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More than 850 Participate in “Brockton Knocks Down Diabetes” Week

Diabetes Week 3 the team rotatedOld Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, joined over forty other community agencies and businesses to support the 5th annual “Brockton Knocks Down Diabetes” (BKDD) week, June 11 to 18, 2016.

The weeklong program, which had 858 participants, was geared towards raising awareness of the prevalence of diabetes in the community. Travelling with an “event passport”, participants were able to attend any or all of 24 different events during the week, which included workshops focused on fitness, cooking demonstrations, screenings, and informational breakout sessions.

OCES kicked off BKDD week by sharing information about their Nutrition and Healthy Living programs with visitors at their information table at the Health and Wellness Expo held June 11th at the Shaw’s Center in Brockton. OCES’ BKDD team included Chris McLaren, Donna-Marie Forand, Chrisline Denis and Barbara Nalen-Cardosa, of OCES’ Healthy Living and Nutrition programs.

OCES, in partnership with Brockton Council on Aging, presented a free “Meal Planning for Diabetes” workshop on June 17th led by Donna-Marie Forand, Outreach and Education Specialist at OCES, and Dottie Slack, Health Education/Outreach Coordinator at Brockton COA.

On June 18th the closing event was the Family Fun Walk and Field Day at Campanelli Stadium. Walkers received free admission to the Brockton Rox baseball game at noon that day and also had the chance to participate in family games and enjoy multiple activities.

“Data shows that the greater Brockton area has higher incidence of diabetes than the rest of Massachusetts,” said Diana DiGiorgi, OCES’ Executive Director. “But armed with good information about nutrition, how to make healthy lifestyle choices, learning your level of risk and taking steps to prevent this disease, our consumers can live longer and healthier.”

A post-event survey revealed that the number one reason for participation in BKDD week was prevention and early detection, second was managing the disease, and third was to support a family member with diabetes. Eighty-seven percent of those surveyed feel more confident that they can prevent and/or control diabetes.

To learn more about OCES’ Healthy Living and Nutrition Program, visit  www.ocesma.org.

About BKDD

Brockton Knocks Down Diabetes (BKDD) is a coalition co-founded by HarborOne Bank in 2011, in collaboration with over 40 area organizations, including OCES, to address the critical diabetes epidemic within the greater Brockton community. To learn more about BKDD, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BrocktonKnocksDownDiabetes.

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 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 235 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

More than 850 Participate in “Brockton Knocks Down Diabetes” WeekRead More

Rodman CPAs Volunteer a Day of Service at Camp Clark in Plymouth

Rodman CPAs Camp Clark outreach IMG_6956 2

Rodman CPAs, a full service tax and accounting firm serving small, mid-market, and multi-generational companies throughout the greater Boston area, recently volunteered a day of service to “sprucing up” the grounds of Camp Clark, an Old Colony YMCA sponsored recreation camp for children in Plymouth.

A long-time supporter of Camp Clark, Rodman CPAs’ team of 17 spent six hours landscaping Camp Clark in preparation for the 1,000+ youth campers who will attend camp from the end of June to the end of August. The team, which included the firm’s president Steve Rodman and partner Tom Astore, spread 40 yards of mulch, 20 yards of sand and also painted Four Square in the playground area. The Rodman team even wore their specially designed volunteer T-shirts while working on the project.

“The Y was founded on volunteerism, and employers like Rodman CPAs who encourage volunteering is why the Y can continue to serve so many families,” said Derek Paiva, Executive Director of Old Colony YMCA.

The Rodman team spent more than 100 hours in readying Camp Clark, which according to Paiva would have taken weeks and a number of Y staff members to complete.

Paiva continued, “The Rodman team really does care and they do a great job. Having them working with us is just phenomenal.”

Community outreach is woven into Rodman CPAs’ company culture. The firm has a dedicated volunteer outreach team led by staff accountants Kate Doherty and Elysha Sturm, and every staff member has an opportunity to volunteer. Over the years, Rodman CPAs has supported a number of organizations and causes in addition to Camp Clark, including Rosie’s Place in Boston and The Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE).

About Old Colony YMCA

Serving thousands of individuals and families in 31 communities in Southeastern Massachusetts, Old Colony YMCA has provided programs, camps and services designed to help people of all ages and abilities build healthy spirits, minds, and bodies. For more information, visit the website at www.oldcolonyymca.org.

About Rodman CPAs

Rodman CPAs provides tax advisory, accounting, and business strategy to small and mid-sized emerging and established businesses. Named one of Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work for, and one of the largest accounting firms in Massachusetts by the Boston Business Journal, Rodman CPAs offers an innovative and strategic approach with the personal touch of a smaller regional CPA firm. For more than 50 years, Rodman CPAs has been specializing in customized accounting and tax solutions that improve business performance, processes, financial operations, and information technology.

The firm serves as a true business partner, helping clients perform and succeed during each stage of the business lifecycle. As domain experts in alternative energy, the “Green Team” at Rodman CPAs works with renewable energy producers and businesses throughout the U.S. offering tax advisory, financial, accounting services, and Investment Tax Credit (ITC) studies.

