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OCES

Old Colony Elder Services Launches Urgent Campaign for Essential Funding to Support Vital Programs

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a designated Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) and the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, has kicked off a campaign to raise awareness for essential funding needed to support vital programs including Home Care Services. 
 
According to a recent press release, Mass Aging Access (MAA), the advocacy organization representing the statewide ASAPs and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), calls for immediate funding to plug ongoing gaps in critical home care programs. OCES and other ASAPs urgently need supplemental funding for Fiscal Year 2025. MAA is informing state leaders of the significant budget shortfalls.
 
Meals, home health aide, personal care, homemaking and care management services are among the essential Home Care services provided to older adults that will be at risk without this supplemental funding. Home Care services are vital to enabling older adults to remain living independently in their homes and communities rather than in much more expensive nursing facilities. 
 
“OCES provides support to over 20,000 older adults in Southeastern Massachusetts,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “The number of older adults in need of home care services is growing rapidly and we need this funding to meet their current and future needs. Without sufficient funding, vital services will be at risk and access to the care that is needed will be limited. Services support not only those receiving care, but also caregivers who rely on this help for the ability to work and/or respite care. There is a critical need for home care services.”
 
With the precarious budget situation, we urge everyone to take action to support older adults and help ensure funding for the essential Home Care Program. Ask your legislators to ensure sufficient funding for the Home Care Program in FY25 by visiting the MAA’s website:
https://agingaccess.org/take-action/?snw=1&ref=15f2f833-91d2-4b01-8e98-0fc828f7571e#
 
Contribute to support OCES’ ability in providing care in the community and keeping people at home. To donate to OCES visit: https://ocesma.org/get-involved/donate
 
OCES is recognized as a tax-exempt charitable corporation under section 501c3 of the IRS tax code. Donations may also be made by check or money order and mailed to OCES, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301. 
 
For more information about MAA, formerly known as Mass Home Care, visit https://agingaccess.org
 
About OCES
OCES is recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). For more than 50 years, OCES has been a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as an Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 
 
Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Launches Urgent Campaign for Essential Funding to Support Vital ProgramsRead More

OCES Employees Support Individuals and Families during Holiday Season with Donations to Father Bill’s and My Brother’s Keeper

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH… Staff at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) in Brockton and Plymouth are helping support those in need of assistance by providing gifts, grocery gift cards, and essential items during the holiday season.
 
In December, The OCES Cultural Competency Committee partnered with My Brother’s Keeper in Easton to help families in the community through their Adopt-a-Family program. OCES staff purchased presents, including games, toys, and clothes, for five local families. Staff also volunteered to wrap gifts for families onsite. In addition to presents, each family also received a $50 supermarket gift card to help provide a special holiday meal.   
 
To support individuals and families in need at Father Bill’s & MainSpring, OCES’ Protective Services team led an employee drive for donations of essential items such as personal care products, socks and more which were then delivered to Father Bill’s in Brockton.
 
OCES Team Outreach
With offices in Brockton and Plymouth, OCES is the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts.
 
OCES takes pride in giving back to the communities it serves, not only during the holiday season but throughout the year. OCES encourages employee outreach through volunteering, donating or community service.
 
For information about My Brother’s Keeper, visit www.mybrotherskeeper.org and for information about Father Bill’s, visit helpfbms.org
 
About OCES
OCES is recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). For more than 50 years, OCES a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 
 
Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org.

OCES Employees Support Individuals and Families during Holiday Season with Donations to Father Bill’s and My Brother’s KeeperRead More

Brockton Resident Honored with 2024 IMPACT Award

Rick Alvarnaz

BROCKTON, PLYMOUTH AND RAYNHAM, MA… Richard J. (Rick) Alvarnaz recently received the 2024 IMPACT Award. Previously from Raynham, and now a Brockton resident, Alvarnaz has been a staff member of Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) for 25 years.
 
The Old Colony Planning Council (OCPC) Area Agency on Aging presented the 2024 Dan Crane IMPACT Award to Rick Alvarnaz, OCES’ Community Transition Liaison, in a ceremony held on December 4, 2024. The award recognizes an individual who has had a positive impact on the lives of people in our communities.
 
