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Old Colony Elder Services

Old Colony Elder Services Announces #SelfieWithSid Contest Winners

Selfie Winner Cathy Rose

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a sponsor of one of the 29 painted lobsters showcased at Plymouth’s Lobster Crawl, has announced the winners of their #SelfieWithSid Contest on their Facebook page found at https://www.facebook.com/OCESMA.

Contestants took photos of themselves (selfies) with OCES’ lobster Sid on its perch in front of the Spire Center in Plymouth, and posted the photos on OCES’ Facebook page.

Cathy Rose of Brockton received the most “likes” for her photo submitted to the #SelfieWithSid contest and won First Place prize of $230 Mastercard gift card – $10 for each of the 23 communities OCES serves.

“Thank you so much for this, but more importantly thanks for the tireless work on behalf of our elders OCES performs every day. You’re all heroes!” said Cathy Rose.

The OCES team also selected two photos that they judged to be the most fun and creative, and awarded “Sid-Sensational” Mastercard gift card prizes of $50 each to Michael Lewis of Fairhaven and Melissa Thorne of Berkley.

“Congratulations to all of our winners! We truly appreciate the efforts made by our #SelfieWithSid contestants in sharing their photos, as they have helped create greater awareness of OCES and our mission by way of our new Facebook page,” said Lynn Smith, Development Manager at OCES.

About Sid

Sid the lobster was custom-designed and hand-painted by Samantha Shields, a talented local artist, U.S. Air Force veteran and Plymouth resident. The name Sid stands for “Supporting Independence and Dignity” and reflects OCES’ mission statement, which 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.”

About Plymouth Lobster Crawl

The Plymouth Lobster Crawl features 29 unique structures measuring five feet tall. The fiberglass structures are sponsored by local businesses and organizations; each is custom designed and hand painted by local artists. This FREE art exhibit is presented by the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce.  Visit www.plymouthchamber.com/lobster for more information.

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.

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

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.

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Old Colony Elder Services Announces Availability at Marshfield Congregate Housing Site

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.

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Old Colony Elder Services Honored with Three Community Service Awards

(L to R) Diane Clinton, Maria Janvier, Miriam Monteiro, Marthe Ultimo-Alcindor, Betty DosSantos, Glenda DeVincentis of OCES’ Senior Care Options team. Photo courtesy Janet Trask, CSGB

Community Services of Greater Brockton (CSGB) has honored Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, with three awards acknowledging the work that they do in the community and for their consumers.

One of OCES’ key programs and two OCES team members were honored with awards during CSGB’s Annual Award Dinner in June.

OCES’ Senior Care Options (SCO) program was honored with the “Outstanding Human Services” award. Glenda DeVincentis, LSW, MassHealth Community Programs Director for OCES, presented the award to Betty DosSantos, OCES’ SCO Program Manager, who represented SCO’s 30 team members. The SCO program seeks to ensure that older adult participants can remain living safely in the community as long as possible. Special note was made of OCES’ emphasis on cultural competency, interpreter and language skills availability and their focus on wellness.

The “Excellence in Volunteer Services” award was presented to Sandy Ivers, Nutrition Supervisor at OCES (and Brockton resident) for her 16-year commitment in the production of Community Options, OCES’ cable show. Community Options is volunteer-led and provides information about programs and services available to the community in the greater Brockton area.

The “Excellence in Leadership” award was presented to Lynn Smith, Development Manager at OCES (and Brockton resident) for her efforts to bring community organizations together to work cooperatively and establish new events and programs that benefit the whole community, such as the Little Free Library Program, the Stride Toward Freedom History Path in the Frederick Douglass Community Garden, and her founding of the Keith Park Neighborhood Association.

“OCES is delighted and humbled by this recognition of our commitment to our consumers and our community,” said Nicole Long, CEO.

For more information about OCES and all the services provided to the community, 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.

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

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.

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OCES presents President’s Lifetime Achievement Award to Five Volunteers

OCES presented the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award to volunteers Michele Foley of Plymouth, Ray Viens of Norwell, Geraldine Thomson and Eugene Blanchard, both of Duxbury, at their Appreciation Luncheon.

More than 160 guests attended Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES) Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon and award ceremony at the Massasoit Conference Center in Brockton.

OCES, the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, held an Appreciation Luncheon to honor all of their volunteers who generously donate their time to help others. Eastern Bank and National Grid were generous sponsors of the event.

Brenda Carrens, Volunteer Programs Manager and Chris McLaren, Community Programs Director of OCES presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award’s (PVSA) highest honor, the prestigious President’s Lifetime Achievement Award to five volunteers who achieved over 4,000 volunteer hours over the course of a lifetime: Michele Foley, a resident of Plymouth; Ray Viens, a resident of Norwell; and Duxbury residents Eugene Blanchard, Geraldine Thomson, and Harold Katz (posthumously).

“OCES could not accomplish its mission without our dedicated volunteers. Our annual Appreciation Lunch is a modest way to thank our 600+ volunteers for their dedicated service to our programs and our community,” said Nicole Long, CEO.

She continued, “It is our pleasure to present these volunteer leaders with the President’s highest honor for their longstanding commitment and dedication to helping others and making the world a better place. Presidential recognition is a tremendous honor and although these volunteers did not seek recognition, their example has delivered a powerful message that will inspire others to take action.”

