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Old Colony Elder Services

Chief Programs Officer at OCES Named a “40 Under 40” Honoree

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Alisa DeLage, Chief Programs Officer of Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, is a 2022 honoree of Cape & Plymouth Business’ 40 Under 40.

On September 15, 2022, at the 40 Under 40 award celebration held at the Cape Codder in Hyannis, MA, DeLage was honored among other distinguished young business leaders who have made a mark in the region. Cape & Plymouth Business presented DeLage as one of the 2022 honorees for excelling in her industry and showing dynamic leadership characteristics.  

Alisa DeLage, Chief Programs Officer with Nicole Long, CEO

DeLage is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work and a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Leadership, both from Wheelock College. She began her career at OCES in 2014 as the Home Care Program Manager and was promoted to Program Director in 2016. In 2020, DeLage was promoted to Chief Programs Officer and oversees the agency’s community programs including Adult Family Care, Senior Care Options, Housing, and Nutrition in addition to Home Care, Intake and Referral and Transitions. She is instrumental in OCES’ Internship Program which partners with Bridgewater State University and other local institutions.

DeLage also serves on the Community Benefits Advisory Committee of Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth and is on the Board of Directors for the Brockton Visiting Nurses Association. 

Outside of work, DeLage is passionate about supporting families navigating the foster care and adoption systems in the state of Massachusetts. Being an adoptive parent herself, DeLage recognizes the complexities of these systems and uses this knowledge to advocate appropriately. 

“Alisa is an exceptional leader who is dedicated to supporting older adults and OCES’ mission,” said Nicole Long, Chief Executive Officer at OCES. “Congratulations, Alisa on this well-deserved honor!” 

DeLage is a resident of Berkley, MA.
    
About the 40 Under 40 Awards
The Cape & Plymouth Business 40 Under 40 Awards program continues to recognize the tremendous contributions of young professionals to our region. For more information, visit capeplymouthbusiness.com. 

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 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. 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.  

Chief Programs Officer at OCES Named a “40 Under 40” HonoreeRead More

Diana DiGiorgi, Chief Operating Officer of OCES, Honored as she Retires

Diana DiGiorgi

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, announced that Diana DiGiorgi, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of OCES, has retired from the organization after 26 years. 

Brockton Mayor Robert F. Sullivan honored Ms. DiGiorgi for her leadership, dedication and commitment with an official Proclamation for her 26 years of service during a celebration that included the agency’s Board of Directors and staff at OCES’ Brockton office on Main Street. 

Ms. DiGiorgi, who holds an MBA from Northeastern University, began her career at OCES as Finance Director in 1996. At that time OCES had 9 programs, an office on 1 floor of their current building, 80 employees and $7.9 million annual revenue. After her appointment to CEO in 2006, succeeding former Executive Director Edward Donovan, DiGiorgi expertly led OCES through a period of rapid growth and expansion of services and programs, along with increased staff and offices. During this time, she also held positions of Treasurer and Vice President on the Mass Home Care Association and served as co-chair of the Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness (ICHH) Committee on Elder and Chronic Homelessness, working to build partnerships that enhance coordination to maximize housing and service resources. 

In 2017, OCES’ Board of Directors announced senior management restructuring and made changes to build upon the agency’s strong positive reputation, while continuing to meet consumers’ increasing needs, embracing new opportunities, and encouraging growth within the organization. Ms. DiGiorgi took on the new role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) to concentrate primarily on internal business operations and Nicole Long was appointed CEO to concentrate primarily on external relationships. 

A Legacy for the Community
During DiGiorgi’s tenure, OCES was honored with several awards and experienced many milestones. In 2007, OCES received the Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility. In 2009, OCES received the Economic Development Impact Award presented by the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. In 2019, OCES’ Adult Family Care (AFC) Program was awarded a three-year Accreditation status, the highest award available, from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). 

Milestones included 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 Elder Abuse Awareness event was held in Brockton. Healthy Living Workshops and other programs were launched. OCES opened a second office on South Meadow Road in Plymouth, which also houses its dedicated Volunteer Center. DiGiorgi oversaw the purchase and several renovations of the Main Street building which serves as OCES’ corporate office and reflects OCES’ longtime business, economic and community commitment to downtown Brockton. 

By 2019, OCES had expanded to 20 programs, two offices, and 244 staff and $58.9 million in annual revenue. 

