OCES

Old Colony Elder Services launches Campaign for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

April 27, 2022 // by admin

Organizations and public encouraged to participate in Brockton & Plymouth Marches and to display Lawn Signs.

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is June 15th. To raise awareness to STOP elder abuse, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) in partnership with Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz, Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, the Brockton Council on Aging (COA) and Plymouth Center for Active Living (CAL), has launched a “March Against Elder Abuse” campaign that entails community marches in Brockton and Plymouth along with lawn sign displays during the month of June.

Everyone is welcome to participate! The public, civic leaders, health workers, and community supporters are invited to events in Brockton and Plymouth.

On Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at 10:00 am, the OCES WEAAD planning committee will hold a banner-raising ceremony in front of OCES’ offices at 144 Main Street in Brockton to kick off the month-long awareness campaign. The banners will be displayed along a section of Main Street throughout the month of June. Brockton City Hall will also be lit up in purple on June 15th.

On Wednesday, June 15, 2022 OCES, the Brockton COA, and participants will March Against Elder Abuse in Brockton. The March starts at 11:00 am at the Brockton COA, 10 Father Kenney Way, continues along Main Street to OCES’ office then back to the COA for a special Grab & Go lunch with guest speakers. Limited parking is available.

RSVP for the Brockton March and lunch by June 6th: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ej4gwdo674b406fe&oseq=&c=&ch=

On Thursday, June 16, 2022 OCES, the Plymouth CAL and participants will March Against Elder Abuse in Plymouth. The March will begin at 10:30 am outside Tavern on the Wharf, 6 Town Wharf, and proceed down Water Street then back to Tavern on the Wharf for a light lunch and speaking presentation. Metered parking is available off street.

RSVP for the Plymouth March by June 6th: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ej4gqe0e4a3609c0&oseq=&c=&

All events are free and open to the general public. All events will be held rain or shine.

Lawn Sign Displays
In addition to the two Marches, take part in the Lawn Sign Displays! OCES encourages the community to make a difference and display a lawn sign for the month of June, to educate others about who to call to report elder abuse. OCES has created lawn signs with various sayings to raise awareness of elder abuse such as “You Can Make a Difference” and “See Something Say Something – Report Elder Abuse”.

To obtain a complimentary lawn sign, community members can register at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ej4l2u2d1a2c61d1&oseq=&c=&ch= . Those who are picking up a sign will be provided with a designated pick-up time. Deadline to claim a lawn sign is May 2, 2022.

Many Sponsorship Opportunities are available to support the “March Against Elder Abuse Campaign” – visit ocesma.org

“We must work together as a community to build awareness of this important issue,” said Teresa Kourtz, LSW, MSG, OCES’ Protective Services Director. “OCES encourages anyone witnessing elder abuse to report it. Be proactive and be a part of the solution to help end elder abuse.”

Recognizing Elder Abuse
Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, neglect, self-neglect, financial exploitation and sexual abuse. During 2021 in Massachusetts, 35,202 reports of elder abuse were made. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living, an estimated five million older adults are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation every year. One in 10 Americans age 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse. Common risk factors for elder abuse are social isolation, poor physical health and dementia. Nationally, at least $36.5 billion annually is lost by victims of financial abuse according to the National Council on Aging.

OCES Protective Services Program staff works with older adults or their designees to prevent, eliminate or remedy situations involving elder abuse. When a report is made to the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline) and the elder resides in our catchment area, OCES will receive the report and determine if further investigation by a Protective Services Worker is necessary.

If you have concerns please contact your local Protective Services Agency. If you want to file a report on elder abuse, please contact the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline) at 1-800-922-2275.

About WEAAD
WEAAD was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations in 2006. To learn more about WEAAD, visit https://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/weaad-home/

About OCES
Founded in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is a non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout 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 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve 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 launches Campaign for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.Read More

Older Americans Act Nutrition Program 50th Anniversary. OCES Celebrates with Special “March for Meals” Event in Easton

April 14, 2022 // by admin

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

Honoring 50 Years
Meals on Wheels America and local programs such as OCES’ Nutrition Program, and others across the country, celebrated a very special March for Meals honoring the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program, the federal legislation that provides funding for nutrition services for seniors and helps support programs like Meals on Wheels.

OCES’ March for Meals campaign included a Community Champions component which is when local elected officials and Council on Aging (COA) Directors participate along with OCES to deliver meals, speak out for seniors and raise awareness for the power of their work. This special March for Meals lunch (grab & go style) was held on March 24th.

