APRIL ARTICLE: Volunteering
April is National Volunteer Month, a time to celebrate and honor volunteers who help make a difference in the lives of so many and in the communities they serve.
Volunteers are all around, dedicating their time and effort to many different nonprofit organizations and causes. Volunteers have a beneficial influence in countless ways. For instance, volunteers provide daily meals to families in need and to homebound older adults; assist with home renovations for those not able to complete the work themselves; help shape a younger generation by reading to children; write letters of support to deployed U.S. service members; and help care for animals, the environment, and many other causes.
The benefits of volunteering are significant. Volunteering provides a vital connection to others and to the community. Studies have associated volunteering with reduced depression and living longer. Not only that, volunteering helps keep the brain active, which contributes to cognitive health. Research has also shown that volunteerism within organizations can boost morale.
Those who volunteer share their knowledge and experiences with organizations and causes that benefit from it - while building on skills they already have and developing new skills along the way.
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) has a Volunteer Center located at 204 South Meadow Road in Plymouth that serves as a central resource for volunteers as well as for local agencies offering volunteer opportunities in Plymouth County. Stop by or schedule an appointment to visit the Volunteer Center to learn about the variety of short and long-term opportunities that are available to fit your lifestyle and interests.
Aspiring volunteers can individually talk with OCES Volunteer Program staff who can help locate volunteer opportunities that fit your interests and skill set. OCES’ Volunteer Program includes Meals on Wheels and the Money Management Program as well as the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Plymouth County, available for individuals age 55+. The Volunteer Center is equipped with computers for researching volunteer opportunities as well as brochures and other literature from organizations seeking volunteers. It also serves as a designated space for volunteers to work together on specific projects, such as Letter Writing to Troops for National Days of Service and Remembrance. OCES assists service partner organizations such as Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, local food banks and Veterans Service Agencies that rely on volunteers.
Do you have a passion for helping others? Do you want to contribute to your community and help enhance people's lives? Consider becoming one of the 63 million Americans who volunteer each year. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, RSVP at OCES’ Volunteer Center by visiting, ocesma.org/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities.
Recent News
NOVEMBER ARTICLE: Shining a light on Caregivers and honoring their commitment during National Caregiver Month
The number of family caregivers in the U.S. has increased significantly in recent years. According to “Caregiving in the U.S. 2020” report presented by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, 53 million Americans provided unpaid care in 2020; up by 9.5 million since 2015. The report also showed that 26 percent of Americans are caring for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
OCES Announces Thanksgiving Menu for Community Dining and Meals on Wheels Recipients
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a nonprofit organization that is the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, has announced that a special holiday meal will be available in November at Community Dining sites and delivered to Meals on Wheels recipients.
On Wednesday, November 27, 2024, OCES will provide a delicious Thanksgiving Meal that includes turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, dinner roll, and for dessert, pumpkin pie. A reservation for the Thanksgiving meal must be made in advance.
Full Article OCES Announces Thanksgiving Menu for Community Dining and Meals on Wheels Recipients
Old Colony Elder Services Named as a 2024 Best Place to Work
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, has been named as a Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing 2024 Best Places to Work honoree. It is the second consecutive year that OCES has received this award.
Full Article Old Colony Elder Services Named as a 2024 Best Place to Work
OCES Kicks Off #GivingTuesday Campaign to Raise Funds for Behavioral Health and Wellness Programs
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a nonprofit organization that is the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, has kicked off its #GivingTuesday campaign to raise $10,000 to support their Behavioral Health and Wellness programs.
OCTOBER ARTICLE: A positive self-perception of aging is key. Join us in Recognition of Ageism Awareness Day
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) and the American Society on Aging (ASA) will recognize Ageism Awareness Day on Oct. 9, 2024. Modeled after the United Nation’s International Day of Older Persons (Oct. 1), Ageism Awareness Day is an opportunity to highlight the prejudice of ageism and its effects.
SEPTEMBER ARTICLE: Celebrating Grandparents!
Every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day, people celebrate National Grandparents Day in honor of grandparents.
Grandparents hold a special role in their grandchildren’s lives – a role that includes sharing their wisdom and experiences. Grandparents are a source of strength and oftentimes are their grandchildren’s greatest advocates.
OCES is shining a light on Caregivers and honoring their commitment to caregiving. Nominate a Caregiver for National Caregiver Month
OCES the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, is putting the spotlight on caregivers in honor of National Caregiver Month.
AUGUST ARTICLE: Falls Prevention Awareness Week is coming in September
Did you know? The number one cause of injury and injury-related fatality among older adults is unintentional falling. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), more than half of all falls happen at home.
Objects such as footstools, floor plants, electrical cords, pillows, bedding, shoes, throw rugs and other items on the floor are all considered “trip hazards” and may cause you to fall.
The most common injury from a fall is a fracture. Older adults who have a condition such as osteoporosis, are particularly at risk of a fracture from a fall.
Full Article AUGUST ARTICLE: Falls Prevention Awareness Week is coming in September
Community Options Ep. 286, Falls Prevention
In Episode 286 of Community Options we are discussing Falls Prevention with Pat Livie and Donna Forand of OCES' Healthy Living Department.