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Old Colony Elder Services

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.  

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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

OCES Recognizes AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteers during AmeriCorps Week, March 13-19

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the nonprofit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, thanks AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteers for their dedicated service during AmeriCorps Week, March 13-19, 2022. 
 
Last year, OCES received an RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) three-year grant from the AmeriCorps federal agency to support 300 RSVP volunteers serving throughout Plymouth County.  
 
The grant enabled OCES to continue the RSVP of Plymouth County where they have been providing service opportunities, including virtual volunteering opportunities, for older Americans (age 55+) as an RSVP project since 2015. Some AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers deliver Meals on Wheels for OCES and others work with OCES’ service partners, food banks, veterans’ services and others, to meet the needs of the community as provided by the service partners. 
 
“In celebration of AmeriCorps Week, March 13-19, OCES again thanks AmeriCorps for their generous RSVP grant. OCES also recognizes and thanks our AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteers for their dedicated service which helps so many individuals and organizations within our community,” said Nicole Long, Chief Executive Officer of OCES. 
                                                                                                                             
Older adults interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact OCES’ Volunteer Program Manager Armindo Rocha at (508) 584-1561 or email arocha@ocesma.org for more details.  
 
About AmeriCorps 
AmeriCorps, a federal agency, brings people together to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to improving communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov. 
 
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 Recognizes AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteers during AmeriCorps Week, March 13-19Read More

Special Holiday Meals Delivered to Seniors at Wareham COA, Agawam Village and Redwood Park

Special holiday meals were provided to 175 older adults at the Wareham Council on Aging (COA) and at Agawam Village and Redwood Park Housing Authority locations on Thursday, December 23rd.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding towns, thanks Covanta and their staff for providing these special holiday meals and also volunteering to deliver them alongside OCES to older adult consumers in their Nutrition program. 

Missy Dziczek, Wareham Council on Aging Director

“Food insecurity is an important issue facing many older adults. We are grateful to Covanta and their amazing team for their generous donation and delivery of holiday meals that helps make the season even more special,” said Nicole Long, Chief Executive Officer at OCES. 

Nutrition Program
OCES’ Nutrition Program, which consists of Meals on Wheels, Community Dining, and Grab & Go meals, is critical to many older adults. Through OCES’ Nutrition Program, hundreds of nutritious meals are delivered each day to adults age 60+ living within 23 communities in greater Plymouth County. These “Meals on Wheels” are essential, nutritionally-sound and satisfying meals planned by a nutritionist. With the help of hundreds of volunteers, the meals are delivered to individual homes. For many of OCES’ most vulnerable older adults and individuals with disabilities, the delivery is not only a delicious meal, it is often the only social contact of the day. A connection to the community through Meals on Wheels is also a safety check to make sure these individuals are okay.

Our Meals on Wheels and Community Dining menus are published in COA newsletters and on OCES’ website at https://www.ocesma.org/nutrition-menu/.  For more information about Meals on Wheels or Community Dining, call OCES at (508) 584-1561. 

About Covanta 
Powering Today. Protecting Tomorrow. 
With locations in Massachusetts and beyond, Covanta’s mission is “To build a safer, cleaner, more prosperous world by ensuring no waste is ever wasted.” To learn more, visit https://www.covanta.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. 

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Virtual “Buried in Treasures” Workshop Begins January 18th

For anyone struggling with clutter, compulsive acquiring, saving, and hoarding, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, has announced a Virtual Buried in Treasures Workshop will begin on January 18, 2022. 

OCES and the Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force (GBAH) are hosting a FREE Virtual Buried in Treasures Workshop funded by GBAH scholarships. A facilitated self-help series for individuals with hoarding tendencies, the Buried in Treasures confidential workshop will be held on Tuesdays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. for 16 weeks – from January 18th through May 3rd. 

Buried in Treasures is an educational, judgment-free, self-help program. The online group workshop will be led by Deana Andrade, LICSW and Jeffrey Olivier of OCES. 

According to Terri Kourtz, OCES’ Protective Services Director and Chair of GBAH, “A hoarding disorder not only disrupts an individual’s daily life, it can also significantly affect their relationships with loved ones. This workshop will help attendees better understand it and learn practical coping skills.” 

What is Hoarding?
Hoarding is when individuals continue to accumulate items, such as clothing, newspapers and food, and then have persistent difficulty discarding possessions. Individuals with hoarding behaviors often face health issues related to falls, as well as the risk of losing their homes.

The Virtual Buried in Treasures Workshop is available to individuals of all ages and there are no geographic restrictions. Past participants of Buried in Treasures workshops have shared that they found it very helpful, they felt supported, and would recommend the workshop.
    
Screening for group readiness is required. 

For Workshop information or to arrange a prescreening appointment, contact Deana Andrade at OCES, 508-584-1561 extension 232 or email dandrade@ocesma.org. For additional information 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. 

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