Shown: Brenda Carrens, Alfred DeGirolamo, Anne Daley, Shikha Datta, Kristin Kennedy and Timothy J Vamosi Easton EMS/MIH/Public Health Officer

Senator Michael Brady’s assistant, Alfred DeGirolamo, along with Easton Council on Aging Director Kristin Kennedy; Program Director Anne Daley; Easton Public Health Officer Timothy J Vamosi; OCES Supportive Housing Specialist Shikha Datta; OCES Community Programs Director Brenda Carrens; and OCES Nutrition Supervisor Jean-Marie Finn provided nutritious “Grab and Go” meals to residents at the Easton Housing Authority on Parker Terrace.

According to Nicole M. Long, OCES CEO, “The Nutrition Program is critical to many homebound older adults who are unable to prepare meals or manage grocery shopping. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program, our March for Meals events gave older adults opportunities to meet the dedicated individuals serving our communities and supporting the vital Meals on Wheels programs.”

Over the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic brought about many new challenges, but OCES continues to adapt and safely serve the needs of their consumers and communities. According to Meals on Wheels America, eight out of ten local Meals on Wheels programs are still serving more home-delivered meals than they were prior to the pandemic.

All of OCES’ nutrition meals are planned by a Registered Dietitian. OCES has hundreds of volunteers in their Nutrition Program delivering over 1,900 nutritious meals each weekday to homebound recipients living in greater Plymouth County.

For more information about OCES’ Nutrition and Meals on Wheels program, contact Brenda Carrens OCES’ Community Programs Director at 508-582-1561 ext. 252.

To learn more about Meals on Wheels America, visit https://www.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 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

Older Americans Act Nutrition Program 50th Anniversary. OCES Celebrates with Special “March for Meals” Event in EastonRead More

OCES offers Home Delivered Meals to Adults with Disabilities in the City of Brockton

March 15, 2022 // by admin

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding towns, is providing home delivered meals to individuals with disabilities between the ages of 18 to 59 living in Brockton, MA.

OCES’ Home Delivered Meals program is currently accepting new referrals in the City of Brockton. Eligible individuals simply call OCES’ Information & Referral Department at 508-584-1561 to enroll in the Home Delivered Meals program.

Home Delivered Meals, or “Meals on Wheels”, are planned by a Registered Dietitian, and with the help of hundreds of volunteers, are delivered to individual homes. Therapeutic meals are also available including chopped, ground, pureed, renal, low lactose and cardiac types for individuals requiring special diets.

Menu information is published on OCES’ website at https://www.ocesma.org/nutrition-menu/.

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 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of 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 offers Home Delivered Meals to Adults with Disabilities in the City of BrocktonRead More

OCES Recognizes AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteers during AmeriCorps Week, March 13-19

March 7, 2022 // by admin

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the nonprofit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, thanks AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteers for their dedicated service during AmeriCorps Week, March 13-19, 2022.

Last year, OCES received an RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) three-year grant from the AmeriCorps federal agency to support 300 RSVP volunteers serving throughout Plymouth County.

The grant enabled OCES to continue the RSVP of Plymouth County where they have been providing service opportunities, including virtual volunteering opportunities, for older Americans (age 55+) as an RSVP project since 2015. Some AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers deliver Meals on Wheels for OCES and others work with OCES’ service partners, food banks, veterans’ services and others, to meet the needs of the community as provided by the service partners.

“In celebration of AmeriCorps Week, March 13-19, OCES again thanks AmeriCorps for their generous RSVP grant. OCES also recognizes and thanks our AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteers for their dedicated service which helps so many individuals and organizations within our community,” said Nicole Long, Chief Executive Officer of OCES.

Older adults interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact OCES’ Volunteer Program Manager Armindo Rocha at (508) 584-1561 or email arocha@ocesma.org for more details.

About AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps, a federal agency, brings people together to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to improving communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

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 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of 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 Recognizes AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteers during AmeriCorps Week, March 13-19Read More

OCES Receives $16K Donation from Meals on Wheels America

November 30, 2021 // by admin

Thanks to a generous $16,000 donation from Meals on Wheels America, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, was able to provide 2,000 meals to recipients.

Meals on Wheels America, the leadership organization supporting more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger, provided critical funding for OCES’ Grab & Go meals that were distributed to older adults and individuals with disabilities during June, July and August.