“Diana’s vision, leadership and compassion truly set her apart and it has been an honor working with her over the years,” said Nicole Long, CEO. “Diana played an integral role in building a solid foundation for OCES, upon which we will continue to broaden our reach and expand access for generations to come. Congratulations Diana, and best wishes for 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 with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. 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

Diana DiGiorgi, Chief Operating Officer of OCES, Honored as she RetiresRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints New ASAP Programs Director

BROCKTON, PLYMOUTH AND WHITMAN, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding towns, has appointed Jodie McDonald as Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) Programs Director.

In her new role, McDonald will oversee management of Home Care, Information and Referral, and Nursing departments. This includes assisting with procedural and policy implementation along with changes for departments based on EOEA contracts and regulations and collaborating with department management to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery. She will also facilitate trainings and assist with quality assurance and compliance. 

Jodie McDonald

Previously, McDonald served as an Adult Family Care Manager at Cardinal Cushing Centers in Pembroke, MA where she conducted home visits with developmentally disabled individuals and their caregivers. For two years prior to that, McDonald was the Assistant Director of Home Care and Medicare at South Shore Elder Services (SSES) in Braintree, MA where she supervised Home Care and Medicaid case managers and supervisors, assisted with compliance and quality measures, and oversaw SSES’ ANCHOR Program.

McDonald received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Framingham State University and a Master of Public Administration from Bridgewater State University. She is a member of PSI CHI, the International Honor Society in Psychology.

She is a resident of Whitman, MA.

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 24 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of 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 ASAP Programs DirectorRead More

OCES and Staff Honored with Community Awards

BROCKTON, PLYMOUTH AND WEYMOUTH, MA… In a virtual Awards Ceremony held on June 8, 2022, Community Services of Greater Brockton honored Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) with the “COVID-19 Agency Hero Award” and OCES staff member Jordan Stocker, a South Weymouth resident, with the “Excellence In Human Services Award”. 
 
With offices in Brockton and Plymouth, MA, OCES is a non-profit agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout a service area of 23 communities.  
 
COVID-19 Agency Hero Award 
Community Services of Greater Brockton recognized OCES with the COVID-19 Agency Hero Award. This special award, given solely in 2022, recognized OCES for their outstanding service as an agency that personified the spirit of service, courage, justice, and commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic.   
 
Even though the agency’s daily operations changed significantly, OCES continued to provide all their pre-pandemic services. They also expanded programs and services to meet the new and changing needs of the community. Essentially, OCES remained open and delivered services throughout the pandemic. With primarily office-based onsite staff prior to COVID-19, OCES converted to a remote workforce within 24 hours. 
 
OCES introduced several new initiatives to address the increasing number of older adults facing food insecurities, including the “Grocery Bag” project and “Grab & Go” Meals. Delivery needs were met by more than 780 dedicated staff and volunteers. OCES also provided the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to keep consumers, families, and staff safe. 
 
OCES took a leadership role in COVID-19 vaccination education; scheduling vaccination appointments for home-bound older adults and individuals with disabilities; and coordinated transportation for individuals to get to and from vaccine appointments.  
 
“We are incredibly proud that our agency has been recognized with Community Services of Greater Brockton’s COVID-19 Agency Hero Award,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “I would like to thank our extraordinary staff members and volunteers for their heroic efforts which ensured we were able to respond to the needs of the community and continue to fulfill our mission during an extremely difficult time for all.” 
 
The Excellence In Human Services Award 
Jordan Stocker, Options Counselor at OCES received Community Services of Greater Brockton’s Excellence In Human Services Award. This award is given to an outstanding employee or volunteer at a Human Services Agency who has at least two years of work experience in Human Services; works directly with clients at least fifty percent of their time; and has been outstanding in their community service and collaboration. Stocker, who joined OCES in 2019, was nominated for this award for his commitment to consumers in the Greater Brockton community, along with his commitment to the OCES Team. 

Alisa DeLage, OCES’ Chief Programs Officer and Jordan Stocker, OCES’ Options Counselor

Stocker is dedicated to assisting older adults and individuals with disabilities, and ensuring they are able to access and understand the resources that may be available to them. There is an increased need for assistance as more face housing instability, behavioral health issues, and financial concerns including being able to afford vital medications. Stocker has been asked to join several community groups to collaborate, determine ways to assist those in need, and provide input on concerning issues. He is focused on best serving those who are in need so they may live safely and independently within the community.  

