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OCES is recruiting volunteers

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 currently recruiting volunteers at their Plymouth Volunteer Center.

Employees of local businesses seeking outreach opportunities, retirees, students and others are encouraged to consider volunteering at OCES.

OCES offers a variety of volunteer opportunities to match volunteer interests, from supporting the Nutrition Program by delivering Meals on Wheels, and supporting the Money Management Program by helping someone balance their budget and pay their bills on time, to supporting the Music & Memory program by cataloguing and downloading songs to iPods for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

The OCES Volunteer Center is located at 204 South Meadow Road in Plymouth. The Center is a designated space for volunteers to work together on specific projects, such as Letter Writing to Troops for National Days of Service and Remembrance. It is also a place for prospective volunteers to talk one-on-one with Volunteer Program staff who can assist them in their search for volunteering opportunities that fit their skills and interests.

For anyone who is 55 and older, OCES can provide information on the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Plymouth County, which is part of the Senior Corps network under the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency for volunteering, service and civic engagement.

OCES recruits people of all ages to volunteer for programs at OCES as well as for other nonprofits, schools and organizations throughout Plymouth County.

For an overview about volunteering at OCES, watch the recent Brockton Community Access Television – Living Out Loud segment on Vimeo at https://vimeo.com/273312031

OCES’ Volunteer Center is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and by appointment only on Wednesday and Thursday. For more information about volunteering at OCES, visit https://www.ocesma.org/volunteer/ or contact OCES’ Volunteer Coordinator at 508-584-1561.

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.

OCES is recruiting volunteersRead More

ADA Anniversary is July 26th – OCES Recommits Focus and Encourages Community to Pledge Support of Americans with Disabilities Act

During the month of July, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) celebrates the 28th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) signed into law on July 26, 1990 by then President George H.W. Bush.

OCES, the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, is recommitting their focus on the principles of equality and inclusion that the ADA represents.

The ADA is a civil rights law that protects people from discrimination due to disability. The law has five major sections, or titles, focusing on employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. The ADA also protects individuals from discrimination based on a “perceived” disability, and its protection also extends to any individual who is discriminated against because of their association with an individual who is disabled. The ADA has reduced barriers and changed perceptions, but the work is continuous.

OCES encourages the public to visit the ADA’s Anniversary website at www.adaanniversary.org for more information, and to join other residents of Massachusetts who have signed the pledge to support the ADA.

The New England ADA Center

The New England ADA Center is one of 10 regional ADA Centers comprising the ADA National Network. Learn more about how they are celebrating the 28thanniversary of the ADA by visiting www.newenglandada.org/join-us-celebrating-28th-anniversary-ada

No Wrong Door

OCES is a member of the Aging and Disability Resource Consortium of Southeastern and Southern Massachusetts (ADRC SE SM). Member organizations, including OCES, Independence Associates, Bristol Elder Services, Coastline Elder Services, SCIL (Southeast Center for Independent Living) and South Shore Elder Services, work together to connect consumers with services and support to help individuals live independently in the community.

“The Aging and Disability Resource Consortium of Southeastern and Southern Massachusetts demonstrates the power of the ‘No Wrong Door’ system and supports the spirit of the ADA,” said Susan Willis, Aging Services Access Point Program Director at OCES. “This collaboration between Aging Services Access Points and Independent Living Centers provides a vast regional support network to consumers and caregivers, empowering them with individualized information, resources and supports to access what they need regardless of their age or disability.”

Support may include assistance with transitioning from a hospital or skilled nursing facility, housing assistance, benefits advocacy or referrals to other programs such as Options Counseling, Personal Care Management (PCM) or the Adult Family Care (AFC) Programs.

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.

ADA Anniversary is July 26th – OCES Recommits Focus and Encourages Community to Pledge Support of Americans with Disabilities ActRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Offers Award-Winning Program at Duxbury COA beginning in July

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, has announced the next session of the award-winning “A Matter of Balance” program which will be presented at the Council on Aging, 10 Mayflower Street, Duxbury.

Many older adults experience concerns about falling and as a result restrict their activities. OCES will address these concerns at “A Matter of Balance”, an eight-session program at the Duxbury COA. Classes will be held from 9 am to 11 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 17 to August 9, 2018.

Primma-Latise Murry and Donna-Marie Forand, and Pat Livie of OCES’ Healthy Living Department will co-lead the classes, which are designed to help participants minimize the impact of falls and increase activity levels.