Rodman CPAs is an independent member firm of BDO Alliance USA, which enables them to expand services to clients by accessing the resources of BDO USA, LLP and other Alliance members, ensuring greater flexibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at http://www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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Old Colony Elder Services to “March Against Elder Abuse” on June 23rd in Plymouth

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, has joined forces with The Center for Active Living (Plymouth COA), the Plymouth Networking Group for Senior Services (PNG), and Plymouth C.A.R.E.S to “March Against Elder Abuse” on Thursday June 23, 2016. The event will be held rain or shine.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is June 15, 2016, and in an effort to raise awareness of elder abuse, OCES, The Plymouth Center for Active Living, the PNG, and Plymouth C.A.R.E.S have organized a march.

Marchers will meet at the Center for Active Living, 44 Nook Road in Plymouth, at 11:15 for transportation, if needed. The march will begin at 12 noon at the Plymouth waterfront at the new pavilion adjacent to Plymouth Rock on Water Street. Marchers will then be transported back to the Center for a 1 pm awareness event, including speakers and lunch.

OCES also encourages supporters to wear purple on June 23rd to show awareness. Free T-shirts will be distributed at the waterfront, while supplies last.

To reserve your seat, RSVP to Krista-Jean Forand at OCES, 508-584-1561 x 302 or to the Center at 508-830-4230 by June 16th.

Raising Awareness

Elder abuse includes financial exploitation, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, and neglect. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, family members (spouses, adult children, partners and others) comprise the majority of abusers. Additionally, research indicates that individuals with dementia are at even greater risk for elder abuse.

“World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to share information and spread awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director at OCES. “We CAN make a difference and encourage the community to join our ‘March Against Elder Abuse’ on June 23rd in Plymouth.”

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton. OCES is designated as one of 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 235 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving 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 to “March Against Elder Abuse” on June 23rd in PlymouthRead More

Old Colony Elder Services’ Dedicated Employee Retires After 30 Years

LucilleLoyal, unforgettable, courteous, intelligent, licensed, likable and empathetic are just a few of the adjectives one could use to describe Lucille Dallaire, who recently retired after 30 years at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES).

OCES, the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, held a retirement party for Ms. Dallaire at their Brockton office on Main Street. While Ms. Dallaire knew about the party, she did not know that her family, friends and business colleagues would also be attending to wish her well.

Ms. Dallaire, who is a licensed social worker, began her career at OCES on March 31, 1986. Over the years, she held various positions in Care Management, Information & Referral, and Development. Ms. Dallaire gained the respect and trust of her coworkers and colleagues throughout the region. Always working towards the goals of helping others in need, increasing outreach across the area, and looking for other funding sources, Ms. Dallaire has been instrumental in the growth of OCES’ programs, services and community profile.

The OCES Board of Directors recognized Ms. Dallaire for her 30 years of dedicated service and contributions as a valued member of the Board’s Development Committee.

“Lucille always displayed a positive demeanor and upbeat attitude no matter what was going on in her professional or personal life,” said Diana DiGiorgi, OCES Executive Director, “I cannot thank her enough for her dedication to OCES for the past 30 years. Congratulations Lucille, and we wish you 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 and designated as one of 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 235 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving 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’ Dedicated Employee Retires After 30 YearsRead More

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Hoarding Conference in Brockton on May 20th

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, will hold an “Understanding Hoarding” Conference on May 20, 2016, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 144 Main Street in Brockton. Check-in begins at 9:00 a.m.

With a focus on intervention, OCES’ Hoarding Conference is geared towards helping mental health therapists, social workers and others who work directly with people who have hoarding issues. The conference will be led by experts Jesse Edsell-Vetter, Hoarding Intervention Coordinator of the Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership (MBHP) and Christiana Bratiotis, Ph.D., LICSW. Topics to be covered include: the Definition of Hoarding; the Mental Psychology of Hoarding; Tools for Intervention and Sort/Discard Skills.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) have been applied for. Lunch will be provided. The cost to attend is $50. Pre-registration is required as no registrations will be available on the day of the event.

Sign-up online at http://ocesma.givezooks.com/events/hoarding.

For more information, contact Lisa Mullin at OCES (508) 584-1561 extension 220. This event is sponsored by The Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force and OCES.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and designated as one of 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 235 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving 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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Growth and Expansion – Old Colony Elder Services Opens a Second Office in Plymouth

Monica Mullins, Diana DiGiorgi, Betty DeBenedictis and Brenda Carrens
Monica Mullins, Diana DiGiorgi, Betty DeBenedictis and Brenda Carrens

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and people with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, is expanding and has opened a new office at 204 South Meadow Road in Plymouth, MA.

OCES officially announced the opening of their new 7,200 square-foot office with an Open House on March 2, 2016. Dozens attended the event, including State Representative Matt Muratore, Monica Mullins District Director, and Betty DeBenedictis, Legislative Aide to State Representative Thomas Calter.

