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“Buried in Treasures” Support Group in Brockton Begins February 4th

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and the Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force (GBAH) is offering a “Buried in Treasures” facilitated support group for individuals with hoarding issues.

For anyone struggling with clutter, compulsive acquiring, saving and hoarding, “Buried in Treasures” confidential support group begins Tuesday, February 4, 2020 and meets once a week for 15 weeks. 

“Buried in Treasures” is an educational, judgment-free, self-help group that meets from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at South Bay Community Services, 103 Commercial Street, Brockton. 

“Buried in Treasures” is available to people of all ages throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. All attendees will receive a complimentary workbook. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

For more information or to register for the Brockton support group, contact Terri Kourtz, OCES at (508) 584-1561 ext. 255 or Kelly Mules, at 508-580-4691 ext. 1812 for questions.  This program is free of charge.

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 “Buried in Treasures” session is facilitated South Bay Community Services in partnership with OCES, and sponsored by GBAH, Mass Housing and OCES. 

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. 

“Buried in Treasures” Support Group in Brockton Begins February 4thRead More

OCES Appoints New Community Programs Director

Brenda Carrens

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, has promoted Brenda Carrens to Community Programs Director.

In her new role at OCES, Carrens will report directly to Nicole Long, MSW, LICSW, Chief Executive Officer. She will oversee the Nutrition Program, the Volunteer Program, Healthy Living, and the Family Caregiver Support Program as well as the supervisors and managers of these programs. 

Carrens has been with OCES for 14 years and has worked with the Greater Plymouth County’s Retired Seniors Volunteer Program, Family Caregiver Support, Healthy Living, Volunteer, Money Management and Development Programs, most recently as the Volunteer Programs Manager. She has nine years of regulatory, financial and management experience previous to joining OCES.

Carrens holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Texas, El Paso. Additionally, she holds a Certificate in Aging from the Institute for Geriatric Social Work and a Certificate in Supervision and Leadership from the Center for Aging and Disability Education and Research, both from Boston University.

A lifelong volunteer, Carrens currently volunteers for Cancer Care “CABbies” (a 501(c)3 fundraising group to support cancer patients) and Meals on Wheels. She is a former volunteer Cub Scout leader, PTA board member, and Brewins Youth Hockey board member.

Carrens is a resident of Taunton.

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 Appoints New Community Programs DirectorRead More

Old Colony Elder Services recognizes 10 employees for years of service

Glenda DeVincentis, Lorry Wanat, CEO Nicole Long, Edna Gordon and Valerie Winters

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, recognized 10 employees for their years of service in a ceremony held at OCES’ Brockton office.

During their annual staff meeting, OCES held an “All Staff Recognition Presentation” in appreciation of their employees’ hard work and commitment. Nicole Long, CEO of OCES, thanked all staff and presented several staff with award certificates honoring their years of dedicated service. Staff recognized were: Valerie Winters, Frances Cruise, Miriam Monteiro, Guerdy Seddoh and Zachary Walton for 10 years of service; Juanita Timson-Brown for 15 years of service; Richard Alvarnaz, Edna Gordon for 20 years of service; and Glenda DeVincentis and Lorry Wanat for 30 years of service.

“It’s a great pleasure to recognize our staff members for their unwavering dedication to our organization and in serving the community at large for many years,” said Long. “We appreciate the efforts of all of our employees as their contributions and commitment to our mission help us serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers in 23 communities in Southeastern Massachusetts.”

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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Over $4K Raised for OCES’ Emergency Fund on #GivingTuesday. Fundraising campaign continues through Dec.

Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES), the non-profit agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, received $4,425 in donations to their Emergency Fund on #GivingTuesday, December 3rd.

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. In previous years, the 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.

“OCES’ Emergency Fund makes a critical difference in the lives of our consumers who are facing emergency situations,” said Nicole M. Long, CEO. “We truly appreciate all of the support we received on #GivingTuesday, as funds raised will enable us to assist those in critical need over the coming year.”

