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Old Colony Elder Services Receives Pet Food Distribution Grant From Banfield Charitable Trust

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services‘ (OCES), a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, has recently received a Pet Food Distribution Grant from Banfield Charitable Trust.

Low-income seniors are among America’s millions struggling with hunger and food insecurity.   Many seniors and individuals with disabilities receive nutritious daily meals through OCES’ Meals On Wheels program.  In an effort to keep seniors and their beloved pets well nourished, OCES now also provides nutrition support for their pets.

For nearly a decade, Banfield Charitable Trust has been working to keep pets and their people together. The Banfield Grant enables OCES to purchase pet food and distribute to low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities, so that they can continue to care for their pets in their home.  Essentially, OCES’ Meals On Wheels recipients are assured nutritious daily meals AND now their pets can receive nutritional support.

“What we have found is that elders will often feed their pets before they feed themselves.  We’re working to identify and meet the needs of low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities who have pets,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

To learn more about the program, contact OCES’ Nutrition Department at (508) 584-1561.

About Banfield Charitable Trust

Banfield Charitable Trust provides grants to nonprofit organizations and nonprofit hospices to support their efforts to keep pets and people together.  Pet food distribution program grants provide financial support to nonprofit organizations and Meals On Wheels Associations of America (MOWAA) members to fund expenses associated with starting or maintaining a pet food distribution program.  For more information, visit www.banfieldcharitabletrust.org.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 towns in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton.  OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The organization’s mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living.

The agency has 169 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Receives Pet Food Distribution Grant From Banfield Charitable TrustRead More

OCES Helps Provide Food for 111 Pets

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services (OCES), the regional agency that serves older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, has recently received a grant from Banfield Charitable Trust to continue their work helping people feed their pets.

The Pet Food Distribution Grant from Banfield Charitable Trust  will enable OCES’ Pets Eat Too program to purchase pet food and distribute it to low-income older adults and people with disabilities, so that they can continue to care for their pets in their home.

Those living on fixed incomes often have difficulty providing for their pets’ needs in addition to their own. Those receiving nutritional support for their pets are OCES Meals on Wheels consumers and/or consumers referred by their care manager.

Last year OCES helped 76 individuals by providing pet food for their 111 pets, thanks to Banfield Charitable Trust, and a pet food drive conducted by the Plymouth County Chapter of Altrusa International.

“Pets provide a significant source of comfort, companionship and purpose for many older adults and people living with disabilities,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES. “Helping our consumers feed their pets is an important service that OCES is pleased to offer made possible by Banfield Charitable Trust and the Plymouth County Chapter of Altrusa International.”

To learn more, contact OCES’ Nutrition Department at (508) 584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

About Banfield Charitable Trust

Banfield Charitable Trust provides grants to nonprofit organizations and nonprofit hospices to support their efforts to keep pets and people together. Pet food distribution program grants provide financial support to nonprofit organizations and members of the Meals On Wheels Associations of America (MOWAA) members to fund expenses associated with starting or maintaining a pet food distribution program.  For more information, visit www.banfieldcharitabletrust.org.

About Altrusa International Inc. of Plymouth County

Altrusa International is a global volunteer service organization whose purpose is to promote better communities through service by an international network of people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Club members are involved in a variety of service projects and fundraisers in their communities. To learn more about the Plymouth County chapter, visit http://tinyurl.com/AltrusaPlymouthCounty.

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 217 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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Summer Barbecue at Wareham Congregate Meal Site on July 21st – Older Adults 60+ and Individuals with Disabilities Invited to Attend

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, families and caregivers throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, in collaboration with the Wareham Council on Aging (COA), will hold a summer barbecue at their congregate meal site in Wareham on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 11:30 a.m.

OCES’ congregate meal site is located at the COA on 48 Marion Road. The site provides hot, nutritious noontime meals Monday through Friday to older adults age 60+ and individuals with disabilities. On July 21st, a summer barbecue with hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, chips, and various desserts will be served.

OCES will have an informational table with brochures about their programs and services as well as information regarding an upcoming “Matter of Balance” workshop, starting July 28th, to help people prevent falls.

“Anyone 60 or older, or those living with disabilities are encouraged to attend a congregate meal site where they can enjoy delicious meals, social interaction and fun activities,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

Reservations for the barbecue are required by Thursday, July 16th. Call Cheryl Johannessen, Meal Site Manager, at 508-291-3100 ext 6514 to reserve a seat.

Congregate meal menus are published in local newspapers and in COA newsletters. A sample menu may be requested by calling OCES at (508) 584-1561 or visiting the website at www.ocesma.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 located 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 individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 215 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.