According to Alisa DeLage, Chief Programs Officer at OCES, “Even in a moment when he was being recognized for his work, Jordan took the opportunity to highlight the need for affordable housing. Jordan always makes the individuals he serves the priority. We are honored to have Jordan as part of our team and are proud he has received this well-deserved award!” 
 
To learn more about services and resources provided by OCES, visit https://www.ocesma.org 
 
About Community Services of Greater Brockton 
Each year, the nonprofit organization Community Services of Greater Brockton holds their Annual Meeting and Community Awards Ceremony. The awards are granted to recipients in the Greater Brockton community in many different categories. For more information, visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/communityservicesofgreaterbrockton/ 
 
About OCES 
Founded in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is a non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout 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 24 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of 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 and Staff Honored with Community AwardsRead More

OCES Receives $5K Donation in Support of Nutrition Program

AVON, BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… With offices in Brockton and Plymouth, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) has received a generous donation from the PPG Foundation on behalf of its aerospace facility located in Avon, MA.   
 
OCES is a nonprofit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County as well as Avon, Stoughton and Easton, MA. The PPG Foundation supports local organizations and has made a $5,000 donation to OCES’ Nutrition Program for home delivered meals. 
 
Addressing Food Insecurity 
This is the second donation that PPG has made to OCES in support of the Nutrition Program since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the number of home delivered meals dramatically increased in greater Plymouth County and that demand continues as many older adults and individuals with disabilities are experiencing food insecurity. For many who are homebound, the daily home delivered meal also serves as a safety check.   
                                                                                                                                                             
OCES provides 42,000 nutritious meals each month to older adults and individuals with disabilities living within their service area. All meals are planned by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, and with the help of hundreds of volunteers, are served in community settings or delivered to individuals.  
 
“We are extremely grateful to the PPG Foundation for their support of our Meals on Wheels program over the past two years,” said Nicole Long, CEO. “PPG’s donation helps us ensure that our most vulnerable residents receive daily nutritionally-sound and satisfying meals.” 
 
For more information about Meals on Wheels or other services, contact OCES’ Information and Referral Department at 508-584-1561.  
 
PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD™ 
At PPG (NYSE:PPG), we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and specialty materials that our customers have trusted for more than 135 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers’ biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $13.3 billion in 2021. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com. 
 
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 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.  
 
We protect and beautify the world is a trademark and the PPG Logo is a registered trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc. 

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OCES Receives $4,000 Donation from Good Samaritan Medical Center

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, has received a $4,000 donation to their Supportive Housing Program from Good Samaritan Medical Center of Brockton.

“We are very grateful to Good Samaritan Medical Center for their generous donation as it directly benefits our Supportive Housing consumers in Brockton and Abington Housing Authority locations,” said Elizabeth Weiner, OCES’ Housing Programs Manager who oversees all of OCES’ supportive and congregate housing programs.
    
The goal of supportive housing is to integrate community resources, information, and services for the individuals who reside at a particular local housing authority site, and essentially to enrich the lives of those residents. Supportive housing programs are designed to create a community environment which allows residents to age in place.

Through the OCES Supportive Housing Program, a specialist from OCES’ housing team conducts an assessment to determine the specific needs of each resident residing within Abington and Brockton Housing Authorities. All residents at these sites are eligible for information and referral services, case management assistance, and access to social or educational programs. Depending on eligibility many other services are also available.

For more information about OCES’ Housing Programs, visit www.ocesma.org or call OCES at 508-584-1561.

For more information about Good Samaritan Medical Center, a Steward Family Hospital, visit
www.goodsamaritanmedical.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 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of 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 Receives $4,000 Donation from Good Samaritan Medical CenterRead More

May 6-12 is National Nurses Week. OCES Celebrates Nursing Contributions

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… National Nurses Week is May 6th to May 12th and Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, recognizes the essential care and contributions that nurses provide to the communities they serve every day. 

OCES has been serving the community for 48 years and has a team of 21 Registered Nurses (RNs) who assist older adults and people with disabilities by helping them meet their long-term personal and health goals living in the community. 

All OCES RNs may attend the Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) Annual Seminar on May 11th. This event is a yearly tradition that statewide nurses may attend in order to gain nursing continuing education units. Mary Crowe, Care Dimensions Director and Certified Dementia Practitioner, will present an organized learning experience to expand nurses’ knowledge and skills. The continuing education program chosen this year is Caregiving for a Loved One: The challenges and Benefits. 

