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Raising Awareness of Elder Abuse and Neglect – OCES Marched in Brockton and Plymouth

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) organized two marches during Elder Abuse Awareness Month. Over 100 participants joined OCES and the Brockton Council on Aging in a march on June 15th, and more than 75 concerned citizens joined OCES and the Plymouth Center for Active Living in a march along the Plymouth waterfront on June 22nd.

“Both marches were organized to raise awareness of the issues of elder abuse and neglect and were well-attended,” said Teresa Kourtz, LSW, Protective Services Director at OCES, the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. “The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs logged 25,000 reports in a recent fiscal year. It is estimated that 1 in 10 elders have experienced some form of abuse – physical, mental, emotional or financial – and experts in the field say that number is considered low due to under-reporting.”

Recognition Awards

Each march was followed by a luncheon that included informative guest speakers and an awards ceremony. At the Plymouth Center for Active Living, several individuals who have assisted seniors in protective services and in the town of Plymouth received recognition awards including Attorney J. Marlin Hawthorne, Chief G. Edward Bradley of the Plymouth Fire Department and Connie DiLego, a dedicated volunteer and former director of the Center for Active Living. In Brockton, Pat Foley, the Brockton Triad, and Brockton Police Officer Nicole Anderson received recognition awards.

Sponsors

OCES would like to thank the following event sponsors: Mary Cruise Kennedy Senior Center (Brockton Council on Aging); Plymouth Center for Active Living; HarborOne Bank; Roche Bros. and Shaw’s Supermarkets; the Brockton Patrolmen’s Association; Plymouth Police Relief Association (PPRA); and the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office.

Raising Awareness

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

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.

OCES helps elders who have been victims of neglect or harm from a caregiver. Protective Services Workers investigate each report, and provide support, and if needed, information about resources such as medical, legal, psychological, financial and housing assistance.

If you suspect elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation call the Elder Abuse Centralized Intake Unit, available 24/7 at 1-800-922-2275. All calls are confidential and will lead to thorough investigation at the local level.

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.

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Bridgewater Savings Bank Supports OCES’ Money Management Program

Joseph W. Mitchell, Senior Vice President of Bridgewater Savings Bank, along with Ashley Flynn, Mortgage Loan Processor (far right), present a donation to OCES Money Management Program representatives Lynn Smith (far left) and Teresa Kourtz. Photo courtesy Bridgewater Savings Bank

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 recently received a $500 donation from Bridgewater Savings Bank for their Money Management Program (MMP).

April is Financial Literacy Month and Bridgewater Savings Bank is supporting, and striving to create greater awareness about OCES’ MMP, which provides fundamental money management assistance to older adults, enabling them to maintain independence.

OCES’ MMP assists older adults and individuals with disabilities with managing their household finances. The MMP serves individuals with limited income who are at risk of losing their independence due to their inability to pay rent, food and utility bills on a timely basis. MMP volunteers help these individuals by establishing a budget for them, organizing their mail, helping them write checks to pay their bills and balancing their checkbook.

Joseph W. Mitchell, Senior Vice President of Bridgewater Savings Bank is an active volunteer for many organization including OCES’ MMP.  His dedication to community service represents one of the core values of Bridgewater Savings Bank.

“We are very grateful to Bridgewater Savings Bank and Joseph Mitchell for their support of OCES’ Money Management Program,” said Nicole Long, CEO.

How to Help

The need for MMP services continues to grow. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that over 25 million Americans aged 60+ are economically insecure – living at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level ($29,425 per year for a single person). This population struggles with rising housing and health care bills, diminished savings, and job loss.

There are a number of ways to support OCES’ MMP: By making a donation to the program (visit ocesma.org for details); by volunteering to be an MMP volunteer; or by referring a consumer in OCES’ service area who might need some help.

MMP volunteers are needed in all 23 towns that OCES serves. Volunteers receive extensive training from OCES and must adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines. MMP volunteers make home visits at least once a month to help keep track of program participants’ income and expenses.

To learn more about OCES’ MMP, visit 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 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.

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A Successful “March for Meals” in Plymouth

(L to R) Senator Vinny deMacedo, Meals on Wheels recipient Patricia Salvador, State Representative Matt Muratore, and Plymouth Council on Aging Director Jen Young.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, organized a “March for Meals” in Plymouth.

March for Meals is part of Meals On Wheels America’s national campaign held in March.

