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OCES Receives $9,311 in Donations in #GivingTuesday Campaign

OCES Board of Directors Development Committee thanks donors and supporters for their contributions during their #GivingTuesday campaign. (L to R), Paula Schlosser, Esq., West Bridgewater; Anna Seery, Director, Pembroke Council on Aging; Janice Fitzgerald, Director, Brockton Council on Aging; and Gene Mazzella, Director, Avon Council on Aging stand in front of a photo of Sid, OCES’ #PlymouthLobsterCrawl creation, currently perched at the Spire Center in Plymouth.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, is pleased to announce that $9,311 was raised for their Emergency Fund during their #GivingTuesday campaign.

A global day dedicated to giving, #GivingTuesday inspires people to collaborate in improving their local communities and to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support. Last year, OCES received a total of $5,145 in #GivingTuesday donations for their Emergency Fund.

OCES’ Emergency Fund helps meet the needs of at-risk low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities who are in a crisis or emergency circumstance that threatens their health and/or living situation. All too frequently, these individuals encounter problems that can jeopardize their ability to maintain independence, dignity and well-being.

“We are very grateful to everyone who helped us not only to meet our goal, but to almost double the amount raised over last year’s campaign,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Chief Executive Officer. “Your generosity will allow us to provide such things as heat, food, and life-sustaining medications to an even greater number of older adults and people with disabilities who are in critical need in our communities.”

Each year the OCES fundraising goal is to add to the Emergency Fund’s capacity to make a significant difference in the lives of the consumers that are served. OCES’ Emergency Fund supports dozens of consumers throughout the year faced with unforeseen emergency events, answering urgent needs such as filling an empty fuel tank, repairing a broken furnace, replacing a mattress that has outlived its usefulness, or providing life-sustaining medications.

Online Donation Capability

Donations help OCES assist older adults and individuals with disabilities who are in need of aid in emergency/crisis situations as well as in need of services such as personal care homemakers, home health aides, home-delivered or community dining meals and more. Donations may be made on OCES’ secure online donation page at www.ocesma.org, or by check or money order to OCES, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.

A Day Dedicated to Giving Back

#GivingTuesday is observed on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. Fueled by the power of social media and collaboration, #GivingTuesday connects individuals, communities and organizations around the world and provides a platform for them to encourage the donation of time, resources and talents. To learn more, visit www.givingtuesday.org.

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 235 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.

OCES Receives $9,311 in Donations in #GivingTuesday CampaignRead More

Local Artist and Veteran to Design Old Colony Elder Services’ Lobster for the Plymouth Lobster Crawl

Nicole Long, Assistant Executive Director at OCES and local artist Samantha Shields were on hand to watch the lobsters as they were "released" from their trailer on the Plymouth Waterfront on July 15th
Nicole Long, Assistant Executive Director at OCES and local artist Samantha Shields were on hand to watch the lobsters as they were “released” from their trailer on the Plymouth Waterfront on July 15th

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, is a proud sponsor of one of the 29 lobsters that will be showcased in Plymouth’s Lobster Crawl, the major public arts event that will be on display throughout the waterfront, downtown and Plymouth community.

OCES’ lobster will greet visitors at Nelson Park on the Plymouth waterfront and will be custom designed and hand painted by local artist and Plymouth resident, Samantha Shields.

With a passion for art, Ms. Shields is a student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst where she studies architecture and painting. She is also a Veteran of the United States Air Force, having served for four years as an Arabic Linguist.

The Lobster Crawl was an enticing opportunity for Ms. Shields to get her work out in public for the first time. She has already completed the design on OCES’ five-foot tall fiberglass structure and will be painting it using acrylic paints. According to Ms. Shields, she hopes to one day have paintings in galleries and no matter where her architecture and design career takes her, will always make her artwork a priority.

“Samantha’s illustrations on our delightful and whimsical OCES lobster beautifully reflect our vision and mission,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director. “We are excited to be working with such a talented artist.”

