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
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