A Matter of Balance is an evidence-based program that emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls. Older adults participating in the program learn how to view falls as controllable, set goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce fall risks at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance.

To learn more about A Matter of Balance program, visit www.ocesma.org or contact OCES at 508-584-1561.

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.

Old Colony Elder Services Offers Award-Winning Program at Duxbury COA beginning in JulyRead More

Placemat Projects Spread Cheer to Hundreds of Meals on Wheels Recipients in Brockton

This summer, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) Meals on Wheels recipients in Brockton will receive a very special placemat along with their nutritious meal delivery, thanks to the efforts of Gilmore Elementary School and the Common Threads Quilting group of the Christ Congregational Church (CCC) in Brockton.

The placemats, which are all unique handmade pieces of art, will not only brighten up the delivery of nutritious meals, but also become part of the socialization, friendly smile, and wellness check for many Meals on Wheels consumers living alone.

As part of their “Kicking Off Kindness” and Peace Rally, the children at Gilmore Elementary School in Brockton created over 500 pieces of placemat art that will be delivered to OCES consumers who are part of the Meals on Wheels program. The placemats are cheerful and colorful, with many containing words of encouragement such as “Kindness is always a Good Choice”, “Keep Calm and Be You”, “Play Happy”, and “It’s A Wonderful Time of the Year to be Kind, Joyful and Healthy”.

The Common Threads Quilting group of CCC in Brockton exudes compassion and caring through the creation of 500 quilted placemats for OCES’ Meals on Wheels recipients. The CCC’s mission is creating a beloved community, and the Common Threads Quilting members have been doing so for more than 10 years. In addition to the quilted placemats for those receiving Meals on Wheels, they craft gorgeous quilts for church members who might be ill, or for newborns in neonatal intensive care ward, and many others.

“Old Colony Elder Services is thankful for these wonderful, thoughtful placemat works of art to share with our Meals on Wheels community,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES.

With the help of more than 450 volunteers, OCES, the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, delivers more than 1,600 meals each week to Meals on Wheels recipients in their service area.

Long continued, “The Meals on Wheels program is essential to many older adults who are homebound, unable to prepare meals, manage their grocery shopping or able to attend one of our community dining sites. Through Meals on Wheels, they receive a nutritious meal daily, as well as a friendly visit and safety check. We believe that each of these handmade creations will find a very special place in the kitchens – and hearts – of our Meals on Wheels recipients.”

The colorful placemats will be distributed by OCES’ Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers in June, July and August.

OCES Nutrition Program

More than 11,000 older adults participating in the Massachusetts Elderly Nutrition program responded to a statewide survey (Fiscal Year 2017 Satisfaction & Outcomes) which assessed the impact and quality of meals provided at Community Dining sites or delivered to their homes, known as “Meals on Wheels”.

OCES’ Satisfaction Survey results substantiate that their program helps with food security, provides significant nutrition, health and wellness benefits, while also providing a safety check and reducing isolation. Additionally, 82 percent reported satisfaction with the meals – rating them excellent or good. For full results of the survey, visit https://www.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 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.

Placemat Projects Spread Cheer to Hundreds of Meals on Wheels Recipients in BrocktonRead More

More than 150 Marched Against Elder Abuse in Brockton. Community Activists Recognized.

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.

More than 150 Marched Against Elder Abuse in Brockton. Community Activists Recognized.Read More

Old Colony Elder Services Announces Nutrition Workshops on June 11th and 14th

“Brockton Knocks Down Diabetes” (BKDD) week is June 9-15, 2018 and Old 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 two fun and educational nutrition workshops.

OCES has joined the coalition of Old Colony YMCA and more than 40 other area organizations in this weeklong event dedicated to raising diabetes awareness through workshops, seminars and events.

Nutrition Workshops

On Monday, June 11, 2018, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., OCES joins Brockton Council on Aging to present “That’s a Handful?! Portion Size Matters” workshop at Brockton Adult Day Health Center, 764 N. Main Street in Brockton. Donna-Marie Forand, Healthy Living Program Coordinator at OCES and Dorothy Slack, RN of Brockton Council on Aging will the lead this fun workshop where you measure food portions to test your guesses.

