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Old Colony Elder Services

Old Colony Elder Services’ Dedicated Employee Retires After 30 Years

LucilleLoyal, unforgettable, courteous, intelligent, licensed, likable and empathetic are just a few of the adjectives one could use to describe Lucille Dallaire, who recently retired after 30 years at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES).

OCES, the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, held a retirement party for Ms. Dallaire at their Brockton office on Main Street. While Ms. Dallaire knew about the party, she did not know that her family, friends and business colleagues would also be attending to wish her well.

Ms. Dallaire, who is a licensed social worker, began her career at OCES on March 31, 1986. Over the years, she held various positions in Care Management, Information & Referral, and Development. Ms. Dallaire gained the respect and trust of her coworkers and colleagues throughout the region. Always working towards the goals of helping others in need, increasing outreach across the area, and looking for other funding sources, Ms. Dallaire has been instrumental in the growth of OCES’ programs, services and community profile.

The OCES Board of Directors recognized Ms. Dallaire for her 30 years of dedicated service and contributions as a valued member of the Board’s Development Committee.

“Lucille always displayed a positive demeanor and upbeat attitude no matter what was going on in her professional or personal life,” said Diana DiGiorgi, OCES Executive Director, “I cannot thank her enough for her dedication to OCES for the past 30 years. Congratulations Lucille, and we wish you a 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 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.

Old Colony Elder Services’ Dedicated Employee Retires After 30 YearsRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Presents Diabetes Workshop on June 17th During “Brockton Knocks Down Diabetes” Week

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 presenting an educational event during Brockton Knocks Down Diabetes (BKDD) week, June 11-18, 2016.

On Friday, June 17, 2016 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., OCES in partnership with Brockton Council on Aging will present a “Meal Planning for Diabetes” workshop at Training Resources of America, 231 Main Street #302 in Brockton. Topics to be covered include what and how much to eat. Donna-Marie Forand, Outreach & Education Specialist at OCES, and Dottie Slack, Health Education/Outreach Coordinator at Brockton COA, will lead this workshop. This educational event is free and open to the public.

Learn more about OCES by visiting their vendor table on Saturday, June 11th during the Health and Wellness Expo at The Shaw’s Center, One Feinberg Way in Brockton.

OCES employees will also participate in the Leo MacNeil Family Fun Walk on Saturday, June 18th at 9:00 am at Campanelli Stadium, One Feinberg Way in Brockton. OCES encourages community members to join them in the walk on June 18th (all walk participants receive free admission to the Brockton Rox game at noon) and at other free events during BKDD week.

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

About BKDD

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

About OCES

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

OCES is designated as one of 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 235 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Presents Diabetes Workshop on June 17th During “Brockton Knocks Down Diabetes” WeekRead More

Old Colony Elder Services’ Nutrition Menu Now Available Online. Special Meals offered in May.

OCES logoOlder adults and individuals with disabilities who receive home delivered meals and/or who attend Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES) Community Dining sites will now be able to learn what’s on the menu simply by visiting the OCES website at www.ocesma.org.

OCES, the non-profit agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, has recently added a “Nutrition Menu” link on their website.

Now, home delivered meal recipients and community site diners can view OCES’ Nutrition Menu for the entire month. Each day includes a description of the meal and a listing of calories, sodium and carbohydrate counts. The daily nutrition information listed is for the entire meal, including the protein, starch, vegetable, dessert/fruit, bread, margarine, milk, soup and condiments. All of OCES’ meals are based on a no-added-salt diet for healthy older adults.

OCES’ nutritionist Barbara Nalen-Cardosa, RDN, LDN plans the meals and works with their caterer, Lindley Food Service, to develop the menu. All meals meet one-third of the Recommended Daily Allowance for major nutrients. Cardiac meals are available upon request if a lower salt diet is needed. Therapeutic meals (renal, ground, puréed or lactose-free meals) are also available for Meals on Wheels recipients and may be arranged through an OCES Care Manager. The therapeutic meals are carefully planned to be similar to the regular menu.

The Meals On Wheels program serves adults age 60+ and individuals with disabilities under the age of 60 and is essential for those who would otherwise not get a nutritious daily meal. Older adults who are homebound, unable to prepare meals, manage their grocery shopping or attend one of OCES’ Community Dining Sites may contact OCES to arrange for home delivered meals.

Older adults interested in going out for lunch are encouraged to attend a Council On Aging (COA) Community Dining Site and enjoy delicious meals, social interaction and fun activities.