 

Summer Barbecue at Wareham Congregate Meal Site on July 21st – Older Adults 60+ and Individuals with Disabilities Invited to AttendRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Honors Volunteers at Appreciation Luncheon & Announces Merger

L to R - Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES and Joan Thompson-Stein, volunteer.
L to R – Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES and Joan Thompson-Stein, volunteer.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth County, recently held a luncheon at the Massasoit Conference Center in Brockton to thank the volunteers who donate their time to help others.

During the luncheon, Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES, announced the merger between Mayflower RSVP (MRSVP) and OCES that became effective April 1, 2015. Between OCES and MRSVP there are more than 600 volunteers giving countless hours of service to the older adults, individuals with disabilities and caregivers in the community.

DiGiorgi thanked all volunteers including the OCES Board of Directors and the MRSVP Advisory Council.

Darcy Lee, OCES’ MRSVP Project Director, provided an overview of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. Lee explained how Senior Corps volunteers are part of a national movement of volunteerism through the Corporation for National and Community Service. Lee also explained the health benefits of volunteering with evidence from various reports.

Brenda Carrens, Volunteer Coordinator, explained how to become an MRSVP volunteer, the benefits of free insurance, and the convenience of learning about other volunteer opportunities through MRSVP newsletters, website and emails. Carrens thanked the Money Management Program volunteers and the Nutrition volunteers.

After lunch was served, the volunteers enjoyed music and activities provided by Rob Peters Entertainment.

About Mayflower RSVP – MRSVP’s mission is to provide meaningful opportunities to volunteers aged 55 and older that provide personal fulfillment by utilizing their life skills and experiences to contribute to various organizations, and improve the quality of life for Plymouth County citizens. MRSVP is a designated national Certifying Organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award Program, which is the premier volunteer awards program in this country. MRSVP is one of 750 volunteer programs in a national network with funding from the Corporation for National & Community Service, enabling older Americans to make a difference in their local communities. Its service area covers all of the communities in Plymouth County. For more information, call 508-746-7787 or visit www.mayflowerrsvp.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 located 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 individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 215 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 Honors Volunteers at Appreciation Luncheon & Announces MergerRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Announces Merger with Mayflower RSVP

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

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth County, has acquired the Mayflower Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).  As of April 1, 2015, the Mayflower RSVP is integrated with OCES’ Community Programs.

Mayflower RSVP was founded 41 years ago with the mission of helping adults age 55 and older remain active and healthy by providing them with volunteer opportunities in their communities. The organization has operated with grants from the U.S. federal agency Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and has several hundred volunteers working with service partner organizations. Recently OCES was awarded a three-year grant from CNCS to operate the RSVP of Plymouth County concentrating on focus areas including Economic Opportunity, Education, Veteran and Military Families, and Healthy Futures.

OCES has run its own volunteer programs for many years and has also been a service partner of Mayflower RSVP for the last few years with volunteers in OCES’ Nutrition Program and Money Management Program. The two organizations that share similar missions and philosophies, have been working to transition staff and systems for the last six months.

“Our goals are to further develop the RSVP within the OCES framework, expand opportunities for volunteers of all ages, and deepen relationships with service partners throughout the area,” explained Darcy H. Lee, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of Mayflower RSVP (whose title will become OCES’ Volunteer Program Manager and Mayflower RSVP Project Director).

“Volunteers are essential to our organization.  We embrace this exciting development and look forward to working with businesses and citizens throughout the greater Plymouth County area to expand opportunities and promote volunteerism,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

About Mayflower RSVP – Mayflower RSVP’s mission is to provide meaningful opportunities to volunteers aged 55 and older that provide personal fulfillment by utilizing their life skills and experiences to contribute to various organizations, and improve the quality of life for Plymouth County citizens. Mayflower RSVP is a designated national Certifying Organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award Program, which is the premier volunteer awards program in this country. Mayflower RSVP is one of 750 volunteer programs in a national network with funding from the Corporation for National & Community Service, enabling older Americans to make a difference in their local communities. Its service area covers all of the communities in Plymouth County. For more information, call 508-746-7787 or visit www.mayflowerrsvp.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 located 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 individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 215 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.

About CNCS http://www.nationalservice.gov/about

 

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Old Colony Elder Services Sponsors “Senior Day” at Brockton Rox

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

Wednesday, June 17, 2015 is “Senior Day” at the Brockton Rox!

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, is the exclusive sponsor of “Senior Day”, offering discounted tickets to the Brockton Rox baseball game against the Torrington Titans on June 17th.

The teams are set to play at Campanelli Stadium at 1 Feinberg Way, Brockton. Gates open at 9 a.m. and the first pitch will be thrown at 10 a.m.  From 9 to 10 a.m. and between innings, fans can participate in fun activities such as Baseball Bingo, “Laughter Yoga” by Let’s Laugh Today, T-shirt giveaways and playing catch on the field. The “Swinging Singers” will perform the National Anthem.

