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Chatham, MA

Serving Cape Cod & THE ISLANDS

Chatham, MA is in Barnstable County at the southeast tip or “elbow” of Cape Cod. The town is home to the 3rd largest fishing fleet in Massachusetts and thrives as a close-knit community of year-round and seasonal residents. Fishing Partnership’s Chatham office serves fishing families across Cape Cod, Nantucket Island and Martha’s Vineyard.

Health & Wellness

SAFETY AT SEA

ECONOMIC SECURITY

Meet the Chatham Navigators

Manager, Community Health Navigators

Morgan Eldredge
Julia Messersmith
Navigator

Julia Messersmith
SAFETY INSTRUCTOR/FIRST AID PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Shannon Eldredge

Manager, Community Health Navigators

Morgan Eldredge

My family operates a commercial weir fishing business out of Stage Harbor, Chatham. Coming from a fishing family gives you a special bond with other fish kids. We grew up stomping around the docks, getting our hands dirty and exploring every inch of the harbor. No matter where I ended up in life, the Trap Dock has always been home. As a Navigator for Fishing Partnership, I meet fishermen who trust me and share their needs and ask for the help of Fishing Partnership. The best part of my job is seeing the relief in their eyes when I say, “I get it, now let’s see what we can do about that.” A highlight for me was our first Seafood Day at the State House.

Certifications

  • Certified Community Health Worker
  • Certified Health Connector Navigator

Favorite Seafood Dish
“The kick-off to holidays when my father brings home bay scallops on November 1st”

Port Town:Chatham, MA

Year Started:2013

Email:meldredge@fishingpartnership.org

Julia Messersmith

Navigator

Julia Messersmith

Fishing communities have been the center of my world since childhood. Clamming, crabbing and the fun of climbing the jetties with my brother and cousins are all cherished memories. Before college I had the opportunity to shellfish commercially as well as work as a crew member on a Cape Cod charter boat. Both experiences gave me a deep appreciation for the sacrifices required to earn a living at sea. I love my job as a Fishing Partnership Navigator because I get to work with committed and compassionate people and support the men and women who put their lives on the line to feed us.

Certifications

  • Certified Community Health Worker
  • Certified Health Connector Navigator
  • Notary Public

Favorite Seafood Dish
“Flounder over risotto with dill and lemon-caper aioli at Pisces in South Chatham.”

Port Town:Chatham, MA

Year Started:2020

Email:jmessersmith@fishingpartnership.org

SAFETY INSTRUCTOR/FIRST AID PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Shannon Eldredge

I grew up in a fishing family in Stage Harbor, Chatham, along with my sister Morgan Eldredge. As a fourth-generation fisherman, I worked our fish weirs alongside my partner, Russell Kingman, and my father. Our work at Fishing Partnership provides essential services for the families that feed our nation. The best part of my job as a Navigator is traveling to different ports for safety training. It’s always an adventure meeting new fishing families from all over the east coast. In addition to being a Navigator and Community Health Worker in the Chatham office, Shannon is also a Safety Instructor and First Aid Program Coordinator.

  • Coast Guard Approved Marine Safety Instructor for AMSEA Drill Conductor Course
  • Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician
  • Wilderness First Responder
  • American Safety & Health Institute First Aid CPR AED Instructor
  • Certified Community Health Worker

Shannon is passionate about training fishermen as essential first responders, stating, “You are first responders at sea and should regularly attend relevant and hands-on safety training to help reduce panic and increase your chances of surviving an emergency at sea.”

Favorite Seafood Dish

“Baked whole mackerel.”

Port Town:Chatham

Email:Seldredge@fishingpartnership.org

Fishing Partnership Chatham Office

894 Main Street Chatham, MA 02633

Chatham, MA Office

Street Address
894 Main Street
Chatham, MA 02633

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 784
Chatham, MA 02633

Phone

774-840-9393

Fax

508-945-3300

Directions & Area Notes

From Route 28 we are a left turn into Munson Meeting Way. Our office is between Pilgrim’s Landing (black awning) and A Great Yarn. Enter the building and we are Unit #2 which is located directly up the stairs and straight ahead when you enter. Look for the Fishing Partnership sign on the door.

Parking

Park in the first parking lot on your left.

Request Services

Are you or your spouse a fisherman? Do you come from a fishing family? Or, are you a shoreline worker that lives in a coastal community [that's anyone that has a job that supports fishermen getting their product to market and includes boat mechanics, fish cutters and lumpers to name a few]? We're here to help. Complete the Request for Services form and we'll answer your call.

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What Fishermen Are Saying

  • Fishing Partnership has had a major impact on my life. In these uncertain times in the fishing industry, having access to affordable health insurance is a great relief. Thank you, your efforts are much appreciated.

    Edward D., Marblehead

  • A lot of fishermen and their families would be without health care if it were not for you guys. Keep up the good work.

    Tom M., Hingham

  • We can’t thank Fishing Partnership enough for being there when we needed affordable quality health coverage.

    Peter P., Gloucester

  • Fishing Partnership is the best thing that ever happened to fishermen. Without it, I wouldn’t know what to do about my doctor bills.

    Antone S., New Bedford