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Old Colony Elder Services

Local Volunteers Awarded at Appreciation Luncheon

Left to right:  Rita Pope, Mary Beth Ryan from Plymouth Center for Active Living accepting the award on behalf of Edward Sore, Sandra Ivers, John Durnan, Mike Pauley, Donna Blaschke, John Melchin, and Lindsey Snyder from OCES’ Money Management Program accepting the awards on behalf of Ellen Jacobs and Ellen Lash.

BRIDGEWATER, BROCKTON, DUXBURY, EASTON, KINGSTON, MIDDLEBORO, PEMBROKE, PLYMOUTH, MA… 
 
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, honored volunteers at a special luncheon and awards ceremony held at Indian Pond Country Club in Kingston, MA.
 
A total of 130 attendees attended the appreciation luncheon.
 
“It is through the unwavering support of all of our volunteers that many OCES programs and Community Service Partner programs are better able to assist those in need,” said Armindo Rocha, OCES’ Volunteer Programs Manager. “We recognize and thank all of our generous volunteers for their tremendous dedication to helping others and our communities.”
 
Armindo Rocha and Cidalia America, OCES’ Volunteer Coordinator, hosted the appreciation luncheon and presented awards. 
 
OCES presented the Make a Difference Award to 12 outstanding volunteers in recognition of their dedication to helping others and making a meaningful impact in the community: 
 
Tom Adduci, Bridgewater Meals On Wheels (MOW) volunteer; Ellen Lash, Ellen Jacobs and John Durnan volunteers for OCES’ Money Management Program (MMP) in Brockton; Mike Pauley and Sandra Ivers, Brockton MOW volunteers; Beth Kelley and Bob Kelley, Duxbury MOW volunteers; Rita Pope, Easton MOW volunteer; Donna Blaschke, Middleboro MOW volunteer; John Melchin, Pembroke MOW volunteer; and Edward Sore, Plymouth MOW volunteer.
 
OCES had the pleasure of having Mark Grossman give a brief statement on behalf of Abbott Care, the premiere sponsor.
 
Volunteering for OCES
With the help of more than 550 Nutrition Program volunteers, OCES serves 2,600 meals every weekday as part of its MOW services. MMP volunteers, assist older adults and individuals with disabilities with bill paying, reconciling bank statements, balancing checkbooks, and in special cases negotiating debt with creditors. Volunteers also serve on the OCES Board of Directors, participate in the MMP Advisory Board, and contribute to many other important efforts. 
 
OCES’ is proud to have a Volunteer Center in Plymouth which serves as a central resource for volunteers and service partners offering volunteer opportunities in Plymouth County. Prospective volunteers can talk one-on-one with volunteer program staff who can assist them in their search for volunteering opportunities that fit their skills and interests. The Volunteer Center is equipped with computers for researching volunteer opportunities as well as brochures and other literature from organizations seeking volunteers.
 
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit https://ocesma.org/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities
 
About OCES
OCES is recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). For more than 50 years, OCES has been a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 
 
Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org

Local Volunteers Awarded at Appreciation LuncheonRead More

Raising awareness of elder abuse at “March Against Elder Abuse” event held in Brockton. Second March to be held in Plymouth on June 26. 

Left to Right: Teresa Kourtz, OCES Protective Services Director and AGE Secretary Robin Lipson

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… More than 150 participated in the March Against Elder Abuse on Thursday, June 12, 2025 that began at the Brockton Council on Aging (COA), 10 Father Kenney Way, proceeded down Main Street to OCES’ office, then returned to the COA.
  
The one-mile march was an effort to raise awareness about the devastating impacts of elder abuse and promote a safer, more supportive environment for older adults in the community. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) held the event in partnership with the Brockton COA, the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, and the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office.
 
“The March Against Elder Abuse, which is centered around World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, is an opportunity to increase awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults,” said Teresa Kourtz, LSW, MSG, OCES’ Protective Services Director. “Thank you to everyone who participated in our Brockton March and to those who have joined the movement to take the lead against elder abuse. We must continue to work together to raise awareness of this critical issue.” 
 