To show support for this vital program, Senator Vinny deMacedo and State Representative Matt Muratore, accompanied by Jen Young, Director of Plymouth Council on Aging and Christine McLaren, Community Programs Director at OCES, delivered Meals on Wheels to a number of OCES consumers in Plymouth on Friday, March 17th.

“It’s an honor to have elected officials participate in our March for Meals event, and further demonstrates the importance of the Meals on Wheels program to older adults,” said Nicole Long, CEO. “Many older adults are homebound, unable to prepare meals, manage their grocery shopping or attend one of our congregate meal sites.  The Meals On Wheels program is essential to recipients as it provides them with a nutritious meal, but also a friendly visit and safety check as many older adults live alone.”

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.

About Meals On Wheels America
Meals on Wheels America is the oldest and largest national organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based senior nutrition programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. For more information, 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 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.

A Successful “March for Meals” in PlymouthRead More

Fun for the Whole Family at Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels 5K Road Race/Walk

Lace up those sneakers for a good cause!
Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES) family and dog-friendly “Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels” 5K Road Race/Walk to benefit the Meals on Wheels program will be held Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 9 a.m. All of the money raised supports OCES’ vital Meals on Wheels program.
More than 60 runners and walkers participated in OCES’ Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels 5K last year, and OCES’ would like to double the number of participants this year. Team OCES encourages you to bring your family, friends, colleagues and dogs to run/walk for a good cause.
Costume Contest for Kids and Canines
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 provided by Mickey Adventures of Carver.
J. M. Pet Resorts of Brockton is providing a $40 grooming/product gift certificate for the best healthy food dog costume.
Silver Lake Starting Line
The race begins at 9:00 a.m. at Silver Lake Regional High School, 260 Pembroke Street in 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.
All participants will receive a swag bag and water will be provided. Register by Tuesday, March 21st to receive a race T-shirt.
Sponsors
OCES would like to thank the following 5K sponsors: Citrin Cooperman, our Marquee Sponsor; Brockton Adult Day Health, our Finish Line Sponsor, and Lindley Food Service; Abbott Care; Anodyne; Hope Health; Laurelwood at the Pinehills; Stafford Hill; Old Colony Hospice and Palliative Care; Greater Boston Home Health Care Services; South Shore Community Action Council; Home Health Resources and Senior Whole Health; Mickey Adventures and J. M. Pet Resort.
OCES would also like to thank the following for their donations to the swag bags: Anchor Academy; Visiting Nurses Association; Good Samaritan Medical Center; Crescent Credit Union; and Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston.
How Meals on Wheels Works
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.
“For many of our most vulnerable older adults and people with disabilities, our Meals on Wheels home delivery is often their only social contact of the day,” explained Nicole Long, CEO. “Despite recent federal and state budget cuts, OCES is committed to this vital program, and our 5K fundraiser will enable us to keep ‘Meals on Wheels’ rolling along.”
Unable to participate in Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels 5K? To support the program with a donation, visit https://www.ocesma.org/donations and select “Nutrition Program” from the drop-down designation box.
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.

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Old Colony Elder Services Announces New Development Manager

Lynn Smith

Madeline (Lynn) Smith has been appointed as the new Development Manager at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities.

In her role as Development Manager at OCES, Ms. Smith will be responsible for securing additional grants to increase financial support for the agency as well as implementing and maintaining a comprehensive development plan with marketing strategies that strengthen community awareness of OCES’ programs and resources.

Ms. Smith has more than 20 years of business development and marketing experience and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Economics from Emmanuel College in Boston. Previous to OCES, Ms. Smith spearheaded a grant funded Community Engagement Project for the City of Brockton, establishing the Keith Park Neighborhood Association, Frederick Douglass Neighborhood Association, and Edgar Park Neighborhood Association, while also creating an appreciation and pride of place in downtown Brockton. For four years prior to that, she was Senior Vice President of Community and Business Relations and Marketing at Start Community Bank in New Haven, CT. Her vast experience includes serving as Senior Vice President in the Institutional Banking Division at First Trade Union Bank in Boston, and as Executive Vice President in the Municipal Finance Division at United States Trust Company in Boston.

Ms. Smith was the 2015 recipient of the Lee Harmon UNITY in the Community Service Award (Brockton, MA) as well as a 2012 recipient of the Nonprofit Partnership Award from the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce for her efforts in financial literacy community outreach. She has served on a number of local committees including the Downtown Brockton Parade Committee and the Brockton Downtown Action Strategy Partnership, and serves as the treasurer of Campello Main Streets and president of the Frederick Douglass Neighborhood Association.

