admin

OCES to Honor Caregivers During National Caregivers Month – Nominate a Caregiver

September 10, 2025 // by admin

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… During National Caregivers Month, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, will celebrate dedicated caregivers who make a positive impact in others’ lives.

The number of caregivers in the U.S. has risen significantly. According to data from the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP’s Caregiving in the US 2025, the number of family caregivers has grown to 63 million – or one in four – American adults.

OCES is honoring the selfless dedication of caregivers who make a real difference in the lives of others and is inviting individuals and companies to nominate a family member, friend, or associate who has gone above and beyond to care for someone in the community.

From now through October 6, 2025, OCES is accepting nominations of local caregivers (within OCES’ service area) to be highlighted during National Caregivers Month in November.

“We look forward to celebrating our community’s caregivers, sharing their stories and honoring their commitment to caregiving during National Family Caregivers Month,” said Nicole Long, MSW, LICSW, and CEO of OCES.

Throughout November, OCES will spotlight each nominated caregiver, sharing their story in a special Caregiver Edition newsletter and across our social media channels.

To nominate a caregiver, please visit https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/3dG5Aos/caregiver

Nominated caregivers will be notified. To view a map of OCES’ service area, visit https://ocesma.org/about-old-colony-elder-services.

Providing Support & Resources for Caregivers
OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) provides caregiver support and resources to individuals in OCES’ service area. For more information about caregiver support visit ocesma.org/programs-services/caregiver-support or call 508-584-1561.

About OCES
OCES is recognized as one of the 2023, 2024 and 2025 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth BusinessMarketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). For more than 51 years, OCES has been a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities.

Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org

OCES to Honor Caregivers During National Caregivers Month – Nominate a CaregiverRead More

LEARN Behavioral Opens Doors of New Autism Learning Center in New Bedford, MA.

September 9, 2025 // by admin

No Waitlist and Flexible Hours for Bristol County Area Families

NEW BEDFORD, MA… Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a provider of LEARN Behavioral, is proud to announce the opening of its new New Bedford Learning Center at 392 Acushnet Ave, New Bedford, MA 02740.

BCI is a leading contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children ages 2-6 years. The New Bedford Learning Center provides early intervention, center-based and in-home ABA therapy, diagnostic services, after-school and weekend services, and parent education.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with new families by expanding our services in the South Coast region,” said Aerin Parish-Toscano, MS, BCBA, LABA, Regional Clinical Director. “We value being a part of the New Bedford community and look forward to helping find success for every child in our care.”

Key Features of the New Bedford Learning Center:

– Large facility which includes an indoor gross motor space for physical and social development.
– ABA therapy, which includes a learning-rich environment, unique play-based learning spaces, and one-on-one support.
– No waitlist and flexible treatment hours (after-school hours, weekend hours, and full-day/half-day hours) to accommodate busy family schedules.
– Serving children 2- 6 years old with personalized therapy plans.
– Conveniently located near downtown; accessible by public transportation and walkable from many local schools.

The center is now enrolling new clients based in Attleboro, Brockton, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Fall River, New Bedford, Raynham, Seekonk, Somerset, and Taunton with no waitlist and flexible treatment hours.

About BCI
BCI, part of the LEARN Behavioral network, is one of the nation’s leading providers of compassionate autism care. For more than 20 years, BCI has been delivering evidence-based services, helping children with autism find success and reach their unique potential.

In addition to the New Bedford Learning Center, BCI has existing center-based ABA therapy Learning Centers in Beverly, Brockton, Fitchburg, Framingham, Lawrence, Lowell, Newton, Springfield, Taunton, Wilmington, two locations in Worcester, MA, and a location in Nashua, NH.

For more information or to enroll a child at the New Bedford Learning Center, call (508) 363-0200 or visit https://bciaba.com/locations/new-bedford

About LEARN Behavioral
LEARN Behavioral is a national leader in autism treatment, offering comprehensive diagnostic services and contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With a nationwide network of ABA providers and more than 100 Learning Centers across the country, LEARN delivers the highest standard of evidence-based care—customized to meet the unique needs and interests of each child and family. For more information, visit learnbehavioral.com.

