L to R: Newly appointed Director of SCES’s Adult Family Care (AFC) program Nina Cohen and her predecessor, Jeanne Leyden.

Longtime Somerville-Cambridge Elder Service (SCES) Social Worker Nina Cohen has been promoted to Director of the agency’s Adult Family Care (AFC) program, effective August 1.

Cohen has been with SCES for 14 years, serving as a Protective Services Case Worker, Director of Protective Services and Social Work Manager for AFC during that time. 

The promotion was announced on July 21 by SCES Executive Director Paul Hollings.

“I have known Nina in her current role in AFC, where her calm, insightful, informed, compassionate, and committed approach has earned her the respect and affection of her colleagues,” said Hollings. “I know she will do a fabulous job as AFC Director.”

AFC is a regional program that helps adults receive the best care at home, by providing training, compensation and ongoing support for friend and family caregivers. 

In accepting the promotion, Cohen spoke highly of the compassionate and collaborative team culture established by her predecessor, Jeanne Leyden.

“Jeanne has built such a wonderful culture in the AFC program, and I am so excited to carry on that torch that she’s passing on to me,” said Cohen.

Leyden retired on July 31, after 21 years at SCES. In announcing her departure, Hollings spoke highly of her many contributions.

“Jeanne led AFC to grow from a small program serving only a few people to one with 250 clients and caregivers; all the while insisting on maintaining quality standards and actively championing the right of our clients to continue to live in the community.”   

“Jeanne will always be remembered at SCES for the warmth of her personality,” added Hollings. “She doesn’t miss an opportunity to give a compliment or offer a hand in support.  She cares deeply about people and it shows.”

Leyden said her future plans include spending more time with children and grandchildren, traveling, and enjoying her home, deck, and flowers.

“I am also going to miss the great group that we have here, at Adult Family Care,” said Leyden.

Adult Family Care is a regional program of Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services that helps adults receive the best care at home across the Greater Boston Area, North Shore, and Merrimack Valley. For more information, visit adultfamilycare.org, email AFC@eldercare.org or call 617-440-0987.