Employees at OCES Launch “Gift Wreath” Program to Support Seniors in Need
BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA... ‘Tis the season of giving and staff members at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) aim to make the holidays a bit brighter for seniors most in need. The team presented holiday gifts to 60 senior consumers in OCES’ service area. OCES is a non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding towns.
Gifts and Grocery Store Gift Cards
-
OCES employees are dedicated to giving back to communities in need. OCES’ Protective Services department staff kicked off the holiday season with a “Gift Wreath” program for consumers in need who may not otherwise receive a gift this year.
The Gift Wreaths, which were decorated with holiday tags listing consumers’ first names and requested gift items (such as slippers, hat/gloves, pajamas, etc.), were hung at both OCES offices. OCES employees selected tags from the wreaths, then purchased and wrapped their gifts. In honor of its 50th anniversary, OCES attached a $50.00 grocery store gift card to each present..
“We launched the Gift Wreath program with the hope of making the holidays a bit brighter for our consumers in need,” said Teresa M. Kourtz, LSW, MSG, Protective Services Director. “For the past few years, Protective Services and OCES have helped those most in need during the holidays in many ways. Last year we donated canned goods. In prior years, our outreach initiatives have included ‘Caring Cards’; donated socks for those experiencing homelessness; donated personal care items for veterans; donated to the Ronald McDonald House and more.”
OCES takes pride in giving back to the communities it serves, not only during the holidays but throughout the year by partnering with community organizations in Plymouth County and surrounding areas. OCES encourages and supports employee outreach through volunteering, donating or community service.
50 Years of Care and Collaboration
Join in celebrating OCES’ 50th anniversary by helping to make a difference with a donation to the 50 for 50 campaign in support of OCES’ Behavioral Health and Wellness program.
To make a donation online click on the Donate button. Donations may also be made by check or money order and mailed to OCES, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.
OCES is recognized as a tax-exempt charitable corporation under section 501c3 of the IRS tax code.
Recent News
by Kerry Zingaro
JULY ARTICLE: Maintaining and Celebrating Independence as We Age
As we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, it also reminds us of another meaningful form of independence, one that is deeply valued across all cultures and communities, including the Cape Verdean and Asian communities, where older adults are honored for their wisdom, resilience, and important role within the family. Maintaining independence while aging is not only about remaining at home safely, but also about preserving dignity, cultural connections, and quality of life.
Read more … JULY ARTICLE: Maintaining and Celebrating Independence as We Age
by Kerry Zingaro
Beat the Heat: Find a Cooling Center Near You
As temperatures rise, it's important to take steps to stay safe and prevent heat-related illness. Older adults, young children, and individuals with chronic health conditions are especially vulnerable during periods of extreme heat.
To help you stay safe, OCES has provided a list of cooling centers throughout our service area to make it easier to find a location near you. You can also dial 2-1-1 anytime for free assistance in locating the nearest cooling center or other community resources.
by Kerry Zingaro
March Against Elder Abuse in Brockton and Plymouth. Local marches held in June raise awareness of elder abuse.
June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) and to raise awareness, local “March Against Elder Abuse” events will be held in Brockton and Plymouth, MA.
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), in partnership with the Brockton Council on Aging, Plymouth Center for Active Living, Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office, and Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office will hold two FREE one-mile marches to raise awareness of elder abuse in June.
by Kerry Zingaro
Alexandra Strangis of OCES Named “40 Under 40” Honoree
June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) and to raise awareness, local “March Against Elder Abuse” events will be held in Brockton and Plymouth, MA.
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), in partnership with the Brockton Council on Aging, Plymouth Center for Active Living, Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office, and Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office will hold two FREE one-mile marches to raise awareness of elder abuse in June.
Read more … Alexandra Strangis of OCES Named “40 Under 40” Honoree
by Kerry Zingaro
OCES is expanding to serve more and Welcomes New Talent – Expansion to 11 South Shore Towns Drives Job Growth
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 with offices in Brockton and Plymouth, is growing.
by Kerry Zingaro
JUNE ARTICLE: Celebrating Pride Month and Honoring Diversity
June is Pride Month, a time to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, an event that sparked a global movement for the rights and recognition of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community. Join OCES in remembering this important time in history and in celebrating Pride Month.
Read more … JUNE ARTICLE: Celebrating Pride Month and Honoring Diversity
by Kerry Zingaro
Honoring Volunteers - OCES Presents Awards to Local Volunteers at Appreciation Luncheon
Read more … Honoring Volunteers - OCES Presents Awards to Local Volunteers at Appreciation Luncheon
by Kerry Zingaro
MAY ARTICLE: May is Older Americans Month
In May, we celebrate Older Americans Month which is led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL). Older Americans Month is a time to recognize older Americans contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving older adults in our communities.
by Kerry Zingaro
APRIL ARTICLE: Get Involved. Volunteer on Earth Day during National Volunteer Month
Earth Day, Wednesday April 22, is a day to raise environmental awareness and take action to preserve and protect our planet.
Ensuring clean air, clean water and a healthy environment is essential. Everyone has a role to play and can make a difference. There are many ways to get involved on Earth Day. Attend an event, gain a better understanding about Earth Day and share that knowledge with others.
Read more … APRIL ARTICLE: Get Involved. Volunteer on Earth Day during National Volunteer Month
by Kerry Zingaro
"March for Meals" highlights the importance of the Nutrition Program for older adults
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) announced its participation in the 20th annual March for Meals Campaign. The month of March was recognized nationwide as the time when local Meals on Wheels programs come together to raise awareness and help demonstrate the importance of this vital program.
Read more … "March for Meals" highlights the importance of the Nutrition Program for older adults