Special Meals in May at Wareham, Easton and East Bridgewater Community Dining Sites 

On May 16, 2016 at the Wareham dining site, an “Independence Day Special” themed cold picnic lunch will be offered, which includes cranberry juice, cold oven fried boneless chicken breast, spinach Mandarin orange salad, potato salad, light Italian dressing, garlic dinner roll and strawberry shortcake.

On May 18, 2016 at the Easton site, the Traveling Chef will serve roast beef, brown wild rice blend, honey glazed carrots, whole-wheat dinner roll and butter, raspberry filled cookies and milk.

On May 19, 2016 at the East Bridgewater site, the themed meal is “Taste Of Italy”, with cannelloni cheese pasta with red sauce, cauliflower and zucchini, baked tomato half, Scali bread and Amaretto mousse with topping.

The Nutrition Menus are now published on OCES’ website, as well as in local newspapers and COA newsletters. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

About OCES

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

Old Colony Elder Services’ Nutrition Menu Now Available Online. Special Meals offered in May.Read More

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Hoarding Conference in Brockton on May 20th

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 hold an “Understanding Hoarding” Conference on May 20, 2016, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 144 Main Street in Brockton. Check-in begins at 9:00 a.m.

With a focus on intervention, OCES’ Hoarding Conference is geared towards helping mental health therapists, social workers and others who work directly with people who have hoarding issues. The conference will be led by experts Jesse Edsell-Vetter, Hoarding Intervention Coordinator of the Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership (MBHP) and Christiana Bratiotis, Ph.D., LICSW. Topics to be covered include: the Definition of Hoarding; the Mental Psychology of Hoarding; Tools for Intervention and Sort/Discard Skills.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) have been applied for. Lunch will be provided. The cost to attend is $50. Pre-registration is required as no registrations will be available on the day of the event.

Sign-up online at http://ocesma.givezooks.com/events/hoarding.

For more information, contact Lisa Mullin at OCES (508) 584-1561 extension 220. This event is sponsored by The Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force and OCES.

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.

 

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Hoarding Conference in Brockton on May 20thRead More

Growth and Expansion – Old Colony Elder Services Opens a Second Office in Plymouth

Monica Mullins, Diana DiGiorgi, Betty DeBenedictis and Brenda Carrens
Monica Mullins, Diana DiGiorgi, Betty DeBenedictis and Brenda Carrens

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and people with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, is expanding and has opened a new office at 204 South Meadow Road in Plymouth, MA.

OCES officially announced the opening of their new 7,200 square-foot office with an Open House on March 2, 2016. Dozens attended the event, including State Representative Matt Muratore, Monica Mullins District Director, and Betty DeBenedictis, Legislative Aide to State Representative Thomas Calter.

The new location will better enable OCES to accommodate growth. The agency’s main office, which houses 200 of their 235 employees, is located at 144 Main Street in Brockton. The Plymouth office currently has 25 employees, with room for up to 50. The Plymouth office is home to OCES’ Volunteer Program; key departments such as Home Care, Senior Care Options, Nutrition, and Information and Referral are also represented.

“We serve 23 towns with a comprehensive array of specialized programs which have been developed to address the unique situations and circumstances faces by older adults and individuals with disabilities,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director. “We’re very pleased to have a second location that not only gives us room to grow, but is a bit closer to our consumers, caregivers, volunteers and service partners located around the Plymouth and Wareham areas.”

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.

Growth and Expansion – Old Colony Elder Services Opens a Second Office in PlymouthRead More

Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels – OCES Announces 5K Road Race/Walk

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES
Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES

Lace up your running shoes and join Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) on Sunday, March 20, 2016 for their first annual “Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels” 5K Road Race/Walk.

In a new initiative to help grow and sustain OCES’ Meals on Wheels program, which serves approximately 30,000 meals a month to older adults in the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, OCES will hold a 5K Road Race/Walk at Silver Lake Regional High School, 260 Pembroke Street in Kingston, MA 02364. The race starts at 9:00 a.m.

Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place male and female winners. Adult registration for the Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels 5K costs $25 online or $30 on-site. Student (age 11-18) registration is $20 online or $25 on-site. Child (age 10 and under) registration is $15 online and $20 on-site.

T-shirts and gift bags are included with registration, and refreshments will be provided. Online registration will be open through the end of the day on Friday, March 18th. The registration deadline to receive a t-shirt is March 8th.

