster Grandparent chorus, is a board member of Central Boston Elder Services, is a leader in her church The Holy Tabernacle, and is a member of Elm Hill’s “Happy Hands” crochet group, creating masterpieces to donate to needy members of the community. 

Tabitha not only embodies healthy aging, she promotes it among her peers.  She is a certified “Matter of Balance” coach, helping seniors enhance their mobility and ease their fears of falling, and recently completed a course on the importance of healthy eating.

Tabitha credits the children for keeping her so young and active.  Fortunately for those in need in her community, she vows to continue to make use of her hands and her mind as long as she is able.  

Says Emily Shea, Director of ABCD Elder Services, “Tabitha is a community leader, a great humanitarian, and in every respect a wonderful person.  She represents what we all should aspire to in life.”