About FISCO
Friends of Indian Senior Citizens Organization is a registered 501 © 3 nonprofit organization in the state of Massachusetts, USA, supporting all senior citizens residing in the towns of northwestern part of the Boston Metro Region.
We strive to create a friendly atmosphere aimed at reducing isolation among seniors. We are dedicated to building a society where all seniors feel secure, respected, and live healthy lives with the support of their loved ones.
Our programs include regular social events, education on maintaining good mental and physical health, and a weekly hot meal served at Burlington Council on Aging, 61 Center Street, Burlington, MA 01803.
Our Mission
FISCO’s mission is to provide companionship, connection and compassion to senior Asian immigrants so that they can maintain good physical and mental health. We work together and strive to create a friendly and loving atmosphere for seniors with a deep understanding of the challenges they face.
Our Vision
We aspire to create a society where seniors feel secure, respected, and live healthy lives with the support of their loved ones.
Our Story
In the summer of 2010, Rita Shah, a social worker in Burlington, Massachusetts, realized that her parents-in-law and older family members, immigrants from India, were very lonely and isolated from their community. Winters were particularly hard for them. She organized a group of seniors to meet often, share a meal and care and cultivate friendships.
The time was right; Rita met passionate community leaders like Mahendra Jhaveri, Ramesh Naidu, Dinesh Shah, and Suryakant Gandhi, and together, they joined to create a new social work organization called Friends of Indian Senior Citizen’s Organization (FISCO) in Burlington, Massachusetts, with a goal to assist with socialization of older Asian Indians, increase interactions & reduce their isolation.
With the help of generous donors, community volunteers, the Councils of Aging in several towns, and Minuteman Senior Services, they created FISCO, a registered 501 © 3 nonprofit organization in the state of Massachusetts, USA.
THE FISCO TEAM
Get to know the dedicated individuals who are committed to enhancing the lives of senior citizens in our community.
Rita Shah
Founder
Ms. Shah's contributions have made a significant impact on society, and her tireless efforts have been felt by many. She has worked diligently at Saheli, Burlington Rotary, and founded FISCO, which aims to improve the lives of our seniors. Her selfless service, vision, and leadership have inspired countless individuals and advanced the field of social work in many ways. Ms. Shah has recently been honored by the President's Volunteer Service Award for her 25 years of selfless service.
Kirit Shah
Treasurer
Kirit K Shah, originally from Vaso, Gujarat, his Master's in at Gujarat University before moving the USA in 1980. He has since been residing in Burlington, MA and has worked in various finance and accounting departments in the healthcare industry, pharmacy companies, and tax departments. Kirit & his family are devoted volunteers at Haveli-VYO Boston-Lowell MA, where he has served as a treasurer for the past 13 years. Kirit loves sports especially cricket & football.
Gautam Gandhi
Director
In 1982, Gautam Gandhi relocated to the USA. Since 2018, he has been an active member of the FISCO family, serving as Treasurer for 2 years and Director for 4 years. He is also a Trustee at Satsang Center in Woburn and is also involved at the Lexington Senior Center. In his free time, Mr. Gandhi enjoys spending time with his 4 grandchildren, traveling, and watching.
Laxmi Patel
Directo