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Old Colony Elder Services

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. 

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

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. 

Virtual “Buried in Treasures” Workshop Begins January 18thRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints New Volunteer Programs Manager

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding towns, has promoted Armindo S. Rocha to Volunteer Programs Manager. He is a resident of Brockton.

Rocha has been with the agency for eight years. In his new role as Volunteer Programs Manager, Rocha will manage OCES’ Volunteer and Healthy Living Programs, and ensure comprehensive service delivery with business partners and volunteers. For five years previous to his promotion, Rocha was OCES’ Intake and Referral Supervisor overseeing assigned staff, special fund and transportation requests, and ensuring the highest quality of services. For three years prior to that, he served as Home Care Program Supervisor. Before joining OCES, Rocha was a Residential Counselor for BAMSI of East Bridgewater, MA.

Rocha holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bridgewater State University and a Master of Public Administration from Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI.

A dedicated volunteer, Rocha is the current president of Association of Social Solidarity, a nonprofit organization aimed to change and shape the lives of Cape Verdean families in the Brockton community.

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton 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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OCES Receives $16K Donation from Meals on Wheels America

Thanks to a generous $16,000 donation from Meals on Wheels America, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, was able to provide 2,000 meals to recipients.

Meals on Wheels America, the leadership organization supporting more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger, provided critical funding for OCES’ Grab & Go meals that were distributed to older adults and individuals with disabilities during June, July and August.
    
OCES strives to address food insecurity for older adults in greater Plymouth County. A component of OCES’ Nutrition Department is their Community Dining program which offers meals at various sites within the communities the agency serves. During the COVID-19 pandemic, OCES Community Dining sites offered Grab & Go meals that provided healthy and delicious nutrition, along with the opportunity to check-in. 

Margaret Joyce

“We are thankful to Meals on Wheels of America for the funding to offer ‘Grab & Go’ meals as an alternative option for individuals like Margaret,” stated Brenda Carrens, OCES’ Community Programs Director. 

OCES Nutrition Department
OCES’ Nutrition Department provides vital food services including more than 500,000 meals each year to consumers living in greater Plymouth County. Many older adults benefit from “Meals on Wheels” which provides a daily meal delivered to their 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. Several of OCES’ Meals on Wheels drivers have been cited by local officials for actions that have helped a consumer who has been found in a dire situation. 

OCES’ Nutrition Program, which consists of Meals on Wheels, Community Dining, and Grab & Go meals, is critical to many older adults. The Program is made possible through generous funding from The Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Executive Office of Elder Affairs, organizations such as Meals on Wheels America, as well as other organizations and individuals in the community. For more information, contact Brenda Carrens, Community Programs Director at bcarrens@ocesma.org or call 508-584-1561 ext. 252. 

To learn more about Meals on Wheels America, visit their website: 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. 

OCES Receives $16K Donation from Meals on Wheels AmericaRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Kicks Off Giving Tuesday to Raise Emergency Funds

With a growing number of individuals needing emergency assistance, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, has kicked off a #GivingTuesday fundraising campaign to support those most vulnerable in the community.

“It is imperative that older adults and individuals with disabilities have a place to turn when faced with an emergency that threatens their health and/or living situation,” said Nicole M. Long, CEO.

Throughout OCES’ service area there are many older adults and individuals with disabilities who are struggling to meet basic needs such as putting meals on their table, paying for much-needed medication or heating their home. 

Whether it’s an empty oil tank, emergency home repair, inability to pay for necessary medication or another dire situation, OCES’ Emergency Fund helps meet the needs of at-risk low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities who are in a crisis or emergency situation. All too frequently, these individuals encounter problems that can jeopardize their independence, dignity and well-being. 

OCES’ Emergency Fund has been used to assist with fuel, utilities, short-term emergency shelter, medical transport, life-sustaining medications, hot water heaters and other critical needs. 

#GivingTuesday is November 30th
All donations made prior to November 30th will be matched by the Law Office of Paula M. P. Schlosser, up to $1,000. With the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors contributing to the significant number of individuals in need, OCES’ goal is to raise $8,000 for the campaign. 

