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Old Colony Elder Services

“Buried in Treasures” Virtual Workshop Begins August 10th

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, is offering a Buried in Treasures Virtual Workshop – a facilitated self-help series for individuals with hoarding tendencies.

For anyone struggling with clutter, compulsive acquiring, saving, and hoarding, OCES’ Buried in Treasures confidential workshop begins Tuesday, August 10, 2021. Classes meet once a week for 16 weeks. This specific workshop 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.

“Buried in Treasures” is an educational, judgment-free, self-help program facilitated by OCES that will meet virtually from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The registration cost is $250 per workshop and is non-refundable.

Scholarships Available

Limited scholarships are available for the Buried in Treasures Virtual Workshop based on financial need. Scholarships are supported by funds raised from OCES’ Hoarding 101 Workshop for service providers held earlier this year and attended by 156 professionals.

“A hoarding disorder not only disrupts an individual’s daily life, it can also significantly affect their relationships with loved ones. This self-help workshop will help attendees better understand it and learn practical coping skills,” explained Terri Kourtz, OCES’ Protective Services Director and Chair of The Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force(GBAH).  

Buried in Treasures Virtual 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 the workshop very helpful, they felt supported, and would recommend the workshop.

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.

Buried in Treasures Virtual Workshop is sponsored by OCES and GBAH.

For more information or for an application to the Buried in Treasures Virtual Workshop, contact Deana Andrade at OCES, 508-584-1561 extension 232 or email dandrade@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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Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Alisa DeLage as Chief Programs Officer

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, has appointed Alisa DeLage, MSW, LCSW as Chief Programs Officer. She is a resident of Berkley, MA.

Ms. DeLage is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been with OCES for six years. In her new role as Chief Programs Officer, Ms. DeLage oversees all consumer-facing programs and staff.

Alisa DeLage, MSW, LCSW

Previous to her promotion, Ms. DeLage was the Home Care Program Manager overseeing that program’s supervisors, care managers and operations.

Ms. DeLage holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bridgewater State University, as well as a Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development.

She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). In addition, Ms. DeLage is on the Brockton Visiting Nurse Association’s Board of Directors and the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth’s Community Benefits Advisory Committee. 

Ms. DeLage is passionate about supporting older adults as they age in place, and assisting older adults and individuals with disabilities transitioning from a hospital, rehab, or nursing home back to a community setting.  Prior to her work with OCES, Ms. DeLage’s primary roles were with children and families as they navigated the foster care and adoption systems in Massachusetts. She is now an adoptive parent as well. 

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 Appoints Hingham Resident as Chief Operating Officer

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, has promoted Anna M. Dee to Chief Operating Officer. She is a resident of Hingham, MA.

For two years prior to her promotion, Ms. Dee held the position of Business Improvement Director at OCES. In her new role as Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Dee will oversee the business operations of OCES, establishing goals and priorities for the agency. She will ensure adherence to policies set by the Board of Directors and report to the Chief Executive Officer Nicole Long. 

Ms. Dee’s previous experience includes 12 years at State Street Corporation, Boston, MA., where she held numerous positions – the most recent being three years as Assistant Vice President, Project Manager focusing on corporate initiatives.

Anna M. Dee
Anna M. Dee

Ms. Dee holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine.

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 to Hold Virtual Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels 5K Run/Walk in May

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, has announced that their Annual Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels 5K Run/Walk for 2021 has pivoted to a virtual event in May.

Hosted by OCES’ Nutrition Department, the 5K Run/Walk will take place as a virtual event this year. Community members and OCES supporters of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in this 5K at any time and any place during the month of May. Whether participants walk or jog the 5K (3.1 miles) all at once, over several days, or anytime during the month, all are welcome (including pets!) to participate and help raise awareness and critical funds for this essential service.

Over the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many lives in our community. During this time OCES adapted to the ever-changing demands especially the concerns of food insecurity in the older adults in greater Plymouth County. OCES’ Nutrition Staff have been working nonstop to fulfill the increased demand for nutritious meals. OCES not only adjusted to the higher volume, they provided new opportunities such as delivering 2,000 bags with “one week’s worth” of groceries to consumers. Staff also collaborated with local Councils on Aging to offer “Grab & Go” meals to older adults in the community. 

Now more than ever, it is important to raise funds needed to support the Nutrition Program. To help support OCES’ goal of $15,000 that will provide 2,000 meals, join OCES by creating your own fundraising page, visit www.ocesma.org and click 5K link.

Or, register directly at https://oces.networkforgood.com/projects/128534-2021-moving-heels-for-meals-on-wheels
A $15 donation covers two meals, a $45 donation covers six meals and a $75 donation covers 10 meals.

