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
Recent News
Home Care Service Providers Concerned by Stalled FY25 Supplemental Funds
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, shares deep concern as critical funding for home care services remains stalled in the legislature awaiting final approval and passage. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, shares deep concern as critical funding for home care services remains stalled in the legislature awaiting final approval and passage.
Full Article Home Care Service Providers Concerned by Stalled FY25 Supplemental Funds
JUNE ARTICLE: Pride Month, LGBTQIA+ Senior Luncheon
The 1969 Stonewall Uprising served as a catalyst for the global movement for LGBTQIA+ rights.
In June, we celebrate Pride Month commemorating this important time in history.
Diversity enriches our community. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living. OCES aspires to be a culturally diverse and inclusive organization that removes barriers creating equity for all by empowering individuals and communities to thrive, age in place, and reach their highest potential.
Full Article JUNE ARTICLE: Pride Month, LGBTQIA+ Senior Luncheon
“March Against Elder Abuse” events to be held in Plymouth and Brockton in June
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is June 15th and “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, the Plymouth Center for Active Living, the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, and the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office will hold two FREE one-mile marches to raise awareness of elder abuse in June.
Full Article “March Against Elder Abuse” events to be held in Plymouth and Brockton in June
Community Options Ep. 309 - World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Panel
In June we hosted a World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Panel featuring:
Teresa Kourtz, OCES Protective Services Director
Mayor Robert Sullivan, City of Brockton
District Attorney Timothy Cruz, Plymouth County
Christina Long, Brockton Council on Aging
Full Article Community Options Ep. 309 - World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Panel
MAY ARTICLE: Join us to celebrate Older Americans Month this May!
The Administration for Community Living (ACL), which leads the nation’s observance of this special month, has announced this year’s theme, “Flip the Script on Aging”, will focus on “transforming how society perceives, talks about and approaches aging”.
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that by 2030, all Baby Boomers will reach age 65 or older; by 2040, this demographic is expected to make up 22 percent of the American population.
Full Article MAY ARTICLE: Join us to celebrate Older Americans Month this May!
Community Options Ep. 308 - Brockton Council On Aging
In May we spoke with Dottie Slack, Outreach Coordinator and Shine Counselor at the Brockton Council on Aging highlighting the grand re-opening and programs and activities at the COA.
Full Article Community Options Ep. 308 - Brockton Council On Aging
APRIL ARTICLE: April is National Volunteer Month
Full Article APRIL ARTICLE: April is National Volunteer Month
Community Options Ep. 307 - National Volunteer Month
In April, we celebrate National Volunteer Month, a time to recognize and honor the countless individuals who generously donate their time, skills, and energy to make a lasting impact in their communities. At Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), we proudly acknowledge the dedication of our volunteers who work tirelessly to support older adults, individuals with disabilities, and others across the 23 communities we serve.
We discussed our Volunteer programs with:
- Cidalia America, Volunteer Coordinator at OCES
- Mike Pauley, OCES Volunteer
Full Article Community Options Ep. 307 - National Volunteer Month
MARCH ARTICLE: Social Work: Making A Positive Difference
During March, we celebrate Social Work Month and the many contributions of social workers.
Social workers are dedicated to helping people and communities thrive. Social workers also help people of all ages cope with life’s challenges. A major part of a social worker’s job is advocacy. Social workers stand up for equal rights of all people and work to ensure that services are provided to all who need them.
Full Article MARCH ARTICLE: Social Work: Making A Positive Difference
Old Colony Elder Services Launches Urgent Campaign for Essential Funding to Support Vital Programs
OCES a designated Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) and the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, has kicked off a campaign to raise awareness for essential funding needed to support vital programs including Home Care Services.