LEARN Behavioral Opens Doors of New Autism Learning Center in New Bedford, MA.Read More

Johnson Brunetti to Host Women’s Retirement Workshop in Franklin, MA

September 4, 2025 // by admin

FRANKLIN, MA, NEEDHAM, MA, NORWELL, MA and WOBURN, MA..

photo of Jen Killilea, financial advisor for Johnson Brunetti

Johnson Brunetti, an independent retirement and investment specialist firm founded in 2003, will host a women-only dinner workshop on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 6:00 PM at 3 Restaurant, 461 West Central Street, Franklin, MA. The complimentary event is designed for women ages 55 and older who are within five years of retirement or already retired. Advance registration is required.

The interactive workshop, entitled Taking Control: Empowering Women to Understand Their Financial Future, will be presented by Jen Killilea, a financial advisor at Johnson Brunetti. The one-hour, pre-dinner session will be held in a supportive environment for women to openly ask questions and gain insight into retirement planning. Attendees will learn strategies for creating a secure financial future.

“Women today are making important financial decisions for themselves and their families, whether they are single, divorced, widowed, or married,” said Killilea. “This workshop is about more than just information—it’s about building confidence, exploring strategies, and connecting with others who share the same goal of a secure retirement.”

Topics will include: How to construct a sound retirement plan; Strategies for maximizing Social Security benefits; Protecting savings from market risk; Budgeting and income planning for longevity; Special considerations for women planning retirement.

According to recent studies, women typically retire with 34 percent less money than men and live longer, making financial preparedness especially critical. Johnson Brunetti’s women-focused events aim to close this gap by providing education, clarity, and personalized guidance.

“Women often face unique financial challenges—from longevity to caregiving responsibilities—but with the right plan, those challenges can be transformed into opportunities,” Killilea added.

To attend Taking Control: Empowering Women to Understand Their Financial Future, interested parties can register at https://edge.financialseminarservices.com/Rsvp/Seminar/4JFZ or call 888-406-8122.

About Johnson Brunetti

Johnson Brunetti is a local retirement planning firm with offices in Needham, Franklin, Norwell, and Woburn, MA. Johnson Brunetti provides the financial guidance and service that retirees and those planning for retirement need as they strive to achieve financial independence. To learn more about Johnson Brunetti and its services, call 800-208-7233 or visit www.JohnsonBrunetti.com.

Johnson Brunetti to Host Women’s Retirement Workshop in Franklin, MARead More

Stories, Connection & Kindness – Families Invited to “Storytime with Stella” at Esteamed Coffee in Cary, NC

August 29, 2025 // by admin

CARY, NC… Families are invited to gather for “Storytime with Stella,” a weekly wonderland of stories, connection, and kindness at Esteamed Coffee’s cozy story nook this fall.

Storytime with Stella will be held on Sundays, September 7 – October 19, 2025, from 1-2 p.m. at Esteamed Coffee, 114 S. Academy Street, Cary, NC 27511.

The heartfelt children’s book, “Stella Finds Her Place,” about inclusion, courage, and discovering where you truly belong, will be read each week. The book is written by Morgan Mize, Esteamed Coffee’s Assistant General Manager, and reflects the heart of Esteamed Coffee, which is a nonprofit cafe in downtown Cary where individuals with disabilities find meaningful employment and a welcoming community.

Everyone is invited to be part of the story at Esteamed Coffee’s Storytime with Stella. These events are free and open to the public.

Complimentary refreshments and goodie bags will be provided to children attending Storytime with Stella.

Storytime with Stella’s exclusive sponsor is Priorities ABA, Cary’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based and in-home autism services for children .

For more information about Esteamed Coffee’s Storytime with Stella, visit the dedicated Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/730344639995685/730344649995684/
or the events page on their website https://www.esteamedcoffee.com/events.

About Esteamed Coffee
Esteamed Coffee is a 501(c)(3) non-profit coffee shop and cafe in Cary, NC, with the mission to lower the unemployment rate and increase the quality of life for adults with intellectual, developmental, communication, and/or visual disabilities by creating meaningful jobs and social opportunities in a warm, supportive environment. For more information, visit www.esteamedcoffee.com.

