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Old Colony Elder Services

“March for Meals” Luncheon in Brockton Puts the Spotlight on Senior Nutrition and Meals on Wheels

PHOTO ID:   Left to right: Christina Fitzgerald, Community Programs Coordinator from Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office; Joey Ditche; Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz; Sydney Hines; Jessica Bullio; and Amanda Heintzelman
 
PHOTO CREDIT: Old Colony Elder Services

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA…  100 residents of Campello High Rise gathered for a “March for Meals” Caribbean lunch held March 27, 2024 and led by the Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) Nutrition Department.
 
March for Meals is a part of Meals on Wheels America’s national campaign. OCES’ March for Meals event highlighted the local impact of Meals on Wheels and Community Dining, as well as the importance of funding needed to maintain and expand the program to assist consumers facing food insecurity.
 
The luncheon was held in Brockton’s Campello High Rise, with special guests in attendance: Senator Michael Brady; Representative Michelle Dubois; Representative Rita Mendes; Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz; Minhtram Tran, Chief Legal Counsel of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office; and Christina Fitzgerald, Community Programs Coordinator from the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office. 
 
OCES’ Nutrition Department provides essential food services including over 537,000 meals each year to consumers living within 23 communities in Greater Plymouth County. OCES has over 600 volunteers in their Nutrition Program delivering over 2,000 nutritious meals each weekday to homebound older adults. 
 
“The Nutrition Program is critical to many homebound older adults and the need for Meals on Wheels has grown exponentially over the last year,” said Nicole M. Long, CEO of OCES, the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Plymouth County and surrounding areas. “We are very grateful to our supporters and volunteers who make a difference every day in the lives of people facing food insecurity.” 
 
About March for Meals 
The month of March is when The Meals on Wheels network joins forces to celebrate “March for Meals”. This recognizes the historic day in March 1972 when President Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1965 to include a national nutrition program for seniors 60 years and older. For more than 50 years OAA has been the foundational source of federal funding for senior nutrition programs across the country that collectively deliver more than 247 million meals to 2.8 million seniors annually.
 
To learn more about OCES’ Nutrition program in Brockton and throughout Plymouth County, visit www.ocesma.org.
 
About OCES
Celebrating 50 Years of Care and Collaboration and recognized as one of the 2023 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Media, OCES is a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

“March for Meals” Luncheon in Brockton Puts the Spotlight on Senior Nutrition and Meals on WheelsRead More

OCES Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Special Luncheon and Awards on May 1st

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is celebrating 50 Years of Care and Collaboration with a special luncheon and awards presentation on May 1, 2024, at Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor. 

Established in 1974, OCES is the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Plymouth County and surrounding areas in Massachusetts. The agency has offices in Brockton and Plymouth.

OCES’ 50th Anniversary Luncheon will be held at Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor, 180 Water Street in Plymouth, MA 02360 on May 1, 2024, 12:30-2:00 p.m. The luncheon will include an awards presentation; 95.9 WATD Radio Host Rob Hakala as The Emcee; Life Is Good Playmaker Project creator Steve Gross as the guest speaker; and an opportunity drawing. Civic and business leaders, vendors, and partner organizations, and health care professionals are invited to attend. See below for required registration.

During the event, OCES will present awards to outstanding individuals and organizations whose actions and/or leadership have exemplified Care and Collaboration.

This special event is part of a campaign to raise $50,000 to expand OCES’ Behavioral Health and Wellness programs. OCES’ Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT) provides behavioral health and wellness support to older adults and people with disabilities who may be isolated or encounter barriers that limit access to behavioral health care.

OCES thanks the following sponsors for their generous donations: Datalyst, LLC; Best of Care; The OCPC Ombudsman Program; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts;  Law Office of Paula Schlosser; Attentive Home Care, Inc.; Home Health Resources, Inc.; Brown & Brown of Massachusetts, LLC; Citrin Cooperman; Stonewell Care, LLC; Old Colony Planning Council (OCPC); Rockland Trust; Diman Laundry; isolved MP; South Coast Laundry, Inc.; and S&M Transportation. 

Special thanks to Craig and Diana DiGiorgi as OCES’ 50th Matching Anniversary Sponsor. 

RSVP by April 15, 2024 for OCES’ 50th Anniversary Luncheon. Registration is required. 

For tickets to the event, visit ocesma.org and click on OCES’ 50th Event Page. 