In 1999, Alvarnaz joined OCES, the leading provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, as a Care Manager in the Home Care Department. He later became a program supervisor. Although Alvarnaz enjoyed being a part of program management, he realized that he wanted to serve consumers directly. In 2015, Alvarnaz began working in OCES’ Transitions Program where he had an opportunity to assist consumers in long-term care move back into the community. Alvarnaz accepted this challenging task with limited resources available to meet consumers’ significant needs.   
 
In 2023, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs extended the Transitions Program with a new state program called the Community Transition Liaison Program (CTLP), and Alvarnaz joined.
OCPC’s Ombudsman program collaborates regularly with Alvarnaz and CTLP, as they are on-site weekly serving residents in local nursing facilities. Alvarnaz’s dedication to the residents he serves is apparent when you see a resident’s excitement about returning to live in the community. Often, a resident’s return home is only possible because of Alvarnaz’s tireless efforts.
 
“Rick has made a huge positive impact on many lives during his 25 years of service at OCES,” said Nicole Long, CEO. “He is tremendously dedicated to helping residents and this award is well-deserved. Congratulations, Rick!”
 
CTLP supports individuals whose goal is to return to their home from a hospital or nursing facility. To learn more about CTLP, visit https://ocesma.org/programs-services/services-at-home.
 
For more information about Old Colony Planning Council Area Agency on Aging, visit https://oldcolonyplanning.org/aaa/
 
About OCES
OCES was recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). OCES is a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 
 
Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org.

Brockton Resident Honored with 2024 IMPACT AwardRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Recognizes Local Caregivers During National Caregiver Month

Shown left to right: Paula Cenac, John McCue, Ana Garcia, Myong Deeter,
Joanna Staples, Delia Ferreira, and Linda Caissie

BRIDGEWATER, BROCKTON, LAKEVILLE, PLYMOUTH, PLYMPTON, ROCKLAND, TAUNTON, WHITMAN, MA… 

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, honored local caregivers with Caregiver Appreciation Awards at a special luncheon acknowledging National Caregiver Month in November.
 
OCES recognized caregivers who were nominated by their family members and peers, in celebration of their selfless work of caregiving. Caregiver Appreciation Awards were presented to the following:
 
Linda Caissie of Whitman, who has been a caregiver for more than 25 years through OCES’ Adult Family Care program;
 
Paula Cenac of Plymouth, who works full-time and has been a caregiver for six years;
 
Myong Deeter of Bridgewater, who is a full-time caregiver to two adults.
 
Tory Devonshire of Plympton, who works full-time and has been a primary caregiver for more than 10 years.
 
Delia Ferreira of Lakeville, a Personal Care Attendant providing care for several years to a husband and wife.
 
Ana Garcia of Taunton, who has been providing full-time care for 10 years;
 
John McCue of Rockland, a long-time caregiver to a family member; and
 
Joanna Staples of Lakeville, a cancer survivor and caregiver to a family member for many years.
 
“OCES honors the unwavering dedication and service of all caregivers. We also thank those who submitted nominations to recognize caregivers’ selfless work,” said Nicole Long, CEO. “OCES remains committed to supporting caregivers in their vital role of enhancing the lives of others.”
 
Family Caregiver Support Program
Each caregiver’s situation is unique and complex. OCES has a Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) that provides caregiver support in the creation of a personalized plan outlining available resources (including OCES programs and other community information) applicable to their caregiving situation. These resources may include caregiver support groups as well as educational workshops or programs that share techniques to help family caregivers with stress reduction, time management, goal setting, problem-solving, relaxation and more. The FCSP works with people of all ages including grandparents raising grandchildren.
 
To learn more about OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program and to subscribe to OCES’ informative newsletter, visit ocesma.org.
 
About OCES
OCES is recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). OCES is  private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 
 
Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org.


 

Old Colony Elder Services Recognizes Local Caregivers During National Caregiver MonthRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Receives Women Non-Profit Organization Certification

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, is proud to announce that they have recently been certified as a Women Non-profit Organization (WNPO) by the Massachusetts’ Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). 