Stay Tuned 

OCES is currently holding a lobster-naming contest with their staff and will soon reveal the winning entry. More information about the celebration and unveiling of OCES’ lobster will be announced on their website at www.ocesma.org.

About Plymouth Lobster Crawl

The Plymouth Lobster Crawl is a major public arts event that will be on display throughout the waterfront, downtown and Plymouth Community. The Lobster Crawl will feature 29 unique structures measuring five feet tall. The fiberglass structures are sponsored by local businesses and organizations; each is custom designed and hand painted by local artists. When visiting each Lobster you are encouraged to post your photos on your social media channels using #PlymouthLobsterCrawl. This FREE art exhibit is presented by the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce.  Visit www.plymouthchamber.com/lobster for more information.

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 235 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.

Local Artist and Veteran to Design Old Colony Elder Services’ Lobster for the Plymouth Lobster CrawlRead More

More than 850 Participate in “Brockton Knocks Down Diabetes” Week

Diabetes Week 3 the team rotatedOld Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, joined over forty other community agencies and businesses to support the 5th annual “Brockton Knocks Down Diabetes” (BKDD) week, June 11 to 18, 2016.

The weeklong program, which had 858 participants, was geared towards raising awareness of the prevalence of diabetes in the community. Travelling with an “event passport”, participants were able to attend any or all of 24 different events during the week, which included workshops focused on fitness, cooking demonstrations, screenings, and informational breakout sessions.

OCES kicked off BKDD week by sharing information about their Nutrition and Healthy Living programs with visitors at their information table at the Health and Wellness Expo held June 11th at the Shaw’s Center in Brockton. OCES’ BKDD team included Chris McLaren, Donna-Marie Forand, Chrisline Denis and Barbara Nalen-Cardosa, of OCES’ Healthy Living and Nutrition programs.

OCES, in partnership with Brockton Council on Aging, presented a free “Meal Planning for Diabetes” workshop on June 17th led by Donna-Marie Forand, Outreach and Education Specialist at OCES, and Dottie Slack, Health Education/Outreach Coordinator at Brockton COA.

On June 18th the closing event was the Family Fun Walk and Field Day at Campanelli Stadium. Walkers received free admission to the Brockton Rox baseball game at noon that day and also had the chance to participate in family games and enjoy multiple activities.

“Data shows that the greater Brockton area has higher incidence of diabetes than the rest of Massachusetts,” said Diana DiGiorgi, OCES’ Executive Director. “But armed with good information about nutrition, how to make healthy lifestyle choices, learning your level of risk and taking steps to prevent this disease, our consumers can live longer and healthier.”

A post-event survey revealed that the number one reason for participation in BKDD week was prevention and early detection, second was managing the disease, and third was to support a family member with diabetes. Eighty-seven percent of those surveyed feel more confident that they can prevent and/or control diabetes.

To learn more about OCES’ Healthy Living and Nutrition Program, visit  www.ocesma.org.

About BKDD

Brockton Knocks Down Diabetes (BKDD) is a coalition co-founded by HarborOne Bank in 2011, in collaboration with over 40 area organizations, including OCES, to address the critical diabetes epidemic within the greater Brockton community. To learn more about BKDD, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BrocktonKnocksDownDiabetes.

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 235 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.

More than 850 Participate in “Brockton Knocks Down Diabetes” WeekRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Receives Proclamation

OCES Board President Ted Lang, Mayor Bill Carpenter and Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES
OCES Board President Ted Lang, Mayor Bill Carpenter and Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, was honored with a proclamation recognizing OCES as a vital contributor to greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities in celebration of Senior Corps Week.

Senior Corps Week, held May 16 through 20, 2016, provides an opportunity to salute volunteers from the Foster Grandparent Program, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), and Senior Companion Program, to recognize community sponsors and service partners, and to communicate the impact of those who serve. More than 6100 seniors in Massachusetts contribute their time and talents in one of these three Senior Corps programs.

Mayor Bill Carpenter of Brockton addressed the OCES Board of Directors and presented a proclamation to recognize OCES as a vital contributor to greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. As the Mayor indicated in his remarks, the official proclamation from the City specifically thanks OCES’ volunteers and acknowledges their positive impact and value to our communities and to our nation.