Limited event sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact OCES’ development staff at development@ocesma.org

OCES Milestones
Founded in 1974, OCES continues to grow and evolve. There have been many milestones over the years including creation of the Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force; establishment of the first Supportive Housing Program in Brockton; and formalization of an Internship Program with Bridgewater State University – all of which continue today. In 2013, the first annual Elder Abuse Awareness event was held in Brockton. In the years that followed, Healthy Living Workshops, Buried in Treasures Workshops, Caregiver Support, and other programs have been established. OCES opened a second office at 204 South Meadow Road in Plymouth featuring a dedicated Volunteer Center for volunteer recruitment for OCES as well as for other nonprofits, schools, and agencies in Southeastern MA. In 2023, OCES expanded their Behavioral Health services with an Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT).

According to CEO Nicole Long, “OCES is at the forefront – providing essential services, creating awareness of critical issues, and serving as an important resource for older adults, people with disabilities, families, caregivers, and the larger community. We are dedicated to, and passionate about, helping others and improving lives.”

About OCES
Celebrating 50 Years of Care and Collaboration and recognized as one of the 2023 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Media, OCES is a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org.
 

OCES Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Special Luncheon and Awards on May 1stRead More

More than 80 in Attendance at The Grand Re-Opening of OCES Volunteer Center in Plymouth

PHOTO CAPTION:  Nicole Long, CEO of OCES; Representative Mathew Muratore; Amy Naples, Executive Director of Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce; Armindo Rocha, OCES’ Volunteer Programs Manager

PHOTO CREDIT: Denise Maccaferri Photography

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA…More than 80 were in attendance for Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) Volunteer Center Grand Re-Opening event held Wednesday, March 20, 2024.

OCES’ Volunteer Center, located at 204 South Meadow Road in Plymouth, serves as a central resource for Plymouth County volunteers as well as for local agencies offering volunteer opportunities. 

The Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce supported OCES with a formal ribbon cutting ceremony, which was followed by an Open House with tours and refreshments. Attendees included: Senator Susan Moran and Representative Mathew Muratore along with Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce’s Board Directors and Ambassadors, Representatives from AmeriCorps and many current volunteers.

“We’re thrilled to have such a wonderful turnout at our event and delighted to officially welcome the community back to our Volunteer Center in Plymouth,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “Thank you to all our dedicated volunteers, Senator Moran, Representative Muratore, The Plymouth Chamber, AmeriCorps Representative Rob Glazier and the business community for your support. Working together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of so many.”

Expansive Volunteer Network 
OCES has a significant volunteer base. With offices in Brockton and Plymouth, OCES is the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Plymouth County and surrounding areas in Massachusetts. 

Volunteers are integral to OCES’ Meals on Wheels Program, Money Management Program and Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Plymouth County, which is part of the Americorps Senior network of programs for individuals aged 55+.

“Our volunteer network supports many important programs that meet the needs of thousands of individuals in our community. We’d like to thank AmeriCorps and all our volunteers who generously give their time and effort to help others,” said Armindo Rocha, Volunteer Programs Manager at OCES. Rocha coordinated the Grand Re-opening event with Cidalia America, OCES’ Volunteer Coordinator along with the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce. 

In addition, OCES recruits volunteers and connects them with community service partners. OCES finds volunteers to meet their specific needs of community service partners such as South Shore Habitat for Humanity, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, local food banks, Veterans service agencies and others.

At OCES’ Volunteer Center, prospective volunteers can talk one-on-one with Volunteer Program staff, who can assist them in their search for volunteering opportunities that fit their skills and interests. The Volunteer Center is equipped with computers for researching volunteer opportunities as well as brochures and other literature from organizations seeking volunteers. The Volunteer Center also serves as a designated space for volunteers to work together on specific projects, such as “Letter Writing to Troops” for National Days of Service and Remembrance.

There are many different outreach opportunities for volunteers of all ages, from high school and college students to retirees. Volunteers can choose an opportunity that best fits their schedule.  OCES has the ability to “match” volunteers with organizations one-on-one. 

The Volunteer Center is open Tuesday through Thursday, from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. Appointments are not required. 

To learn more about OCES’ Volunteer Center and volunteer opportunities, visit 
ocesma.org/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities

About OCES
Celebrating 50 Years of Care and Collaboration and recognized as one of the 2023 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Media, OCES is a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org.