The new location will better enable OCES to accommodate growth. The agency’s main office, which houses 200 of their 235 employees, is located at 144 Main Street in Brockton. The Plymouth office currently has 25 employees, with room for up to 50. The Plymouth office is home to OCES’ Volunteer Program; key departments such as Home Care, Senior Care Options, Nutrition, and Information and Referral are also represented.

“We serve 23 towns with a comprehensive array of specialized programs which have been developed to address the unique situations and circumstances faces by older adults and individuals with disabilities,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director. “We’re very pleased to have a second location that not only gives us room to grow, but is a bit closer to our consumers, caregivers, volunteers and service partners located around the Plymouth and Wareham areas.”

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and designated as one of 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 235 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving 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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Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels – OCES Announces 5K Road Race/Walk

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES
Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES

Lace up your running shoes and join Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) on Sunday, March 20, 2016 for their first annual “Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels” 5K Road Race/Walk.

In a new initiative to help grow and sustain OCES’ Meals on Wheels program, which serves approximately 30,000 meals a month to older adults in the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, OCES will hold a 5K Road Race/Walk at Silver Lake Regional High School, 260 Pembroke Street in Kingston, MA 02364. The race starts at 9:00 a.m.

Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place male and female winners. Adult registration for the Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels 5K costs $25 online or $30 on-site. Student (age 11-18) registration is $20 online or $25 on-site. Child (age 10 and under) registration is $15 online and $20 on-site.

T-shirts and gift bags are included with registration, and refreshments will be provided. Online registration will be open through the end of the day on Friday, March 18th. The registration deadline to receive a t-shirt is March 8th.

To register, visit www.southshoreracemgmt.com and click on March races.

Sponsorships are also available. To sponsor the race, visit ocesma.givezooks.com/events/moving-heels-for-meals-on-wheels or contact Chris McLaren at OCES, 508-584-1561, extension 309.

“We’re excited about our first annual 5K Road Race, as it promises to be a fun event for all ages,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director. “With the community’s support and participation, we will be better able to meet the increasing demand of providing meals to older adults and people with disabilities.”

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and designated as one of 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 235 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels – OCES Announces 5K Road Race/WalkRead More

OCES Receives over $5K in Donations to Emergency Fund during #GivingTuesday campaign

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency serving older adults and people with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, received a total of $5,145 in donations to their Emergency Fund during their #GivingTuesday campaign.

In an effort to raise money for their Emergency Fund, OCES ran a #GivingTuesday campaign from December 1st through December 31, 2015. This fund helps low-income older adults and people with disabilities with needed support that cannot be addressed through the use of any other resources.

“The success of this campaign to raise money for OCES’ Emergency Fund demonstrates the power we all have to change the world around us,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director. “Through the generosity of our supporters, we are able to help provide such things as heat, food, and life-sustaining medications to older adults and people with disabilities who are most in need in our communities.”

We thank everyone who gave during this campaign! All too often, low-income older adults and people with disabilities encounter problems that can jeopardize their ability to maintain independence, dignity and well-being. OCES’ Emergency Fund is used to assist with fuel, utilities, short-term emergency shelter, medical transport, medications, hot water heaters, food and other needs.

Through OCES’ Emergency Fund, several hundred low-income older adults and people with disabilities have received assistance, including a 79-year-old widow, living in her own home with her disabled daughter, who had run out of oil; OCES helped purchase heating oil for them.

If you were unable to donate during December, don’t worry, you can give at any time. Visit www.ocesma.org and help us to continue providing assistance to older adults and people with disabilities so they can remain safe and at home.

A Day Dedicated to Giving Back

#GivingTuesday is observed on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. Fueled by the power of social media and collaboration, #GivingTuesday connects individuals, communities and organizations around the world and provides a platform for them to encourage the donation of time, resources and talents. Visit www.givingtuesday.org to learn more.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and designated as one of 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 235 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

OCES Receives over $5K in Donations to Emergency Fund during #GivingTuesday campaignRead More

OCES Holds Food Drive for Three Charities

OCES staff Rose Lynch, Tremeda Martin, Charlie Mills, Kerry Phelan, Vicky Rateau and Cathy Whitney organize food donations for distribution.
OCES staff Rose Lynch, Tremeda Martin, Charlie Mills, Kerry Phelan, Vicky Rateau and Cathy Whitney organize food donations for distribution.

Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES), the non-profit agency serving older adults and people with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, recently held a Food Drive for three charities in their service area – My Brothers Keeper in Easton, Father Bill’s & Mainspring in Brockton, and Plymouth Area Coalition for the Homeless in Kingston.

OCES’ Food Drive was held among their 235 employees the week before Christmas. More than 300 non-perishable food items were collected and distributed among the three charities.

Every year, OCES holds a holiday food drive for a different organization in an effort to provide support to those most in need. Last year, OCES’ donated more than 140 pounds of food to South Shore Community Action Council (SSCAC) in Plymouth.

To learn more about the three charities, visit their websites at www.plymouthareacoalition.org, helpfbms.org, and www.mybrotherskeeper.org.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 235 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving 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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