OCES serves 1,600 meals a day as part of its Meals on Wheels (MOW) Program with the help of over 350 nutrition program volunteers who perform many tasks. Volunteers also serve on the OCES and Money Management Program (MMP) Board, the RSVP and the RSVP Community Advisory Council as well as many other important efforts. Over 50 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 Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (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.

To learn more about becoming a volunteer for OCES or RSVP programs, contact Jean-Marie Finn at 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org.

About PVSA

The President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) 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

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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Old Colony Elder Services offers Healthy Eating Workshop During “Brockton Knocks Down Diabetes” Week

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 presenting an educational event during Brockton Knocks Down Diabetes (BKDD) week, June 17-23, 2017.

On Thursday, June 22, 2017 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., OCES in partnership with Brockton Council on Aging will present a “Healthy Eating at the Dollar Store” workshop at Training Resources of America, 231 Main Street #302 in Brockton. Can you purchase items at a discount store and still maintain healthy eating habits? Yes you can, and this workshop shows you how to make informed choices. Donna-Marie Forand, Healthy Living Program Coordinator at OCES, and Dottie Slack, Health Education/Outreach Coordinator at Brockton COA, will lead this workshop. This educational event is free and open to the public.

Learn more about OCES by visiting their vendor table on Saturday, June 17th during the Health and Wellness Expo at The Student Center at Massasoit Community College.

OCES employees will also participate in the Leo MacNeil Family Fun Walk on Saturday, June 17th at 8:00 am at the Massasoit Community College Campus in Brockton.

OCES encourages community members to attend as many events as possible to raise awareness of diabetes. Admission is free to many of the workshops thanks to BKDD sponsors and program partners. Entries for great prizes will be available at each event throughout the week, so the more events attended; the more chances attendees have to win prizes.

About BKDD

Brockton Knocks Down Diabetes (BKDD) is a coalition co-founded by HarborOne Bank in 2011, in collaboration with over 40 area organizations, including OCES, to address the critical diabetes epidemic within the greater Brockton community. To learn more about events during BKDD week and to obtain a brochure, visit https://forhealthycommunities.com/bkdd

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton.

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.

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Bridgewater Savings Bank Supports OCES’ Money Management Program

Joseph W. Mitchell, Senior Vice President of Bridgewater Savings Bank, along with Ashley Flynn, Mortgage Loan Processor (far right), present a donation to OCES Money Management Program representatives Lynn Smith (far left) and Teresa Kourtz. Photo courtesy Bridgewater Savings Bank

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 received a $500 donation from Bridgewater Savings Bank for their Money Management Program (MMP).

April is Financial Literacy Month and Bridgewater Savings Bank is supporting, and striving to create greater awareness about OCES’ MMP, which provides fundamental money management assistance to older adults, enabling them to maintain independence.

OCES’ MMP assists older adults and individuals with disabilities with managing their household finances. The MMP serves individuals with limited income who are at risk of losing their independence due to their inability to pay rent, food and utility bills on a timely basis. MMP volunteers help these individuals by establishing a budget for them, organizing their mail, helping them write checks to pay their bills and balancing their checkbook.

Joseph W. Mitchell, Senior Vice President of Bridgewater Savings Bank is an active volunteer for many organization including OCES’ MMP.  His dedication to community service represents one of the core values of Bridgewater Savings Bank.

“We are very grateful to Bridgewater Savings Bank and Joseph Mitchell for their support of OCES’ Money Management Program,” said Nicole Long, CEO.

How to Help

The need for MMP services continues to grow. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that over 25 million Americans aged 60+ are economically insecure – living at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level ($29,425 per year for a single person). This population struggles with rising housing and health care bills, diminished savings, and job loss.

There are a number of ways to support OCES’ MMP: By making a donation to the program (visit ocesma.org for details); by volunteering to be an MMP volunteer; or by referring a consumer in OCES’ service area who might need some help.

MMP volunteers are needed in all 23 towns that OCES serves. Volunteers receive extensive training from OCES and must adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines. MMP volunteers make home visits at least once a month to help keep track of program participants’ income and expenses.

To learn more about OCES’ MMP, 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 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.

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A Successful “March for Meals” in Plymouth

(L to R) Senator Vinny deMacedo, Meals on Wheels recipient Patricia Salvador, State Representative Matt Muratore, and Plymouth Council on Aging Director Jen Young.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, organized a “March for Meals” in Plymouth.

March for Meals is part of Meals On Wheels America’s national campaign held in March.

To show support for this vital program, Senator Vinny deMacedo and State Representative Matt Muratore, accompanied by Jen Young, Director of Plymouth Council on Aging and Christine McLaren, Community Programs Director at OCES, delivered Meals on Wheels to a number of OCES consumers in Plymouth on Friday, March 17th.

“It’s an honor to have elected officials participate in our March for Meals event, and further demonstrates the importance of the Meals on Wheels program to older adults,” said Nicole Long, CEO. “Many older adults are homebound, unable to prepare meals, manage their grocery shopping or attend one of our congregate meal sites.  The Meals On Wheels program is essential to recipients as it provides them with a nutritious meal, but also a friendly visit and safety check as many older adults live alone.”

OCES’ Nutrition Program

As part of their 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.

About Meals On Wheels America
Meals on Wheels America is the oldest and largest national organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based senior nutrition programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. For more information, visit their website at mealsonwheelsamerica.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.

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