OCES

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

More than 225 volunteers attended OCES’ Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon and Awards Ceremony. 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 their volunteers with a special luncheon at Indian Pond Country Club in Kingston, MA.

OCES is a Certifying Organization of the National President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) that honors outstanding volunteers and recognizes the impact they make. Armindo Rocha, OCES’ Volunteer Programs Manager, and Cidalia America, OCES’ Volunteer Coordinator, hosted the event and presented special awards to 15 volunteers.

OCES bestowed the PVSA Lifetime Achievement Award, for those who volunteer 4,000+ hours over a lifetime, to James Kinkade of Pembroke and Michael Hession of Middleboro. 

The PVSA Annual Gold Award, for those with 500+ volunteer hours for the year, was presented to Adrienne Barros of the Plymouth Center for Active Living.

The Make a Difference Award, which is granted by OCES to exceptional volunteers for their dedication to helping others and who make a big impact on our community, was presented to the following volunteers: Therese Hodge of Brockton; Diana DiGiorgi of Bridgewater; Brianna Donachie, Evan Norman, Katelyn Saunders, Matthew Madrigal, Rachel Langlois and Sydney Rappaport of Pembroke; and OCES’ Money Management Program volunteers Thomas Cuddihy, Gail Mather of Avon, Bill Bloor of Plymouth, and Robert Sawyer of Middleboro.

“We recognize and thank all of our generous volunteers for their tremendous dedication to helping others and our communities,” said Alisa DeLage, Chief Programs Officer of OCES. 

About the PVSA
In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action too. Led by AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light, this program allows Certifying Organizations to recognize their most exceptional volunteers. As an AmeriCorps Seniors grantee, OCES receives funds through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) for volunteers age 55+. RSVP-PC volunteers assist OCES and other local agencies that are OCES Community Service Partners. 

Volunteering for OCES
With the help of more than 550 Nutrition Program volunteers, OCES serves 2,600 meals every weekday as part of its Meals on Wheels Program. Money Management Program (MMP) volunteers assist older adults and individuals with disabilities with bill paying, reconciling bank statements, balancing checkbooks, and in special cases, negotiating debt with creditors. Volunteers also serve on the OCES Board of Directors, MMP and RSVP-PC Community Advisory councils, and contribute with many other important efforts. OCES’ Volunteer Program supports Community Service Partners including South Shore Habitat for Humanity, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, local food banks, and Veterans Service agencies.

Earlier this year, OCES reopened their Volunteer Center at 204 South Meadow Road in Plymouth to serve as a central resource for volunteers and service partners offering volunteer opportunities in Plymouth County. Prospective volunteers can talk one-on-one with Volunteer Program staff who assist them in their search for volunteering opportunities that fit their skills and interests. The Volunteer Center is equipped with computers for researching volunteer opportunities as well as brochures and other literature from organizations seeking volunteers.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit https://ocesma.org/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities

About OCES
Celebrating 50 Years of Care and Collaboration and recognized as one of the 2023 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 Holds Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon and Awards Ceremony in KingstonRead More

BRIDGEWATER, BROCKTON, CARVER, DARTMOUTH, EASTON, HANSON, KINGSTON, PLYMOUTH AND SCITUATE, MA… More than 145 supporters gathered at Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor in Plymouth, MA to celebrate Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) 50th anniversary milestone, followed by “50 Years of Care and Collaboration” luncheon and awards ceremony.

A nonprofit organization 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.

Attendees included legislators, civic and business leaders, vendors, partner organizations, donors, and health care professionals. The event featured Life Is Good Playmaker Project creator Steve Gross as guest speaker, and 95.9 WATD Radio host Rob Hakala as emcee.

In recognition of OCES’ 50th Anniversary, official citations were given by the following: Representative Mathew J. Muratore; and Representative Kathleen R. LaNatra; Michael Jackman, Office of Congressman William R. Keating. Legislative Aide James F. Breton presented the citation for the senate office for Senator Michael Brady; Senator Susan L. Moran; Senator Walter F. Timilty.

Awards for Care and Collaboration
OCES presented “Excellence in Care” awards to individuals and organizations whose actions and/or leadership exemplified Care. The two individual awardees were Leah Guercio, a resident of Hanson, who created Leah’s Club for people with dementia-related illnesses to participate in programs focused on attendees’ abilities so they can be involved and feel productive; and Jim Forand of Carver, who pedaled his bicycle alone across the country to raise more than $18,000 for Veterans’ services. The organizational awardee was My Brother’s Keeper based in Easton and Dartmouth. Erich Miller and Paul Key accepted the award for this organization that has helped many thousands of people with food, furniture, and the assurance that they would be cared for in times of need.