On Thursday, June 14, 2018, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., OCES will present “Healthy Eating at the Dollar Store” workshop at Training Resources of America, 231 Main Street #302 in Brockton. Can you purchase items at a discount store and still maintain healthy eating habits?  Yes, you can, and this workshop shows you how to make informed choices. Patricia Livie, Outreach and Education Specialist and Donna-Marie Forand, Healthy Living Program Coordinator at OCES will lead this workshop.

Family Fun Walk & Expo

BKDD kicks-off on Saturday, June 9, 2018, at 8:00 a.m. with the Leo MacNeil Family Fun Walk at the Massasoit Community College Campus in Brockton. Following the morning walk, a number of health care providers and community-based organizations will share information about nutrition and healthy living at informational booths during Signature Healthcare’s Health & Wellness Expo, held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the college. Fitness, cooking demonstrations, local vendor exhibits, raffles and screenings also will be offered at the Expo.

All events are free and open to the public.

“Brockton Knocks Down Diabetes is a family-friendly event that offers screenings, fun activities and numerous opportunities to learn more about making healthy lifestyle choices, taking steps to prevent diabetes and living a healthier life,” said Christine McLaren, Community Programs Director at OCES.

For more information about OCES’ workshops and other events during BKDD week, visit https://forhealthycommunities.com/bkdd

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.

Old Colony Elder Services Announces Nutrition Workshops on June 11th and 14thRead More

Brockton and Plymouth Organizations “March Against Elder Abuse” in June

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month and Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, will be leading two marches in an effort to raise awareness of elder abuse.

OCES invites the public, civic leaders, health workers and community supporters to join them in “March Against Elder Abuse” walks, which will be held in Brockton and Plymouth in June.

Brockton March

On June 14, 2018, OCES and the Brockton Council on Aging (COA) will hold a March Against Elder Abuse beginning at 12 p.m. at the Brockton COA, 10 Father Kenney Way. Participants will march down Main Street to OCES’ office and return to the COA for a special lunch with guest speakers.

RSVP to Jasmine Ramirez, 508-584-1561 ext. 338 or to the Brockton COA 508-580-7811 by June 7th.

Plymouth March

On June 21, 2018, OCES and the Center for Active Living (formerly known as Plymouth Council on Aging) will hold a March Against Elder Abuse in Plymouth. The march begins at 11 a.m. at the Center for Active Living, 44 Nook Road. Participants will be transported to the Plymouth waterfront to march, then will be transported back to the center for a lunch with guest speakers.

RSVP to Jasmine Ramirez, 508-584-1561 ext. 338 or to the Center for Active Living 508-830-4230 by June 14th.

“In fiscal year 2017, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs received 30,739 reports state-wide,” said Teresa Kourtz, OCES’ Protective Services Director. “We encourage the community to march with us as we strive to raise awareness and work together to help prevent elder abuse.”

Last June, more than 175 participants joined OCES, the Brockton COA and Plymouth Center for Active Living in two marches during Elder Abuse Awareness Month.

This year’s March Against Elder Abuse events are sponsored by HarborOne Bank, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz, Roche Bros., Shaw’s, The Rotary Club of Brockton, Papa Gino’s, Brockton Police, Plymouth Police Relief Association (PPRA), the Mary Cruise Kennedy Senior Center and the Plymouth Center for Active Living.

Both events will be held rain or shine.

Raising Awareness

Elder abuse includes financial exploitation, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse or neglect. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, family members comprise the majority of abusers. Additionally, research indicates that individuals with dementia are at even greater risk for elder abuse.

“OCES helps elders who have been victims of neglect or harm from a caregiver. When there is a report made to the Elder Abuse Hotline, an OCES Protective Services Worker is assigned to investigate the report, provide support, and if needed, share information about resources such as medical, legal, psychological, financial and housing assistance,” explained Kourtz.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living, an estimated five million, or one in 10 older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation every year. Experts believe that for every case of elder abuse or neglect reported, as many as 23 cases go unreported.

Witnesses to elder abuse, or those who see symptoms of elder abuse, should report it to their local protective services program or call the state’s Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-922-2275.

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.

Brockton and Plymouth Organizations “March Against Elder Abuse” in JuneRead More

OCES’ 5K raises over $11,000 for Meals on Wheels program

More than $11,000 was raised for the Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) Meals on Wheels program that serves older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout 23 communities in greater Plymouth County.

