Old Colony Elder Services

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

March Against Elder Abuse along Plymouth waterfront on June 20th

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, held “March Against Elder Abuse” events in Brockton and Plymouth.

June 15^th was 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 recognition of the day, more than 150 community supporters, including civic leaders and health workers, joined OCES and the Brockton Council on Aging (COA) and Plymouth Center for Active Living in March Against Elder Abuse events.

Brockton March

OCES, the Brockton COA and participants walked in the March Against Elder Abuse along Main Street on June 13, 2019. The March began at the Brockton COA and looped around the COA and back. This March was in honor of Pat Foley, a longtime employee of OCES, volunteer and advocate who passed away this past December. After the march, participants gathered at the Brockton COA for a luncheon. Guest speakers Teresa Kourtz, Director of Protective Services at OCES, and Janice Fitzgerald, Director of Brockton COA presented the “Pat Foley Advocacy Award” to Pat’s Foley’s family which was accepted by Bob Foley. Tobias T. Cowans, representing Brockton Mayor Bill Carpenter, gave the proclamation for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Sheriff McDonald spoke on behalf of the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department to bring attention to the local concerns regarding elder abuse and to express his gratitude to all who play a role in protecting our elders. Community activists Senator Michael Brady, Representative Gerry Cassidy, and Representative Michelle DuBois, who have supported efforts around this issue, were recognized.

Sponsors of the Brockton March included Baypointe, HarborOne, Harbor Health Elder Service Plan, Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, Plymouth County District Attorney, Westside Pizza and the Brockton Council on Aging.

Plymouth March

OCES, the Center for Active Living and participants walked in the March Against Elder Abuse along the Plymouth waterfront on June 20, 2019. Participants were transported to Pilgrim Memorial State Park to walk, then transported back to the Center for Active Living for a lunch and a special ceremony. Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz spoke at the ceremony about elder abuse. Community activists Plymouth Police Chief Michael Botieri and DA Timothy Cruz who have supported efforts around this issue were recognized.

Sponsors of the Plymouth March included Baypointe, HarborOne, Harbor Health Elder Service Plan, Friends of the Plymouth Council on Aging, A&A Metro Transportation, NaviCare, Bills Pizza, Gatra, Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, Plymouth County District Attorney and the Plymouth Center for Active Living.

“World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to increase awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults,” said Teresa Kourtz, Director of Protective Services at OCES. “Let’s all work together to make a difference.”

Recognizing Elder Abuse

The Executive Office of Elder Affairs received 34,216 reports state-wide in fiscal year 2018. Elder abuse includes financial exploitation, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse or neglect. Common risk factors 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 (1-800-922-2275), 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 need help or information, call OCES Protective Services at 508-584-1561. 

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 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.

More than 150 Marched Against Elder Abuse in Brockton & PlymouthRead More

More than 200 volunteers attended Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES) annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon and awards ceremony held at Indian Pond Country Club on May 15, 2019.

OCES, the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout a service area of 23 communities in Greater Plymouth County, honored their volunteers who generously donate their time to help others.

Nicole Long, Chief Executive Officer of OCES, welcomed guests. Brenda Carrens, OCES’ Community Programs Director and Avery Hines, OCES’ Volunteer Programs Manager presented awards to eight volunteers who performed over 500 service hours in one year. OCES is a National President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) Certifying Organization and was honored to present PVSA Gold Annual Awards for 2018 to Joseph Deitsch of Brockton; Paul Brogna and Pam Campbell Smith of Duxbury; Maria DeJesus, Veronica Files, Marilyn Knox, Patricia Naujunas and Pearle “Jo” O’Connell of Middleboro.

Additionally, four volunteers received the OCES “Making A Difference Every Day” award. Those receiving this special recognition for going above and beyond their call of service to make a difference in the lives of those in their communities: David Andrews of Brockton, a volunteer at the Brockton COA; Martha Joseph of Brockton, a Nutrition Program volunteer; Sandra Blanchette of Avon, a Money Management Program volunteer and Jonathan Plate of Plymouth, a Money Management Program volunteer.

“It is our pleasure to recognize and show our appreciation to all of our volunteers for their tireless dedication to helping others and making the world a better place,” said Carrens. “With the help of these generous volunteers, many OCES programs and Community Service Partner Programs are better able to assist those in need in our community. They are truly inspiring.”

OCES’ Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon was hosted by Indian Pond Country Club in Kingston and sponsored by MountainOne Bank.

Volunteering at OCES/RSVP

OCES serves 1,600 meals each weekday as part of its Meals on Wheels (MOW) Program with the help of over 400 nutrition program volunteers who perform many tasks. Over 60 Money Management Program (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. More than 200 RSVP volunteers help local agencies such as Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Plymouth and Brockton Public Schools Reading Program, Food Banks including South Shore Community Action Council, Veterans Services, and others provide services. Volunteers also serve on the OCES Board of Directors, and the MMP or the RSVP Community Advisory Council as well as many other important efforts.

To learn more about becoming a volunteer for OCES or RSVP programs, contact Courtney Krajeski at 508-584-1561 x355 or visit ocesma.org.

About PVSA

The President’s Volunteer Service Award is an initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and is administered by Points of Light. For more information visit presidentialserviceawards.gov.

About OCES

Celebrating their 45th anniversary, 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 Honors Volunteers at Award Ceremony and LuncheonRead More