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Old Colony Elder Services

Old Colony Elder Services Announces New Supportive Housing Liaison Program in Abington

OCES Supportive House Team (Left to Right):  Sydney Rimmer, Congregate Housing Coordinator; Melany Carvalho, Supportive Housing Specialist; Marylew Lis, Supportive Housing Specialist; Elizabeth Weiner, Housing Programs Manager; Jillian Brown, Congregate Housing Coordinator; and Jeffrey Olivier, Supportive Housing Specialist

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, has announced a new Supportive Housing Liaison Program in Abington, MA.

Elizabeth Weiner, Housing Programs Manager at OCES oversees this program along with all of OCES’ other supportive and congregate housing programs. 

“OCES works with the housing authority in Abington to support both the residents and housing management,” explained Weiner. “Supportive Housing Programs are designed to create a community environment which allows residents to age in place.”

The goal of supportive housing is to integrate community resources, information, and services for the individuals who reside at a particular local housing authority site, and essentially, to enrich the lives of those residents.

Through the Supportive Housing Liaison Program, a specialist from OCES’ housing team conducts an assessment to determine the specific needs of every resident residing within the Abington Housing Authority.  All residents at these sites are eligible for information and referral services, case management assistance, and access to social or educational programs. Depending on eligibility, many other services are available as well.

For more information about OCES’ Housing Programs, visit www.ocesma.org or call 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 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 Announces New Supportive Housing Liaison Program in AbingtonRead More

“Buried in Treasures” Support Groups Begin in February and March in Brockton and Carver

For anyone struggling with clutter, compulsive acquiring, saving and hoarding – a series of facilitated support groups will begin in February and March.

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

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.

“Buried in Treasures” confidential support groups are free of charge and meet once a week for 15 weeks at the following locations:

In Brockton at South Bay Community Services, 103 Commercial Street, beginning February 12, 2019, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For more information or to register for the Brockton support group, contact Kelly Mules at 508-580-4691 ext. 1812. This session is facilitated South Bay Community Services in partnership with OCES, and sponsored by GBAH, Mass Housing and OCES. 

In Carver at the Council on Aging, 48 Lakeview Street, South Carver, beginning March 5, 2019 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information or to register for the Carver support group, contact Deana Andrade at OCES, 508-584-1561 ext. 232. This session is sponsored by South Shore Community Partners in Prevention and OCES.

“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.

“Buried in Treasures is an educational, judgment-free, self-help group for people with hoarding issues,” explained Teresa Kourtz, OCES’ Protective Services Director. 

OCES was awarded two generous grants for the “Buried in Treasures” programs: The Mass Housing Lee A. Mannillo Grant for $4,000 and South Shore Community Partners in Prevention Mini Grant of $3,500.

“We’re delighted that the Lee A. Mannillo grant was renewed for the Buried in Treasures program. We’re also very pleased that in addition, OCES has received the South Shore Community Partners in Prevention grant, as it enabled us to expand the program,” noted Kourtz.

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. 

“Buried in Treasures” Support Groups Begin in February and March in Brockton and CarverRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Raises $8,000 for Emergency Fund

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), which proudly serves older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, thanks community members for their support during their #GivingTuesday campaign. The non-profit agency raised over $8,000 for their Emergency Fund program. 

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. Although the fund helps a significant number of people during the winter months, OCES strives to ensure that there are funds available for those in need, year-round.

The fundraising campaign for OCES’ Emergency Fund kicked off on #GivingTuesday, November 27, 2018, with the theme #ICareIShare and continued through the end of the year. 

“We are very grateful to all of the generous individuals, families and businesses who provide us with the means to help community members in great need,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “Donations to our Emergency Fund are used to help heat a home, purchase food or medicine, or provide emergency assistance when someone faces an unexpected challenge. Most of all, they help our consumers maintain their independence, dignity and well-being.”

The number of individuals needing assistance increases each year. OCES’ Emergency Funds supports dozens of consumers who are faced with unforeseen emergency events, answering urgent needs such as filling an empty fuel tank, repairing a broken furnace, or providing life-sustaining medications.