SDO certification can enhance an organization’s ability to increase business with public and private entities. Certification can also be a competitive edge in securing governmental contracts.

“We are honored to be recognized as a Women Non-profit Organization and look forward to new opportunities as a certified business,” said Anna M. Dee, Chief Operating Officer at OCES.

For more information about the Supplier Diversity Office, please visit www.mass.gov/sdo.

About OCES
Celebrating 50 Years of Care and Collaboration and recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). OCES is a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 

Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org.
 

Old Colony Elder Services Receives Women Non-Profit Organization CertificationRead More

OCES Kicks Off #GivingTuesday Campaign to Raise Funds for Behavioral Health and Wellness Programs

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a nonprofit organization that is the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, has kicked off its #GivingTuesday campaign to raise $10,000 to support their Behavioral Health and Wellness programs. 
 
OCES’ Behavioral Health and Wellness programs help older adults (ages 60 and over) and individuals with disabilities who may be isolated or encounter barriers that limit access to behavioral health care, and who may benefit from long-term case management or counseling due to behavioral health issues, chronic illnesses, substance abuse, or crisis situations. 
 
OCES’ Behavioral Health Outreach For Aging Population (BHOAP) Program offers in-home, one-on-one counseling, support, referrals, and resources on a case-by-case basis. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately one in every five adults in the United States live with a mental illness. 

“Given the urgent need for mental health services, it is critical that OCES extends our services throughout local communities,” said Nicole Long, CEO. “This year, OCES’ GivingTuesday campaign will benefit the Behavioral Health and Wellness programs.”
 
Tuesday, December 3, 2024, is #GivingTuesday.
 
OCES’ goal is to raise $10,000 for Behavioral Health and Wellness programs. 

To donate online to OCES’ #GivingTuesday campaign, visit https://ocesma.org/get-involved/donate.
 
Donations may also be made by check or money order and mailed to OCES, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301. 
 
GivingTuesday donations to OCES may be made through the end of the calendar year. OCES is recognized as a tax-exempt charitable corporation under section 501c3 of the IRS tax code.
 
Consider sharing this message about supporting OCES in its goal to help older adults and individuals with disabilities in our community on social media and include the hashtag #MakeAnImpactGiveBack.
 
To learn more about GivingTuesday, visit www.givingtuesday.org.
 
About OCES
Celebrating 50 Years of Care and Collaboration and recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing, OCES is a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 
 
Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org.

OCES Kicks Off #GivingTuesday Campaign to Raise Funds for Behavioral Health and Wellness ProgramsRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints New Nursing Services Manager

BROCKTON, PLYMOUTH AND RAYNHAM, MA… Patricia Clabough, a resident of Raynham MA, has been promoted to Nursing Services Manager at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts.
 
In her new role as Nursing Services Manager, Clabough will provide clinical oversight to OCES’ nursing team. Partnering with OCES’ management team, Clabough will implement quality measures and conduct reviews, as well as oversee contractual obligations and ensure compliance with all applicable EOEA, MassHealth, and other funding source regulations. She will also act as a liaison to community health agencies, hospitals and physicians.
 
In 2016, Clabough graduated from Massasoit Community College’s Nursing program with an Associate of Science degree; she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from UMass Boston in 2018. 
 
Clabough began her full-time nursing career at OCES in 2017 in the Personal Care Department and was later promoted to the Home Care Department where her responsibilities included Home Care assessments. She was promoted to Home Care RN Supervisor overseeing the Transitions Department, which involved determining clinical eligibility for home care programs/waivers, prior to her most recent promotion to Nursing Services Manager. Clabough also serves on OCES’ Ethics Committee. 
 
Clabough’s experience prior to OCES includes working as a Staff Registered Nurse at Bridgewater State Hospital in Bridgewater, MA, and as a Staff Registered Nurse on the long-term care and subacute floor managing patients with comorbidities at Webster Park Rehabilitation in Rockland, MA.
 
