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Old Colony Elder Services

Old Colony Elder Services Offers Thanksgiving Meal at Brockton COA

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, will offer a special Thanksgiving meal at the Brockton Council on Aging (COA) Community Dining site on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at noon. The COA is located at the Mary Cruise Kennedy Senior Center, 10 Father Kenney Way, Brockton, MA 02301.

OCES’ Thanksgiving menu features roast turkey with giblet gravy, whipped potatoes, savory stuffing, cranberry sauce, seasoned peas, carrots and corn medley, wheat roll with butter, and apple pie (or for those with dietary restrictions, diet cinnamon baked apple slices) for dessert.

Reservations are required and may be made by calling the Brockton COA at 508-580-7811.

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 older adults with healthy, nutritious and delicious meals on a daily basis, along with the chance to socialize and enjoy fun activities,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES. “It is our pleasure to invite seniors to gather together for a very special Thanksgiving meal.”

Community Dining information is published in COA newsletters and on OCES’ new website at 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.

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OCES Joins the #GivingTuesday Movement to Raise Money for Emergency Fund

OCES logoFor the second year, 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 participate in the #GivingTuesday movement to raise money for their Emergency Fund program.

In the same way that Black Friday and Cyber Monday kick off the holiday shopping season, #GivingTuesday, which is Tuesday, November 29, 2016, kicks off the giving season. 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.

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.

Each year the OCES fundraising goal is to add to the Emergency Fund’s capacity to make a critical 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

To help address local challenges and raise money for the Emergency Fund, visit www.ocesma.org and click on #GivingTuesday. Donations may now be made on OCES’ secure online donation page managed by their online partner Network for Good. When making an online donation, simply select the option from the drop down menu to designate it to #GivingTuesday.

Donations may also be made by check or money order and mailed to OCES, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.

“By participating in the #GivingTuesday movement and making a donation to OCES, you can help heat a home, purchase food or medicine, or provide emergency assistance when someone faces an unexpected challenge,” said Diana DiGiorgi, OCES’ Executive Director. “#GivingTuesday proves that the holidays can be both giving and giving back, and we ask the community to join OCES’ #GivingTuesday initiative.”

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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Old Colony Elder Services Launches New Website

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 announced the launch of their new website, www.ocesma.org.

The latest generation of OCES’ website was developed by Clearpoint Design of Brookline. The firm used responsive design to ensure that the site is viewable on any device, is easy to navigate and user-friendly. The new site’s design is targeted for seniors, individuals with disabilities and caregivers, as well as donors, volunteers, service providers, families and job seekers. Since it is a WordPress site, OCES will manage its own content to ensure that the site has the most current information available.

New and improved components of this well-organized site include a Home Page highlighting current events, as well as buttons for Community Dining Locations and the monthly Nutrition Menu. An About Us section offers news items, special reports and updates. A How We Can Help section serves as a starting point for site visitors and outlines OCES’ many services. The Opportunities page is tailored to service providers, job seekers, caregivers, volunteers and interns. The What You Can Do page is geared towards those who wish to donate or volunteer.

Online Donation Capability

By selecting the Donate option on OCES’ new website, visitors are now able to access OCES’ secure donation page managed by their online partner Network for Good. 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 of dedicating it in honor of, or in memory of, an individual or organization.

Once again this year, OCES is participating in the #GivingTuesday campaign. The national day dedicated to charitable giving is November 29th; donors are able to go directly to the OCES donations page to make their contributions.

“Our new site is very well thought-out to effectively communicate who we are and how we can help. Visitors to our website will be able to quickly and easily find the information they need,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director. “Our OCES Website Team and Clearpoint Design did an outstanding job and we’re very pleased with the end product.”

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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Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Krista Walker as Nutrition Program Supervisor

Krista Walker
Krista Walker

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 Krista Walker as Nutrition Program Supervisor.

