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Old Colony Elder Services

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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Local Artist and Veteran to Design Old Colony Elder Services’ Lobster for the Plymouth Lobster Crawl

Nicole Long, Assistant Executive Director at OCES and local artist Samantha Shields were on hand to watch the lobsters as they were "released" from their trailer on the Plymouth Waterfront on July 15th
Nicole Long, Assistant Executive Director at OCES and local artist Samantha Shields were on hand to watch the lobsters as they were “released” from their trailer on the Plymouth Waterfront on July 15th

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, is a proud sponsor of one of the 29 lobsters that will be showcased in Plymouth’s Lobster Crawl, the major public arts event that will be on display throughout the waterfront, downtown and Plymouth community.

OCES’ lobster will greet visitors at Nelson Park on the Plymouth waterfront and will be custom designed and hand painted by local artist and Plymouth resident, Samantha Shields.

With a passion for art, Ms. Shields is a student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst where she studies architecture and painting. She is also a Veteran of the United States Air Force, having served for four years as an Arabic Linguist.

The Lobster Crawl was an enticing opportunity for Ms. Shields to get her work out in public for the first time. She has already completed the design on OCES’ five-foot tall fiberglass structure and will be painting it using acrylic paints. According to Ms. Shields, she hopes to one day have paintings in galleries and no matter where her architecture and design career takes her, will always make her artwork a priority.

“Samantha’s illustrations on our delightful and whimsical OCES lobster beautifully reflect our vision and mission,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director. “We are excited to be working with such a talented artist.”

Stay Tuned 

OCES is currently holding a lobster-naming contest with their staff and will soon reveal the winning entry. More information about the celebration and unveiling of OCES’ lobster will be announced on their website at www.ocesma.org.

About Plymouth Lobster Crawl

The Plymouth Lobster Crawl is a major public arts event that will be on display throughout the waterfront, downtown and Plymouth Community. The Lobster Crawl will feature 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. When visiting each Lobster you are encouraged to post your photos on your social media channels using #PlymouthLobsterCrawl. 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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More than 850 Participate in “Brockton Knocks Down Diabetes” Week

Diabetes Week 3 the team rotatedOld Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, joined over forty other community agencies and businesses to support the 5th annual “Brockton Knocks Down Diabetes” (BKDD) week, June 11 to 18, 2016.

The weeklong program, which had 858 participants, was geared towards raising awareness of the prevalence of diabetes in the community. Travelling with an “event passport”, participants were able to attend any or all of 24 different events during the week, which included workshops focused on fitness, cooking demonstrations, screenings, and informational breakout sessions.

OCES kicked off BKDD week by sharing information about their Nutrition and Healthy Living programs with visitors at their information table at the Health and Wellness Expo held June 11th at the Shaw’s Center in Brockton. OCES’ BKDD team included Chris McLaren, Donna-Marie Forand, Chrisline Denis and Barbara Nalen-Cardosa, of OCES’ Healthy Living and Nutrition programs.

OCES, in partnership with Brockton Council on Aging, presented a free “Meal Planning for Diabetes” workshop on June 17th led by Donna-Marie Forand, Outreach and Education Specialist at OCES, and Dottie Slack, Health Education/Outreach Coordinator at Brockton COA.

On June 18th the closing event was the Family Fun Walk and Field Day at Campanelli Stadium. Walkers received free admission to the Brockton Rox baseball game at noon that day and also had the chance to participate in family games and enjoy multiple activities.

“Data shows that the greater Brockton area has higher incidence of diabetes than the rest of Massachusetts,” said Diana DiGiorgi, OCES’ Executive Director. “But armed with good information about nutrition, how to make healthy lifestyle choices, learning your level of risk and taking steps to prevent this disease, our consumers can live longer and healthier.”

A post-event survey revealed that the number one reason for participation in BKDD week was prevention and early detection, second was managing the disease, and third was to support a family member with diabetes. Eighty-seven percent of those surveyed feel more confident that they can prevent and/or control diabetes.

To learn more about OCES’ Healthy Living and Nutrition Program, visit  www.ocesma.org.

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 BKDD, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BrocktonKnocksDownDiabetes.

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 Hosts “Creating Connections” Art Display

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 partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Brockton in a project called “Creating Connections”.

OCES asked students in the Club’s Art Program to create posters that illustrate their cultural heritage. The young artists were treated to a pizza party at the OCES office at 144 Main Street in Brockton during which they unveiled their works. The posters will be on display for the public to enjoy on July 13, 2016 from 10 am to 2 pm in the Brockton War Memorial Building at 156 West Elm Street, Brockton.

They will then be installed on the walls of the OCES offices in Plymouth and Brockton.

“We know that, when we work as one, we move young people and communities forward. The partnership between the Boys & Girls Club of Brockton and Old Colony Elder Services demonstrates that spirit. Our work with young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens is the focus for all of our efforts. The Boys & Girls Club of Brockton allows youth and caring adult professionals the ability to join in and advocate in the name of stronger communities,” said Derek Heim, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Brockton.

“The posters exemplify our welcome statement, that OCES aspires to welcome everyone without exception,”” said Christine McLaren, Community Programs Director. “This rewarding collaboration further demonstrates OCES’ commitment and service to our entire community.”

