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Old Colony Elder Services

OCES Receives $9,311 in Donations in #GivingTuesday Campaign

OCES Board of Directors Development Committee thanks donors and supporters for their contributions during their #GivingTuesday campaign. (L to R), Paula Schlosser, Esq., West Bridgewater; Anna Seery, Director, Pembroke Council on Aging; Janice Fitzgerald, Director, Brockton Council on Aging; and Gene Mazzella, Director, Avon Council on Aging stand in front of a photo of Sid, OCES’ #PlymouthLobsterCrawl creation, currently perched at the Spire Center in Plymouth.

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 pleased to announce that $9,311 was raised for their Emergency Fund during their #GivingTuesday campaign.

A global day dedicated to giving, #GivingTuesday inspires people to collaborate in improving their local communities and to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support. Last year, OCES received a total of $5,145 in #GivingTuesday donations for their Emergency Fund.

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.

“We are very grateful to everyone who helped us not only to meet our goal, but to almost double the amount raised over last year’s campaign,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Chief Executive Officer. “Your generosity will allow us to provide such things as heat, food, and life-sustaining medications to an even greater number of older adults and people with disabilities who are in critical need in our communities.”

Each year the OCES fundraising goal is to add to the Emergency Fund’s capacity to make a significant difference in the lives of the consumers that are 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, replacing a mattress that has outlived its usefulness, or providing life-sustaining medications.

Online Donation Capability

Donations help OCES assist older adults and individuals with disabilities who are in need of aid in emergency/crisis situations as well as in need of services such as personal care homemakers, home health aides, home-delivered or community dining meals and more. Donations may be made on OCES’ secure online donation page at www.ocesma.org, or by check or money order to OCES, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.

A Day Dedicated to Giving Back

#GivingTuesday is observed on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. Fueled by the power of social media and collaboration, #GivingTuesday connects individuals, communities and organizations around the world and provides a platform for them to encourage the donation of time, resources and talents. To learn more, 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 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 Receives $9,311 in Donations in #GivingTuesday CampaignRead More

OCES Announces “Buried in Treasures” Facilitated Support Groups In Brockton and Plymouth

Is clutter affecting you at home, at work or in your relationships? Does the clutter create safety issues or embarrass you?

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 partner agencies in the Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force (GBAH) and with Plymouth Networking Group (PNG) are offering two 16-week “Buried in Treasures” facilitated support groups for individuals with hoarding issues.

Hoarding is when individuals continue to accumulate items, such as clothes, 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 will be offered once a week at the following locations:

In Brockton, at South Bay Community Services, located at 103 Commercial Street, on Tuesdays, February 7 to May 23, 2017 from 11:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m. For more information or to register for the Brockton support group, contact Meagan Noah 508-436-4432 or Kelly Mules 508-580-4691.

In Plymouth, at the Center for Active Living (formerly the Plymouth Council On Aging), located at 44 Nook Road, on Thursdays, March 2 to June 15, 2017 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. For more information or to sign up for the Plymouth support group, contact Deana Andrade at OCES, 508-584-1561 ext. 232.

Buried in Treasures is offered to people of all ages throughout greater Plymouth county and surrounding communities. There is no cost to attend either of these confidential support groups. All attendees will receive a complimentary workbook. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

“Buried in Treasures will help individuals work through what might be clutter and what might be hoarding in a judgment-free setting. It is an action-oriented, peer-led treatment group,” explained Teresa Kourtz, OCES’ Protective Services Director. “During each session, we will focus on a chapter in the workbook and will deal with acquisition, discarding, and disorganization.”

Buried in Treasures is sponsored by GBAH, Mass Housing, PNG and OCES. It is coordinated and facilitated by OCES in partnership with South Bay Community Services.

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 247 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 Receives $10K Grant from Eastern Bank

Jacquelyn Meekins, Vice President of Eastern Benefits (in center), presented the check to OCES’ Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi (left) and Teresa Kourtz, Protective Services and Money Management Programs Director (right).

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 been awarded a $10,000 grant from Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation.

The grant is for OCES’ Money Management Program (MMP), which 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.