OCES’ began their #GivingTuesday campaign initiative in 2016 and since then, the organization has generated over $31,000 for the Emergency Fund.

Anyone who would like to make a donation in support of OCES’ Emergency Fund or other programs may do so any time of the year by visiting their donation page at http://www.ocesma.org.  Donations may also be made by check or money order and mailed to OCES, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.

Support OCES through AmazonSmile

OCES is a registered charitable organization at AmazonSmile. Consumers can support OCES anytime simply by shopping at smile.amazon.com and selecting “Old Colony Elder Services” after signing in. A portion of the purchase price (0.5 percent of eligible AmazonSmile purchases) is automatically donated to OCES. 

Consumers may shop AmazonSmile, which has the same products, prices and services as Amazon, knowing that a portion of their purchase will help support OCES, and that there is no additional cost to them or to OCES. For quick access to OCES’ AmazonSmile page, visit www.ocesma.org/donations and simply click on the AmazonSmile icon.

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 has 232 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org. 

Old Colony Elder Services Raises $8,000 for Emergency FundRead More

OCES Announces Special Holiday Meals at Several Community Dining Sites in December

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 December.

OCES has planned a delicious “Holiday Special” featuring roast pork with apple glaze, whipped sweet potato, green bean almandine, dinner roll and butter, along with pumpkin pie (or diet pumpkin pudding) for dessert. The Holiday Special will be offered at the following community dining sites:

On December 6, 2018 at two locations – the Halifax Council on Aging (COA) dining site at 506 Plymouth Street, Halifax, MA 02338 as well as at East Bridgewater COA dining site, 355 Plymouth Street, East Bridgewater, MA 02333.

On December 20, 2018 at Brockton COA dining site in the Mary Cruise Kennedy Senior Center, 10 Father Kenney Way, Brockton, MA 02301.

On December 27, 2018 at Stoughton COA dining site at 110 Rockland Street, Stoughton, MA 02072.

“Traveling Chef Carving of the Day”will be offered at Kingston COA dining site, 30 Evergreen St, Kingston, MA 02364 on December 18, 2018 and at Wareham COA dining site, 48 Marion Road, Wareham, MA 02571 on December 20, 2018. This special meal will feature roast beef with gravy, mashed potato (Kingston) au Gratin potatoes (Wareham), green bean almandine, dinner roll with butter, and a raspberry filled cookie (or diet cookie).

On December 20, 2018 at Easton COA dining site at Frothingham Hall Community Center, 15 Barrows Street, North Easton 02356, a “Home Cooked Special” will be offered featuring homemade pot roast with gravy, mashed potatoes with gravy, zucchini and tomatoes, whole wheat dinner roll and butter, along with chocolate eclairs for dessert (or diet chocolate pudding).

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 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.

 

OCES Announces Special Holiday Meals at Several Community Dining Sites in DecemberRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Focuses on Emergency Fund on #GivingTuesday

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, invites the community to join the #GivingTuesday movement and support the OCES Emergency Fund program. Coming just after Thanksgiving, in the same way that Black Friday and Cyber Monday kick off the holiday shopping season, #GivingTuesday kicks off the giving season.

Tuesday, November 27, 2018 is #GivingTuesday. 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. OCES has joined the #GivingTuesday movement to raise money for their Emergency Funds program. The OCES theme this year is #ICareIShare.

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

Last year, OCES raised $7,714 for their Emergency Fund. This year’s goal is to break the $10,000 mark.  With the number of individuals needing assistance increasing each year, OCES’ fundraising goal is to add to the Emergency Fund’s capacity so they can continue to make a critical difference in the lives of consumers served.  OCES’ Emergency Fund supports dozens of consumers throughout the year faced with unforeseen emergency events, answering urgent needs such as filling an empty fuel tank, repairing a broken furnace, or providing life-sustaining medications.

