Jane Matlaw has spent a lifetime giving a voice to those who often go unheard.  For her unrelenting advocacy on behalf of those in need, the Parker Hill/Fenway NSC celebrates her. 

For over 30 years, Jane Matlaw, MSW, LICSW, has been a champion of the elderly.  She has fought to keep seniors in their homes against such threats as neighborhood gentrification and institutionalization, and helped create the first elder abuse and neglect team in the country at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.  She is currently the Director of Community Relations at the Center, where she continues to build strong relationships with local organizations on behalf of the people they serve.  She was has advocated for “elder friendly” businesses to promote greater senior access, has partnered with neighborhood schools to encourage careers in health care, and has served as a “Medical Champion” in the Red Sox Scholars program.

Jane is also a distinguished supporter of PHF NSC’s many programs, particularly the food pantry.  She provides the transportation to and from the food bank, engages her colleagues in food drives and persuades leaders of the local hospitals to make financial donations.  Recently her fundraising prowess has provided for healthy living classes for seniors, including the recruitment of hospital volunteers to lead them, and parenting workshops for young families.  Jane has also been a principal sponsor of the agency’s SummerWorks program, providing job placements, mentoring opportunities, and financial support for local youth.

Says Milly Arbaje-Thomas, Director of PHF NSC, “Jane has been a tremendous asset to our agency for years.  She is the epitome of a ‘connector,’ constantly matching our needs with resources in the medical community.  She is constantly coming up with creative ways to collaborate with us, backing up all her ideas with people, resources, and most importantly, her time.”