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

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.

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. 

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Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Alisa DeLage as Chief Programs Officer

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.

Alisa DeLage, MSW, LCSW

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

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

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 15th 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/

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

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Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Hingham Resident as Chief Operating Officer

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, has promoted Anna M. Dee to Chief Operating Officer. She is a resident of Hingham, MA.

For two years prior to her promotion, Ms. Dee held the position of Business Improvement Director at OCES. In her new role as Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Dee will oversee the business operations of OCES, establishing goals and priorities for the agency. She will ensure adherence to policies set by the Board of Directors and report to the Chief Executive Officer Nicole Long. 

Ms. Dee’s previous experience includes 12 years at State Street Corporation, Boston, MA., where she held numerous positions – the most recent being three years as Assistant Vice President, Project Manager focusing on corporate initiatives.

Anna M. Dee
Anna M. Dee

Ms. Dee holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine.

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

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OCES Awarded 3 Year Grant to Support Older Adult Volunteers

Funding from AmeriCorps Seniors for RSVP of Plymouth County

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, recently announced that they received a three-year grant from AmeriCorps Seniors to support 300 RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) volunteers. The grant will expand OCES’ volunteer presence in Plymouth County, where OCES has been providing service opportunities for older adults as an RSVP project since April 1, 2015.

With this new funding, OCES will continue to leverage the skills and experiences of adults age 55 and older in Plymouth County to support their RSVP Service Partner programs and services which strengthen communities and the people that live in the communities. These AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers will address community needs through volunteer activities such as delivering Meals on Wheels, tutoring and reading to children, recording material for the blind, helping with financial literacy, transportation to medical appointments and other volunteer opportunities to address community identified needs.

“Volunteers are essential to our organization.  We embrace this exciting development and look forward to working with businesses and individuals throughout greater Plymouth County to expand opportunities and promote volunteerism,” stated Nicole Long, Chief Executive Officer of OCES.

Focused on Healthy Futures

Since 2015, the RSVP of Plymouth County has continued to support the AmeriCorps goal of supporting the most vulnerable populations. As the sponsor of the RSVP of Plymouth County, OCES pays particular attention to the focus areas identified by AmeriCorps and the areas in which OCES has the most impact on community needs. The primary focus area of this project is Healthy Futures, with the overall goals of increased socialization/quality of life, food security, financial literacy, student reading skills, transportation options, and volunteerism.

About AmeriCorps Seniors

Throughout the challenges of 2020 and 2021, AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers persisted, supporting communities as they respond and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Today, AmeriCorps Seniors engage approximately 195,000 older adults at 29,800 service locations across the United States and territories through its Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion, and RSVP programs. Established in 1971, RSVP involves Americans age 55 and older in needed services, responding to our nation’s most pressing challenges.

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

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OCES Assists at Vaccination Clinic for Residents at Wareham’s Redwood Park Housing

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the nonprofit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, was onsite to assist Wareham Housing Authority at their Redwood Park vaccination clinic held March 24, 2021.

Jillian Brown, OCES’ Supportive Housing Coordinator for Wareham’s Redwood Park processes the necessary forms during the recent COVID-19 vaccination clinic held onsite for residents.

The Wareham Housing Authority held a COVID-19 first dose vaccination clinic at Redwood Park Housing, 34 Church Avenue, to provide homebound and most vulnerable residents access to the vaccine. Wareham EMS administered the vaccine, assisted by 20 OCES volunteers and staff who processed consent forms and provided general support. A total of 50 residents were vaccinated that day.

According to residents Lucy (age 88), who received the vaccine alongside her husband Harold, “We’re just plain lucky! Harold will be celebrating his 90th birthday later this month and we’re overjoyed with the possibility of celebrating this milestone with our family now that we have received the vaccine.”

“Without having the vaccine brought to them, many residents would not have opted to receive the vaccine due to distance, transportation issues and difficulties navigating the website to register,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “OCES is working with local housing authorities, offering assistance onsite at vaccination clinics throughout our service area.”  

Supportive Housing in Wareham

OCES works with the Wareham Housing Authority to provide a supportive housing program at Redwood Park. Supportive Housing Programs are designed to create a community environment which allows residents to age in place, while also enriching the lives of those residents. To learn more about OCES’ housing programs, visit www.ocesma.org/getting-started/housing-options/

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

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How Family and Friends Can Support a Person with Hoarding Disorder – Virtual Workshop on March 23rd

The Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force (GBAH) in conjunction with Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) and MassHousing are  sponsoring a FREE virtual workshop entitled “How Family and Friends Can Support a Loved One with Hoarding Disorder” presented by Becca Belofsky, co-founder of Mutual Support Consulting LLC.

The workshop is specifically for family members and friends of loved ones with hoarding disorder and will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, 11 a.m. to 12:10 p.m.

What is Hoarding?

Hoarding is when individuals continue to accumulate items, such as clothing, newspapers and food, and then have persistent difficulty discarding possessions. Individuals with hoarding behaviors often face health issues related to falls, as well as run the risk of losing their homes.

