Old Colony Elder Services

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

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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OCES Holds Special Donor Appreciation EventRead More

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 98^thDay 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

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

Old Colony Elder Services, the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, recently received a generous donation to their Meals on Wheels program from St. Joseph Manor Health Care in Brockton.

St. Joseph Manor held a Summer Carnival, complete with carnival games, food and children’s activities such as Touch a Truck. Special guest Paws, the official mascot of the Pawtucket Red Sox, was also onsite. A total of $1,090 in proceeds from the Summer Carnival was donated to OCES’ Meals on Wheels program.

Meals on Wheels is part of OCES’ Nutrition Program. OCES delivers 1,600 nutritious meals a day to older adults and individuals with disabilities 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 either to individual homes or to Community Dining Sites, which provide older adults opportunities for social interaction.  

“We are grateful to St. Joseph Manor for their generous donation to our Meals on Wheels program, as it supports our ability to enhance the quality of life for thousands of older adults by providing nutritionally sound and satisfying meals,” said Nicole M. Long, CEO of OCES.

To learn more about St. Joseph Manor of Brockton, one of the highest rated senior care facilities in Greater Boston and 2019 Best of the Best winner, visit http://sjmbrockton.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 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.

St. Joseph Manor Summer Carnival Supports Old Colony Elder Services’ Meals on Wheels ProgramRead More

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, has appointed Kimberley Bales as Development Manager.

Ms. Bales has more than 15 years of experience in community development, fundraising and event management for nonprofit organizations. In her role at OCES, Ms. Bales is primarily responsible for the planning, development and implementation of fundraising, outreach and marketing strategies to promote OCES mission, program and services. She will also oversee donor development and retention and manage the Development Committee.

For six years previous to OCES, Ms. Bales was the Senior Community Director at March of Dimes corporate office in Westborough, MA. She was responsible for the management and oversight of revenue, fundraising events, personnel and volunteer development for Boston and Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod & the Islands territories.

Prior to that, Ms. Bales was the Senior Community Development Manager at American Cancer Society in Ventura, CA for 10 years, overseeing a team of Community Development Managers and Relay Staff Assistants for the implementation of Relay For Life events. She was also responsible for the Relay For Life Regional Team.

During her years with the American Cancer Society, Ms. Bales was recognized with several awards including the “Top 10 Nationwide County per Capita” for Ventura County in California for funds raised at American Cancer Society.  She led Region Relay two years to obtain “Top Data Capture” California Division Award, and she was awarded “Top New Event for 2006” that far exceeded revenue goal.

Ms. Bales holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University, Ames, IA. She serves on the Advisory Board of Neighborworks Housing Solutions and is a member of the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network. In her spare time, Ms. Bales also volunteers her time at her children’s school for various programs and activities. 

She is a resident of Easton, 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 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.

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints New Development ManagerRead More

Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES) Adult Family Care (AFC) Program has been awarded a three-year Accreditation status, the highest award available.

National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) awards the status of Accredited-3 years to organizations, such as OCES, that demonstrate strong performance of the functions outlined in the standards for Accreditation of Case Management for Long-Term Services and Supports (CM-LTSS). Earning NCQA’s Accreditation of CM-LTSS demonstrates that an organization is dedicated to coordinating the delivery of care in a person-centered and integrated manner to help individuals function optimally in their preferred setting.

OCES, the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, elected to work with the NCQA to obtain accreditation primarily because their CM-LTSS Accreditation Program closely aligns with the goals of AFC and the values of OCES.

In March of 2018, OCES began the process of seeking accreditation for its AFC Program. This process involved every member of the AFC team – including the Program Director, Care Managers, Registered Nurses, Supervisors, Program Assistant and Program Specialist – as well as many other OCES staff who provided their expertise.

The yearlong process encompassed rewriting policies; constructing worksheets that shape the monthly interactions with consumers; creating new workflows that enable the program to run more efficiently; and establishing new program goals which will help the AFC program serve more diverse populations and expand deeper into communities currently underserved. The process also included the creation of a gap analysis and timeline in order to meet the MassHealth Accreditation deadline of June 30^th, 2019. OCES submitted documentation that all standards were met; NCQA conducted off-site review as well as an onsite evaluation.  

“NCQA accreditation is highly esteemed and we are very proud that our Adult Family Care Program has received this award,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “I would like to recognize and thank our AFC team for their diligence in navigating this detailed and in-depth process over the past year. This significant accomplishment is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of the AFC team and our entire organization that came together to see this process to its successful completion.”

OCES’ AFC program serves 151 caregivers and consumers in 39 towns throughout Plymouth, Bristol and Norfolk counties, who have a variety of physical, mental and emotional health needs.

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. 

Old Colony Elder Services’ Adult Family Care Program Awarded 3-Year AccreditationRead More