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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

OCES Holds Food Drive for Three Charities

OCES staff Rose Lynch, Tremeda Martin, Charlie Mills, Kerry Phelan, Vicky Rateau and Cathy Whitney organize food donations for distribution.
OCES staff Rose Lynch, Tremeda Martin, Charlie Mills, Kerry Phelan, Vicky Rateau and Cathy Whitney organize food donations for distribution.

Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES), the non-profit agency serving older adults and people with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, recently held a Food Drive for three charities in their service area – My Brothers Keeper in Easton, Father Bill’s & Mainspring in Brockton, and Plymouth Area Coalition for the Homeless in Kingston.

OCES’ Food Drive was held among their 235 employees the week before Christmas. More than 300 non-perishable food items were collected and distributed among the three charities.

Every year, OCES holds a holiday food drive for a different organization in an effort to provide support to those most in need. Last year, OCES’ donated more than 140 pounds of food to South Shore Community Action Council (SSCAC) in Plymouth.

To learn more about the three charities, visit their websites at www.plymouthareacoalition.org, helpfbms.org, and www.mybrotherskeeper.org.

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 27 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 Holds Food Drive for Three CharitiesRead More

OCES’ Emergency Fund Grows on #GivingTuesday. Campaign continues throughout December.

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services’ (OCES) Emergency Fund received a boost on #GivingTuesday, the day dedicated to giving back. The non-profit agency serving older adults and people with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, received $2,320 in donations to their Emergency Fund on #GivingTuesday December 1st.

OCES’ Emergency Fund is intended to help low-income older adults and people with disabilities whose needs cannot be addressed through the use of any other resource. All too often, these individuals encounter problems that can jeopardize their ability to maintain independence, dignity and well-being. The Emergency Fund is used to assist with fuel, utilities, short-term emergency shelter, medical transport, medications, hot water heaters, food and other needs.

Last year, OCES helped several hundred low-income older adults and people with disabilities remain in their homes. For instance, OCES’ Emergency Fund assisted a 79-year-old widow living in her own home with her disabled daughter. She requested assistance to purchase heating oil because she had been out of oil for two days. The Emergency Fund also helped a widow with the purchase of a life-sustaining medication. She stated, “Thank you very much for the help. I was worried about being able to get my heart medication”.

“We are grateful for the tremendous support we received on #GivingTuesday, as those donations will help provide such things as heat, food, and life-sustaining medications to older adults and people with disabilities,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director.

She continued, “We anticipate the number of older adults and people with disabilities in our communities to significantly increase this year, and in light of that, our giving campaign will continue throughout December. Help spread the word, tell a neighbor, friend or family member how they can support people in need right in their community through our #GivingTuesday campaign.”

If you did not get a chance to give on December 1st, you still have time to make a difference in others’ lives! The #GivingTuesday campaign will end December 31st. Please see www.ocesma.org for more information on how to make a donation.

A Day Dedicated to Giving Back

Now in its fourth year, #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 27 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’ Emergency Fund Grows on #GivingTuesday. Campaign continues throughout December.Read More

OCES Joins the #GivingTuesday Movement

image006Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit agency that serves older adults and people with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, has joined the #GivingTuesday movement to raise money for their Emergency Fund program. The fund helps meet needs of low income older adults and people with disabilities who are at-risk, in a crisis or emergency circumstance that threatens their health and/or living situation.

In the same way that Black Friday and Cyber Monday kick off the holiday shopping season, #GivingTuesday (December 1, 2015) kicks off the giving season. #GivingTuesday inspires people to collaborate in improving their local communities and to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support.

OCES’ Emergency Fund is intended to meet the needs of low-income older adults and people with disabilities. All too often, these individuals encounter problems that can jeopardize their ability to maintain independence, dignity and well-being. The emergency fund is OCES’ primary resource used to assist with fuel, utilities, short-term emergency shelter, medical transport, medications, hot water heaters, food and other needs.

“The number of older adults and people with disabilities in our communities continues increasing. Their needs cannot be addressed through the use of any other resource, which is why our emergency fund is critical,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES. “Your help will provide such things as heat, food, and life sustaining medications to older adults and people with disabilities. #GivingTuesday proves that the holidays can be both giving and giving back. We ask the community to join OCES’ #GivingTuesday initiative.”

To help address local challenges and raise money for the Emergency Fund, visit www.ocesma.org and click on #GivingTuesday. Help spread the word, tell a neighbor, friend or family member how they can support people in need right in their community.

A Day Dedicated to Giving Back

#GivingTuesday is observed on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and is now in its fourth year. 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 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 27 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 225 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, people with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

OCES Joins the #GivingTuesday MovementRead More

OCES Announces Special Thanksgiving Meals at Congregate Meal Sites

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services (OCES), the regional agency that serves older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, will offer special Thanksgiving meals at partnering Council on Aging (COA) congregate meal sites on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at noon.