OCES strives to address food insecurity for older adults in greater Plymouth County. A component of OCES’ Nutrition Department is their Community Dining program which offers meals at various sites within the communities the agency serves. During the COVID-19 pandemic, OCES Community Dining sites offered Grab & Go meals that provided healthy and delicious nutrition, along with the opportunity to check-in.

“We are thankful to Meals on Wheels of America for the funding to offer ‘Grab & Go’ meals as an alternative option for individuals like Margaret,” stated Brenda Carrens, OCES’ Community Programs Director.

OCES Nutrition Department
OCES’ Nutrition Department provides vital food services including more than 500,000 meals each year to consumers living in greater Plymouth County. Many older adults benefit from “Meals on Wheels” which provides a daily meal delivered to their homes. For many of OCES’ most vulnerable older adults and individuals with disabilities, the delivery is not only a delicious meal, it is often the only social contact of the day. A connection to the community through Meals on Wheels is also a safety check to make sure these individuals are okay. Several of OCES’ Meals on Wheels drivers have been cited by local officials for actions that have helped a consumer who has been found in a dire situation.

OCES’ Nutrition Program, which consists of Meals on Wheels, Community Dining, and Grab & Go meals, is critical to many older adults. The Program is made possible through generous funding from The Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Executive Office of Elder Affairs, organizations such as Meals on Wheels America, as well as other organizations and individuals in the community. For more information, contact Brenda Carrens, Community Programs Director at bcarrens@ocesma.org or call 508-584-1561 ext. 252.

To learn more about Meals on Wheels America, visit their website: https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.

OCES Receives $16K Donation from Meals on Wheels AmericaRead More

OCES Announces Special Holiday Menus for Meals on Wheels Recipients

November 18, 2021 // by admin

Thanksgiving Meal
In celebration of Thanksgiving, a special Roast Turkey dinner will be home delivered to recipients on *Friday, November 19, 2021. The meal features roast turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing garnish, green beans, snowflake roll, cranberry sauce, and apple pie for dessert. Thanks to a generous donation from Trustees of Pilgrim Foundation for contribution towards the Thanksgiving meal.

Holiday Meal
On Thursday, December 23, 2021, OCES has planned a delicious Holiday Meal featuring roast turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, snowflake roll, cranberry sauce, lemon pudding and slice of cheesecake for dessert.

OCES delivers hundreds of nutritious meals each day to adults age 60+ 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 to individual homes. There are also medically-tailored meals available including chopped, ground, pureed, renal, low lactose and cardiac for recipients requiring special diets.

A Grab & Go meal option is available at designated meal sites by signing up in advance with the local Council on Aging.

The Community Dining and Meals on Wheels menu is published in COA newsletters and on OCES’ website at https://www.ocesma.org/nutrition-menu/. If you are interested in receiving Meals on Wheels or a sample menu, call OCES at (508) 584-1561.

*Please note menus are subject to change.

OCES Announces Special Holiday Menus for Meals on Wheels RecipientsRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Kicks Off Giving Tuesday to Raise Emergency Funds

November 15, 2021 // by admin

With a growing number of individuals needing emergency assistance, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, has kicked off a #GivingTuesday fundraising campaign to support those most vulnerable in the community.

“It is imperative that older adults and individuals with disabilities have a place to turn when faced with an emergency that threatens their health and/or living situation,” said Nicole M. Long, CEO.

Throughout OCES’ service area there are many older adults and individuals with disabilities who are struggling to meet basic needs such as putting meals on their table, paying for much-needed medication or heating their home.

Whether it’s an empty oil tank, emergency home repair, inability to pay for necessary medication or another dire situation, 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 situation. All too frequently, these individuals encounter problems that can jeopardize their independence, dignity and well-being.

OCES’ Emergency Fund has been used to assist with fuel, utilities, short-term emergency shelter, medical transport, life-sustaining medications, hot water heaters and other critical needs.

#GivingTuesday is November 30th
All donations made prior to November 30th will be matched by the Law Office of Paula M. P. Schlosser, up to $1,000. With the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors contributing to the significant number of individuals in need, OCES’ goal is to raise $8,000 for the campaign.

“OCES thanks The Law Office of Paula M. P. Schlosser for their generous matching donation,” said Long. The Law Offices of Paula M.P. Schlosser offers residents of Southeastern Massachusetts and its surrounding region quality legal advice and services that will allow them to focus on living their lives to the fullest.