“This virtual workshop demonstrates how family and friends can support a loved one struggling with compulsive acquiring, saving and hoarding,” explained Terri Kourtz, OCES’ Protective Services Director and president of GBAH. “Essentially, a hoarding disorder not only disrupts an individual’s daily life, it can significantly affect their relationships with loved ones. This workshop will help attendees to better understand and support the person they care about using practical skills and compassion.”

Register online by March 16th.  Simply click the event link on OCES’ home page – https://www.ocesma.org.

Or, register by calling Deana Andrade at OCES, 508-584-1561 ext. 232.

About Becca Belofsky, Presenter

Becca Belofsky is an international trainer, speaker, and relationship coach. She has a degree in psychology from Smith College and is a Certified Older Adult Peer Specialist. Her areas of expertise include hoarding disorder, identity, and social connectedness throughout the lifespan. Becca is an outspoken mental health advocate and is candid about her experiences with depression, suicidal ideation, OCD, compulsive shopping, and grief. She facilitates professional development trainings & peer support groups, and provides individual support for people with HD and their family members.  For more information about Ms. Belofsky, visit her website, http://www.mutual-support.com

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.

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With a growing number of individuals needing assistance, OCES appeals to the community to support their Emergency Fund on #GivingTuesday.

With continued uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s imperative that older adults and individuals with disabilities have a place to turn to when faced with an emergency circumstance that threatens their health and/or living situation.

Whether struggling with an empty oil tank, an emergency home repair, an inability to pay for necessary medication or other dire situation, 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 an Emergency Fund to help those most vulnerable in the community.

OCES’ Emergency Fund helps meet the needs of at-risk low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities who are in a crisis or emergency circumstance that threatens their health and/or living situation. All too frequently, these individuals encounter problems that can jeopardize their ability to maintain independence, dignity and well-being. 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 needs.

#GivingTuesday is December 1st

Last year, OCES received more than $8,200 in donations to their Emergency Fund on #GivingTuesday. The agency hopes to meet or exceed that amount this year. OCES’ theme for #GivingTuesday 2020 is #CommunityTogether. Please support OCES as we come together as one community to help keep our neighbors safe and independent during these challenging times #Communitytogether.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant increase in the number of older residents in the 23 communities we serve who need assistance with basic needs such as putting meals on their table or heating their home. Emergency Fund is what supports OCES in providing this assistance,” said Nicole M. Long, CEO. “This year has been incredibly challenging for so many in our community. If possible, on #GivingTuesday, please consider making a donation to OCES’ Emergency Fund to help support our neighbors in need.”

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.

For more information, call OCES 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 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.

With a growing number of individuals needing assistance, OCES appeals to the community to support their Emergency Fund on #GivingTuesday.Read More

OCES Announces Staff Promotions

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding towns, has announced two staff promotions at their Brockton, MA headquarters.

Samantha Sousa, a resident of Brockton, has been promoted from Home Care Supervisor to Home Care Program Assistant Manager at OCES. In her new role, Ms. Sousa assists in overseeing the daily operations and functionalities of the Home Care Program. This includes conducting routine bi-weekly supervision with Home Care Supervisors, monitoring program transfers, and developing care plan budgets and other reports to ensure compliance and quality within the department. Ms. Sousa began her career at OCES in 2013 as a Care Manager in the Home Care Department where she conducted home visits. She was promoted to Home Care Supervisor in 2015 where she supervised a Program Assistant and team of Case Managers. 

Ms. Sousa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Stonehill College in Easton, MA and has completed Boston University’s Center for Aging & Disability Education & Research (CADER) Behavioral Health in Aging program. For eight years previous to OCES, Ms. Sousa was employed at Old Colony YMCA’s Brockton and Quincy locations where she served as Youth Advocate, Program Caseworker and Education and Family Liaison for DCF involved youth.

Crystal Carvalho, LSW, a resident of Berkley, MA, has been promoted from Senior Care Options Program Supervisor to Senior Care Options & One Care Plan Program Assistant Manager. In her new role, Ms. Carvalho assists in ensuring coordination, quality, and consistency across Senior Care Options and One Care Plan programs. She is responsible for planning, organizing, managing, and evaluating program operations and staff along with ensuring program integrity and regulatory compliance. Ms. Carvalho joined OCES in 2013 as Care Manager in the Adult Family Care program, where among her responsibilities she conducted consumer assessments, trained caregivers and mentored other newly employed Care Managers. In 2018, she was promoted to Senior Care Options Program Supervisor where she trained and monitored the performance of a team of Geriatric Support Service Coordinators.

Ms. Carvalho is a Licensed Social Worker for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, with a minor in Psychology from Bridgewater State University. She has a Certificate in Supervision & Leadership from Boston University Center for Aging & Disability Education & Research (CADER). Previous to OCES, Ms. Carvalho was a Supervisor/Senior Job Coach at Lifeworks, Inc., Employment Services Program in Norwood, MA. 

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

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