Robin Lipson, Secretary of Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging & Independence (AGE) offered opening remarks at the event. Jonathan Fielding, Regional Manager of AGE, Mayor Robert Sullivan, City of Brockton; Alfred DeGirolamo, Office of Senator Michael Brady; State Representative Rita Mendes, Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph McDonald, State Representative Michelle Dubois, Brockton Fire Chief Brian Nardelli, Alisa DeLage, OCES Chief Programs Officer, Anna Dee, OCES Chief Operating Officer, and Mark Grossman, AbbottCare Director of Marketing were also in attendance.
 
After the march, a luncheon was held which included special guest speakers Joseph McDonald, Plymouth County Sheriff; Robert Sullivan, Brockton Mayor; Janice Fitzgerald, Brockton COA Director; Robin Lipson, Secretary of AGE, Teresa Kourtz, OCES’ Protective Services Director and Kathy Kats, AbbottCare.
 
The “Pat Foley Advocacy Award” in memory of Pat Foley, a longtime OCES employee, volunteer and advocate, was presented to Firefighter Peter Reardon, of the Brockton Fire Department. 
                                                                              
Kourtz continued, “Elder abuse is known as a ‘silent problem’. It is estimated that only 1 in 14 cases are reported, which is why raising awareness of elder abuse, and its signs are so very important.”
 
Join the Movement
A second March Against Elder Abuse will be held in Plymouth on Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 11am to 2pm beginning at the Tavern on the Wharf, 6 Town Wharf, Plymouth. The one-mile march will be followed by a light lunch. Sign-in begins at 10:30 am. Anyone interested in participating in the March down Main Street (in downtown Plymouth) can register for free by visiting: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/brzkg8s?mode=preview&source_id=11acad85-5e3d-4587-a47b-48e8c4cd883d&source_type=em&c=
  
In addition to participating in March Against Elder Abuse events, you can get involved by sponsoring these initiatives, sharing educational materials within your networks to raise awareness, or making a donation to support OCES’ Protective Services Department in its efforts to advocate for and assist older adults.
 
This year’s March Against Elder Abuse events are proudly sponsored by AbbottCare, Inc.  For more information about the sponsor, please visit https://www.abbottcare.com/. Thank you to all our sponsors; Plymouth County District Attorney, Home Health Resources, Inc., Bluestone Bank, HarborOne Bank, Plymouth County Sheriff, Rotary Club of Brockton, and Almeida & Carlson Insurance. 
 
Recognizing Elder Abuse
According to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging and Independence, 43,617 elder abuse reports were received during Fiscal Year 2024.
 
Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; neglect; self-neglect; and financial exploitation. 
 
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 Older Adult resides in our service 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. To report elder abuse, contact the Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-922-2275.
 
To learn more about WEAAD, visit https://elderjustice.usc.edu/weaad-home/
 
About OCES
OCES is recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). For more than 50 years, OCES has been a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 
 
Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org.

Raising awareness of elder abuse at “March Against Elder Abuse” event held in Brockton. Second March to be held in Plymouth on June 26. Read More

Home Care Service Providers Concerned by Stalled FY25 Supplemental Funds

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, shares deep concern as critical funding for home care services remains stalled in the legislature awaiting final approval and passage. 

OCES is the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts.

First proposed by Governor Healey in a supplemental budget filed in early April, this $60 million allocation would alleviate the considerable fiscal challenges being confronted by ASAPs across the state due to substantial deficits in key home care accounts and ensure that the ASAPs are provided with the funding necessary to purchase home and community-based services, according to Mass Aging Access (formerly known as Mass Home Care).

As the ASAP network awaits further legislative action, a $60 million deficit for the final month of FY25 puts ongoing home care services at risk and creates severe cash flow issues going into FY26.

“We are grateful for the months of conversations with our partners in the Executive Office of Aging and Independence and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services that pushed this funding out of the Governor’s office,” said Betsey Crimmins, Executive Director of Mass Aging Access. “However, our network remains extremely concerned by the compounding challenges caused by the current budget deficit. Our member agencies must continue to provide the critical services individuals need each and every day, while also making payments to our home care agency partners who employ the direct care workers – but this is not sustainable without additional cash flow. We urge immediate passage of this funding to ensure that ASAPs can continue to provide services and pay their providers without interruption.”

“We are very concerned that home care services which include home delivered meals, personal care, homemaking and behavioral health programs may be jeopardized without additional funding,” said Nicole Long, CEO. “These are vital daily services that support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities in our communities.”