“OCES thanks The Law Office of Paula M. P. Schlosser for their generous matching donation,” said Long. The Law Offices of Paula M.P. Schlosser offers residents of Southeastern Massachusetts and its surrounding region quality legal advice and services that will allow them to focus on living their lives to the fullest.

OCES is recognized as a tax exempt charitable corporation under section 501c3 of the IRS tax code. To make a donation to OCES’ Emergency Fund online, visit www.ocesma.org/donations/ 
Donations may also be made by check or money order and mailed to OCES, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301. 

Since its founding in 2012, #GivingTuesday has inspired giving around the world, resulting in greater donations, volunteer hours, and activities that bring about real change in communities. 
To learn more about #GivingTuesday, visit www.givingtuesday.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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Old Colony Elder Services Holds Volunteer Appreciation Events

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Greater Plymouth County, recently held two Volunteer Appreciation events in Bridgewater and Plymouth.
 
To honor and celebrate their outstanding volunteers, OCES held appreciation events at Bridgewater Senior Center and Plymouth Center for Active Living in late August. A total of 87 volunteers from OCES’ Nutrition Program, Money Management Program, Board of Directors, and RSVP of Plymouth County attended the two outdoor events, which featured live music by Lisa Yves, Emma Murphy, Caleb Wolf and Fiona Campbell as well as delicious food from Flashback Franks and The Whoo(pie) Wagon food trucks.
 
According to Courtney Krajeski, OCES’ Volunteer Coordinator, “These events were a tremendous success and I could not be more pleased with the turnout and execution of each event. We received great compliments on the food trucks and the music. Our dedicated OCES volunteers deserve recognition for their heroic efforts during a difficult year. We also wanted to give them the opportunity to connect and celebrate in person – a connection that we were all happy to share.”
 
Nutrition volunteer Emilia Cantwell and her job coach Susan Kallio of the Nemasket Group Building Futures Project support Meals on Wheels (MOW) in Wareham. (The Nemasket Group offers personalized, flexible support to families and individuals with disabilities to live, work and develop relationships within our communities.) As a team, Cantwell and Kallio have continued to deliver meals throughout the pandemic. Kallio said, “Volunteering with Meals on Wheels has been a great opportunity to connect with people in a safe way. Emilia loves meeting new people and helping others. She remembers the names of those she delivers to which allows for that personal connection.”
 
Volunteering for OCES
With the help of 325 Nutrition Program volunteers who perform many tasks, OCES serves 1,800 meals each weekday as part of its MOW Program. Over 35 Money Management Program (MMP) volunteers assist older adults and individuals with disabilities with bill paying, reconciling bank statements, balancing checkbooks, and in special cases, negotiating debt with creditors.
 
OCES is an AmeriCorps Seniors grantee that receives funds through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) which is for volunteers age 55+. RSVP of Plymouth County volunteers help OCES and other local agencies that are OCES business partners. Volunteers also serve on the OCES Board of Directors, and the MMP or RSVP Community Advisory Councils and contribute with many other important efforts.
 
To learn more about becoming a volunteer for OCES contact Courtney Krajeski at 508-584-1561 x355 or visit 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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Virtual “Buried in Treasures” Based Workshop Series Begins October 19th

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, is offering a series of workshops based on the “Buried in Treasures Workbook Model”. Each workshop will offer support for individuals with hoarding tendencies. 


 
This Workshop Series is an educational, judgment-free, self-help program facilitated by OCES that will meet on Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. beginning October 19, 2021. This confidential Workshop Series is for anyone struggling with clutter, compulsive acquiring, saving, and hoarding. Classes will be held virtually once a week for 15 weeks. This specific Workshop Series is for individuals working on their own recovery; it is not for friends, family or service providers. However, others are welcome to contact OCES for information and resources. 


             
OCES’ Workshop Series is grant-funded and free of charge, but registration and prescreening is required. Previous participants have shared that they found them to be very helpful; they felt supported and would recommend the workshops. 


             
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. 


 
Individuals interested in attending the self-help program are required to complete a prescreening assessment before enrolling in the Workshop; contact OCES at 508-584-1561 for more details. 
 


