Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton-based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, joined forces with the Brockton Council on Aging (COA) to “March Against Elder Abuse”. On June 14th, over 150 members from the community and the two organizations marched down Main Street in Brockton in an effort to raise awareness of elder abuse.
June is designated as Elder Abuse Awareness Month by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations.
Joining the COA and OCES in the effort were Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz, Brockton Mayor Bill Carpenter, and sponsors the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, HarborOne Bank, Papa Gino’s, the Rotary Club of Brockton, Sign Design, Roche Brothers, Shaw’s, and the Plymouth Police Relief Association.
Community Activists Awarded
After the march, participants gathered at the Brockton COA where Janice Fitzgerald, Director of Brockton COA and Teresa Kourtz, Director of Protective Services at OCES sharedinformation on how to assist elders in need and answered questions. A representative from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs also participated in the event. Awards were presented to activists in the community who have supported efforts around this issue, including Aguinaldo “Nato” Fonseca, Vice President and Business Development Officer of HarborOne Bank, Officer Anthony Giardini from the Brockton Police Department, and SignDesign.
Last year, OCES’ Protective Services Department received close to 2,000 reports of suspected elder abuse and financial exploitation. Types of abuse include physical, verbal, sexual and financial. When there is a referral made to OCES by Centralized Intake at the Elder Abuse Hotline, a Protective Services Worker investigates the report, provides support, and if needed, information about resources such as medical, legal, psychological, financial and housing assistance.
Citations commemorating Elder Abuse Awareness Month were presented by Mayor Bill Carpenter from the City of Brockton, State Representative Gerard Cassidy from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and Congressman Stephen Lynch from the U.S. House of Representatives.
“World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to share information and spread awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults. As individuals, and working together, we can make a difference,” noted Susan Willis, ASAP Program Director.
Teresa Kourtz of OCES advises, “Help us shine a light on elder abuse. If you see something, say something.”
If you know, or suspect, that an elder is being mistreated or neglected, call the Massachusetts Elder Abuse Hotline at 800-922-2275.
About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.
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