To make a donation to OCES’ Emergency Fund online, visit www.ocesma.org and click on #GivingTuesday. Donations may also be made by check or money order and mailed to OCES, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.

To encourage others to join the #GivingTuesday movement and support OCES, share it on social media platforms using the hashtag #GivingTuesday and #ICareIShare.

To learn more about #GivingTuesday, visit www.givingtuesday.org.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 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 has 232 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving 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 Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Belair Supportive Housing Program

L to R: Susan Willis, ASAP Programs Director, OCES; Liz Weiner, Housing Programs Manager, OCES; Melany Carvalho, Supportive Housing Specialist, OCES; Paulina Sliwinski Human Resources Manager, Geriatric Home Health Care; Ron Dimarzio, Residential Service Coordinator, Brockton Area Multi Service, Inc. (BAMSI)

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, celebrated the 10th anniversary of providing supportive services to the residents of Brockton Housing Authority’s Belair Towers complex.

“The partnership between Brockton Housing Authority and OCES is designed to create a community environment that allows residents to age in place,” explained Elizabeth Weiner, Housing Programs Manager at OCES. “The goal of Supportive Housing is to integrate community resources, information, and services for the individuals that reside at a particular local housing authority site, such as the Belair Towers complex.”

OCES has been successfully operating supportive housing programs such as the one that runs at Belair Towers, for over a decade. The agency works with housing entities throughout the greater Plymouth county area to support both residents and housing management.

How the Supportive Housing Program Works

OCES’ Supportive Housing Specialist conducts an assessment to determine the specific needs of every new resident at a supportive housing site. All residents at a supportive housing site are eligible for information and referral services, medication reminders, safety checks and social or educational programs. Depending on eligibility, many other services are available as well. OCES has a direct service worker onsite seven days a week, who is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., which ensures that residents have someone on hand to assist them.

OCES is always looking to incorporate new educational and recreational events onsite and encourages intergenerational ideas.

“We want to work with all housing entities throughout our area to support housing management and residents,” said Weiner. “Our focus is on enriching the lives of our supportive housing residents, and on making aging in place healthy, safe, and wonderful.”

For more information about OCES’ Supportive Housing Program, visit  www.ocesma.org or call 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 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.

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Old Colony Elder Services is Growing. Agency Seeks Nurses to Meet Demand

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, has experienced significant growth and is hiring RNs for their nursing team.

The agency, which has offices in Brockton and Plymouth, employs more than 240 and recently celebrated their 44th anniversary.  Currently, OCES has a team of 20 nurses on staff who work diligently every day to help older adults age in place in a supported way, through comprehensive programs such as nutrition, personal care and money management. The agency is in need of additional nurses to meet increased demand for services from a fast-growing aging population.

For the OCES nurse, the process of helping a client starts with a referral and assessment. Once the level of care needed is determined, the nurse works with an OCES Care Manager and a plan is put into place. Arrangements can then be made for a variety of services, such as a home health aide. OCES works with agencies that provide these services, and also monitors the delivery of those services to ensure quality control.

“What is wonderful about my work is that I can take a holistic approach; a teaching approach, and be a strong advocate for my patients,” says Brenda Bernard, nurse and Home Care Services Manager at OCES. “I have the ability to spend more time with them than I might be able to do in a hospital setting. I get to know my patients and tell their compelling story through my reports. In this way, others will know my patients as well and help me to create a better, more comfortable, and healthier environment for them.”

OCES offers their staff opportunities for development and advancement, and places an emphasis on work/life balance. They also offer a generous benefits package which includes medical, dental, life and disability insurances, a 401(k) plan, and an innovative Employee Wellness Program, which encourages and supports employees in healthy lifestyle choices.

According to Nicole Long, CEO of OCES, “An OCES nurse makes the difference in the lives of older adults and individuals with disabilities every day. OCES is continuously looking for talented individuals who support our core values to join our nursing team.”

For more information on becoming part of the OCES team and making a difference in the lives of older adults and people with disabilities, contact OCES’ Human Resources department at 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org.  Job opportunities are also posted on Indeed.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.