OCES joins with Mass Aging Access in the call for urgent passage of the $60 million in supplemental funding to the home care purchase of services line-item that would reduce unnecessary strain and challenges for essential home care providers across the state. These services are proven to be a fraction of the cost for nursing home stays that maintain the dignity, independence, and safety of Massachusetts’ older adults. This funding is key to the continued stability, consistency, and reliability of these key providers and services.

About OCES
OCES is recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). For more than 50 years, OCES has been a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 

Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org

Home Care Service Providers Concerned by Stalled FY25 Supplemental FundsRead More

“March Against Elder Abuse” events to be held in Plymouth and Brockton in June

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is June 15th and “March Against Elder Abuse” events will be held in Brockton and Plymouth, MA. 
 
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), in partnership with the Brockton Council on Aging, the Plymouth Center for Active Living, the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, and the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office will hold two FREE one-mile marches to raise awareness of elder abuse in June.
 
Brockton March Against Elder Abuse will be held Thursday, June 12, 2025 from 11am to 2pm beginning at the Brockton Council on Aging (COA), 10 Father Kenney Way, Brockton. Registration begins at 10:30 am. Join us for a March down Main Street with a brief stop at OCES and back to the COA for lunch. Registration is required. To register, call the COA at 508-580-7811 or visit https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/hwsyy7w?mode=preview&source_id=11acad85-5e3d-4587-a47b-48e8c4cd883d&source_type=em&c=
 
Plymouth March Against Elder Abuse will be held Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 11am to 2pm beginning at the Tavern on the Wharf, 6 Town Wharf, Plymouth. Registration begins at 10:30 am. Join us for a March down Main Street (in downtown Plymouth) followed by a light lunch. Registration is required. To register, visit https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/brzkg8s?mode=preview&source_id=11acad85-5e3d-4587-a47b-48e8c4cd883d&source_type=em&c=
 
March Against Elder Abuse events are part of OCES’ WEAAD campaign. These critical events aim to raise awareness about the devastating impacts of elder abuse and promote a safer, more supportive environment for older adults in our community. 
 
“One in 10 older adults aged 60+ have experienced some form of elder abuse according to the National Center on Elder Abuse,” said Teresa Kourtz, LSW, MSG, OCES’ Protective Services Director. “Elder abuse is known as a ‘silent problem’. It is estimated that only 1 in 14 cases are reported, which is why raising awareness of elder abuse and its signs are so important.”
 
March Against Elder Abuse events are sponsored by Abbott Home Health Care, Inc.  For more information about our sponsor, visit https://www.abbottcare.com/
 
Join the Movement
In addition to March Against Elder Abuse events, other ways to get involved include: sponsorship of these events; sharing educational materials with your networks to raise awareness; and by making a donation to support OCES’ Protective Service Department in advocating for and assisting older adults. 
 
Recognizing Elder Abuse
Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation. According to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging and Independence, 43,617 elder abuse reports were received during Fiscal Year 2024. 
 
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 service 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. To report elder abuse, contact the Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-922-2275.
 
To learn more about WEAAD, visit https://elderjustice.usc.edu/weaad-home/
 
About OCES
OCES is recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). For more than 50 years, OCES has been a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 
 
Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org

“March Against Elder Abuse” events to be held in Plymouth and Brockton in JuneRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Honors Employees with Milestone Awards

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, honored staff members with annual longevity milestone awards. A special luncheon was held at Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor, where thirty-three OCES staff members received awards.

The following staff were recognized for their years of dedicated service to OCES: 

Glenda DeVincentis of Taunton – 35 years; 

Richard Alvarnaz of Brockton – 25 years; and

Frances M. Cruise and Miriam J. Monteiro of Brockton; and Valerie A. Winters of Easton – 15 years. 

The following staff were recognized for 10 years of service: Vicky Beauregard of North Attleboro; Alisa Delage of Rumford, Rhode Island; Randolph M. Ellis, Michelle Fontes, Tremeda Martin, and Stefanie Touron of Brockton; Lora Goodman of East Bridgewater; Elizabeth Nolan of Hanson; Balbina Pereira of Dorchester; Diana Rodrigues and Samantha Sousa of Taunton; and Jillian Schrems of Norton.