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.

“We are very grateful for this grant from the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director. “Because of the MMP’s positive impact, we have a number of older adults and individuals with disabilities who are waiting for financial management support. We are in need of MMP volunteers and we encourage those who are able to help to contact us.”

For more information on the MMP program and how to volunteer, visit ocesma.org or call Jean-Marie Doyle, 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 has 247 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 Receives $10K Grant from Eastern BankRead More

Old Colony Elder Services employees hold drive to help those in need in Brockton and Plymouth

Avery Moore, Lenilda Carvalho, Mirchelle Ange-Laveus and Frank Faria from OCES’ Brockton office gathering personal care items for delivery to MainSpring House.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, are helping to support those who are experiencing homelessness this holiday season.

Led by OCES’ Protective Services (PS) and Money Management Program (MMP) team, OCES staff collected donations of socks and personal care items in an employee outreach drive held at OCES’ Brockton and Plymouth offices. The donations were delivered to MainSpring House shelter located at 54 North Main Street in Brockton and New Hope Chapel located at 89 Court Street in Plymouth.

“Each year, our Protective Services and Money Management Program team holds a drive to collect needed items for individuals experiencing homelessness in our community,” explained Teresa Kourtz, LSW, PS/MMP Director, who led the drive. “There are a number of people facing uncertain circumstances who are in need of emergency shelter. We strive to help by providing personal care necessities to those who don’t have ready access to these items.”

To learn more about MainSpring House, visit helpfbms.org. To learn more about Plymouth New Hope Chapel, visit www.newhopeplymouth.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 247 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 employees hold drive to help those in need in Brockton and PlymouthRead More

“Music and More” Offered by Old Colony Elder Services. New Program Supports Local Memory Cafés

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 launched a “Music and More” program to support local Memory Cafés.

With a grant from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA), OCES developed the “Music and More” program to support Memory Cafés, where individuals with dementia and their caregivers can go for socialization and relaxation in a safe, supportive environment. OCES is currently working with three Memory Cafés, which operate out of the Pembroke Council On Aging (COA), the Middleborough COA and Express Yourself! through Road to Responsibility in Marshfield.

As part of “Music and More”, OCES has partnered with Old Colony Hospice and South Shore Conservatory to provide music and habilitation therapy presentations at the three Memory Cafés. OCES also provides complimentary activity books and DVDs at each Memory Café as well as refreshments during the presentations.

“Memory Cafés provide a safe and welcoming environment for those with dementia and their caregivers to gather, connect with peers, and enjoy music and refreshments,” explained Chris McClaren, Community Programs Director at OCES.  “We are delighted that our Music and More program can enhance the visitors’ experience.”

The Pembroke, Middleborough and Marshfield Memory Cafés are held once a month and are free and open to the public.

For more information about a particular Memory Café, call the location directly: Pembroke COA 781-294-8220, Middleboro COA 508-946-2490 or Express Yourself! 781-536-4983.

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.

“Music and More” Offered by Old Colony Elder Services. New Program Supports Local Memory CafésRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Kerry Zingaro as Community Programs Assistant

Kerry Zingaro

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 appointed Kerry Zingaro as Community Programs Assistant. Mrs. Zingaro is a resident of Braintree, MA.

In her new role, Mrs. Zingaro will assist in the daily operation of OCES’ Community Programs, which encompass the Development, Nutrition, Healthy Living, Housing and Volunteer departments. She will be responsible for projects, reporting and outreach documentation and reports directly to OCES’ Assistant Executive Director, Nicole Long.

For eight years previous to OCES, Mrs. Zingaro was the Office Manager and Assistant Property Manager at Devon Wood Condo Association in Braintree. Prior to that, she worked at Zep Manufacturing in Brockton for eleven years, where she served as an Executive Assistant for six of those years. Mrs. Zingaro has completed additional coursework in social sciences, and has also completed nutrition based training courses at Coursera.org.

Additionally, Mrs. Zingaro is a volunteer in OCES’ Employee Volunteer Program and delivers Meals on Wheels to seniors and individuals with disabilities.