About Priorities ABA
Priorities ABA, part of the LEARN Behavioral network, is one of the nation’s leading providers of compassionate autism care. For more than 20 years, Priorities ABA has been delivering evidence-based services, helping children and adolescents with autism find success and reach their unique potential.

Priorities ABA has recently opened a new location at 598 East Chatham Street, Suite 135, Cary, NC, 27511. For more information or to enroll a child at the Cary Learning Center, call (252) 341-4192 or visit https://prioritiesaba.com/locations/cary/

About LEARN Behavioral
LEARN Behavioral is a national leader in autism treatment, offering comprehensive diagnostic services and contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder. With a nationwide network of ABA providers and more than 100 Learning Centers across the country, LEARN delivers the highest standard of research-based care—customized to meet the unique needs and interests of each child and family. For more information, visit learnbehavioral.com.

Stories, Connection & Kindness – Families Invited to “Storytime with Stella” at Esteamed Coffee in Cary, NCRead More

Behavioral Concepts to hold Ice Cream Social on September 13th in Lawrence

August 26, 2025 // by admin

LAWRENCE, MA… Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a provider of LEARN Behavioral, will hold a sensory-friendly Ice Cream Social Open House on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at their new learning center at 360 Merrimack Street, Suite 132, Lawrence, MA 01843.

This event is open to the public.

BCI is Lawrence’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children ages 2-6 years. The center, which officially opened its doors in June, provides parent education, diagnostics, Early Intervention, center-based ABA therapy, and in-home ABA therapy.

The expansive Lawrence learning center includes an indoor gross motor area for physical and social development as well as a dedicated space for family treatment guidance and assessment. Flexible treatment hours are offered to accommodate busy family schedules and the center is conveniently located and easily accessible by public transportation.

Families will have an opportunity to tour the Lawrence facility and meet Meghan Van Nostrand, Ph.D., LABA, BCBA-D, Senior Regional Clinical Director and BCI’s team of Behavior Analysts.

The Ice Cream Social Open House will offer fall-themed family activities in a sensory-friendly, supportive environment.

For more information or to enroll a child at the Lawrence Learning Center, call 508-281-9411 or visit https://bciaba.com/locations/lawrence

About BCI
BCI, part of the LEARN Behavioral network, is one of the nation’s leading providers of compassionate autism care. For more than 20 years, BCI has been delivering evidence-based services, helping children with autism find success and reach their unique potential.

The Lawrence Learning Center is BCI’s fourteenth center-based ABA therapy location, with existing Learning Centers in Beverly, Brockton, Fitchburg, Framingham, Lowell, New Bedford, Newton, Springfield, Taunton, Wilmington, two locations in Worcester, MA, and a location in Nashua, NH.

About LEARN Behavioral
LEARN Behavioral is a national leader in autism treatment, offering comprehensive diagnostic services and contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With a nationwide network of ABA providers and more than 100 Learning Centers across the country, LEARN delivers the highest standard of evidence-based care—customized to meet the unique needs and interests of each child and family. For more information, visit learnbehavioral.com.

Behavioral Concepts to hold Ice Cream Social on September 13th in LawrenceRead More

Welcome Home to Host Fabric of Community Blanket & Towel Drive at The Street Chestnut Hill on October 4 sponsored by Mark’s Moving & Storage.

August 26, 2025 // by admin

Welcome Home invites the community to help make a meaningful impact through the “Fabric of Community Blanket & Towel Drive” on Saturday, October 4, from 10am to 1pm at The Street Chestnut Hill, 33 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467. The event is sponsored by Mark’s Moving & Storage.

As cooler weather approaches, guests are encouraged to donate new or gently used blankets and towels, two of the most requested items by individuals and families transitioning into new housing. Donations will be collected on-site in a moving truck generously provided by Mark’s Moving & Storage, with all items benefiting Welcome Home, a local organization dedicated to providing household essentials to those in need. Mark’s Moving & Storage, the initiator and champion of the event, are also providing a driver, support staff and storage, if needed for surplus items.