To register, visit www.southshoreracemgmt.com and click on March races.

Sponsorships are also available. To sponsor the race, visit ocesma.givezooks.com/events/moving-heels-for-meals-on-wheels or contact Chris McLaren at OCES, 508-584-1561, extension 309.

“We’re excited about our first annual 5K Road Race, as it promises to be a fun event for all ages,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director. “With the community’s support and participation, we will be better able to meet the increasing demand of providing meals to older adults and people with disabilities.”

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. 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.

Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels – OCES Announces 5K Road Race/WalkRead More

OCES Receives over $5K in Donations to Emergency Fund during #GivingTuesday campaign

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency serving older adults and people with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, received a total of $5,145 in donations to their Emergency Fund during their #GivingTuesday campaign.

In an effort to raise money for their Emergency Fund, OCES ran a #GivingTuesday campaign from December 1st through December 31, 2015. This fund helps low-income older adults and people with disabilities with needed support that cannot be addressed through the use of any other resources.

“The success of this campaign to raise money for OCES’ Emergency Fund demonstrates the power we all have to change the world around us,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director. “Through the generosity of our supporters, we are able to help provide such things as heat, food, and life-sustaining medications to older adults and people with disabilities who are most in need in our communities.”

We thank everyone who gave during this campaign! All too often, low-income older adults and people with disabilities encounter problems that can jeopardize their ability to maintain independence, dignity and well-being. OCES’ Emergency Fund is used to assist with fuel, utilities, short-term emergency shelter, medical transport, medications, hot water heaters, food and other needs.

Through OCES’ Emergency Fund, several hundred low-income older adults and people with disabilities have received assistance, including a 79-year-old widow, living in her own home with her disabled daughter, who had run out of oil; OCES helped purchase heating oil for them.

If you were unable to donate during December, don’t worry, you can give at any time. Visit www.ocesma.org and help us to continue providing assistance to older adults and people with disabilities so they can remain safe and at home.

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. Visit www.givingtuesday.org to learn more.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. 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.

OCES Receives over $5K in Donations to Emergency Fund during #GivingTuesday campaignRead More

OCES Holds Food Drive for Three Charities

OCES staff Rose Lynch, Tremeda Martin, Charlie Mills, Kerry Phelan, Vicky Rateau and Cathy Whitney organize food donations for distribution.
OCES staff Rose Lynch, Tremeda Martin, Charlie Mills, Kerry Phelan, Vicky Rateau and Cathy Whitney organize food donations for distribution.

Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES), the non-profit agency serving older adults and people with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, recently held a Food Drive for three charities in their service area – My Brothers Keeper in Easton, Father Bill’s & Mainspring in Brockton, and Plymouth Area Coalition for the Homeless in Kingston.

OCES’ Food Drive was held among their 235 employees the week before Christmas. More than 300 non-perishable food items were collected and distributed among the three charities.

Every year, OCES holds a holiday food drive for a different organization in an effort to provide support to those most in need. Last year, OCES’ donated more than 140 pounds of food to South Shore Community Action Council (SSCAC) in Plymouth.

To learn more about the three charities, visit their websites at www.plymouthareacoalition.org, helpfbms.org, and www.mybrotherskeeper.org.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and designated as one of 27 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 Holds Food Drive for Three CharitiesRead More

Executive Office of Elder Affairs Secretary Visits Belair Towers in Brockton

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director
Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director

Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES), the non-profit agency serving older adults and people with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, welcomed Alice Bonner, Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs to Belair Towers in Brockton on December 8, 2015.

Secretary Bonner has been touring agencies caring for older adults across the state to learn firsthand about local efforts supporting older adults in the community. During her visit at Belair Towers she met with the Belair Tenants Association and approximately 40 residents, along with Thomas Thibeault, Executive Director of Brockton Housing Authority; Diana DiGiorgi, OCES’ Executive Director; and other staff members from these agencies.

A round table question and answer session provided Secretary Bonner an opportunity to hear about the access to services provided by OCES at Belair Towers, which includes supportive housing, regular and Caribbean congregate meals and the English as a Second Language program. Belair residents were also able to share their concerns about personal safety and building security in light of recent national and world events.

“We had a tremendous turnout and were able to garner very good feedback about access to our programs during the Belair round table session,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and designated as one of 27 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.

Executive Office of Elder Affairs Secretary Visits Belair Towers in BrocktonRead More