The Grand Re-Opening of OCES Volunteer Center
More than 80 were in attendance for Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) Volunteer Center Grand Re-Opening event held Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
OCES' Volunteer Center, located at 204 South Meadow Road in Plymouth, serves as a central resource for Plymouth County volunteers as well as for local agencies offering volunteer opportunities.
The Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce supported OCES with a formal ribbon cutting ceremony, which was followed by an Open House with tours and refreshments. Attendees included: Senator Susan Moran and Representative Mathew Muratore along with Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce’s Board Directors and Ambassadors, Representatives from AmeriCorps and many current volunteers.
“We’re thrilled to have such a wonderful turnout at our event and delighted to officially welcome the community back to our Volunteer Center in Plymouth,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “Thank you to all our dedicated volunteers, Senator Moran, Representative Muratore, The Plymouth Chamber, AmeriCorps Representative Rob Glazier and the business community for your support. Working together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of so many.”
Expansive Volunteer Network
OCES has a significant volunteer base. With offices in Brockton and Plymouth, OCES is the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Plymouth County and surrounding areas in Massachusetts.
Volunteers are integral to OCES’ Meals on Wheels Program, Money Management Program and Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Plymouth County, which is part of the Americorps Senior network of programs for individuals aged 55+.
“Our volunteer network supports many important programs that meet the needs of thousands of individuals in our community. We’d like to thank AmeriCorps and all our volunteers who generously give their time and effort to help others,” said Armindo Rocha, Volunteer Programs Manager at OCES. Armindo coordinated the Grand Re-opening event with Cidalia America, OCES’ Volunteer Coordinator along with the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce.
In addition, OCES recruits volunteers and connects them with community service partners. OCES finds volunteers to meet their specific needs of community service partners such as South Shore Habitat for Humanity, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, local food banks, Veterans service agencies and others.
At OCES’ Volunteer Center, prospective volunteers can talk one-on-one with Volunteer Program staff, who can assist them in their search for volunteering opportunities that fit their skills and interests. The Volunteer Center is equipped with computers for researching volunteer opportunities as well as brochures and other literature from organizations seeking volunteers. The Volunteer Center 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.
There are many different outreach opportunities for volunteers of all ages, from high school and college students to retirees. Volunteers can choose an opportunity that best fits their schedule. OCES has the ability to "match" volunteers with organizations one-on-one.
The Volunteer Center is open Tuesday through Thursday, from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. Appointments are not required.
To learn more about OCES’ Volunteer Center and volunteer opportunities, visit ocesma.org/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities
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by Kerry Zingaro
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