Unleash the Power of The Press

OCES

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

5K Road Race/Walk in Kingston to Raise Funds for Meals on Wheels

In an effort to raise funds for the Meals on Wheels program that serves older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout a service area of 23 communities in greater Plymouth County, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is holding their third annual family-friendly “Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels” 5K Road Race/Walk on Sunday, April 29, 2018 at 9 a.m.

Team OCES encourages you to bring your family, friends, and colleagues to run/walk for a good cause! All funds raised support OCES’ vital Meals on Wheels program, which is part of their Nutrition Program. 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, which provide older adults opportunities for social interaction.

Race Day

The race begins at 9:00 a.m. at Silver Lake Regional Middle School, 256 Pembroke Street, Kingston, MA 02364. Online registration for the Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels 5K is $25 for adults; $20 for students age 11-18; $15 for children (age 10 and under); and children in carriages ride free.

Awards that will be presented include 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+.

Costume Contest

Children age 12 and under are encouraged to wear a food-themed costume (carrot, apple, etc.) that best represents healthy living and nutrition for a chance to win a special prize.

All participants will receive a gift bag and water will be provided. Register by Tuesday, April 17th to receive a race T-shirt.

Sponsors

OCES would like to thank the following 5K sponsors: MountainOne Bank, Lindley Food Services, BMC Health Net Plan/Well Sense Health Plan, Home Health Resources, Inc., AbbottCare, Greater Boston Home Health Care Services, S&M Transportation, Anodyne Homemaker Services, South Shore Bank, Paula M.P. Schlosser, Esq., Best of Care, and

Brockton Adult Day Health/The Mentor Network.  In addition, Sullivan Tire and

Mickey Adventures have provided prizes for the event.

For more information or to register, visit http://www.southshorerace.com/3rd-annual-moving-heels-for-meals-on-wheels-5k—april-29-2018.html

If you are unable to participate in Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels 5K, please consider supporting the program with a donation, visit www.ocesma.org/donations.

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.

 

5K Road Race/Walk in Kingston to Raise Funds for Meals on WheelsRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Invites Elected Officials to “March for Meals” Events in Brockton and Wareham

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, invites legislators and Council On Aging (COA) Directors to participate in two special “March for Meals” events in support of the vital Meals on Wheels program.

March for Meals is part of Meals On Wheels America’s national campaign held in March. Elected officials and COA Directors would participate in March for Meals by serving as wait staff at specific Community Dining Sites in Brockton and Wareham.

The first March for Meals event will be held on March 8, 2018 at the Community Dining site at Campello High Rise in Brockton. The event will be a celebration of Haiti and Cape Verde, featuring delicious cuisine.

The second March for Meals will be held on March 15, 2018 at Wareham COA congregate meal site. In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, a special meal of corned beef and cabbage will be served.

“This is the first year we are holding March for Meals events at Community dining sites. It’s a wonderful opportunity for many in our community to meet our elected officials and COA Directors,” said Nicole M. Long, CEO. “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 received a nutritious meal daily, as well as a friendly visit and safety check.”

Nutritious Meal & A Safety Check

One of OCES’ long-time Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers recently came to the aid of an older adult who was near hypothermia after falling in an unheated breezeway of his home. The volunteer called 911 and ultimately, treatment was provided in time.

Long continued, “OCES is proud of all of our volunteers, and of our Meals on Wheels program that delivers well over a thousand meals a day.  Not only do our drivers deliver nutritious food, they deliver a warm smile and in some cases, a wellness check that results in a wonderful outcome.”

OCES’ Nutrition Program

As part of their Nutrition Program, OCES delivers 1,600 nutritious meals a day to older adults and individuals with disabilities living within 23 communities in greater Plymouth County. 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, which provide older adults opportunities for social interaction.

MOW 5K

OCES will hold their third annual Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels 5K Walk/Run on April 29, 2018. To sponsor or donate to this event, visit www.ocesma.org.

For more information about Meals on Wheels America, visit their website at mealsonwheelsamerica.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.

Old Colony Elder Services Invites Elected Officials to “March for Meals” Events in Brockton and WarehamRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Alexandra Strangis as Home Care Program Manager

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, has promoted Alexandra Strangis, to Home Care Program Manager of Care Management.

Ms. Strangis will oversee Home Care Program Care Management supervisors and program assistants. She will be responsible for planning, organizing, managing and evaluating all care management aspects of Home Care program operations and staff. She will also ensure program integrity and regulatory compliance, as well as work with the Home Care Program Manager of Nursing Services to ensure coordination and collaboration within the program.  She reports directly to OCES’ Home Care Program Director, Alisa DeLage.

Ms. Strangis joined OCES in 2010 as a Care Manager, and in 2012 was promoted to Home Care Supervisor. In 2015, she was promoted to the position of Home Care Program Lead Supervisor which she held until this most recent promotion.

Ms. Strangis graduated from Stonehill College in Easton, MA with a Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Administration. She completed her college internship at Senior Behavioral Health Center at the former Jordan Hospital in Plymouth, MA, now Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth.

Ms. Strangis is a lifelong resident of Brockton, MA.

