March is Social Work Month
March is Social Work Month. Each day social workers help break down barriers that prevent people from living more fulfilling, enriched lives. Social workers take a person-centered approach, helping people overcome personal crises like food insecurity, lack of affordable housing, or limited access to health care.
According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the theme for Social Work Month 2023 is “Social Work Breaks Barriers”. This theme underscores the innovative ways in which social workers have empowered people to overcome challenges so they can live to their fullest potential.
Did you know? Social work began over 100 years ago and among those who helped drive positive change in the nation include: Ida B. Wells, a women’s rights activist and anti-lynching advocate; George Edmund Haynes, social worker and co-founder of the National Urban League; and Whitney M. Young, Jr., past president of NASW who during the Civil Rights Era worked in collaboration with President Johnson and other leaders to break down the barrier of employment discrimination, according to NASW.
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a local Aging Services Access Point (ASAP), provides a variety of services to individuals most in need. Through our programs, we offer significant life- supporting care contributing to an individual’s ability to live independently in the community for as long as possible while preserving dignity and quality of life. OCES is the largest provider of these in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in the southeastern part of Massachusetts.
For example, OCES’ Supportive Housing Program integrates community resources, information, and services for residents at local housing authority sites. The Healthy Living program provides individuals with tools and techniques to manage chronic conditions and prevent falls. Home Care, Nutrition, and the Family Caregiver Support Programs are among OCES’ 20+ programs.
OCES has a team of licensed Social Workers who break down barriers every day for individuals by providing guidance about a wide range of life changes and challenges. OCES can assist with physical and mental health issues, housing issues, financial hardships, and other challenges that older adults may face.
During Social Work Month, OCES is raising awareness about how social workers break barriers in all communities, and how the contributions of this essential profession improve our community. We invite you to visit our website, www.ocesma.org, to learn more.
OCES recognizes and appreciates social workers and all who contribute to the social work profession for making a positive difference in the lives of individuals and families.
Sources: National Association of Social Workers. https://www.socialworkers.org/News/Social- Work-Month
Recent News
by Kerry Zingaro
OCTOBER ARTICLE: How Can We Be More Age-Inclusive?
October 9th is Ageism Awareness Day, an opportunity to bring attention to ageism in society and its impact on individuals and communities. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) joins the American Society on Aging (ASA) in recognizing Ageism Awareness Day and promoting age-inclusion.
Read more … OCTOBER ARTICLE: How Can We Be More Age-Inclusive?
by Kerry Zingaro
OCES Announces Expansion to Serve More - The organization now serves 34 communities across Plymouth County and the South Shore
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 expanded its territory to serve 11 additional towns in the South Shore.
by Kerry Zingaro
Putting the Spotlight on Local Caregivers During National Family Caregivers Month – OCES Encourages Caregiver Nominations through October 12th
National Family Caregivers Month, celebrated every November, recognizes the dedication and compassion of family caregivers in our communities.
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP’s Caregiving in the US 2025 report, one in four adults, 63 million Americans, are family caregivers. A significant number of family caregivers care for adults with complex medical conditions or disabilities, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
by Kerry Zingaro
For the Fourth Consecutive Year, OCES Recognized as one of “Best Places to Work”
For the fourth consecutive year, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Plymouth County, the South Shore and surrounding areas, has been named as one of the “2026 Best Places to Work” by Cape & Plymouth Marketing.
Read more … For the Fourth Consecutive Year, OCES Recognized as one of “Best Places to Work”
by Kerry Zingaro
SEPTEMBER ARTICLE: Making it Grand. 5 Tips for Transitioning Routines to Support Back-to-school Schedules.
National Grandparents Day is a special day dedicated to honoring grandparents and recognizing the important roles they play in our families and communities. It is celebrated each year on the first Sunday after Labor Day, which falls on September 13th this year.
by Kerry Zingaro
AUGUST ARTICLE: Spotlight on Self-Care during National Wellness Month
Did you know that it’s National Wellness Month? This month, we celebrate physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
It’s all about making self-care a priority, fostering healthy habits and reducing stress.
Read more … AUGUST ARTICLE: Spotlight on Self-Care during National Wellness Month
by Kerry Zingaro
OCES Announces Upcoming LGBTQ+ Brunches for Older Adults
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities throughout Plymouth County, the South Shore and surrounding area, has announced the schedule for the South Shore LGBTQ+ Brunch for Older Adults program.
The monthly Saturday brunch program, operated and supported by OCES’ Nutrition Program, is for LGBTQ+ older adults who live on the South Shore and in the greater Plymouth County area.
Read more … OCES Announces Upcoming LGBTQ+ Brunches for Older Adults
by Kerry Zingaro
Hundreds participate in local marches to raise awareness of elder abuse.
In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) in June, two Marches Against Elder Abuse events brought hundreds together to raise awareness about elder abuse.
Read more … Hundreds participate in local marches to raise awareness of elder abuse.
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
Community Options Ep. 322 - July is National Minority Mental Health Month
A conversation with Armindo Rocha, Volunteer & Healthy Living Program Manager, Michelle Fontes, Adult Family Care Intake & Assessment Supervisor and Tremeda Martin, Home Care Transition Support Supervisor from OCES about National Minority Mental Health Month.
Read more … Community Options Ep. 322 - July is National Minority Mental Health Month
