Unleash the Power of The Press

OCES

OCES Announces Key Staff Promotions

Christine McLaren
Christine McLaren

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the regional agency that serves older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, has recently promoted two senior staff members.

Nicole Long, MSW, LICSW, who has a decade of tenure with OCES, has been promoted to Assistant Executive Director, and will work alongside Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director on strategic and operational areas. In her new role, Ms. Long will oversee Housing, Nutrition, Healthy Living and Volunteer Programs, the Ethics Committee, Social Work supervision and Development Department.

Ms. Long began her career at OCES in the Family Caregiver Support Program and has been promoted several times. For the past two years, she held the position of Community Programs Director. She holds a Master of Social Work from Bridgewater State University and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). Ms. Long also serves as a Commissioner on the Board of Directors for the Plymouth Housing Authority.

Christine McLaren has been promoted to Community Programs Director and will report to Ms. Long, Assistant Executive Director. Ms. McLaren will continue to manage OCES’ Nutrition and Healthy Living Programs and will chair the OCES Cultural Competency Committee. She will also assist the Assistant Executive Director in developing strategic planning initiatives. Ms. McLaren has served OCES for the past six years, and most recently held the position of Community Programs Manager. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from Middlebury College and a Certificate in Gerontology from the University of Massachusetts Boston.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and designated as one of 27 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 224 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 Announces Key Staff PromotionsRead More

OCES Announces CARES Program, an Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support Group

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director
Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the regional agency that serves older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, recently announced that they will be hosting the “CARES” Program, an Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Group facilitated by Hope Dementia & Alzheimer’s Services.

The CARES program is for people with memory impairment and their care partners. The program begins Friday, September 11, 2015 and will be held on the second and fourth Friday of each month from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at OCES, 144 Main Street, Brockton.

CARES provides two separate support groups held at the same time, which provide information, guidance, and respite to care partners, and conversation and socialization for those with memory impairment. The caregiver support group is led by Alan Johnson, LICSW, Director of Community and Family Outreach at Hope Dementia & Alzheimer’s Services. The support group for loved ones with memory impairment will be facilitated by Blue Hills Health & Rehabilitation Center.

“What makes this a special opportunity is that a separate group for loved ones with dementia will be held at the same time, providing respite while caregivers attend the support group,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

OCES co-sponsors the program with Hope Dementia & Alzheimer’s Services and Blue Hills Health & Rehabilitation Center. CARES is funded by the Tufts Health Plan Foundation.

There is no cost to attend but registration is required. To register or for more information, call (508) 775-5656.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and designated as one of 27 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 217 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 Announces CARES Program, an Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support GroupRead More

OCES Appoints Gregg Smith as Technology Director

Gregg Smith
Gregg Smith

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults, people with disabilities, families and caregivers throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, has appointed Gregg Smith as Technology Director.

In his new role, Mr. Smith will be responsible for implementing new technology and ideas to facilitate the agency’s future growth. He will also oversee the negotiation and acquisition of hardware and software.

Mr. Smith served as an IT Consultant to OCES for two and a half years while employed as the Lead IT Consultant at Unitel, an IT consulting company in Easton, MA. Mr. Smith studied Information Systems at Framingham State University and has Microsoft Certifications in Microsoft Server, Exchange, and SQL.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 217 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 Appoints Gregg Smith as Technology DirectorRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Receives Pet Food Distribution Grant From Banfield Charitable Trust

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services‘ (OCES), a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, has recently received a Pet Food Distribution Grant from Banfield Charitable Trust.

Low-income seniors are among America’s millions struggling with hunger and food insecurity.   Many seniors and individuals with disabilities receive nutritious daily meals through OCES’ Meals On Wheels program.  In an effort to keep seniors and their beloved pets well nourished, OCES now also provides nutrition support for their pets.

For nearly a decade, Banfield Charitable Trust has been working to keep pets and their people together. The Banfield Grant enables OCES to purchase pet food and distribute to low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities, so that they can continue to care for their pets in their home.  Essentially, OCES’ Meals On Wheels recipients are assured nutritious daily meals AND now their pets can receive nutritional support.

“What we have found is that elders will often feed their pets before they feed themselves.  We’re working to identify and meet the needs of low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities who have pets,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

To learn more about the program, contact OCES’ Nutrition Department at (508) 584-1561.

About Banfield Charitable Trust

Banfield Charitable Trust provides grants to nonprofit organizations and nonprofit hospices to support their efforts to keep pets and people together.  Pet food distribution program grants provide financial support to nonprofit organizations and Meals On Wheels Associations of America (MOWAA) members to fund expenses associated with starting or maintaining a pet food distribution program.  For more information, visit www.banfieldcharitabletrust.org.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 towns in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton.  OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The organization’s mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living.

The agency has 169 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Receives Pet Food Distribution Grant From Banfield Charitable TrustRead More

OCES Helps Provide Food for 111 Pets

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services (OCES), the regional agency that serves older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, has recently received a grant from Banfield Charitable Trust to continue their work helping people feed their pets.

The Pet Food Distribution Grant from Banfield Charitable Trust  will enable OCES’ Pets Eat Too program to purchase pet food and distribute it to low-income older adults and people with disabilities, so that they can continue to care for their pets in their home.

Those living on fixed incomes often have difficulty providing for their pets’ needs in addition to their own. Those receiving nutritional support for their pets are OCES Meals on Wheels consumers and/or consumers referred by their care manager.

Last year OCES helped 76 individuals by providing pet food for their 111 pets, thanks to Banfield Charitable Trust, and a pet food drive conducted by the Plymouth County Chapter of Altrusa International.