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 Appoints Alexandra Strangis as Home Care Program ManagerRead More

Helping to Fill Fuel Tanks and More – Old Colony Elder Services Raises Over $7K for Emergency Fund

OCES Development Committee members: Paula Schlosser, Esq, West Bridgewater; Janice Fitzgerald, Director, Brockton COA; Gene Mazella, Director, Avon COA; Wendy Adams, Outreach Coordinator, West Bridgewater COA.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, raised $7,714 for their Emergency Fund program over the holiday season.

The fundraising effort for OCES’ Emergency Fund kicked off on #GivingTuesday, which was November 28, 2017, with the theme #SafeAndWarm. The campaign was carried through the end of the year, and raised $312 over last year’s total.

OCES employees also contributed – donating a total of $1,135 to the Emergency Fund during #GivingTuesday, which was then matched dollar for dollar (up to $1,000) by an anonymous private family foundation.

OCES’ Emergency Fund is essential in helping to 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.

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, or providing life-sustaining medications.

With the number of individuals needing assistance increasing each year, OCES’ strives to add to the Emergency Fund’s capacity each year, so they can continue to make a critical difference in the lives of consumers served.

“We are extremely grateful to the individuals, families, and employees who donated and we also wish to extend our deep appreciation to the private family foundation for their generous match,” said Nicole M. Long, CEO.

Even though the fundraising campaign is over, donations to OCES’ Emergency Fund may be made at any time of the year by visiting www.ocesma.org or making a donation by check or money order and mailed to OCES, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301. OCES is recognized as a tax exempt charitable corporation under section 501c3 of the IRS tax code.

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.

Helping to Fill Fuel Tanks and More – Old Colony Elder Services Raises Over $7K for Emergency FundRead More

Brenda Bernard Promoted to Home Care Program Manager at Old Colony Elder Services

Brenda Bernard

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, has promoted Brenda Bernard, RN to Home Care Program Manager of Nursing Services.

Ms. Bernard, who is a registered nurse, will provide clinical oversight to OCES’ Home Care nursing staff and programs, which encompass Transition Support, Home Care, and the Clinical Assessment and Eligibility (CAE) departments. She will be responsible for ensuring compliance with funding source program regulations, providing public outreach and education, acting as a clinical liaison to the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, and responding to inquiries from community health agencies, hospitals and physicians in order to support and enhance coordinated care for OCES consumers. She reports directly to OCES’ Home Care Program Director, Alisa DeLage.

Prior to her promotion, Ms. Bernard was OCES’ RN Clinical Supervisor, overseeing Transition Support Registered Nurses and Home Care Registered Nurses. She has been performing CAE screens for OCES since 2013. This past year, she was welcomed to join the OCES Ethics Committee.

Before joining OCES, Ms. Bernard held positions as an Adult Family Care (AFC) Nurse Coordinator for Nonotuck Resource Associates in Plymouth and as a charge nurse at Bridgewater State Hospital. Additionally, she has over ten years of experience working in the healthcare industry in a skilled nursing facility and at South Shore Hospital where she was recognized with the SPIRITT Award.

A graduate of Massasoit Community College in Brockton, MA, Ms. Bernard holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Massachusetts Boston where she graduated summa cum laude. While there, she joined the Golden Key International Honour Society, UMass Boston Chapter, and Sigma Theta Tau International, Theta Alpha Chapter, an honor society that recognizes nurses for their outstanding achievements in research and education. While pursuing her education, she offered seven years of service to Best Buddies Massachusetts as a volunteer E-Buddy.

Ms. Bernard is a resident of Brockton, MA.

Brenda Bernard Promoted to Home Care Program Manager at Old Colony Elder ServicesRead More

“Buried in Treasures” Facilitated Support Groups Begin in February and March at Brockton and Plymouth locations

Is clutter affecting you at home, at work or in your relationships? Do you need help dealing with compulsive acquiring, saving and hoarding?

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, along with the Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force (GBAH) is offering “Buried in Treasures” – a series of facilitated support groups in Brockton and Plymouth for individuals with hoarding issues.

Hoarding is when individuals continue to accumulate items, such as clothing, newspapers and food, and then have persistent difficulty discarding possessions. Individuals with hoarding behaviors often face health issues related to falls, as well as run the risk of losing their homes.

“Buried in Treasures” support groups are free and will be offered weekly at the following locations:

In Brockton at South Bay Community Services, 103 Commercial Street, February 6 to May 22, 2018, (with two breaks and a final session on June 19) from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For more information or to register for the Brockton support group, contact Amanda Lee 508-436-4438 or Kelly Mules at 508-580-4691.

In Plymouth, at the Center for Active Living (formerly the Plymouth Council On Aging), located at 44 Nook Road, March 6 to June 19, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information or to register for the Plymouth support group, speak with Deana Andrade at OCES, 508-584-1561 ext. 232.

“Buried in Treasures” is available to people of all ages throughout greater Plymouth county and surrounding communities. There is no cost to attend these confidential support groups. All attendees will receive a complimentary workbook. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

“Buried in Treasures is an educational, judgment-free, self-help group for people with hoarding issues,” explained Teresa Kourtz, OCES’ Protective Services Director. “During each session, individuals work through what might be clutter and what might be hoarding, utilizing the workbook to deal with acquisition, discarding, and disorganization.”

“Buried in Treasures” is sponsored by the GBAH, MassHousing and OCES. It is coordinated and facilitated by OCES in partnership with South Bay Community Services.

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.

“Buried in Treasures” Facilitated Support Groups Begin in February and March at Brockton and Plymouth locationsRead More