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Old Colony Elder Services

Fun for the Whole Family at Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels 5K Road Race/Walk

Lace up those sneakers for a good cause!
Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES) family and dog-friendly “Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels” 5K Road Race/Walk to benefit the Meals on Wheels program will be held Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 9 a.m. All of the money raised supports OCES’ vital Meals on Wheels program.
More than 60 runners and walkers participated in OCES’ Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels 5K last year, and OCES’ would like to double the number of participants this year. Team OCES encourages you to bring your family, friends, colleagues and dogs to run/walk for a good cause.
Costume Contest for Kids and Canines
Children age 12 and under are encouraged to wear a food themed costume (carrot, apple, etc.) that best represents healthy living and nutrition, for a chance to win a special prize provided by Mickey Adventures of Carver.
J. M. Pet Resorts of Brockton is providing a $40 grooming/product gift certificate for the best healthy food dog costume.
Silver Lake Starting Line
The race begins at 9:00 a.m. at Silver Lake Regional High School, 260 Pembroke Street in Kingston, MA 02364. Online registration for the Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels 5K is $25 for adults; $20 for students age 11-18; $15 for children (age 10 and under) and children in carriages ride free.
All participants will receive a swag bag and water will be provided. Register by Tuesday, March 21st to receive a race T-shirt.
Sponsors
OCES would like to thank the following 5K sponsors: Citrin Cooperman, our Marquee Sponsor; Brockton Adult Day Health, our Finish Line Sponsor, and Lindley Food Service; Abbott Care; Anodyne; Hope Health; Laurelwood at the Pinehills; Stafford Hill; Old Colony Hospice and Palliative Care; Greater Boston Home Health Care Services; South Shore Community Action Council; Home Health Resources and Senior Whole Health; Mickey Adventures and J. M. Pet Resort.
OCES would also like to thank the following for their donations to the swag bags: Anchor Academy; Visiting Nurses Association; Good Samaritan Medical Center; Crescent Credit Union; and Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston.
How Meals on Wheels Works
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.
“For many of our most vulnerable older adults and people with disabilities, our Meals on Wheels home delivery is often their only social contact of the day,” explained Nicole Long, CEO. “Despite recent federal and state budget cuts, OCES is committed to this vital program, and our 5K fundraiser will enable us to keep ‘Meals on Wheels’ rolling along.”
Unable to participate in Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels 5K? To support the program with a donation, visit https://www.ocesma.org/donations and select “Nutrition Program” from the drop-down designation box.
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 New Development Manager

Lynn Smith

Madeline (Lynn) Smith has been appointed as the new Development Manager at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities.

In her role as Development Manager at OCES, Ms. Smith will be responsible for securing additional grants to increase financial support for the agency as well as implementing and maintaining a comprehensive development plan with marketing strategies that strengthen community awareness of OCES’ programs and resources.

Ms. Smith has more than 20 years of business development and marketing experience and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Economics from Emmanuel College in Boston. Previous to OCES, Ms. Smith spearheaded a grant funded Community Engagement Project for the City of Brockton, establishing the Keith Park Neighborhood Association, Frederick Douglass Neighborhood Association, and Edgar Park Neighborhood Association, while also creating an appreciation and pride of place in downtown Brockton. For four years prior to that, she was Senior Vice President of Community and Business Relations and Marketing at Start Community Bank in New Haven, CT. Her vast experience includes serving as Senior Vice President in the Institutional Banking Division at First Trade Union Bank in Boston, and as Executive Vice President in the Municipal Finance Division at United States Trust Company in Boston.

Ms. Smith was the 2015 recipient of the Lee Harmon UNITY in the Community Service Award (Brockton, MA) as well as a 2012 recipient of the Nonprofit Partnership Award from the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce for her efforts in financial literacy community outreach. She has served on a number of local committees including the Downtown Brockton Parade Committee and the Brockton Downtown Action Strategy Partnership, and serves as the treasurer of Campello Main Streets and president of the Frederick Douglass Neighborhood Association.

Originally from Boston, Ms. Smith has been a resident of Brockton for the past thirty-two years.

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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Jim Mileski of Old Colony Elder Services Retires After 38 Years

Jim Mileski

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, announced that Jim Mileski has recently retired after 38 years of dedicated service.

Mr. Mileski began his career at OCES on December 5, 1978 when he joined 25 co-workers at the agency. He was hired as a Case Manager, but shortly after, in fulfillment of an agency need, Mr. Mileski was asked to oversee multiple OCES contracts with service providers. He accepted that challenge and served in the capacity of Contracts Manager until his retirement.

In January, OCES’ Board of Directors recognized Mr. Mileski for his 38 years of dedicated service and contributions as a valued employee. A retirement party for Mr. Mileski was held at OCES’ Brockton office on Main Street. While Mr. Mileski knew about the party, he did not know that he would be presented with a professional chef’s hat as a part of the festivities, as a nod to his passion for baking and sharing of his delicious creations with his colleagues.

Brenda Correia, Coordinator for Elder Community Support Programs at the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) attended Mr. Mileski’s retirement party and presented him with a Certificate of Excellence on behalf of EOEA for his 38 years of dedicated service in the community.

“Jim came on board in our early days, just four years after our founding, and has been an integral part of our team ever since,” explained Nicole Long, CEO. “Jim’s efforts have truly contributed to our success, and we thank him for his dedication to OCES for the past 38 years. Congratulations Jim, and we wish you a very happy and healthy retirement!”

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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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.

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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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