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

Virtual “Buried in Treasures” Based Workshop Series Begins October 19thRead More

The Massachusetts Money Management Program Celebrates its 30th Year. Program Volunteers are recognized by Old Colony Elder Services and other local sites throughout the State

September marks the 30th year that the Massachusetts Money Management Program (MMMP) has been helping adults over 60, and adults living with disabilities, maintain their independence. The MMMP is a free, volunteer-supported program that is vital to those it serves. Without the program, many individuals would face food insecurity, financial exploitation, eviction, and premature institutionalization.

MMMP volunteers have always gone above and beyond for their consumers and for the 30th anniversary, their dedication and hard work were recognized by Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) at its volunteer appreciation event last month.


MMMP volunteers work one-on-one with at-risk individuals to help them create a budget, pay their bills, reduce debt, and find local support services. Since 1991, MMMP volunteers have served 13,000 Massachusetts residents. The past 18 months, MMMP volunteers were a lifeline to individuals who had no one else to turn to, or even talk to, during the pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, volunteers continued to support their consumers in a variety of ways including phone calls and virtual meetings.


Below are quotes from consumers and volunteers:

– “Helped in so many ways, I was losing confidence in myself. My volunteer has restored my confidence. If it wasn’t for the MMP I would have given up.”

– “My financial life has been saved because of this service.”

– “As an OCES’ Money Management Volunteer for 18 years, I have worked with Consumers that have faced not having enough money for food, on the verge of having electricity and gas shut off, and family members taking advantage of them. I have helped Consumers manage their finances so they don’t have to worry about the mortgage or losing their homes. Being a part of this MMP, I feel like I am making a difference in someone’s life. It’s very rewarding and there are many people out there in need of assistance.”  


The MMMP would not exist without the hundreds of volunteers who devote so much time and effort to support people in their communities. On behalf of the statewide program and all local programs, we would like to say a big Thank You to current and past volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering for OCES’ Money Management or other programs, please call 508-584-1561 and ask for the Volunteer Coordinator. 

Assistance & Volunteer Opportunities Available

OCES is accepting new consumers and volunteers into the Money Management program.  Donations to OCES’ MMMP are vital and may be made by visiting OCES’ website and clicking on Donate Now. For more information, to volunteer, or to make a donation to OCES’ Money Management Program, visit www.ocesma.org

About the MMMP
The Massachusetts Money Management Program’s mission is to promote and prolong independent living for income-eligible individuals over 60 who are at risk because of their inability to manage their finances. In order to achieve this mission, the MMMP:


– Provides assistance that enables people to live as independently as possible;

– Helps in the least intrusive way so that a person’s dignity and privacy are preserved; and

– Includes program safeguards to protect the consumer, the volunteer, and the local ASAP.


To learn more about the statewide program, to refer someone, to volunteer, or donate, please visit massmmp.org. You can search for your local program by city or town. You can also email mmmpinfo@tves.org or call 508-949-6640 ext. 3376.

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.

The Massachusetts Money Management Program Celebrates its 30th Year. Program Volunteers are recognized by Old Colony Elder Services and other local sites throughout the StateRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints New HR Director

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding towns, has appointed Rob Buckel-Gillis as Human Resources Director.

Buckel-Gillis will oversee all aspects of OCES’ Human Resources department and report directly to Anna Dee, Chief Operating Officer. Previously, Buckel-Gillis served as Employee Relations Manager at The MENTOR Network for more than two years. Prior to that he was the Human Resources Director for Cambridge-based lighting company, Aetna Corp.

Buckel-Gillis received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisiana in Lafayette and a Master of Social Work from Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. He also holds a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, NH. Buckel-Gillis is a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and also a member of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management).

Rob Buckel-Gillis
PHOTO CREDIT: Logan Pratt Photography

A native of New Orleans, Buckel-Gillis moved to the Boston metro area in 2004 and is currently a resident of Scituate, MA.

In his free time Buckel-Gillis is involved in community theaters throughout the South Shore, including True Rep Theatre of Pembroke, Hingham Civic Music Theatre and Cohasset Drama Club.

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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