OCES held their third annual “Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels” 5K Road Race/Walk on April 29, 2018 at Silver Lake Regional Middle School in Kingston. The nonprofit agency nearly doubled the funds that were raised from last year’s race in support of their vital Meals on Wheels program, which is part of their Nutrition Program.

Race participants braved a few early morning showers which cleared by the end of the event.  They were treated to snacks, a swag bag filled with items, and cupcakes in celebration of OCES’ 44thanniversary.

OCES delivers 1,600 nutritious meals a day to recipients in their Southeastern Massachusetts service area. These Meals on Wheels are planned by a nutritionist, and with the help of hundreds of volunteers, are delivered either to individual homes or to Community Dining Sites.

Awards

The overall winner of the race was 13-year-old Cole Guiliani of Plymouth with a time of 21:17:97. Best time for a runner, female, was Jenny Raymond of Kingston at 27:30:65. Awards were presented that included overall first, second and third male and female runners as well as first place male and female in the following age groups: 10 and under, 11-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70+.  The full race results can be found at http://www.coolrunning.com/results/…/Apr29_3rdAnn_set1.shtml

Costume Contest

A prize was offered to the child whose costume best represented the Meals on Wheels program. Anna Fasci, chef in the making, was awarded first place and will receive a gift basket generously donated by Melissa Merritt, a Travel Specialist at Mickey Adventures.

Sponsors

OCES would like to thank the following 5K sponsors: MountainOne Bank, Lindley Food Services, BMC Health Net Plan/Well Sense Health Plan, National Grid, Senior Whole Health, Home Health Resources, Inc., AbbottCare, Greater Boston Home Health Care Services, Citrin Cooperman, Geriatric Home Health Care, S&M Transportation, Anodyne Homemaker Services, South Shore Bank, Paula M.P. Schlosser, Esq., Best of Care,  Brockton Adult Day Health/The Mentor Network, South Shore Community Action Council, and Old Colony Hospice.   In addition, Sullivan Tire and Mickey Adventures provided prizes for the event.

“We are so grateful for all our sponsors, volunteers, and participants for supporting our 5K and Meals on Wheels,” said Christine McLaren, OCES’ Community Programs Director. “In Massachusetts alone, this cost-effective program serves more than 75,000 older adults who otherwise may go without a nutritious meal. We are delighted with the turnout, and will see you for our fourth annual 5K on April 28, 2019.”

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.

OCES’ 5K raises over $11,000 for Meals on Wheels programRead More

OCES Donates $1,000 to the Edward T. Donovan Social Work Scholarship Fund at BSU

Susan Willis of OCES presenting the donation to Frederick Clark of BSU (Photo credit: Rich Morgan Photography)

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, recently made a $1,000 contribution to the Edward T. Donovan Social Work Scholarship Fund at Bridgewater State University (BSU) in recognition of National Professional Social Work Month.

Edward T. Donovan was the Executive Director of OCES for almost 20 years. The scholarship was established to honor his memory.  The recipient is a junior or senior social work major from Plymouth County or surrounding communities with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

On March 20th, which is World Social Work Day, OCES attended a MetroSouth Chamber of Commerce lunch hosted at BSU where Susan Willis, OCES’ ASAP Programs Director, presented a check for this Scholarship Fund to Frederick Clark, BSU President.

“In recognition of Social Work Month, not only do we celebrate the contributions of social workers and all of our staff who work together to support consumers, families and communities, but we are pleased to contribute scholarship funding to those who have chosen to pursue a career in social work,” said Nicole Long, MSW, LICSW, chief executive officer of OCES.

She continued, “OCES is proud to be an agency that provides independent, conflict-free assessments, care coordination, and administrative support for multiple in-home and community-based long-term services throughout many different programs.”

National Social Work Month

This year’s theme of “Social Workers: Leaders. Advocates. Champions.” highlights the role of social workers in helping the most vulnerable people in our society, as well as their role in improving the lives of all Americans. Every day the nation’s 650,000 social workers act as advocates, champions, and leaders who make our society a better place to live. Social Workers engage and bring together individuals, communities, agencies, and government to help society solve some of the most pressing issues of the day, including immigration reform; equal rights for all; affordable, accessible, adequate physical/mental health care; and protecting the environment.

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.

 

OCES Donates $1,000 to the Edward T. Donovan Social Work Scholarship Fund at BSURead More