OCES is recognized as a tax exempt charitable corporation under section 501c3 of the IRS tax code. To make a donation to OCES’ Emergency Fund online, visit www.ocesma.org/donations/
Donations may also be made by check or money order and mailed to OCES, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.

Since its founding in 2012, #GivingTuesday has inspired giving around the world, resulting in greater donations, volunteer hours, and activities that bring about real change in communities.
To learn more about #GivingTuesday, visit www.givingtuesday.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Kicks Off Giving Tuesday to Raise Emergency FundsRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Alisa DeLage as Chief Programs Officer

June 15, 2021 // by admin

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, has appointed Alisa DeLage, MSW, LCSW as Chief Programs Officer. She is a resident of Berkley, MA.

Ms. DeLage is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been with OCES for six years. In her new role as Chief Programs Officer, Ms. DeLage oversees all consumer-facing programs and staff.

Previous to her promotion, Ms. DeLage was the Home Care Program Manager overseeing that program’s supervisors, care managers and operations.

Ms. DeLage holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bridgewater State University, as well as a Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development.

She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). In addition, Ms. DeLage is on the Brockton Visiting Nurse Association’s Board of Directors and the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth’s Community Benefits Advisory Committee.

Ms. DeLage is passionate about supporting older adults as they age in place, and assisting older adults and individuals with disabilities transitioning from a hospital, rehab, or nursing home back to a community setting. Prior to her work with OCES, Ms. DeLage’s primary roles were with children and families as they navigated the foster care and adoption systems in Massachusetts. She is now an adoptive parent as well.

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 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve 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 Appoints Alisa DeLage as Chief Programs OfficerRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Launches Lawn Sign Campaign for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – June 15th

June 2, 2021 // by admin

In an effort to raise awareness of elder abuse, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, is holding a special lawn sign campaign in June.

June 15^th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations.

In Massachusetts, 34,812 reports of elder abuse were made in the year 2020. Nationally, up to five million older adults are abused every year, and the annual loss by victims of financial abuse is estimated to be at least $36.5 billion according to the National Council on Aging. Seventy nine percent of the five million cases, go unreported. OCES’ call-to-action is for the community and organizations to lift up their voices – and those of older adults – and raise awareness about elder abuse. OCES encourages the community to make a difference and display a lawn sign for the month of June, 2021 to educate others about who to call to report elder abuse.

OCES is creating a number of lawn signs with various sayings to raise awareness, such as “You can make a difference” and “See Something Say Something – Report Elder Abuse 1-800-922-2275”.

To obtain a lawn sign, community members can contact the Brockton Council on Aging (508) 580-7811, Plymouth Center for Active Living (508) 830-4230 or OCES (508) 584-1561. Those who are picking up a sign will be provided with a designated pick-up time.

Special Banner Raising in Brockton

Join OCES and Mayor Sullivan on June 15th at noon at 144 Main Street in Brockton, MA as he raises the awareness banner in honor of older adults for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Community members can bring awareness to the campaign by displaying a lawn sign at a local business establishment or personal residence.

Sharing on Social Media

Anyone displaying a sign is encouraged to photograph themselves near the sign, or simply take a photo of the sign alone, and share it on OCES’ Facebook page @OCESMA. This further helps to raise awareness of this important issue of elder abuse. Use the hashtags #ElderAbuseAwareness #LiftingUpVoices #WEAAD when posting the pictures. Follow OCES on Facebook at @OCESMA for more information.

“Even in these challenging times, with social distancing, we can still work together to collaborate as a community and build awareness for this important issue,” said Teresa Kourtz, LSW, MSG, Protective Services Director at OCES.

For questions, email the OCES team at lmullin@ocesma.org or tkourtz@ocesma.org

Recognizing Elder Abuse

Elder abuse includes financial exploitation, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse or neglect. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living, an estimated five million older adults are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation every year. One in 10 Americans age 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse. Common risk factors for elder abuse are social isolation, poor physical health and dementia.

OCES Protective Services Program staff works with older adults or their designees to prevent, eliminate or remedy situations involving emotional, physical or sexual abuse, neglect by a caregiver, financial exploitation and/or self–neglect. When there is a report made to the Elder Abuse Hotline, and the elder resides in our catchment area, OCES will receive the report and determine if further investigation is necessary by a Protective Services Worker.

If you have concerns, please contact your local Protective Services Agency. If you are looking to file a report on elder abuse, please contact the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline) at 1-800-922-2275.

To learn more about WEAAD, visit https://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/weaad-home/