Seniors (age 60 and older) throughout the region may purchase $3 tickets (discounted from the regular $6 due to OCES’ sponsorship) and enjoy special activities. The first 50 people to purchase tickets at the Brockton Council on Aging and the first 30 people to buy tickets at the stadium on the day of the event will get a free lunch courtesy of OCES.

For more information and to purchase tickets in advance, contact Janice Fitzgerald at the Brockton Council on Aging office located at 10 Father Kenney Way, Brockton, MA 02301 or call (508) 580-7811. For directions to Campanelli Stadium, visit www.brocktonrox.com.

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 located 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 individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 215 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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OCES, Brockton COA and HarborOne Bank to “March Against Elder Abuse” on Monday, June 15th

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, has joined forces with Brockton Council on Aging (COA) and HarborOne Bank to “March Against Elder Abuse” on Monday, June 15, 2015 at 12 p.m. starting at the Brockton COA, 10 Father Kenney Way. The event will be held rain or shine.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is June 15, 2015; in an effort to raise awareness of elder abuse, OCES, Brockton COA and HarborOne Bank have organized the march down Main Street. Community members are invited to join the “March Against Elder Abuse” starting at the Brockton COA and walking down Main Street to OCES at 144 Main Street, then returning to the COA. Participants will receive a free T-shirt (while supplies last).

Following the walk, a complimentary lunch and a special presentation will be held at the Brockton COA. Guest speakers include Janice Fitzgerald, Director of Brockton COA; Teresa Kourtz, OCES’ Protective Services and Money Management Director; and Pat Foley, OCES’ Protective Services Intake & Outreach Worker. The OCES Protective Services department, as well as those who have assisted elders in the community, will be recognized during the event.

Raising Awareness

Elder abuse includes financial exploitation, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse or 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. We can make a difference and encourage the community to join our ‘March Against Elder Abuse’ on Monday June 15th,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director at OCES.

OCES encourages supporters to wear purple on June 15th to show awareness.

There is no cost to attend the lunch, but reservations are required. RSVP by June 8, 2015 to Lisa Mullin by calling 508-584-1561 extension 220 or email lmullin@ocesma.org, or call the Brockton COA at 508-580-7811.

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 located 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 individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 215 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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Wareham March for Meals a Success

Howard Goodwin with Judy Whiteside, Wareham Selectwoman
Howard Goodwin with Judy Whiteside, Wareham Selectwoman

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency that serves older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, recently organized a “March for Meals” in Wareham.

March for Meals is part of Meals On Wheels Association of America’s (MOWAA) national campaign. On March 26, 2015, elected officials from Wareham and OCES staff delivered meals to 10 recipients in the community.

Alan Slavin, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, and Judy Whiteside, Selectwoman, also helped pack meals at the congregate site before delivering meals. They were accompanied by Christine McLaren, OCES Community Programs Manager, Maribeth Waldron, OCES Nutrition Program Supervisor and Cheryl Johannessen, OCES Meal Site Manager in Wareham, as they delivered meals to local seniors.

“It’s an honor to have local officials participate in our March for Meals event. Many older adults are homebound, unable to prepare meals, manage their grocery shopping or attend one of our congregate meal sites.  The Meals On Wheels program is essential for those who would otherwise not get a nutritious daily meal. Furthermore, the daily social contact is a crucial safety check of older adults living alone,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

The Meals On Wheels program serves individuals age 60 and over who are unable to prepare their own meals. Both the home delivered Meals On Wheels program and the congregate meal sites rely on the assistance of OCES’ volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering for the meals program, or want more information about other volunteer opportunities, contact OCES’ Volunteer Coordinator at 508-584-1561.

Lunch reservations for older adults and individuals with disabilities at the Wareham congregate meal site may be made by calling Cheryl Johannessen at 508-291-3100, extension 6514. Older adults who are interested in receiving meals delivered to their homes can call OCES at 508-584-1561 and request an assessment.

About Meals On Wheels Association of America
MOWAA is the only national association and network dedicated solely to ending senior hunger in America. For more information, visit their website at www.mowaa.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 located 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 individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 210 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.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

 

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Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Alisa DeLage, LCSW, MSW As Home Care Program Manager

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency that serves older adults and individuals with disabilities, has appointed Alisa DeLage, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, as Home Care Program Manager.

In her new role, Ms. DeLage oversees the Home Care Program’s supervisors, care managers and operations. The Home Care Program enables older adults and individuals with disabilities to remain in their own homes by providing them with services needed to maintain their independence, from basic home care personal assistance to a variety of other long term supports.

For four years prior to joining OCES, Ms. DeLage worked for an adoption and foster care agency in Taunton, MA. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bridgewater State University and a Master of Social Work from Wheelock College in Boston. She is working towards a second Master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership. Ms. DeLage is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and resides in Quincy, MA.

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 located 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 individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 210 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.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Alisa DeLage, LCSW, MSW As Home Care Program ManagerRead More