“Pets provide a significant source of comfort, companionship and purpose for many older adults and people living with disabilities,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES. “Helping our consumers feed their pets is an important service that OCES is pleased to offer made possible by Banfield Charitable Trust and the Plymouth County Chapter of Altrusa International.”

To learn more, contact OCES’ Nutrition Department at (508) 584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

About Banfield Charitable Trust

Banfield Charitable Trust provides grants to nonprofit organizations and nonprofit hospices to support their efforts to keep pets and people together. Pet food distribution program grants provide financial support to nonprofit organizations and members of the Meals On Wheels Associations of America (MOWAA) members to fund expenses associated with starting or maintaining a pet food distribution program.  For more information, visit www.banfieldcharitabletrust.org.

About Altrusa International Inc. of Plymouth County

Altrusa International is a global volunteer service organization whose purpose is to promote better communities through service by an international network of people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Club members are involved in a variety of service projects and fundraisers in their communities. To learn more about the Plymouth County chapter, visit http://tinyurl.com/AltrusaPlymouthCounty.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and designated as one of 27 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 217 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 Helps Provide Food for 111 PetsRead More

Safe and Sound. Old Colony Elder Services hosts training on Social Worker Safety.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, held a two-day social worker safety training at their office that involved all the organization’s staff including Care Managers and Protective Services Workers.

The extensive training was facilitated by Sara McCabe who works with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and is the current Residential Director with the Wayside Youth & Family Support Network in Framingham, MA. Ms. McCabe is certified by NASW as a trainer and has been teaching the topic for seven years.

Topics for the Safety Training For Social Workers program included working with violent consumers; assessing and predicting risk factors; verbal de-escalation; developing a safety plan of action; setting boundaries; developing safety protocols; and tracking safety incidents.  Continuing Education Units (CEUs) were given to participants.

“Safety for social workers is an essential concern in our workplace,” noted Terri Kourtz, Protective Service and Money Management Director of OCES.  “This training program is a catalyst for thinking and taking proactive steps towards maintaining safety for all of our staff and consumers.”

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 173 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.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

 

Safe and Sound. Old Colony Elder Services hosts training on Social Worker Safety.Read More

First Annual Plymouth County Senior Spectacular Expo on June 20, 2013

The Plymouth Networking Group, an organization of business professionals committed to providing care to seniors and other individuals in the Greater Plymouth area, announces the First Annual Plymouth County Senior Spectacular Expo to be held on June 20, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Plymouth Council on Aging, 44 Nook Road. The Senior Spectacular Steering Committee members include: 2 Sisters Senior Living Advisors; Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department; Old Colony Elder Services; North River Home Care; Age in Place New England; Life Care Center of Plymouth; EasCare Ambulance Service; Visiting Angels; Spaulding Rehabilitation Network; Cahoon Care; and Gentiva Home Health.

Seniors, their families and caregivers are invited to explore, connect and enjoy this free event which will showcase senior resource agencies and dozens of vendors offering services of interest to seniors such as organizing and relocation services, legal and financial resources, senior travel specialists, pet-sitting and other in-home service options. The Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department will be able to provide Senior ID’s as well as present information on Identity Theft and Scams. Reiki, vision and hearing screenings and other demonstrations will round out this exciting event.

Attendees will have an opportunity to participate in raffles and enjoy refreshments including a complimentary box lunch. For more information please visit: www.plymouthnetworking.com or contact Beth Hadfield at the Plymouth Council on Aging at (508) 830-4230.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 towns in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The organization’s mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living.

The agency has 169 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

First Annual Plymouth County Senior Spectacular Expo on June 20, 2013Read More

Old Colony Elder Services Promotes Amanda Frates, LCSW to Adult Family Care Program Manager

Amanda Frates, LCSW

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit agency designated as an Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) located in Brockton, has promoted Amanda Frates, LCSW to the position of Adult Family Care (AFC) Program Manager.

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Ms. Frates previously held the position of AFC Program Care Manager at OCES for three years. In her new role as AFC Program Manager, she will oversee the entire AFC Program including quality assurance, administration and outreach as well as care management. Ms. Frates will manage the program’s supervisory and administrative staff.

Ms. Frates has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bridgewater State University and a Master of Social Work from Boston University. She is a resident of East Taunton.

OCES’ AFC program is a sensitive and economical alternative for persons who are faced with the prospect of no longer being able to manage alone. Call OCES for more information.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 towns in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The organization’s mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living.

The agency has 169 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Promotes Amanda Frates, LCSW to Adult Family Care Program ManagerRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Barbara Kosovske, M.Ed. as Program Manager

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit agency designated as an Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) located in Brockton, has recently promoted Barbara Kosovske, M.Ed. to Senior Care Options (SCO) Program Manager.

In her new position, Ms. Kosovske will oversee the OCES SCO Program (primarily Senior Whole Health, United Health Care and NaviCare plans) and manage the SCO supervisory staff. Barbara has extensive knowledge and experience with this program working as Care Manager and most recently as SCO Program Supervisor.

A former Registered Nurse, Ms. Kosovske has worked in the non-profit sector for many years. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Columbia College, South Carolina and a Master of Education from University of South Carolina. She is a resident of Canton.

Senior Care Options is a partnership between MassHealth and Medicare that provides an integrated and complete package of health care and social services for low-income seniors.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 towns in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The organization’s mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living.

The agency has 169 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Barbara Kosovske, M.Ed. as Program ManagerRead More