As a thank you, each donation will enter guests into a raffle for a chance to win various items from The Street’s exciting roster of businesses, including Winston Flowers, Showcase SuperLux, SWTHZ, Gorjana, Bond Vet, and M.M.LaFleur. Guests can also enjoy complimentary cookies from The Half Cookie, treat vouchers from Polkadog Bakery, and more, while supplies last.

Julie Plaut Mahoney of Welcome Home noted, “This is a wonderful opportunity to directly assist families who need some help in outfitting their homes with blankets and towels as we come into the colder months. . Any and all donations are deeply appreciated.”

Mark Silverman of Mark’s Moving added, “We are delighted to provide the transportation for this event that will have a major impact on regional families.”

Jeffrey Rosenthal, General Manager of The Street Chestnut Hill says, “Community is at the heart of everything we do at The Street, and we’re always looking for meaningful ways to give back. We’re proud to host this special initiative and support Welcome Home’s mission of helping our neighbors create a safe, comfortable place to call home.”

For additional details about the Fabric of Community Blanket & Towel Drive event, contact Welcome Home, www.welcomehomemass.org or call (617) 454-4795.

About Welcome Home

Welcome Home strives to provide families experiencing hardship with basic household items they need to live with dignity. A local nonprofit organization in West Newton, Massachusetts, Welcome Home collects and redistributes like-new household items to hundreds of people in need each month with no fees, no forms and no requirements. Any items that cannot be used are repurposed or recycled appropriately, thus benefiting the environment.

For more information, visit http://www.welcomehomemass.org.

About Mark’s Moving & Storage

Mark’s Moving and Storage’s non-profit division Mark’s Northeastern Furniture Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and was established to re-purpose discarded furniture and provide for charities and individuals in need. Since 2011, the foundation and its partners have distributed thousands of pieces of re-purposed furniture. More than 1,000,000 pounds of furniture have been given to individuals and local charities, such as the United Way of Tri-County and Household Goods. For more information, visit the firm’s website, www.marksmoving.com.

Mark’s Moving and Storage, 111 Milk St., Westborough, offers a wide range of moving and storage services, including commercial on demand warehouse storage local and long-distance residential and corporate moving, air freight, container shipping, record storage management, disposal, packing and unpacking services, portable storage containers, warehousing and fire and flood remediation.

About The Street Chestnut Hill

Located in the heart of Chestnut Hill, The Street has become a cornerstone in its community with delightful shops, eateries and entertainment. The Street enchants visitors with a collection of over 60 unrivaled brands, as well as lively art, music, fitness, and kid-friendly programming. The Street boasts the first Massachusetts locations for Roller Rabbit, Showcase SuperLux, Shake Shack, and Splendid, as well as locally and nationally loved restaurants and retailers such as CHANEL Fragrance and Beauty, Blue Bottle, Warby Parker, Simon Pearce, Pink Carrot, Reformation, Alo, Winston Flowers, Polkadog Bakery, Bianca, Chilacates, lululemon, Nike Well Collective, Studs, Hummingbird Books, and Chef Dave’s. Also among The Street’s offerings are distinct office spaces, including WS Development’s corporate headquarters, New England OB-GYN’s newest facility, and Coldwell Banker Realty’s state-of-the-art office. The Street’s transformation under owner WS Development earned a Gold Award for Renovations/Expansions of Mixed-use Projects from the International Council of Shopping Centers. The Street is located at 33 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, directly along Route 9, between Hammond Pond Parkway and Hammond Street. For more information, please visit www.TheStreetChestnutHill.com to join our email list, download the new The Street Insider app to unlock exclusive rewards and perks from various businesses, or follow @thestreetchestnuthill on Instagram and @shopthestreet on Facebook.

Welcome Home to Host Fabric of Community Blanket & Towel Drive at The Street Chestnut Hill on October 4 sponsored by Mark’s Moving & Storage.Read More

Seniors at Stoughton Adult Day Health Complete Digital Literacy Course with OCES Traveling Computer Lab

August 20, 2025 // by admin

STOUGHTON, MA… Nine older adults at Stoughton Adult Day Health recently celebrated completing a six-week basic computer skills course through the “Traveling Computer Lab – Digital Literacy for Older Adults” program. Offered by Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the program aims to bridge the digital divide and equip seniors with essential technology skills for greater confidence and independence.