In her role at OCES, Ms. Walker will supervise OCES’ nutrition sites, managers and drivers throughout the greater Plymouth area to ensure daily meal delivery fulfillment. Ms. Walker is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health Education from Bridgewater State University, and a Master’s degree in Nutrition Education from Framingham State University.

Previous to OCES, Ms. Walker worked as a receptionist and also provided nutrition education consultations at Cape Cod Rehab Physical Therapy and Fitness in Osterville. For one year prior to that, she was a membership coordinator at Cape Cod YMCA.

A native of Abington, Ms. Walker resides in Falmouth.

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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Day of Caring – OCES Team Volunteers at Camp Squanto in Plymouth

OCES' Day of Caring
OCES’ Day of Caring

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 one of 14 organizations that partnered with the United Way of Greater Plymouth County to send volunteers out into the community as part of their annual “Day of Caring” campaign.

On September 16, 2016, OCES’ volunteer team of eight focused on brush clearing at Camp Squanto, part of the Boy Scouts Old Colony Council located in Plymouth. Camp Squanto is a 650-acre camping facility located in the woods of Myles Standish State Forest. OCES’ volunteer team – Jean-Marie Doyle, Nikolas Finn, Richard Rodriguez, Rose Kennedy, Dan Forand, Donna Forand, Rosanna Wong and Brenda Carrens – dedicated five hours to the project.
The “Day of Caring” was originally established to promote volunteerism, community spirit, and working together for the common good. This year, a total of 103 volunteers from organizations throughout the area participated in United Way of Greater Plymouth County’s campaign and tackled a number of projects ranging from organizing food pantries to cleanups and landscaping.
“OCES is proud to be a part of the ‘Day of Caring’ where volunteers from many different organizations come together to give back to the community,” said Diana DiGiorgi, OCES’ Executive Director.
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 Holds Award-Winning Program at The Pinehills in Plymouth

OCES logoMany older adults experience concerns about falling and as a result restrict their activities. In response, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, recently presented “A Matter of Balance”, an award-winning program at The Pinehills in Plymouth.

Donna-Marie Forand, Healthy Living Coordinator at OCES organized A Matter of Balance, an eight-session program designed to help participants minimize the impact of falls and increase activity levels, at the Pinehills. OCES’ Matter of Balance coaches, Chrisline Denis and Primma-Latise Murry led the well-received program.

A Matter of Balance program emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls. Older adults participating in the program learned how to view falls as controllable, set goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce fall risks at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance.

“This program is ideal for anyone who has fallen in the past, restricted their activities, or is concerned about falls, and interested in improving balance, flexibility and strength,” explained Ms. Forand.

To learn more about A Matter of Balance programs, including how you can schedule a presentation for your organization, visit www.ocesma.org or contact 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.

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Old Colony Elder Services Establishes Employee Wellness Program

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, has recently unveiled a new Employee Wellness Program.

OCES is committed to providing programs and services to the community to promote healthy living, and that community includes their own dedicated staff. Through their Employee Wellness Program, the agency has kicked off two new components for staff – Nutrition Coaching and Family Caregiver Support Counseling.

Barbara Nalen-Cardosa, a Registered Dietician and OCES’ Nutritionist, oversees Nutrition Coaching. She will assist employees who are seeking weight management guidance, or who are adjusting their diet to better manage health conditions. Ms. Nalen-Cardosa consults with each employee, creates a personalized three-day food diary, and establishes individual goals. One of the options offered is a walking nutrition session.

Rochelle Sugarman, Outreach and Education Specialist in OCES’ Healthy Living Department, provides Family Caregiver Support Counseling. She assists employees in finding resources that will help them care for a family member or friend such as an older adult, a younger adult with disabilities, or a grandchild.

An employee’s initial Nutrition Coaching or Family Caregiver Support Counseling session lasts approximately 30 minutes and follow-up consultations are arranged to meet each individual’s need. There is no cost associated with the Employee Wellness Program or any of its components, and confidentiality is ensured.