A federal citation prepared by United States Congressman Stephen F. Lynch, who represents the Eighth District of Massachusetts, was also presented to the OCES Board of Directors to mark the occasion.  Board President Ted Lang and Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi accepted these awards on behalf of OCES.

OCES manages the RSVP for Plymouth County. There are a variety of opportunities available statewide to RSVP Volunteers. They can conduct safety patrols, renovate homes, protect the environment, tutor and mentor youth, respond to natural disasters, and provide other services across the country. To learn about the opportunities OCES has available, contact OCES’ Volunteer Coordinator, Jean-Marie Doyle, at JDoyle@ocesma.org.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton. 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 235 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.

Old Colony Elder Services Receives ProclamationRead More

Old Colony Elder Services’ Dedicated Employee Retires After 30 Years

LucilleLoyal, unforgettable, courteous, intelligent, licensed, likable and empathetic are just a few of the adjectives one could use to describe Lucille Dallaire, who recently retired after 30 years at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES).

OCES, the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, held a retirement party for Ms. Dallaire at their Brockton office on Main Street. While Ms. Dallaire knew about the party, she did not know that her family, friends and business colleagues would also be attending to wish her well.

Ms. Dallaire, who is a licensed social worker, began her career at OCES on March 31, 1986. Over the years, she held various positions in Care Management, Information & Referral, and Development. Ms. Dallaire gained the respect and trust of her coworkers and colleagues throughout the region. Always working towards the goals of helping others in need, increasing outreach across the area, and looking for other funding sources, Ms. Dallaire has been instrumental in the growth of OCES’ programs, services and community profile.

The OCES Board of Directors recognized Ms. Dallaire for her 30 years of dedicated service and contributions as a valued member of the Board’s Development Committee.

“Lucille always displayed a positive demeanor and upbeat attitude no matter what was going on in her professional or personal life,” said Diana DiGiorgi, OCES Executive Director, “I cannot thank her enough for her dedication to OCES for the past 30 years. Congratulations Lucille, and we wish you a happy and healthy retirement!”

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and 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 235 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.

Old Colony Elder Services’ Dedicated Employee Retires After 30 YearsRead More

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Hoarding Conference in Brockton on May 20th

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, will hold an “Understanding Hoarding” Conference on May 20, 2016, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 144 Main Street in Brockton. Check-in begins at 9:00 a.m.

With a focus on intervention, OCES’ Hoarding Conference is geared towards helping mental health therapists, social workers and others who work directly with people who have hoarding issues. The conference will be led by experts Jesse Edsell-Vetter, Hoarding Intervention Coordinator of the Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership (MBHP) and Christiana Bratiotis, Ph.D., LICSW. Topics to be covered include: the Definition of Hoarding; the Mental Psychology of Hoarding; Tools for Intervention and Sort/Discard Skills.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) have been applied for. Lunch will be provided. The cost to attend is $50. Pre-registration is required as no registrations will be available on the day of the event.

Sign-up online at http://ocesma.givezooks.com/events/hoarding.

For more information, contact Lisa Mullin at OCES (508) 584-1561 extension 220. This event is sponsored by The Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force and OCES.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and 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 235 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.

 

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Hoarding Conference in Brockton on May 20thRead More

Growth and Expansion – Old Colony Elder Services Opens a Second Office in Plymouth

Monica Mullins, Diana DiGiorgi, Betty DeBenedictis and Brenda Carrens
Monica Mullins, Diana DiGiorgi, Betty DeBenedictis and Brenda Carrens

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and people with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, is expanding and has opened a new office at 204 South Meadow Road in Plymouth, MA.

OCES officially announced the opening of their new 7,200 square-foot office with an Open House on March 2, 2016. Dozens attended the event, including State Representative Matt Muratore, Monica Mullins District Director, and Betty DeBenedictis, Legislative Aide to State Representative Thomas Calter.