The following staff were recognized for five years of service: Christina B Andrade, Sandra Gomes, Jennifer Munroe, and Renee Washington of Brockton; Lori Ann Drobel of Plymouth; Brandhi Gunderway of West Bridgewater; Vanessa Wade of Whitman; Eileen Perrone of Bourne; Tanja Upton of Taunton; and Shirley Valente of Brockton.

Front row, left to right: Glenda Decency, Diana Rodriguez, Michelle Fontes. Middle row, left to right: Lora Goodman, Jennifer Munroe, Sam Sousa, Elizabeth Nolan, Alisa DeLage, Tremeda Martin, Sandra Gomes, Stefanie Toulon. Back row, left to right: Eileen Perrone, Lori Drobel, Renee Washington, Miriam Monteiro, Shirley Valente, Vicky Beauregard, Jillian Schrems, Randolph M. Ellis, Daniel Polvere Jr., Eileen Murphy, Brandhi Gunderway, Richard Alvarnaz, Stephanie Depina, Balbina Pereira

“In appreciation of OCES employees’ dedication, it is our great pleasure to recognize staff for their unwavering commitment to our mission and their service to people in our communities,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES.

About OCES
OCES is recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). For more than 50 years, OCES has been a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 

Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org

Old Colony Elder Services Honors Employees with Milestone AwardsRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Launches Urgent Campaign for Essential Funding to Support Vital Programs

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a designated Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) and the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, has kicked off a campaign to raise awareness for essential funding needed to support vital programs including Home Care Services. 
 
According to a recent press release, Mass Aging Access (MAA), the advocacy organization representing the statewide ASAPs and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), calls for immediate funding to plug ongoing gaps in critical home care programs. OCES and other ASAPs urgently need supplemental funding for Fiscal Year 2025. MAA is informing state leaders of the significant budget shortfalls.
 
Meals, home health aide, personal care, homemaking and care management services are among the essential Home Care services provided to older adults that will be at risk without this supplemental funding. Home Care services are vital to enabling older adults to remain living independently in their homes and communities rather than in much more expensive nursing facilities. 
 
“OCES provides support to over 20,000 older adults in Southeastern Massachusetts,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “The number of older adults in need of home care services is growing rapidly and we need this funding to meet their current and future needs. Without sufficient funding, vital services will be at risk and access to the care that is needed will be limited. Services support not only those receiving care, but also caregivers who rely on this help for the ability to work and/or respite care. There is a critical need for home care services.”
 
With the precarious budget situation, we urge everyone to take action to support older adults and help ensure funding for the essential Home Care Program. Ask your legislators to ensure sufficient funding for the Home Care Program in FY25 by visiting the MAA’s website:
https://agingaccess.org/take-action/?snw=1&ref=15f2f833-91d2-4b01-8e98-0fc828f7571e#
 
Contribute to support OCES’ ability in providing care in the community and keeping people at home. To donate to OCES visit: https://ocesma.org/get-involved/donate
 
OCES is recognized as a tax-exempt charitable corporation under section 501c3 of the IRS tax code. Donations may also be made by check or money order and mailed to OCES, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301. 
 
For more information about MAA, formerly known as Mass Home Care, visit https://agingaccess.org
 
About OCES
OCES is recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). For more than 50 years, OCES has been a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as an Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 
 
Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Launches Urgent Campaign for Essential Funding to Support Vital ProgramsRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Names New Senior Care Options & One Care Plans Quality Manager

Crystal Carvalho
Crystal Carvalho

BROCKTON, PLYMOUTH AND BERKLEY, MA… Crystal Carvalho, LSW, a Berkley, MA resident, has been promoted to Senior Care Options & One Care Plan Quality Manager at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) in Brockton, MA.

In her new role, Ms. Carvalho manages and evaluates the Senior Care Options (SCO) & One Care Plans (OCP), to ensure the programs’ integrity and compliance while meeting contractual obligations. She works closely with OCES’ leadership and agency quality team in the development and implementation of quality improvement initiatives. Along with the SCO & OCP Program Manager, Ms. Carvalho oversees a team of 50 Geriatric Support Service Coordinators, OCP Advocates, supervisors and administrative staff. Ms. Carvalho reports to Samantha Sousa, MassHealth Programs Director at OCES.