More than 80 in Attendance at The Grand Re-Opening of OCES Volunteer Center in PlymouthRead More

Grand Re-Opening of OCES Volunteer Center in Plymouth on March 20th

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA…Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) Volunteer Center Grand Re-Opening at 204 South Meadow Road in Plymouth will be held Wednesday, March 20, 2024 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce will co-host the event with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. 
 
Chamber of Commerce members, community service partners, volunteers, prospective volunteers and all community members are invited to attend the free open house. Light refreshments will be served. To RSVP for the event, either visit the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce at plymouthchamber.com or OCES at ocesma.org.
 
With offices in Brockton and Plymouth, OCES is the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Plymouth County and surrounding areas in Massachusetts. 
 
OCES’ Volunteer Center serves as a central resource for volunteers as well as for local agencies offering volunteer opportunities. 
 
Prospective volunteers can talk one-on-one with Volunteer Program staff who can assist them in their search for volunteering opportunities that fit their skills and interests. The Volunteer Center is equipped with computers for researching volunteer opportunities as well as brochures and other literature from organizations seeking volunteers. The Volunteer Center also serves as a designated space for volunteers to work together on specific projects, such as Letter Writing to Troops for National Days of Service and Remembrance.
 
Volunteers are integral to OCES’ Meals on Wheels Program, Money Management Program and Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Plymouth County, which is for individuals age 55+ and is part of the Americorps Senior network of programs.
 
“OCES’ volunteers help support many individuals in need through programs such as Meals on Wheels and Money Management,” explained Brenda Carrens, Community Programs Director. “OCES also helps community service partners find volunteers to meet their specific needs. For example, OCES recruits and matches volunteers for South Shore Habitat for Humanity, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, local food banks and Veterans service agencies, and many other Community Service Partners are part of OCES’ RSVP of Plymouth County.”
 
To learn more about OCES’ Volunteer Center and volunteer opportunities, visit 
ocesma.org/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities

About OCES
Celebrating 50 Years of Care and Collaboration and recognized as one of the 2023 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Media, OCES is a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org.

Grand Re-Opening of OCES Volunteer Center in Plymouth on March 20thRead More

New Logo and Website for OCES in Celebration of their 50th Year

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Plymouth County and surrounding areas in Massachusetts, is Celebrating 50 Years of Care and Collaboration in 2024.
 
In anticipation of their 50th anniversary, OCES re-emphasized their vision, mission and core values which reflect their growth, expertise and ongoing dedication to the people, staff and communities they serve. 
 
Nicole Long, CEO, shared the agency’s vision, “OCES aspires to be a culturally diverse and inclusive agency that removes barriers, creating equity for all by empowering individuals and communities to thrive, age in place, and reach their highest potential.”
 
Aligned with their vision is OCES’ Mission statement: Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community.
 
OCES’ has also established Core Values reflecting their commitment to CARE:
– Commitment to staff, consumers, and the community
– Accountability, collaboration, and adaptability
– Respect, decency, and concern for others 
– Equity, justice, and inclusion for all
 
In consideration of the agency’s vision, mission and core values, the nonprofit has refreshed their logo and launched a new generation of their website, ocesma.org, to appeal to and better serve all of their audiences. Intuitive navigation and sophisticated design ensure a user-friendly experience. The new site features videos, news/events, educational articles, awards/recognition, and a “Get Involved” page for volunteers, job seekers and service providers. OCES’ comprehensive services and programs are well-defined on the site and include Adult Family Care, Behavioral Health, Caregiver Support, Community Housing Options, Elder Abuse/Protective Services, Health Insurance and Budget Guidance, Life Planning at Any Age, Nutrition, and Services at Home. For individuals or families seeking services we offer an online form called “Getting Started” to help start the process. The site was developed by Bright Cloud Studio based in Westfield, MA.
 
OCES is dedicated to creating better futures for those they serve and communities at large. OCES has grown to 243 full-time and 26 part-time employees, with 23 members on their Board of Directors. Their leadership team includes Nicole Long, Chief Executive Officer; Anna Dee, Chief Operating Officer; Alisa DeLage, Chief Programs Officer; Rob Buckel-Gillis, Human Resources Director and Yolanda America, Finance Director.
 
