Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) located in Brockton that provides valuable programs and services to seniors, their families and caregivers, held their Annual Luncheon last week. Several staff members and Board members were recognized for their years of service and commitment to the agency’s mission.
More than 180 people attended OCES’ Annual Luncheon held at the Shaw’s Center in Brockton. Attendees included Brockton Mayor James Harrington, State Representatives Geraldine Creedon, Christine Canavan, Louis Kafka and Allen McCarthy, and Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz. Michael Festa, Secretary of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, gave the keynote speech commending staff and volunteers for their dedication and hard work on the behalf of elders and disabled people. He inspired attendees to rise to the challenging times ahead for all those in the human services field.
Staff members recognized for years of service included:
Brockton residents Phyllis Martin (10 years), Marguerite Sheridan (20 years), Paula Smyth (20 years) and Sandra Ivers (20 years); Jane Kamel of North Easton (10 years); Teresa Kourtz of Berkley (10 years); Susan Willis of Kingston (10 years); Sandra Mendes of Easton (15 years); Beverly Ferris of Bridgewater (15 years) and Jill Getchell of Whitman (20 years).
OCES has an all-volunteer Board of Directors. Those Board members serving for 10 years or more were also recognized. They included:
Eva Burton representing Hanson for 24 years; Dolores Kent, Easton, 24 years; Hazel Foley, Kingston, 22 years; Catherine Connors, East Bridgewater, 16 years; Patricia McCarthy, Whitman, 15 years; Marilyn Mansfield, Lakeville, 14 years; Julie Murphy, Carver, 13 years; Muriel Boyce, Kingston, 12 years; Norma Clark, Abington, 12 years; Maryellen Stevens, Halifax, 12 years; Caroline Taylor, Hanover, 12 years; Mary Willis, Pembroke, 12 years; Ted Lang, Middleboro and Member-at-Large, 11 years; Edward Malloy, Stoughton, 11 years; Phyllis Hancock, Brockton, 10 years and Bernadette Hemingway, Carver, with 10 years of service.
“Our volunteers tirelessly dedicate their time and expertise to help elders. We’re very fortunate to have such a terrific Board and great staff who go the distance to not only help elders, but to assist their colleagues and build good relationships with the community in general. They are amazing and certainly deserve recognition,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.
About Old Colony Elder Services
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.
The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.
The agency has 130 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the new website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org
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