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 245 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 Appoints Kerry Zingaro as Community Programs AssistantRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Announces Holiday Meals at Brockton, Easton & Wareham COAs

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, is offering special Holiday meals at partnering Council on Aging (COA) Community Dining sites in Brockton, Easton and Wareham.

OCES invites seniors and individuals with disabilities to gather together and enjoy fun activities and a delicious Holiday meal of Chicken Cordon Bleu, baked potato and sour cream, peas and mushrooms and a snowflake dinner roll followed by chocolate éclair dessert (or for those with dietary restrictions, diet white chocolate mousse with topping.)

The Holiday meal will be held at noon on the following dates:

On Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at Wareham COA, 48 Marion Road, Wareham, MA 02571. Reservations are required and may be made by calling Wareham COA at 508-291-3130.

On Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at Easton COA, Frothingham Hall, 15 Barrows Street, North Easton, MA 02356. Reservations are required and may be made by calling Easton COA at 508-238-3160.

On Thursday, December 22, 2016 at Brockton COA, Mary Cruise Kennedy Senior Center, 10 Father Kenney Way, Brockton, MA 02301. Reservations are required and may be made by calling Brockton COA at 508-580-7811.

OCES’ Community Dining sites provide hot, nutritious noontime meals Monday through Friday which are planned by a Nutritionist and meet one-third of the Recommended Daily Allowance for major nutrients. The meals do not feature high sodium foods and no salt is added. Low-fat milk is provided.

Community Dining meal menus are published in local newspapers and in COA newsletters. A sample menu may be requested by calling OCES at 508-584-1561 or visiting OCES’ website at 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.

Old Colony Elder Services Announces Holiday Meals at Brockton, Easton & Wareham COAsRead More

Shop to Support Old Colony Elder Services this Holiday Season

OCES logoJust in time for the gift giving season, 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 become part of the AmazonSmile program.

OCES is a registered charitable organization at AmazonSmile. Now, consumers can support OCES during the holiday season and beyond 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.

“Now, consumers can easily support OCES’ Emergency Fund, Nutrition and other programs each time they shop with just a few clicks,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, OCES’ Executive Director.

OCES’ Donation Options

Anyone wishing to make an online donation directly to OCES may do so on their new website, www.ocesma.org. When making a donation, there is the option of designating it to a certain program (such as OCES’ Emergency Fund, Nutrition or other program) or dedicating it in honor of, or in memory of, an individual or organization.

About AmazonSmile 

The AmazonSmile Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private foundation created by Amazon to administer the AmazonSmile program. For more information, visit https://smile.amazon.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 has 245 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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Brockton Community Access Honors Old Colony Elder Services’ “Community Options” Show

Pat Foley and LeNay Harper of OCES
Pat Foley and LeNay Harper of OCES

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, was honored for their “Community Options” show by Brockton Community Access (BCA) during a recent Community Media Day celebration.

BCA and General Manager Mark Linde hosted a celebration of the 300th recording of their local interest show “One North Main Street” at the Brockton War Memorial Building on Community Media Day, which is celebrated on October 20th each year. Community Media Day is “an annual celebration of voices that brings awareness to the importance of free speech and accessible media for all individuals to have their voices heard” and more than 100 were in attendance for the celebration in Brockton.

During the event, BCA honored LeNay Harper, OCES’ Community Programs Manager and the producer of OCES’ “Community Options” show, along with host Pat Foley, OCES’ Protective Services Outreach Specialist. The “Community Options” show brings topics of interest ranging from domestic violence, the opioid crisis, and School on Wheels, to the Creating Connections project with the Boys and Girls Club of Brockton, Visiting Angels and the Brockton Council on Aging.

BCA also honored OCES’ partner, the Brockton Council on Aging and their volunteer camera operators.

“Through our ‘Community Options’ show, we strive to be the local ‘voice’ that delves into important topics impacting our community. We are delighted to receive this recognition from BCA,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

For more information about BCA, visit http://bcatv.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.

 

Brockton Community Access Honors Old Colony Elder Services’ “Community Options” ShowRead More