More than 160 guests attended Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES) Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon and award ceremony at the Massasoit Conference Center in Brockton.
OCES, the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, held an Appreciation Luncheon to honor all of their volunteers who generously donate their time to help others. Eastern Bank and National Grid were generous sponsors of the event.
Brenda Carrens, Volunteer Programs Manager and Chris McLaren, Community Programs Director of OCES presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award’s (PVSA) highest honor, the prestigious President’s Lifetime Achievement Award to five volunteers who achieved over 4,000 volunteer hours over the course of a lifetime: Michele Foley, a resident of Plymouth; Ray Viens, a resident of Norwell; and Duxbury residents Eugene Blanchard, Geraldine Thomson, and Harold Katz (posthumously).
“OCES could not accomplish its mission without our dedicated volunteers. Our annual Appreciation Lunch is a modest way to thank our 600+ volunteers for their dedicated service to our programs and our community,” said Nicole Long, CEO.
She continued, “It is our pleasure to present these volunteer leaders with the President’s highest honor for their longstanding commitment and dedication to helping others and making the world a better place. Presidential recognition is a tremendous honor and although these volunteers did not seek recognition, their example has delivered a powerful message that will inspire others to take action.”
OCES serves 1,600 meals a day as part of its Meals on Wheels (MOW) Program with the help of over 350 nutrition program volunteers who perform many tasks. Volunteers also serve on the OCES and Money Management Program (MMP) Board, the RSVP and the RSVP Community Advisory Council as well as many other important efforts. Over 50 MMP volunteers assist older adults and individuals with disabilities with bill paying, reconciling bank statements, balancing checkbooks and in special cases, negotiating debt with creditors. More than 200 Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteers help local agencies (such as Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Plymouth and Brockton Public Schools Reading Program, Food Banks including South Shore Community Action Council, Veterans Services, and others) provide services.
To learn more about becoming a volunteer for OCES or RSVP programs, contact Jean-Marie Finn at 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org.
About PVSA
The President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) is an initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and is administered by Points of Light. For more information visit presidentialserviceawards.gov.
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 has 232 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.
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