OCES’ Thanksgiving menu features roast turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, baby carrots, and whole-wheat rolls, with pumpkin mousse for dessert. Reservations are required and can be made by calling your local COA.

In addition to serving this Thanksgiving feast on the 18th, the COAs of Brockton, East Bridgewater and Kingston will be serving Thanksgiving meals with slightly different menus on additional days. Please call these COAs for more information.

OCES’ congregate meal sites provide hot, nutritious noontime meals Monday through Friday to adults age 60+ and individuals with disabilities under the age of 60. Meals are planned by a Nutritionist and meet one-third of the Recommended Daily Allowance for major nutrients. The meals do not feature high sodium foods and no salt is added. Low-fat milk is provided.

“Our congregate meal sites provide older adults with healthy, nutritious and delicious meals on a daily basis, along with the chance to socialize and enjoy fun activities,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

Congregate meal menus are published in local newspapers and in COA newsletters. A sample menu may be requested by calling OCES at (508) 584-1561 or visiting the website at www.ocesma.org.

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 27 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 225 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 Announces Special Thanksgiving Meals at Congregate Meal SitesRead More

Traveling Chef Whips Up Delicious Meals at Two Congregate Meal Sites

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults, individuals with disabilities and caregivers throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, offers themed specialty meals prepared by the “Traveling Chef” at two congregate meal sites in August.

OCES’ congregate meal sites provide hot, nutritious noontime meals Monday through Friday to older adults age 60+. Congregate meal participants will enjoy several upcoming themed specialty meals.

“A Taste of Italy” will be held at Brockton Council on Aging (COA) at Mary Cruise Kennedy Senior Center, 10 Father Kenney Way, Brockton on August 12, 2014 at noon. Reservations required.

“BBQ Chicken Lunch” will be held at the Commercial Club, 1 Neilson Ave, East Bridgewater on August 21, 2014 at noon. To reserve a seat, call the East Bridgewater COA at 508-378-1610 by August 14th.

Meals are planned by a Nutritionist and meet one-third of the Recommended Daily Allowance for major nutrients. The meals do not feature high sodium foods and no salt is added. Low-fat milk is provided.

“Anyone age 60 or older is encouraged to attend a congregate meal site where they can enjoy delicious meals, social interaction and fun activities,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

Congregate meal menus are published in local newspapers and in COA newsletters. A sample menu may be requested by calling OCES at (508) 584-1561 or visiting the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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 located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 179 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.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Traveling Chef Whips Up Delicious Meals at Two Congregate Meal SitesRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Raises Over $6K through “Cooking for A Cause” Fundraiser to Keep Meals on Wheels Program Rolling

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) raised over $6,000 for the Meals on Wheels and Congregate Meal site programs from their “Cooking for a Cause” family-friendly event held at the Middleboro Council on Aging. Several hundred people attended and enjoyed delicious food from participating restaurants and an outdoor concert with the summertime sounds of the the very popular BaHa Brothers band.

With a growing number of elders needing meal assistance and less money to support the Nutrition Program due to budget cuts, the non-profit agency acted quickly to launch their first annual “Cooking for a Cause” fundraiser for the Nutrition Program, which operates Meals on Wheels and congregate meal sites.

OCES wishes to thank all the restaurants that provided the delicious food for the event: Burrito Wraps of Brockton, RooBar in Plymouth, Veronica’s Treats of Middleboro, Mike’s House of Pizza in Hanson, Lindley Food Service of Connecticut (the caterer for Meals on Wheels), Stop & Shop, Hideaway Restaurant in Middleboro and the Middleboro Council on Aging. The agency also thanks all who donated the fantastic raffle prizes, which greatly contributed to the fundraising efforts.

“We are very fortunate to have the support of our sponsors, all these wonderful restaurants and the vendors that generously contributed prizes for our raffles,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

The event was sponsored by: Home Instead of Bridgewater; Bayada Nurses of Plymouth; Senior Whole Health in Cambridge; Robbins Furniture of Rockland; George Washington Toma of Brockton; Liberty Printing Company of Brockton; Hackewell-Boone Insurance Agency of South Easton; Everett’s Auto Parts of Brockton; A&A Metro Transportation Bill’s Taxi Service, Inc. of Avon; Avida Design of Brockton; BC Tent Awning Co. of Avon; Bridgewater Savings Bank of Raynham; Fitzgerald Appraisals of North Easton; Evercare of Waltham; Diman Laundry of New Bedford; Geriatric Home Health Care Inc. of Avon; Good Samaritan Medical Center of Brockton; Anodyne Homemaker Services Corp of Quincy and the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce of Brockton.

“It is imperative that we have initiatives in place to raise additional funding so no senior goes hungry. It costs approximately $35 to provide one senior with a week’s worth of meals. The Cooking for a Cause event was a great success and we intend to make it one of our annual fundraisers,” explained DiGiorgi.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES offers these programs 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.

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Raises Over $6K through “Cooking for A Cause” Fundraiser to Keep Meals on Wheels Program RollingRead More