LAKEVILLE — Lori Fahey recently lost a word in her job title but gained a sense of security.

She was recently promoted from Lakeville’s Interim Council on Aging director to the permanent position. 

“I’m excited,’’ she said. “I feel more settled.’’

The timing works well, she said. “The holidays are a really good time for it to happen,’’ she said. “You’re excited anyway.’’

But in most ways, she said, nothing has changed.

“I think I was acting in the best interests of the seniors all along,’’ she said. “My goal is to make sure they have what they need and that they know that they are welcomed here and loved.’’

Fahey is no stranger to the Senior Center. She was named to the interim director post six months ago. Prior to that, she worked at the center for about seven years, primarily as administrative assistant. 

Now that the position is permanent, she will focus even more keenly on ensuring that the programming offered at the center meets the needs of the seniors.

Recently, for example, area Girl Scouts visited the center to sing Christmas carols to the seniors.

“The seniors loved it,’’ she said, and she hopes to see more community outreach.

Her love for seniors began in childhood, she said. “Even as a kid, I loved my grandparents so much,’’ she said. “I miss them.’’

She works to ensure her own children slow down from their busy schedules to spend time with their own grandparents. “They’re so smart,’’ she said. “They’re so fun.’’

She would like to add offerings for families of seniors who might need support or information regarding caretaking. Most seniors, she said, want to stay at home. She hopes she and the rest of the center staff will provide “guidance and help when needed.’’

Her main goal, she said, is to provide a welcoming presence, quite literally. Her office door is always open to the seniors, she said, and her large glass window gives her much-appreciated access to the happenings at the center.

Her responsibilities have expanded as center director but she is determined to make time for personal interactions with the seniors.

“We’re like a family,’’ she said. “Providing a welcoming space, that’s the main goal.’’

And working with that family every day brings great satisfaction, she said. 

“I’m 52 and I finally have my dream job.’’