OCES intends to expand the Employee Wellness Program and is in the process of establishing a committee of seven employees to implement additional components. The agency will be adding new wellness modules based on the results of a confidential employee survey designed to determine need.

“This is just the beginning,” said Christine McLaren, Community Programs Director. “In September, we will survey all of our 235 employees and based on those results we will expand the Employee Wellness Program to fit their most pressing concerns.”

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 Holds Educational Programs at Edwina Martin House

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, recently led educational programs for residents of the Edwina Martin House (EMH), a recovery home for women located in Brockton.

With a mission to provide information and services that promote healthy and safe living, OCES held two educational sessions for residents at EMH: Healthy Meal Planning and Chronic Pain Self-Management Program.

In the first session, Barbara Nalen-Cardosa, a Registered Dietician in OCES’ Nutrition Department, gave a presentation on “Healthy Meal Planning” and fielded a variety of questions on healthy eating.

In the second session, Chrisline Denis, Healthy Living Supervisor, along with Primma-Latise Murry, SHINE Coordinator/Outreach Specialist, and Donna-Marie Forand, Outreach and Education Specialist in OCES’ Healthy Living Department conducted the Stanford University Chronic Pain Self-Management Program (CPSMP), meeting two and a half hours per week for six weeks. CPSMP was developed for people who have a primary or secondary diagnosis of chronic pain. EMH residents participating in CPSMP learned principal techniques for self-management, which included action planning, problem solving and the importance of physical activity.

“OCES empowered our residents with knowledge and tools that may help them better manage their own health,” said Judith McDonough, Executive Director of EMH. “Some examples of three to six month goals set by our participants are to eat healthy, relax, cope positively and to work on stronger interpersonal skills and relationships.”

“These educational programs are just a couple of examples of how OCES is able to serve our entire community,” said Christine McLaren, OCES’ Community Programs Director. “We are very pleased to be able to work with the residents of the Edwina Martin House and will continue to offer programs that help their residents live vibrant lives.”

About Edwina Martin House

Founded in 1982, the Edwina Martin House (EMH) is a residential substance abuse treatment facility for women. More than 4,000 women have lived at EMH since it was founded, and the recovery home is named for a woman who was a longtime advocate for alcohol and drug programs in the area.

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 Eileen Murphy to Lead Options Counseling Program Outreach

Old Colony Elder ServicesOCES Murphy Eileen (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, has appointed Eileen Murphy to lead the marketing of their Options Counseling Program.

Ms. Murphy was promoted from Case Manager to Intake & Referral (I&R) Manager several months ago. Among Ms. Murphy’s many responsibilities, she will spearhead marketing of OCES’ Options Counseling Program, which provides assistance with planning for long-term care needs. The Options Counseling Program is a free service offered by OCES; Ms. Murphy and her staff work directly with hospitals, nursing facilities, and Councils on Aging in an effort to provide guidance to those looking to live independently in the community.

With 17 years of Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) experience, Ms. Murphy oversees OCES’ I&R department staff including Options Counselors, Benefit Advisors, the Department Supervisor and I&R Specialists. She reports to Susan Willis, OCES’ ASAP Programs Director.

Ms. Murphy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Southeastern Massachusetts University (which is now University of Massachusetts Dartmouth). She is currently working towards becoming a Licensed Social Worker and is a lifelong resident of Fairhaven, MA.

About the Options Counseling Program

The Options Counseling (OC) Program serves seniors age 60 and over, persons of any age with a disability, family members and caregivers. OCES’ Options Counselors can visit consumers at home, or in a hospital, nursing home or rehabilitation facility to present important information needed to make informed decisions, develop a long-term care plan, and connect to resources, services and supports that help them remain in the community. OC is a core function of the Aging and Disability Resource Consortium of Southeastern and Southern Massachusetts, of which OCES is a member.

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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