Old Colony Elder Services

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 28, 2017 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 #SafeAndWarm.

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 $9,311 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.

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.

Keeping Seniors #SafeAndWarm. OCES Focuses on Emergency Fund on #GivingTuesdayRead More

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 Thanksgiving meals at several community dining sites in November.

OCES has planned a delicious Thanksgiving menu featuring roast turkey breast with giblet gravy, whipped potatoes, savory stuffing, cranberry sauce, seasoned peas, carrots and corn medley, with corn bread on the side, and apple pie for dessert.

On Thursday, November 2, 2017 at noon, the Halifax Council on Aging (COA) will offer the Thanksgiving Day Special at the senior center’s community dining site at 506 Plymouth Street, Halifax, MA 02338.

On Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at noon, the Kingston COA will offer the Thanksgiving Day Special at the senior center, 30 Evergreen Street, Kingston, MA 02364.

On Tuesday, November 21, 2016 at noon, the Brockton COA will offer the Thanksgiving Day Special at the community dining site in the Mary Cruise Kennedy Senior Center, 10 Father Kenney Way, Brockton, MA 02301.

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.

“Our community dining sites provide healthy, nutritious and delicious meals to older adults on a daily basis, while also giving them a chance to socialize and enjoy fun activities,” said Nicole Long, CEO. “We invite seniors to gather together and enjoy a special Thanksgiving feast.”

Community dining information is published in COA newsletters and on OCES’ new 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 has 235 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.

OCES Announces Special Thanksgiving Meals at Community Dining Sites in Brockton, Halifax and KingstonRead More

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 recently announced the grand opening of their new “OCES Volunteer Center” on Wednesday, November 8, 2017. A celebration will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 pm and the public is invited to attend.

Serving as a central resource for volunteers as well as for local agencies offering volunteer opportunities, the OCES Volunteer Center resides within the nonprofit’s Plymouth office at 204 South Meadow Road. This office is also home to key departments including Home Care, Senior Care Options, Nutrition, and Information and Referral.

“Through the OCES Volunteer Center, we are continuing our efforts to empower people to build stronger communities through volunteerism,” said Brenda Carrens, OCES’ Volunteer Programs Manager.

OCES recruits volunteers of all ages for all volunteer programs at OCES, as well as for other volunteer positions at nonprofits, government agencies, schools and other agencies in Plymouth County. Included in OCES volunteer programs is the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Plymouth County; RSVP of Plymouth County is part of the Senior Corps network of programs. Senior Corps is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency for volunteering, service and civic engagement.

The OCES Volunteer 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. The Center has full service capabilities for researching volunteer opportunities including computers, phones, brochures and other literature from organizations seeking volunteers.

Health and wellness are important to OCES, both for employees and volunteers. In the future, the Center will offer workshops and seminars on topics related to health and volunteer satisfaction. OCES will draw on its Nutrition, Healthy Living and Employee Wellness programs to provide these offerings. Our goal is healthy and happy volunteers who make a difference in the community.

After the Grand Opening, the OCES Volunteer Center will be open Tuesday mornings and Wednesday afternoons. It is anticipated that days and hours will be expanded in the near future. Volunteers may also make an appointment to meet with OCES staff.

For more information about how to become involved with volunteering through OCES, 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 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 Announces New Volunteer Center in Plymouth. Grand Opening on Nov. 8Read More

Volunteers are needed! 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 be on hand at Bridgewater State University college fair to engage with students who are looking to get involved with volunteer and civic engagement opportunities off campus.

Jean-Marie Finn, OCES Volunteer Coordinator, will be representing OCES at Bridgewater State University Volunteer Fair and will showcase all of the ways students can engage with OCES.

“September is the perfect time of year to meet with students to discuss volunteer opportunities they may enjoy getting involved in during the academic year. They are in the midst of receiving course assignments and scheduling their commitments,” noted Finn.

OCES will attend Bridgewater State University’s Community Engagement and Volunteerism Fair on Thursday September 14, 2017 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Bridgewater State University is located at 131 Summer Street in Bridgewater, and the fair will held on the outdoor pedestrian walkway, University Park.

Finn continued, “OCES relies on many volunteers to help provide fundamental services to older adults and people with disabilities so they may be able to live with dignity and independence in their homes and their communities.”

OCES offers a variety of volunteer opportunities in many programs, including the Nutrition Program, Money Management Program and RSVP of Plymouth County. To learn more about volunteer opportunities at OCES, contact Jean-Marie Finn at 508-584-1561 or visit 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 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 235 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.