The Nutrition Program, including Meals on Wheels, is critical to many older adults and is made possible through the generous funding received from members of the community and businesses. For more information, contact Brenda Carrens, Community Programs Director at bcarrens@ocesma.org or call 508-584-1561 ext. 252. 

About OCES Nutrition
OCES’ Nutrition Department provides vital food services including more than 503,000 meals each year to consumers living in greater Plymouth County area. 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 our 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. Another component of the Nutrition Department is our Community Dining program that offers meals at various sites within the communities we serve. During COVID-19, OCES Community Dining meal sites offered Grab & Go meals that provided healthy and delicious nutrition, along with the opportunity to socialize.

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 highlights the Nutrition Program with Special Drive-Thru events in East Bridgewater and Lakeville

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, put the focus on OCES’ Nutrition Program at “March for Meals” events held in East Bridgewater and Lakeville, MA.

March for Meals is part of  Meals On Wheels America’s national campaign held in March. 

Meals on Wheels and Grab & Go Meals are part of OCES’ Nutrition Program. OCES teamed up with local elected officials and Council on Aging (COA) Directors during March and April for special Drive-Thru events increase awareness of the essential Nutrition Program. 

Left to Right:  Diane Orcutt, Meal Site Manager; Maribeth Waldron, OCES Nutrition Supervisor; Senator Michael Brady; Representative Alyson Sullivan; Senator Walter Timilty; Nancy Hill, COA Director

On March 30, 2021, Senator Walter Timilty, Senator Michael Brady, and Representative Alyson Sullivan joined East Bridgewater COA Director Nancy Hill and OCES’ Nutrition Program team to distribute nutritious meals at a Grab & Go Drive-Thru event held at East Bridgewater Council on Aging. Simultaneously at the Lakeville COA, Representative Orrall joined the OCES and COA teams to also give meals to the older adults within this community.

On April 13, 2021, Senator Michael Rodrigues and Town Selectman Lia Fabian joined COA Director Kelly Howley and OCES in a March for Meals campaign that offered Grab & Go Meals in a Drive-Thru event at the Lakeville Council on Aging. 

All the events were well-attended and provided nutritious meals to 134 older adults in Lakeville and East Bridgewater communities.

All Nutrition meals are planned by a nutritionist. OCES has more than 400 volunteers in their Nutrition Program delivering over 1,900 nutritious meals a day to homebound recipients living within the communities in greater Plymouth County.

Left to Right:  Cheryl Lundstedt, COA Clerk; Jean-Marie Finn, OCES Nutrition Supervisor; Kelly Howley, COA Director; and Representative Orrall.
Bunny costume: Lori Fahey 

“Our Drive-Thru events were a wonderful opportunity for older adults in our communities to see elected officials, COA Directors and the OCES team as we support the vital Nutrition Program,” said Nicole M. Long, CEO of OCES. “The Nutrition Program is essential to many older adults who are homebound, unable to prepare meals or manage their grocery shopping.” 

Over the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about many new challenges, but OCES continues to adapt and safely serve the needs of their consumers and the communities that they serve. All of OCES’ programs, from Nutritionand Home Care to Protective Services, remain in place and are operating. 

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. 

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OCES Awarded 3 Year Grant to Support Older Adult Volunteers

Funding from AmeriCorps Seniors for RSVP of Plymouth County

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, recently announced that they received a three-year grant from AmeriCorps Seniors to support 300 RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) volunteers. The grant will expand OCES’ volunteer presence in Plymouth County, where OCES has been providing service opportunities for older adults as an RSVP project since April 1, 2015.

With this new funding, OCES will continue to leverage the skills and experiences of adults age 55 and older in Plymouth County to support their RSVP Service Partner programs and services which strengthen communities and the people that live in the communities. These AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers will address community needs through volunteer activities such as delivering Meals on Wheels, tutoring and reading to children, recording material for the blind, helping with financial literacy, transportation to medical appointments and other volunteer opportunities to address community identified needs.

“Volunteers are essential to our organization.  We embrace this exciting development and look forward to working with businesses and individuals throughout greater Plymouth County to expand opportunities and promote volunteerism,” stated Nicole Long, Chief Executive Officer of OCES.

Focused on Healthy Futures

Since 2015, the RSVP of Plymouth County has continued to support the AmeriCorps goal of supporting the most vulnerable populations. As the sponsor of the RSVP of Plymouth County, OCES pays particular attention to the focus areas identified by AmeriCorps and the areas in which OCES has the most impact on community needs. The primary focus area of this project is Healthy Futures, with the overall goals of increased socialization/quality of life, food security, financial literacy, student reading skills, transportation options, and volunteerism.