Milestones
Founded in 1974, OCES continues to grow and evolve. There have been many milestones over the years including: the creation of the Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force; the establishment of the first Supportive Housing Program in Brockton; and the formalization of an Internship Program with Bridgewater State University – all of which continue today. In 2013, the first annual Elder Abuse Awareness event was held in Brockton. In the years that followed, Healthy Living Workshops, Buried in Treasures Workshops, Caregiver Support and other programs have been established. OCES opened a second office at 204 South Meadow Road in Plymouth featuring a dedicated Volunteer Center for volunteer recruitment for OCES as well as for other nonprofits, schools, and agencies in Southeastern MA.  
 
“In 2023, OCES served more than 25,287 older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County, providing them with essential services that increase independence and improve quality of life,” said Alisa DeLage, Chief Programs Officer.
 
Earlier this year, OCES expanded their Behavioral Health services with a new Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT). EMHOT provides behavioral health and wellness supports to older adults and people with disabilities who may be isolated or encounter barriers that limit access to behavioral health care. To further increase the reach of the program, OCES has launched a 50th Anniversary fundraising campaign with a goal to raise $50K in support of expansion of the Behavioral Health and Wellness Programs.
 
According to Nicole Long, CEO, “OCES is at the forefront – providing essential services, creating awareness of critical issues, and serving as an important resource for older adults, people with disabilities, families, caregivers, and the larger community. We are dedicated to, and passionate about helping others and improving lives.”
 
Join in celebrating the 50th anniversary by helping to make a difference with a donation to the campaign in support of OCES’ Behavioral Health and Wellness programs. 
 
To make a donation online, visit www.ocesma.org and click on the Donate button.  Donations may also be made by check or money order and mailed to OCES, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301. 
 
OCES is recognized as a tax-exempt charitable corporation under section 501c3 of the IRS tax code.
 
About OCES
Celebrating 50 Years of Care and Collaboration and recognized as one of the 2023 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Media, OCES is a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

New Logo and Website for OCES in Celebration of their 50th YearRead More

Holiday Assistance Program Provides 300 Grocery Gift Cards to Individuals in Need

BROCKTON, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) fulfilled the food insecurity needs of hundreds in the community this holiday season through their Holiday Assistance Program.  
 
OCES provided 300 grocery gift cards, valued at $100 each, to individuals in need throughout Brockton. This was supported by a generous grant from United Healthcare and funding from OCES’ Nutrition Department. 
 
OCES partnered with Vicente’s Supermarket to supply grocery gift cards to participating agencies that would then give them to individuals in need. The agencies participating in OCES’ Holiday Assistance Program include Brockton Neighborhood Health Center (BNHC); Signature Healthcare; The Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office; and New Heights Charter School. 
 
“OCES strives to identify and fulfill the needs of the community. The greatest need this holiday season was food,” explained Samantha Sousa, MassHealth Programs Director at OCES. “We’d like to thank participating agencies and Vicente’s Supermarket, for helping to provide essential food assistance to local individuals in need.” 
 
For more information about OCES and their Nutrition Program, visit ocesma.org/programs-services/nutrition. To learn more about Vicente’s Supermarket, visit www.vicentessupermarket.com 
 

50 Years of Care and Collaboration 
Join in the celebration of OCES’ 50th anniversary, by helping to make a difference with a donation to the campaign in support of OCES’ Behavioral Health and Wellness programs.  
 
To make a donation online, visit www.ocesma.org and click on the Donate button. Donations may also be made by check or money order and mailed to OCES, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.  
 
OCES is recognized as a tax-exempt charitable corporation under section 501c3 of the IRS tax code. 
 
About OCES 
Celebrating 50 Years of Care and Collaboration and recognized as one of the 2023 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Media, OCES is a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org. 

Holiday Assistance Program Provides 300 Grocery Gift Cards to Individuals in NeedRead More

Employees at OCES Launch “Gift Wreath” Program to Support Seniors in Need 

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… ‘Tis the season of giving and staff members at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) aim to make the holidays a bit brighter for seniors most in need. The team presented holiday gifts to 60 senior consumers in OCES’ service area. OCES is a non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding towns. 
 
Gifts and Grocery Store Gift Cards 
OCES employees are dedicated to giving back to communities in need. OCES’ Protective Services department staff kicked off the holiday season with a “Gift Wreath” program for consumers in need who may not otherwise receive a gift this year. 

The Gift Wreaths, which were decorated with holiday tags listing consumers’ first names and requested gift items (such as slippers, hat/gloves, pajamas, etc.), were hung at both OCES offices. OCES employees selected tags from the wreaths, then purchased and wrapped their gifts. In honor of its 50th anniversary, OCES attached a $50.00 grocery store gift card to each present..  
 