Old Colony Elder Services is Growing. Agency Seeks Nurses to Meet DemandRead More

OCES is recruiting volunteers

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, is currently recruiting volunteers at their Plymouth Volunteer Center.

Employees of local businesses seeking outreach opportunities, retirees, students and others are encouraged to consider volunteering at OCES.

OCES offers a variety of volunteer opportunities to match volunteer interests, from supporting the Nutrition Program by delivering Meals on Wheels, and supporting the Money Management Program by helping someone balance their budget and pay their bills on time, to supporting the Music & Memory program by cataloguing and downloading songs to iPods for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

The OCES Volunteer Center is located at 204 South Meadow Road in Plymouth. The Center is a designated space for volunteers to work together on specific projects, such as Letter Writing to Troops for National Days of Service and Remembrance. It is also a place for prospective volunteers to talk one-on-one with Volunteer Program staff who can assist them in their search for volunteering opportunities that fit their skills and interests.

For anyone who is 55 and older, OCES can provide information on the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Plymouth County, which is part of the Senior Corps network under the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency for volunteering, service and civic engagement.

OCES recruits people of all ages to volunteer for programs at OCES as well as for other nonprofits, schools and organizations throughout Plymouth County.

For an overview about volunteering at OCES, watch the recent Brockton Community Access Television – Living Out Loud segment on Vimeo at https://vimeo.com/273312031

OCES’ Volunteer Center is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and by appointment only on Wednesday and Thursday. For more information about volunteering at OCES, visit https://www.ocesma.org/volunteer/ or contact OCES’ Volunteer Coordinator 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 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.

OCES is recruiting volunteersRead More

ADA Anniversary is July 26th – OCES Recommits Focus and Encourages Community to Pledge Support of Americans with Disabilities Act

During the month of July, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) celebrates the 28th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) signed into law on July 26, 1990 by then President George H.W. Bush.

OCES, the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, is recommitting their focus on the principles of equality and inclusion that the ADA represents.

The ADA is a civil rights law that protects people from discrimination due to disability. The law has five major sections, or titles, focusing on employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. The ADA also protects individuals from discrimination based on a “perceived” disability, and its protection also extends to any individual who is discriminated against because of their association with an individual who is disabled. The ADA has reduced barriers and changed perceptions, but the work is continuous.

OCES encourages the public to visit the ADA’s Anniversary website at www.adaanniversary.org for more information, and to join other residents of Massachusetts who have signed the pledge to support the ADA.

The New England ADA Center

The New England ADA Center is one of 10 regional ADA Centers comprising the ADA National Network. Learn more about how they are celebrating the 28thanniversary of the ADA by visiting www.newenglandada.org/join-us-celebrating-28th-anniversary-ada

No Wrong Door

OCES is a member of the Aging and Disability Resource Consortium of Southeastern and Southern Massachusetts (ADRC SE SM). Member organizations, including OCES, Independence Associates, Bristol Elder Services, Coastline Elder Services, SCIL (Southeast Center for Independent Living) and South Shore Elder Services, work together to connect consumers with services and support to help individuals live independently in the community.

“The Aging and Disability Resource Consortium of Southeastern and Southern Massachusetts demonstrates the power of the ‘No Wrong Door’ system and supports the spirit of the ADA,” said Susan Willis, Aging Services Access Point Program Director at OCES. “This collaboration between Aging Services Access Points and Independent Living Centers provides a vast regional support network to consumers and caregivers, empowering them with individualized information, resources and supports to access what they need regardless of their age or disability.”

Support may include assistance with transitioning from a hospital or skilled nursing facility, housing assistance, benefits advocacy or referrals to other programs such as Options Counseling, Personal Care Management (PCM) or the Adult Family Care (AFC) Programs.

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 has 232 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

ADA Anniversary is July 26th – OCES Recommits Focus and Encourages Community to Pledge Support of Americans with Disabilities ActRead More