More individuals in need of assistance

Since the demand for assistance increases each year it is crucial for OCES to match or exceed last year’s #GivingTuesday donation total of $8,100.

“Each year, the number of individuals needing assistance grows and we need the help of the community to support our neighbors in need,” said Long. “Our giving campaign will continue throughout December. We encourage you to spread the word to family members, neighbors and friends about how they can support those in need in the community through our #GivingTuesday campaign.”

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. #GivingTuesday donations will be accepted through December 31, 2019.

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.

Over $4K Raised for OCES’ Emergency Fund on #GivingTuesday. Fundraising campaign continues through Dec.Read More

OCES Focuses on Emergency Fund on #GivingTuesday

Tuesday, December 3, 2019 is #GivingTuesday and Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) has joined the #GivingTuesday movement to raise money for their Emergency Fund.

OCES, the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, invites the community to join the #GivingTuesday movement and support their Emergency Fund program. The fund enables OCES to help individuals in Plymouth County who need support to remain living safe, independent and healthy 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. OCES’ Emergency Fund supports dozens of consumers throughout the year who are struggling with unforeseen emergency events by providing necessities such as heat in the winter, nutritious food and life-sustaining medications.

OCES’ goal is to raise $10,000 this year through #GivingTuesday, as the number of individuals needing assistance from their Emergency Fund increases each year.  

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. #GivingTuesday donations will be accepted through December 31, 2019.

To encourage others to join the #GivingTuesday movement and support OCES with a donation or by volunteering, share it on social media platforms using the hashtag #GivingTuesday and #OCESGIVESBACK.  

“All money raised during #GivingTuesday goes to OCES’ Emergency Fund, which makes a critical difference in the lives of our consumers who are facing emergency situations,” said Long. “By supporting OCES’ Emergency Fund, donors are ultimately giving back to their neighbors in the community.”

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.

OCES Focuses on Emergency Fund on #GivingTuesdayRead More

OCES Holds Special Donor Appreciation Event

Nicole Long, CEO

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) honored their generous lifelong donors at their first Donor Appreciation Event and Celebration held in October.

There were 64 donors, OCES board members and staff in attendance at Barrett’s Fireside Grille in Middleboro, MA to celebrate philanthropy and the longevity of OCES.

Diana DiGiorgi, Chief Operating Officer at OCES kicked off the event with a presentation about the organization’s 45-year history and past achievements. Nicole Long, OCES’ Chief Executive Officer, spoke about the vision for OCES and future goals. Nicole stated that the first task is to shift our perspective on what aging means. It isn’t about healthy “aging”. It’s about healthy LIVING.

Lifetime Donor Appreciation Awards 

OCES recognized The George Curtis Trust with the “Legacy Award” for their contributions of more than $360,000 in their lifetime giving to OCES. The Howard Home Fund was acknowledged with the “Steward Award” for their contributions of over $170,000 in their lifetime giving to OCES. A special individual “Steward Award” was presented to James Mileski of West Bridgewater for donating over $19,000 to OCES.  

“On behalf of OCES, we would like to thank our generous donors for their continued support over the past 45 years,” said Long. “We greatly appreciate all of our donors, as their assistance enables us to carry out our mission of supporting the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities through the provision of essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living.”

To learn more about ways to support OCES, visit www.ocesma.org/donations.

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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A Day of Caring – OCES Volunteers Team Up with United Way & American Red Cross to Help Local Residents

OCES employees participated in the United Way’s 98th Day of Caring.

Employees from Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, participated in the United Way’s 98thDay of Caring.

On September 12, 2019, 15 employees from OCES’ Brockton and Plymouth offices volunteered with United Way of Greater Plymouth County in partnership with American Red Cross of the Cape, Islands, and Southeast MA to educate residents about fire safety and install smoke detectors in the homes of more than 30 residents in the greater Brockton area. 

“OCES supports and encourages staff to give back and get involved by helping others. Our volunteer team was pleased to assist staff from the American Red Cross in supporting those in need in our community,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. 