About AmeriCorps Seniors

Throughout the challenges of 2020 and 2021, AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers persisted, supporting communities as they respond and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Today, AmeriCorps Seniors engage approximately 195,000 older adults at 29,800 service locations across the United States and territories through its Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion, and RSVP programs. Established in 1971, RSVP involves Americans age 55 and older in needed services, responding to our nation’s most pressing challenges.

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 Assists at Vaccination Clinic for Residents at Wareham’s Redwood Park Housing

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the nonprofit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, was onsite to assist Wareham Housing Authority at their Redwood Park vaccination clinic held March 24, 2021.

Jillian Brown, OCES’ Supportive Housing Coordinator for Wareham’s Redwood Park processes the necessary forms during the recent COVID-19 vaccination clinic held onsite for residents.

The Wareham Housing Authority held a COVID-19 first dose vaccination clinic at Redwood Park Housing, 34 Church Avenue, to provide homebound and most vulnerable residents access to the vaccine. Wareham EMS administered the vaccine, assisted by 20 OCES volunteers and staff who processed consent forms and provided general support. A total of 50 residents were vaccinated that day.

According to residents Lucy (age 88), who received the vaccine alongside her husband Harold, “We’re just plain lucky! Harold will be celebrating his 90th birthday later this month and we’re overjoyed with the possibility of celebrating this milestone with our family now that we have received the vaccine.”

“Without having the vaccine brought to them, many residents would not have opted to receive the vaccine due to distance, transportation issues and difficulties navigating the website to register,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “OCES is working with local housing authorities, offering assistance onsite at vaccination clinics throughout our service area.”  

Supportive Housing in Wareham

OCES works with the Wareham Housing Authority to provide a supportive housing program at Redwood Park. Supportive Housing Programs are designed to create a community environment which allows residents to age in place, while also enriching the lives of those residents. To learn more about OCES’ housing programs, visit www.ocesma.org/getting-started/housing-options/

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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Dedicated Human Resources Director Retires from Old Colony Elder Services

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 announced that Maureen Hennessy, Human Resources Director of the agency, is retiring after more than six years.

Hennessy, a Pembroke, MA resident, was in charge of the Human Resources Department and Building and Office Management. She was a member of many committees both internally and externally such as the OCES Activities Committee, Employee and Management Training and Education, and staff liaison to the OCES Board of Directors on the Personnel Committee. She always advocated for OCES employees and was a strong supporter of our mission.

Maureen Hennessy

“We thank Maureen for her dedication to OCES over the past six years,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “Congratulations Maureen! OCES will miss you and we wish you all the best in your retirement!”

During retirement, Maureen hopes to travel and enjoy more time with friends and family. “I was very proud to work at OCES. It is a very special agency with a very important mission. I hope it will continue to grow and help more and more consumers.”

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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How Family and Friends Can Support a Person with Hoarding Disorder – Virtual Workshop on March 23rd

The Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force (GBAH) in conjunction with Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) and MassHousing are  sponsoring a FREE virtual workshop entitled “How Family and Friends Can Support a Loved One with Hoarding Disorder” presented by Becca Belofsky, co-founder of Mutual Support Consulting LLC.

The workshop is specifically for family members and friends of loved ones with hoarding disorder and will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, 11 a.m. to 12:10 p.m.

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 run the risk of losing their homes.

“This virtual workshop demonstrates how family and friends can support a loved one struggling with compulsive acquiring, saving and hoarding,” explained Terri Kourtz, OCES’ Protective Services Director and president of GBAH. “Essentially, a hoarding disorder not only disrupts an individual’s daily life, it can significantly affect their relationships with loved ones. This workshop will help attendees to better understand and support the person they care about using practical skills and compassion.”

Register online by March 16th.  Simply click the event link on OCES’ home page – https://www.ocesma.org.

Or, register by calling Deana Andrade at OCES, 508-584-1561 ext. 232.

About Becca Belofsky, Presenter

Becca Belofsky is an international trainer, speaker, and relationship coach. She has a degree in psychology from Smith College and is a Certified Older Adult Peer Specialist. Her areas of expertise include hoarding disorder, identity, and social connectedness throughout the lifespan. Becca is an outspoken mental health advocate and is candid about her experiences with depression, suicidal ideation, OCD, compulsive shopping, and grief. She facilitates professional development trainings & peer support groups, and provides individual support for people with HD and their family members.  For more information about Ms. Belofsky, visit her website, http://www.mutual-support.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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