Volunteer Opportunities for College Students – Old Colony Elder Services Focuses on Recruitment at Local Volunteer FairRead More

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) has announced that there are vacancies at Grace Ryder Housing, the Marshfield Congregate Housing site for older adults and individuals with disabilities.

Throughout Massachusetts, there are over 40 congregate housing sites. OCES, the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, currently sponsors congregate housing sites at Grace Ryder Housing in Marshfield, Heritage Circle in Bridgewater, and the A. Silva House in Stoughton.

“The option of congregate living enables a person to enjoy affordable housing, independent living with supportive services, and companionship – with the option of closing the door and enjoying private space,” explained LeNay Harper, OCES’ Community Programs Manager responsible for the supervision, and oversight of all of OCES’ housing programs. “The availability of congregate housing aligns with OCES’ mission to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living.”

According to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, “Congregate Housing is a shared living environment designed to integrate the housing and service needs of elders and younger disabled individuals. The goal of Congregate Housing is to increase self-sufficiency through the provision of supportive services in a residential setting. Throughout the state there are many variations in size and design, but in all Congregate Housing sites residents must have a private bedroom, and shared access to one or more of the following: kitchen facilities, dining facilities, and/or bathing facilities.”

OCES has a Congregate Housing Coordinator at each site who develops individual service plans based on each resident’s needs. Although 24-hour supervision is not offered at these sites, the Coordinator ensures that appropriate services are made available to support residents so they can live as independently as possible in the community. The Coordinator is also responsible for resolving any concerns or conflicts among the residents.

Applications for the Marshfield Congregate Housing site may be obtained by contacting the Marshfield Housing Authority at (781) 834-4333. Applicants must meet eligibility guidelines, which include being 60 years of age or having a permanent disability, and meeting financial eligibility requirements.

For more information about Congregate Housing, contact Richard Rodrigues, Congregate Housing Coordinator at OCES, at (508) 584-1561 x395 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 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 Announces Availability at Marshfield Congregate Housing SiteRead More

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) organized two marches during Elder Abuse Awareness Month. Over 100 participants joined OCES and the Brockton Council on Aging in a march on June 15th, and more than 75 concerned citizens joined OCES and the Plymouth Center for Active Living in a march along the Plymouth waterfront on June 22nd.

“Both marches were organized to raise awareness of the issues of elder abuse and neglect and were well-attended,” said Teresa Kourtz, LSW, Protective Services Director at OCES, the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. “The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs logged 25,000 reports in a recent fiscal year. It is estimated that 1 in 10 elders have experienced some form of abuse – physical, mental, emotional or financial – and experts in the field say that number is considered low due to under-reporting.”

Recognition Awards

Each march was followed by a luncheon that included informative guest speakers and an awards ceremony. At the Plymouth Center for Active Living, several individuals who have assisted seniors in protective services and in the town of Plymouth received recognition awards including Attorney J. Marlin Hawthorne, Chief G. Edward Bradley of the Plymouth Fire Department and Connie DiLego, a dedicated volunteer and former director of the Center for Active Living. In Brockton, Pat Foley, the Brockton Triad, and Brockton Police Officer Nicole Anderson received recognition awards.

Sponsors

OCES would like to thank the following event sponsors: Mary Cruise Kennedy Senior Center (Brockton Council on Aging); Plymouth Center for Active Living; HarborOne Bank; Roche Bros. and Shaw’s Supermarkets; the Brockton Patrolmen’s Association; Plymouth Police Relief Association (PPRA); and the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office.

Raising Awareness

Elder abuse includes financial exploitation, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse or neglect. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, family members (spouses, adult children, partners and others) comprise the majority of abusers. Additionally, research indicates that individuals with dementia are at even greater risk for elder abuse.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living, an estimated five million, or one in 10 older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation every year. Experts believe that for every case of elder abuse or neglect reported, as many as 23 cases go unreported.

OCES helps elders who have been victims of neglect or harm from a caregiver. Protective Services Workers investigate each report, and provide support, and if needed, information about resources such as medical, legal, psychological, financial and housing assistance.

If you suspect elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation call the Elder Abuse Centralized Intake Unit, available 24/7 at 1-800-922-2275. All calls are confidential and will lead to thorough investigation at the local level.

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.

Raising Awareness of Elder Abuse and Neglect – OCES Marched in Brockton and PlymouthRead More