To learn more about United Way of Greater Plymouth County, visit https://www.uwgpc.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. 

A Day of Caring – OCES Volunteers Team Up with United Way & American Red Cross to Help Local ResidentsRead More

OCES Announces Special Holiday Meals at Community Dining Sites in Brockton, Kingston & Wareham

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, will offer special holiday meals at several community dining sites in November.

OCES has planned delicious meals in celebration of Thanksgiving, which will be served at noon at the following community dining sites:

A “Thanksgiving Day Special” will be served at the Kingston Senior Center, 30 Evergreen Street, Kingston on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 The meal features roasted turkey breast with giblet gravy, savory stuffing, whipped potato, cranberry sauce, parslied buttered carrots, corn bread and apple pie (or diet cinnamon apple slices) for dessert.

A “Home Cooked Special” of homemade pot roast with gravy, mashed potatoes, zucchini and tomatoes, whole wheat dinner roll with butter, and chocolate eclairs (or diet sugar-free chocolate pudding) for dessert will be served on the following dates:

On Monday, November 25, 2019 at the Wareham Council on Aging (COA), 48 Marion Road, Wareham.

On Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at the Brockton COA, 10 Father Kenney Way, Brockton.

On Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at the Kingston Senior Center, 30 Evergreen Street, Kingston.

Reservations are required and may be made by calling each town’s COA directly.

Daily Meals at Community Dining Sites

OCES’ community dining sites provide hot, nutritious noontime meals Monday through Friday to adults age 60+ and individuals with disabilities under the age of 60. Meals are planned by a nutritionist and meet one-third of the Recommended Daily Allowance for major nutrients. The meals do not include high sodium foods and no salt is added. Low-fat milk is provided.

Community dining information is published in COA newsletters and on OCES’ website at http://www.ocesma.org/. A sample menu may be requested by calling OCES at (508) 584-1561.

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 Announces Special Holiday Meals at Community Dining Sites in Brockton, Kingston & WarehamRead More

Arnone School Group’s Summer Community Service Project Benefits OCES Meals on Wheels Program and Recipients

Students in the Summer Extended Day Program at Arnone School in Brockton recently raised an impressive $500 for Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES) Meals on Wheels Program, and also created handmade placemats and bags to be delivered to a number of Meals on Wheels recipients in Brockton.

As their summer community service project, approximately 400 students ranging from Kindergarten to 7th grade, in Arnone School’s program, decided that OCES’ Meals on Wheels Program and its recipients would benefit from their project.

The students held a “Penny War” fundraiser to raise money for the Meals on Wheel program. Three groups of students, K-Grade-1, Grade 2-3 and Grade 4-7, participated in the spare change fundraising competition. The groups competed to see which one could fill their jar with the most pennies.

The K-Grade 1 group was in the lead, and on the last day of their Penny Wars, the Grade 4-7 group brought in a ton of change and won. The money raised was donated to OCES in support of the Meals on Wheels program.

Additionally, the students crafted personal and colorful placemats and lunch bags which will be presented to OCES Meals on Wheels consumers in Brockton with their nutritious meal delivery.

“The students from Arnone School’s program did an amazing job with their community service project – raising a remarkable $500 for OCES’ Meals on Wheels program. It’s truly inspirational to see youth giving back to the community,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “The Meals on Wheels program is an essential program for many older adults who are homebound, unable to prepare meals, manage their grocery shopping or able to attend one of our community dining sites. We’d like to thank the students for their thoughtful efforts and generous donation to our Meals on Wheels program. They are really making a difference in our community.”

With the help of more than 760 volunteers, OCES, the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, delivers more than 1,600 meals each week to Meals on Wheels recipients in their service area.

To learn more about OCES’ Meals on Wheels program, visit www.ocesma.org/getting-started/nutrition/

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 26 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 offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

Arnone School Group’s Summer Community Service Project Benefits OCES Meals on Wheels Program and RecipientsRead More