Ms. Carvalho has been with OCES for more than a decade, starting as Care Manager in the Adult Family Care program. In 2018, she was promoted to SCO Program Supervisor and in 2020 to SCO & OCP Program Assistant Manager. 

Ms. Carvalho is a Licensed Social Worker for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, with a minor in Psychology from Bridgewater State University. She also holds a certificate in Supervision & Leadership from Boston University Center for Aging & Disability Education & Research (CADER). 

With offices in Brockton and Plymouth, OCES is the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, and has delivered high-quality services for 50 years.

About OCES
OCES was recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). OCES is a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 

Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Names New Senior Care Options & One Care Plans Quality ManagerRead More

OCES Employees Support Individuals and Families during Holiday Season with Donations to Father Bill’s and My Brother’s Keeper

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH… Staff at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) in Brockton and Plymouth are helping support those in need of assistance by providing gifts, grocery gift cards, and essential items during the holiday season.
 
In December, The OCES Cultural Competency Committee partnered with My Brother’s Keeper in Easton to help families in the community through their Adopt-a-Family program. OCES staff purchased presents, including games, toys, and clothes, for five local families. Staff also volunteered to wrap gifts for families onsite. In addition to presents, each family also received a $50 supermarket gift card to help provide a special holiday meal.   
 
To support individuals and families in need at Father Bill’s & MainSpring, OCES’ Protective Services team led an employee drive for donations of essential items such as personal care products, socks and more which were then delivered to Father Bill’s in Brockton.
 
OCES Team Outreach
With offices in Brockton and Plymouth, OCES is the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts.
 
OCES takes pride in giving back to the communities it serves, not only during the holiday season but throughout the year. OCES encourages employee outreach through volunteering, donating or community service.
 
For information about My Brother’s Keeper, visit www.mybrotherskeeper.org and for information about Father Bill’s, visit helpfbms.org
 
About OCES
OCES is recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). For more than 50 years, OCES a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 
 
Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org.

OCES Employees Support Individuals and Families during Holiday Season with Donations to Father Bill’s and My Brother’s KeeperRead More

Brockton Resident Honored with 2024 IMPACT Award

Rick Alvarnaz

BROCKTON, PLYMOUTH AND RAYNHAM, MA… Richard J. (Rick) Alvarnaz recently received the 2024 IMPACT Award. Previously from Raynham, and now a Brockton resident, Alvarnaz has been a staff member of Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) for 25 years.
 
The Old Colony Planning Council (OCPC) Area Agency on Aging presented the 2024 Dan Crane IMPACT Award to Rick Alvarnaz, OCES’ Community Transition Liaison, in a ceremony held on December 4, 2024. The award recognizes an individual who has had a positive impact on the lives of people in our communities.
 
In 1999, Alvarnaz joined OCES, the leading provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, as a Care Manager in the Home Care Department. He later became a program supervisor. Although Alvarnaz enjoyed being a part of program management, he realized that he wanted to serve consumers directly. In 2015, Alvarnaz began working in OCES’ Transitions Program where he had an opportunity to assist consumers in long-term care move back into the community. Alvarnaz accepted this challenging task with limited resources available to meet consumers’ significant needs.   
 
In 2023, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs extended the Transitions Program with a new state program called the Community Transition Liaison Program (CTLP), and Alvarnaz joined.
OCPC’s Ombudsman program collaborates regularly with Alvarnaz and CTLP, as they are on-site weekly serving residents in local nursing facilities. Alvarnaz’s dedication to the residents he serves is apparent when you see a resident’s excitement about returning to live in the community. Often, a resident’s return home is only possible because of Alvarnaz’s tireless efforts.
 
“Rick has made a huge positive impact on many lives during his 25 years of service at OCES,” said Nicole Long, CEO. “He is tremendously dedicated to helping residents and this award is well-deserved. Congratulations, Rick!”
 
CTLP supports individuals whose goal is to return to their home from a hospital or nursing facility. To learn more about CTLP, visit https://ocesma.org/programs-services/services-at-home.
 
For more information about Old Colony Planning Council Area Agency on Aging, visit https://oldcolonyplanning.org/aaa/
 
About OCES
OCES was recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). OCES is a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 
 
Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org.

Brockton Resident Honored with 2024 IMPACT AwardRead More