Before relocating to Raynham, Clabough was a resident of Brockton for 30 years and attended Brockton High School. In her free time, Clabough enjoys spending time at the field watching her young son play sports, volunteering at his school, and enjoying the beach on a warm sunny day. 
 
About OCES
Celebrating 50 Years of Care and Collaboration and recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing, OCES is a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 
 
Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints New Nursing Services ManagerRead More

Old Colony Elder Services named as a 2024 Best Places to Work honoree

PHOTO CAPTION: From Left to Right: Michelle Fontes, Jodie McDonald, Rob Buckel-Gillis, Kerri Soule, Nicole Long, Marco St. Louis, Vania Jure

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, has been named as a Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing 2024 Best Places to Work honoree. It is the second consecutive year that OCES has received this award.

OCES was recognized as one of 40 honorees for the 2024 Best Places to Work in a well-attended ceremony on September 12, 2024, at Hotel 1620 in Plymouth, MA. The award was presented to Nicole Long, CEO, and Rob Buckel-Gillis, Human Resources Director.

Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing 2024 Best Places to Work were voted based on criteria including company culture, career advancement, staff appreciation, and giving back to the community. 

“OCES is very proud to be named a Best Places to Work honoree for the second consecutive year, particularly as we celebrate our 50th anniversary milestone and significant growth,” said Nicole Long, CEO. “OCES is dedicated to providing a positive work environment with an emphasis on work/life balance. Every team member has an important role, and we appreciate their contributions and commitment to our mission and to our community.”

OCES Team
Founded in 1974, OCES continues to grow and evolve. Currently, OCES has 243 full-time and 26 part-time employees, and a 23-member Board of Directors. Their leadership team includes  Nicole Long, Chief Executive Officer; Anna Dee, Chief Operating Officer; Alisa DeLage, Chief Programs Officer; Rob Buckel-Gillis, Human Resources Director; and Yolanda America, Chief Finance Officer.

OCES aspires to be a culturally diverse and inclusive agency that removes barriers creating equity for all by empowering individuals and communities to thrive, age in place, and reach their highest potential.

According to Long, “OCES is at the forefront, providing essential services, creating awareness of critical issues, and serving as an important resource for older adults, people with disabilities, families, caregivers, and the larger community. We are dedicated to, and passionate about, helping others and improving lives.”

About 2024 Best Places to Work
For more information about Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing’s third annual award event, the 2024 Best Places to Work sponsored by Brabo, visit capeplymouthbusiness.com

About OCES
Celebrating 50 Years of Care and Collaboration and recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing, OCES is a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 

Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit https://ocesma.org.

Old Colony Elder Services named as a 2024 Best Places to Work honoreeRead More

OCES is shining a light on Caregivers and honoring their commitment to caregiving. Nominate a Caregiver

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, is putting the spotlight on caregivers in honor of National Caregiver Month. 
 
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, the number of Americans providing unpaid care has risen to 53 million. Twenty-six percent of Americans are caring for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
 
OCES invites individuals to nominate a Caregiver (family members, friends, associates, and individuals) who has positively impacted their life or someone else’s life within OCES’ service area.
 
Nominations will be accepted until September 23, 2024.  To nominate a caregiver, visit 
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/umumkLp/caregiver
 
OCES will be highlighting the nominated caregivers throughout the month of November, which is National Caregiver Month, through their social media channels and a special Caregiver Edition newsletter.  If you have any questions, please email OCES at development@ocesma.org. 
 
To view a map of OCES’ Services Area, visit the webpage at https://ocesma.org/about-old-colony-elder-services
 
“OCES is celebrating our community’s caregivers who are making such a positive impact in the lives of so many,” said Nicole Long, MSW, LICSW, and CEO of OCES. “We look forward to sharing their stories and honoring their commitment to caregiving.”
 
Providing Support & Resources for Caregivers
OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) provides caregiver support and resources to individuals in OCES’ services area. For more information, visit ocesma.org or call 508-584-1561.
 
About OCES
Celebrating 50 Years of Care and Collaboration and recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Media, OCES is a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.


 

OCES is shining a light on Caregivers and honoring their commitment to caregiving. Nominate a CaregiverRead More