“We launched the Gift Wreath program with the hope of making the holidays a bit brighter for our consumers in need,” said Teresa M. Kourtz, LSW, MSG, Protective Services Director. “For the past few years, Protective Services and OCES have helped those most in need during the holidays in many ways. Last year we donated canned goods. In prior years, our outreach initiatives have included ‘Caring Cards’; donated socks for those experiencing homelessness; donated personal care items for veterans; donated to the Ronald McDonald House and more.” 
 
OCES takes pride in giving back to the communities it serves, not only during the holidays but throughout the year by partnering with community organizations in Plymouth County and surrounding areas. OCES encourages and supports employee outreach through volunteering, donating or community service. 
 
50 Years of Care and Collaboration 
Join in celebrating OCES’ 50th anniversary by helping to make a difference with a donation to the 50 for 50 campaign in support of OCES’ Behavioral Health and Wellness program.  
 
To make a donation online, visit www.ocesma.org and click on the Donate button.  Donations may also be made by check or money order and mailed to OCES, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.  
 
OCES is recognized as a tax-exempt charitable corporation under section 501c3 of the IRS tax code. 
 
About OCES 
Celebrating 50 Years of Care and Collaboration and recognized as one of the 2023 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Media, OCES is a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org. 

Employees at OCES Launch “Gift Wreath” Program to Support Seniors in Need Read More

OCES Kicks Off GivingTuesday to Raise Funds for Elder Mental Health Services

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding communities, has kicked off a #GivingTuesday campaign to support the expansion of the agency’s behavioral health services. 
 
Earlier this year, OCES established an Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT) to provide behavioral health supports to older adults and individuals with disabilities who may be isolated or encounter barriers that limit access to behavioral health care.  
 
OCES’ EMHOT supports adults age 60 and older who have complex behavioral health conditions, chronic illness, substance misuse, or who are in crisis situations that may require counseling or long-term case management to improve overall wellbeing. On a case-by-case basis, The EMHOT Team provides in-home one-on-one counseling, support, referrals, and resources. 
 
#GivingTuesday will be celebrated on November 28, 2023, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Due to the success and identified need for more behavioral health services, OCES is seeking donor support to help fund the program’s expansion into other communities.  
 
The Law Office of Paula M P Schlosser is encouraging others to give and is generously matching all #GivingTuesday donations made to OCES in support of the EMHOT program’s expansion.  
 
To make a donation online to OCES’ #GivingTuesday campaign, visit www.ocesma.org and click on the Donate Now button.  
 
Donations may also be made by check or money order and mailed to OCES, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.  
 
OCES is recognized as a tax-exempt charitable corporation under section 501c3 of the IRS tax code. 
 
To learn more about #GivingTuesday, visit www.givingtuesday.org. 
 
About EMHOT 
The EMHOT program was launched earlier this year after OCES received an Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT) grant from the Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) which is funded through the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. Referrals to OCES’ EMHOT can be made by anyone including an individual in need. To make a referral or for additional information from OCES’ EMHOT, call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org. 
 
About OCES 
Celebrating 50 years of Care and Collaboration and recognized as one of the 2023 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Media, OCES is a private, non-profit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org. 

OCES Kicks Off GivingTuesday to Raise Funds for Elder Mental Health ServicesRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints New Human Resources Manager

Colleen Berroa

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Colleen Berroa, a resident of Brockton, MA, has been appointed Human Resources Manager at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding towns. OCES has offices in Brockton and Plymouth. 
 
In her new role at OCES, Ms. Berroa will manage the day-to-day Human Resource (HR) functions and work closely with OCES’ Human Resources Director in maintaining legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations. She will also facilitate learning and development programs for employees, and maintain knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in HR, talent management, and employment law.  
 
For two years previous to OCES, Ms. Berroa was a Human Resources Manager for The Bostonian Hotel in Boston where she assisted in the administration of all HR functions including recruitment, training and development, benefit administration, and associate relations activities such as service award ceremonies. 
 
Ms. Berroa holds a Bachelor’s degree in business administration from Simmons College. 
 
About OCES 
Celebrating 50 years of Care and Collaboration and recognized as one of the 2023 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Media, OCES is a private, non-profit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve 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 New Human Resources ManagerRead More