The digital literacy course, tailored specifically for adults aged 60 and older, provides in-person, hands-on instruction with the goal of enhancing independence, social connectivity, and access to vital online resources. Over the span of six weeks, participants attended a total of eight engaging sessions held at their familiar community setting.

During the course, the group gained confidence using laptops. Core topics covered the basics of computer use, along with using Microsoft Windows to improve typing skills and learning how to navigate the internet.

“The class was really helpful—most older adults were hesitant to use computers before, but they feel more comfortable now,” said Armindo Rocha, Volunteer Programs Manager at OCES.

The Traveling Computer Lab is a mobile program that rotates monthly to new sites across the region, bringing digital literacy training directly to older adults in Councils on Aging, senior centers, and housing communities. By providing all necessary equipment, including laptops, Wi-Fi, and printed materials. The program removes common barriers to access and ensures participants receive personalized, step-by-step guidance at their own pace.

Through this initiative, OCES is not only teaching older adults how to use technology, but also fostering greater confidence, social connection, and safety in the digital world.

For more information about the Traveling Computer Lab or other services offered by OCES, visit ocesma.org or call (508) 584-1561.

About OCES
OCES is recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth BusinessMarketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). For more than 50 years, OCES has been a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities.

Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org.

Seniors at Stoughton Adult Day Health Complete Digital Literacy Course with OCES Traveling Computer LabRead More

Getting authentic answers from Artificial Intelligence. Seminar at Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce reveals AI Query Engineering for business users.

August 17, 2025 // by admin

Business users know that they could be doing so much more with AI. They just don’t know how to ask the right questions to maximize the new tool.

The upcoming seminar on AI Query Engineering is setThursday,September 25, 9-10:30 a.m. and will be held at the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce, located in the Plymouth Industrial Park at 100 Armstrong Road, Suite 204, Plymouth MA 02360.

The seminar will be led by Steve Dubin, PR Works, Public Relations / Marketing and Helene Kelly, Clay Communications and Marketing, who use AI daily for a wide range of business tasks. Kelly has an advanced certification from MIT on AI.

Attendees will learn –

How to use context, tone, format and clarity.
Go deeper. Strategy, insights, trends.
Expanding answers to increase value.

Cost is $19 per person. RSVP to https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/8rhf3nz

Or contact Steve Dubin, SDubin@PRWorkZone.com, (781) 582-1061.

Getting authentic answers from Artificial Intelligence. Seminar at Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce reveals AI Query Engineering for business users.Read More

OCES Honors Dedicated Community Programs Director as she Retires

August 7, 2025 // by admin

BROCKTON, PLYMOUTH, AND TAUNTON, MA…

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, honored Brenda Carrens, Community Programs Director, as she retired after 20 years at OCES.

Carrens has been instrumental in the growth and success of OCES. During her OCES career, Carrens worked with the Greater Plymouth County’s Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP), Family Caregiver Support, Healthy Living, Money Management, Development, and Volunteer programs. Most recently, Carrens was the Community Programs Director overseeing Nutrition, Volunteer, Healthy Living, and Family Caregiver Support operations as well as the supervisors and managers of those programs.

Dedicated to helping others and giving back, Carrens is a lifelong volunteer for schools and other charities. She is a Metro South Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, and a volunteer for OCES’ Money Management and Meals on Wheels programs. Carrens previously served on the Cancer Care Community Advisory Board (CABbies) a volunteer fundraising group that supported cancer patients.

“Brenda has made a tremendous impact on many individuals and families through her tireless efforts, leadership and dedication to OCES and the community over the past 20 years,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “Congratulations Brenda! OCES will miss you and we wish you all the best in your retirement!”

Carrens has been a resident of Taunton, MA for 25 years.

About OCES
OCES is recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). For more than 51 years, OCES has been a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities.

Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org

OCES Honors Dedicated Community Programs Director as she RetiresRead More