“We recognize and celebrate the contributions of all nurses. Their dedication and care not only strengthens our communities, but makes the world a better place,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “The role of nurses is essential and expansive, and the need for nurses continues to increase. OCES recognizes the vital contributions of our nurses and provides them with ongoing support and resources.”
    
OCES’ RNs provide care to older adults through the Home Care, Transition Support, and Adult Family Care (AFC) programs. RNs conduct individual assessments including health and welfare, medical conditions, fall risk, personal care needs, formal and informal supports, and clinical eligibility for various programs. RNs then draw from community resources and programs in consultation with other OCES staff to help provide specific services needed. There is tremendous collaboration among the various disciplines at OCES as well as providers in the community. 

OCES is now hiring Registered Nurses and encourages individuals who support their mission to apply to their growing nursing team. 
    
For more information about OCES, 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 with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org. 

May 6-12 is National Nurses Week. OCES Celebrates Nursing ContributionsRead More

Older Americans Act Nutrition Program 50th Anniversary. OCES Celebrates with Special “March for Meals” Event in Easton

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, held a special “March for Meals” event in Easton, MA.

Honoring 50 Years
Meals on Wheels America and local programs such as OCES’ Nutrition Program, and others across the country, celebrated a very special March for Meals honoring the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program, the federal legislation that provides funding for nutrition services for seniors and helps support programs like Meals on Wheels.

OCES’ March for Meals campaign included a Community Champions component which is when local elected officials and Council on Aging (COA) Directors participate along with OCES to deliver meals, speak out for seniors and raise awareness for the power of their work. This special March for Meals lunch (grab & go style) was held on March 24th. 

Shown: Brenda Carrens, Alfred DeGirolamo, Anne Daley, Shikha Datta, Kristin Kennedy and Timothy J Vamosi Easton EMS/MIH/Public Health Officer

Senator Michael Brady’s assistant, Alfred DeGirolamo, along with Easton Council on Aging Director Kristin Kennedy; Program Director Anne Daley; Easton Public Health Officer Timothy J Vamosi; OCES Supportive Housing Specialist Shikha Datta; OCES Community Programs Director Brenda Carrens; and OCES Nutrition Supervisor Jean-Marie Finn provided nutritious “Grab and Go” meals to residents at the Easton Housing Authority on Parker Terrace.

According to Nicole M. Long, OCES CEO, “The Nutrition Program is critical to many homebound older adults who are unable to prepare meals or manage grocery shopping. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program, our March for Meals events gave older adults opportunities to meet the dedicated individuals serving our communities and supporting the vital Meals on Wheels programs.” 

Over the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic brought about many new challenges, but OCES continues to adapt and safely serve the needs of their consumers and communities. According to Meals on Wheels America, eight out of ten local Meals on Wheels programs are still serving more home-delivered meals than they were prior to the pandemic.

All of OCES’ nutrition meals are planned by a Registered Dietitian. OCES has hundreds of volunteers in their Nutrition Program delivering over 1,900 nutritious meals each weekday to homebound recipients living in greater Plymouth County.
    
For more information about OCES’ Nutrition and Meals on Wheels program, contact Brenda Carrens OCES’ Community Programs Director at 508-582-1561 ext. 252.

To learn more about Meals on Wheels America, visit https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.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 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org. 

Older Americans Act Nutrition Program 50th Anniversary. OCES Celebrates with Special “March for Meals” Event in EastonRead More

OCES offers Home Delivered Meals to Adults with Disabilities in the City of Brockton

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding towns, is providing home delivered meals to individuals with disabilities between the ages of 18 to 59 living in Brockton, MA. 
 
OCES’ Home Delivered Meals program is currently accepting new referrals in the City of Brockton. Eligible individuals simply call OCES’ Information & Referral Department at 508-584-1561 to enroll in the Home Delivered Meals program. 
 
Home Delivered Meals, or “Meals on Wheels”, are planned by a Registered Dietitian, and with the help of hundreds of volunteers, are delivered to individual homes. Therapeutic meals are also available including chopped, ground, pureed, renal, low lactose and cardiac types for individuals requiring special diets.  
 
Menu information is published on OCES’ website at https://www.ocesma.org/nutrition-menu/.  
 
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 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of 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 offers Home Delivered Meals to Adults with Disabilities in the City of BrocktonRead More