About OCES

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

About the Boys and Girls Club of Brockton

The Boys & Girls Club of Brockton (BGCB) was founded in 1990 to create a positive place for the youth of Brockton, Massachusetts. In the 25 years since, the Club has expanded its scope greatly by offering a mix of Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) nationally developed programs and activities unique to our Club. Today we serve more than 1,000 youth ages 5-18 annually through our mission to nurture strong minds, healthy bodies, and community spirit through youth driven, quality programming in a safe and fun environment. For more information visit www.bgcbrockton.org

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Old Colony Elder Services Receives Proclamation

OCES Board President Ted Lang, Mayor Bill Carpenter and Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES
OCES Board President Ted Lang, Mayor Bill Carpenter and Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, was honored with a proclamation recognizing OCES as a vital contributor to greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities in celebration of Senior Corps Week.

Senior Corps Week, held May 16 through 20, 2016, provides an opportunity to salute volunteers from the Foster Grandparent Program, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), and Senior Companion Program, to recognize community sponsors and service partners, and to communicate the impact of those who serve. More than 6100 seniors in Massachusetts contribute their time and talents in one of these three Senior Corps programs.

Mayor Bill Carpenter of Brockton addressed the OCES Board of Directors and presented a proclamation to recognize OCES as a vital contributor to greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. As the Mayor indicated in his remarks, the official proclamation from the City specifically thanks OCES’ volunteers and acknowledges their positive impact and value to our communities and to our nation.

A federal citation prepared by United States Congressman Stephen F. Lynch, who represents the Eighth District of Massachusetts, was also presented to the OCES Board of Directors to mark the occasion.  Board President Ted Lang and Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi accepted these awards on behalf of OCES.

OCES manages the RSVP for Plymouth County. There are a variety of opportunities available statewide to RSVP Volunteers. They can conduct safety patrols, renovate homes, protect the environment, tutor and mentor youth, respond to natural disasters, and provide other services across the country. To learn about the opportunities OCES has available, contact OCES’ Volunteer Coordinator, Jean-Marie Doyle, at JDoyle@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. 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 Honors Volunteers at Appreciation Luncheon

Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) Recipients (L to R): John Heinstadt, Evelyn Drake, Phyllis Martin, Doris Flecchia, and Joseph Mitchell
Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) Recipients (L to R): John Heinstadt, Evelyn Drake, Phyllis Martin, Doris Flecchia, and Joseph Mitchell

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 held an Appreciation Luncheon to honor their volunteers who generously donate their time to help others.

More than 300 people attended OCES’ Appreciation Luncheon, which was held at Indian Pond Country Club in Kingston, MA. Vocalist Kathy Earabino provided entertainment.

During the luncheon, Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES welcomed and thanked all of OCES’ volunteers. Brenda Carrens, Volunteer Programs Manager and Nicole Long, Assistant Executive Director, presented the prestigious President’s Lifetime Achievement Award to five volunteers: John Heinstadt, Evelyn Drake, Phyllis Martin, Doris Flecchia, and Joseph Mitchell.

OCES is a designated national Certifying Organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) Program, which is the premier volunteer awards program in this country. Volunteers must meet specific criteria in order to receive the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Criteria include serving at least 4,000 hours; volunteer service hours can be accumulated through a variety of organizations throughout a volunteer’s lifetime (including those organizations outside Plymouth County and Massachusetts.)

“It is our pleasure to present these volunteer leaders with the President’s highest honor for their hard work, years of dedication and overall commitment to helping others and making the world a better place,” said DiGiorgi.

Community Advisory Council
OCES’ Community Advisory Council (L to R) Mary Ellen Bavaro, John J. Lanzoni, Jr., Kristin Vokey Muratore, and Ronald Spring.

DiGiorgi also thanked OCES’ Community Advisory Council – Mary Ellen Bavaro, John J. Lanzoni, Jr., Kristin Vokey Muratore, and Ronald Spring – who have supported and worked with the volunteer program for many years. OCES’ Volunteer Coordinator, Jean-Marie Doyle made closing remarks.

OCES has more than 500 volunteers throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities who give countless hours of service to older adults, individuals with disabilities and caregivers in the community. Anyone interested in volunteering, may contact Jean-Marie Doyle at 508 584-1561, extension 275.

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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Old Colony Elder Services to “March Against Elder Abuse” on June 23rd in Plymouth

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 joined forces with The Center for Active Living (Plymouth COA), the Plymouth Networking Group for Senior Services (PNG), and Plymouth C.A.R.E.S to “March Against Elder Abuse” on Thursday June 23, 2016. The event will be held rain or shine.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is June 15, 2016, and in an effort to raise awareness of elder abuse, OCES, The Plymouth Center for Active Living, the PNG, and Plymouth C.A.R.E.S have organized a march.

Marchers will meet at the Center for Active Living, 44 Nook Road in Plymouth, at 11:15 for transportation, if needed. The march will begin at 12 noon at the Plymouth waterfront at the new pavilion adjacent to Plymouth Rock on Water Street. Marchers will then be transported back to the Center for a 1 pm awareness event, including speakers and lunch.

OCES also encourages supporters to wear purple on June 23rd to show awareness. Free T-shirts will be distributed at the waterfront, while supplies last.

To reserve your seat, RSVP to Krista-Jean Forand at OCES, 508-584-1561 x 302 or to the Center at 508-830-4230 by June 16th.

Raising Awareness

Elder abuse includes financial exploitation, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, and 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.

“World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to share information and spread awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director at OCES. “We CAN make a difference and encourage the community to join our ‘March Against Elder Abuse’ on June 23rd in Plymouth.”

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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