OCES presented “Excellence in Collaboration” awards to those whose actions and/or leadership exemplified Collaboration. Two individuals received OCES’ Award: David Tourtillott of Scituate, a Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional who offers workshops to provide older adults with options on whether or not to stay in their homes; and Kathy Hayes of Bridgewater, an Outreach Coordinator and Facilitator of caregiver support groups. The organizational recipient was Alley Kat Lane located in Kingston. Maryjane Danahy accepted the award on behalf of this inclusive organization that supports the independence and dignity of older adults and is a place where individuals with special needs can participate in an activity that encourages teamwork and promotes healthy, safe living.

Behavioral Health Program Expansion 
OCES’ 50th Anniversary Luncheon highlighted the organization’s campaign to raise $50,000 to expand its Behavioral Health and Wellness programs. OCES’ Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT) provides behavioral health and wellness support to older adults and people with disabilities who may be isolated or encounter barriers that limit access to behavioral health care. To date, $48,000 has been raised and fundraising will continue through June 30, 2024.

“OCES serves thousands of older adults, people living with disabilities, caregivers, and families each year,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “We’re incredibly grateful to all the individuals and organizations that support OCES, ensuring that we continue our vital mission and create better futures for those we serve and communities at large. Our 50th Anniversary event celebrates a new chapter of growth for OCES, beginning with the expansion of our Behavioral Health and Wellness programs.”

OCES extends its thanks to their generous sponsors: MountainOne; Datalyst, LLC; Nutter; The OCPC Ombudsman Program; Best of Care; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts; Anodyne; Attentive Home Care, Inc.; Home Health Resources, Inc.; Citrin Cooperman; Brown & Brown of Massachusetts, LLC; ; Law Office of Paula Schlosser; and S&M Transportation.  Stonewell Care, LLC; Rockland Trust; Diman Laundry; iSolved MP; South Coast Laundry, Inc.; Old Colony Planning Council (OCPC) and a special thanks to Craig and Diana DiGiorgi as OCES’ 50th Matching Anniversary Sponsor. 

OCES Milestones
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, Finance Director.

There have been many milestones over the years including creation of The Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Resource Network (GBAH); establishment of the first Supportive Housing Program in Brockton in 2008 and formalization of an Internship Program with Bridgewater State University – all of which continue today. In 2013, the first annual Elder Abuse Awareness event was held in Brockton. In the years that followed, Healthy Living Workshops, Buried in Treasures Workshops, Caregiver Support, and other programs have been established. OCES opened a second office at 204 South Meadow Road in Plymouth featuring a dedicated Volunteer Center for volunteer recruitment for OCES as well as for other nonprofits, schools, and agencies in Southeastern MA. In 2023, OCES expanded their Behavioral Health services with an Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT).

According to CEO Nicole 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 OCES
Celebrating 50 Years of Care and Collaboration and recognized as one of the 2023 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 Celebrates 50-Year Milestone and Program GrowthRead More

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA…  100 residents of Campello High Rise gathered for a “March for Meals” Caribbean lunch held March 27, 2024 and led by the Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) Nutrition Department.
 
March for Meals is a part of Meals on Wheels America’s national campaign. OCES’ March for Meals event highlighted the local impact of Meals on Wheels and Community Dining, as well as the importance of funding needed to maintain and expand the program to assist consumers facing food insecurity.
 
The luncheon was held in Brockton’s Campello High Rise, with special guests in attendance: Senator Michael Brady; Representative Michelle Dubois; Representative Rita Mendes; Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz; Minhtram Tran, Chief Legal Counsel of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office; and Christina Fitzgerald, Community Programs Coordinator from the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office. 
 
OCES’ Nutrition Department provides essential food services including over 537,000 meals each year to consumers living within 23 communities in Greater Plymouth County. OCES has over 600 volunteers in their Nutrition Program delivering over 2,000 nutritious meals each weekday to homebound older adults. 
 
“The Nutrition Program is critical to many homebound older adults and the need for Meals on Wheels has grown exponentially over the last year,” said Nicole M. Long, CEO of OCES, the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Plymouth County and surrounding areas. “We are very grateful to our supporters and volunteers who make a difference every day in the lives of people facing food insecurity.” 
 
About March for Meals 
The month of March is when The Meals on Wheels network joins forces to celebrate “March for Meals”. This recognizes the historic day in March 1972 when President Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1965 to include a national nutrition program for seniors 60 years and older. For more than 50 years OAA has been the foundational source of federal funding for senior nutrition programs across the country that collectively deliver more than 247 million meals to 2.8 million seniors annually.
 
To learn more about OCES’ Nutrition program in Brockton and throughout Plymouth County, visit www.ocesma.org.
 
About OCES
Celebrating 50 Years of Care and Collaboration and recognized as one of the 2023 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.

“March for Meals” Luncheon in Brockton Puts the Spotlight on Senior Nutrition and Meals on WheelsRead More