JANUARY ARTICLE: Serving Others and Your Community as a Volunteer. Join the Movement on Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service
On January 20th, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., civil rights leader and activist. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day is a special holiday designated as an official National Day of Service that encourages volunteerism.
Volunteering helps those you serve and strengthens the community. Volunteering is beneficial to you by keeping you engaged and connected to other individuals and your community. Much research has shown that volunteering can improve physical and mental health especially in older adults and can also reduce stress.
Did you know? Nonprofit organizations - food pantries, animal shelters, senior service agencies, disaster services organizations, advocacy and human rights organizations and many others often rely on volunteers to help them fulfill their mission.
There are many different types of volunteer opportunities. It’s important to seek a volunteer opportunity that resonates with you – your passion and purpose – and that also fits your schedule. Below are some examples of volunteer opportunities:
- Reading to preschool age children
- Mentoring middle and high school students
- Delivering meals to homebound seniors
- Volunteering at the local Council on Aging
- Helping with maintenance/upkeep of a community space or building
- Providing care for animals in an animal shelter
- Helping to build a new home for a family in need
- Driving/accompanying older adults to medical appointments
- Becoming an ambassador or greeter for an organization or program
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) has hundreds of volunteers who provide essential services to older adults, individuals with disabilities, families, veterans, and others throughout the 23 communities we serve. Nutrition Program Volunteers deliver “Meals on Wheels” to homebound recipients daily. Volunteers for the Money Management Program help older adults balance their checkbooks, reconcile bank statements and pay their bills on time.
OCES also has volunteers in the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Plymouth County, part of AmeriCorps Seniors, the federal agency for volunteering, service and civic engagement. These volunteers help local businesses such as Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Food Banks, South Shore Community Action Council, Veterans Services, South Shore Habitat for Humanity and others.
Not sure how to become a volunteer? Or are you currently a volunteer seeking a new opportunity? OCES has a Volunteer Center, located at 204 South Meadow Road in Plymouth, where program staff can assist in your search for volunteering opportunities that fit your skills and interests. Visit OCES’ website at www.ocesma.org/volunteer to learn about volunteer opportunities or fill out a volunteer application.
You may also search for volunteer opportunities by visiting the Volunteer Match website at https://www.volunteermatch.org.
Volunteering strengthens our ties to one another and to our communities. Join the movement on Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service, and make a difference in the lives of others and the community.
For more information about volunteer opportunities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding communities, visit OCES’ website at www.ocesma.org/volunteer or contact OCES’ Volunteer Coordinator at 508-584-1561 or email at volunteerdept@ocesma.org.
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