Originally from Boston, Ms. Smith has been a resident of Brockton for the past thirty-two years.

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.

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Jim Mileski of Old Colony Elder Services Retires After 38 Years

Jim Mileski

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, announced that Jim Mileski has recently retired after 38 years of dedicated service.

Mr. Mileski began his career at OCES on December 5, 1978 when he joined 25 co-workers at the agency. He was hired as a Case Manager, but shortly after, in fulfillment of an agency need, Mr. Mileski was asked to oversee multiple OCES contracts with service providers. He accepted that challenge and served in the capacity of Contracts Manager until his retirement.

In January, OCES’ Board of Directors recognized Mr. Mileski for his 38 years of dedicated service and contributions as a valued employee. A retirement party for Mr. Mileski was held at OCES’ Brockton office on Main Street. While Mr. Mileski knew about the party, he did not know that he would be presented with a professional chef’s hat as a part of the festivities, as a nod to his passion for baking and sharing of his delicious creations with his colleagues.

Brenda Correia, Coordinator for Elder Community Support Programs at the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) attended Mr. Mileski’s retirement party and presented him with a Certificate of Excellence on behalf of EOEA for his 38 years of dedicated service in the community.

“Jim came on board in our early days, just four years after our founding, and has been an integral part of our team ever since,” explained Nicole Long, CEO. “Jim’s efforts have truly contributed to our success, and we thank him for his dedication to OCES for the past 38 years. Congratulations Jim, and we wish you a very 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 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.

Jim Mileski of Old Colony Elder Services Retires After 38 YearsRead More

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

OCES Announces “Buried in Treasures” Facilitated Support Groups In Brockton and Plymouth

Is clutter affecting you at home, at work or in your relationships? Does the clutter create safety issues or embarrass you?

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, with partner agencies in the Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force (GBAH) and with Plymouth Networking Group (PNG) are offering two 16-week “Buried in Treasures” facilitated support groups for individuals with hoarding issues.

Hoarding is when individuals continue to accumulate items, such as clothes, 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 will be offered once a week at the following locations:

In Brockton, at South Bay Community Services, located at 103 Commercial Street, on Tuesdays, February 7 to May 23, 2017 from 11:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m. For more information or to register for the Brockton support group, contact Meagan Noah 508-436-4432 or Kelly Mules 508-580-4691.

In Plymouth, at the Center for Active Living (formerly the Plymouth Council On Aging), located at 44 Nook Road, on Thursdays, March 2 to June 15, 2017 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. For more information or to sign up for the Plymouth support group, contact Deana Andrade at OCES, 508-584-1561 ext. 232.

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

“Buried in Treasures will help individuals work through what might be clutter and what might be hoarding in a judgment-free setting. It is an action-oriented, peer-led treatment group,” explained Teresa Kourtz, OCES’ Protective Services Director. “During each session, we will focus on a chapter in the workbook and will deal with acquisition, discarding, and disorganization.”

Buried in Treasures is sponsored by GBAH, Mass Housing, PNG 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 has 247 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.

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Old Colony Elder Services Receives $10K Grant from Eastern Bank

Jacquelyn Meekins, Vice President of Eastern Benefits (in center), presented the check to OCES’ Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi (left) and Teresa Kourtz, Protective Services and Money Management Programs Director (right).

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 been awarded a $10,000 grant from Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation.

The grant is for OCES’ Money Management Program (MMP), which assists older adults and individuals with disabilities with managing their household finances. The MMP serves individuals with limited income who are at risk of losing their independence due to their inability to pay rent, food and utility bills on a timely basis. MMP volunteers help these individuals by establishing a budget for them, organizing their mail, helping them write checks to pay their bills and balancing their checkbook.

MMP volunteers are needed in all 23 towns that OCES serves. Volunteers receive extensive training from OCES and must adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines. MMP volunteers make home visits at least once a month to help keep track of program participants’ income and expenses.

“We are very grateful for this grant from the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director. “Because of the MMP’s positive impact, we have a number of older adults and individuals with disabilities who are waiting for financial management support. We are in need of MMP volunteers and we encourage those who are able to help to contact us.”

For more information on the MMP program and how to volunteer, visit ocesma.org or call Jean-Marie Doyle, 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 has 247 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 $10K Grant from Eastern BankRead More