The new location will better enable OCES to accommodate growth. The agency’s main office, which houses 200 of their 235 employees, is located at 144 Main Street in Brockton. The Plymouth office currently has 25 employees, with room for up to 50. The Plymouth office is home to OCES’ Volunteer Program; key departments such as Home Care, Senior Care Options, Nutrition, and Information and Referral are also represented.

“We serve 23 towns with a comprehensive array of specialized programs which have been developed to address the unique situations and circumstances faces by older adults and individuals with disabilities,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director. “We’re very pleased to have a second location that not only gives us room to grow, but is a bit closer to our consumers, caregivers, volunteers and service partners located around the Plymouth and Wareham areas.”

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and 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 235 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.

Growth and Expansion – Old Colony Elder Services Opens a Second Office in PlymouthRead More

Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels – OCES Announces 5K Road Race/Walk

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES
Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES

Lace up your running shoes and join Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) on Sunday, March 20, 2016 for their first annual “Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels” 5K Road Race/Walk.

In a new initiative to help grow and sustain OCES’ Meals on Wheels program, which serves approximately 30,000 meals a month to older adults in the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, OCES will hold a 5K Road Race/Walk at Silver Lake Regional High School, 260 Pembroke Street in Kingston, MA 02364. The race starts at 9:00 a.m.

Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place male and female winners. Adult registration for the Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels 5K costs $25 online or $30 on-site. Student (age 11-18) registration is $20 online or $25 on-site. Child (age 10 and under) registration is $15 online and $20 on-site.

T-shirts and gift bags are included with registration, and refreshments will be provided. Online registration will be open through the end of the day on Friday, March 18th. The registration deadline to receive a t-shirt is March 8th.

To register, visit www.southshoreracemgmt.com and click on March races.

Sponsorships are also available. To sponsor the race, visit ocesma.givezooks.com/events/moving-heels-for-meals-on-wheels or contact Chris McLaren at OCES, 508-584-1561, extension 309.

“We’re excited about our first annual 5K Road Race, as it promises to be a fun event for all ages,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director. “With the community’s support and participation, we will be better able to meet the increasing demand of providing meals to older adults and people with disabilities.”

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and 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 235 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.

Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels – OCES Announces 5K Road Race/WalkRead More

OCES Receives over $5K in Donations to Emergency Fund during #GivingTuesday campaign

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency serving older adults and people with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, received a total of $5,145 in donations to their Emergency Fund during their #GivingTuesday campaign.

In an effort to raise money for their Emergency Fund, OCES ran a #GivingTuesday campaign from December 1st through December 31, 2015. This fund helps low-income older adults and people with disabilities with needed support that cannot be addressed through the use of any other resources.

“The success of this campaign to raise money for OCES’ Emergency Fund demonstrates the power we all have to change the world around us,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director. “Through the generosity of our supporters, we are able to help provide such things as heat, food, and life-sustaining medications to older adults and people with disabilities who are most in need in our communities.”

We thank everyone who gave during this campaign! All too often, low-income older adults and people with disabilities encounter problems that can jeopardize their ability to maintain independence, dignity and well-being. OCES’ Emergency Fund is used to assist with fuel, utilities, short-term emergency shelter, medical transport, medications, hot water heaters, food and other needs.

Through OCES’ Emergency Fund, several hundred low-income older adults and people with disabilities have received assistance, including a 79-year-old widow, living in her own home with her disabled daughter, who had run out of oil; OCES helped purchase heating oil for them.

If you were unable to donate during December, don’t worry, you can give at any time. Visit www.ocesma.org and help us to continue providing assistance to older adults and people with disabilities so they can remain safe and at home.

A Day Dedicated to Giving Back

#GivingTuesday is observed on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. Fueled by the power of social media and collaboration, #GivingTuesday connects individuals, communities and organizations around the world and provides a platform for them to encourage the donation of time, resources and talents. Visit www.givingtuesday.org to learn more.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and 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 235 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.

OCES Receives over $5K in Donations to Emergency Fund during #GivingTuesday campaignRead More