New Logo and Website for OCES in Celebration of their 50th Year
OCES, 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, is Celebrating 50 Years of Care and Collaboration in 2024.
In anticipation of their 50th anniversary, OCES would like to remind the community of its vision, mission and core values which reflect their growth, expertise and ongoing dedication to the staff, people, and communities they serve.
Nicole Long, CEO, shared the agency’s vision, “OCES aspires to be a culturally diverse and inclusive agency that removes barriers, creating equity for all by empowering individuals and communities to thrive, age in place, and reach their highest potential.”
Aligned with their vision is OCES’ Mission statement: Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community.
OCES’ has also established Core Values reflecting their commitment to CARE:
- Commitment to staff, consumers, and the community
- Accountability, collaboration, and adaptability
- Respect, decency, and concern for others
- Equity, justice, and inclusion for all
In consideration of the agency’s vision, mission and core values, the nonprofit has refreshed their logo and launched a new generation of their website, ocesma.org, to appeal to and better serve all of their audiences. Intuitive navigation and sophisticated design ensure a user-friendly experience. The new site features includes videos, news/events, educational articles, awards/recognition, and a “Get Involved” page for volunteers, job seekers and service providers. OCES’ comprehensive services and programs are well-defined on the site and include Adult Family Care, Behavioral Health, Caregiver Support, Community Housing Options, Elder Abuse/Protective Services, Health Insurance and Budget Guidance, Life Planning at Any Age, Nutrition, and Services at Home. For individuals or families seeking services we offer an online form called “Getting Started” to help start the process. The site was developed by Bright Cloud Studio based in Westfield, MA.
Creating Better Futures
OCES is dedicated to creating better futures for those they serve and communities at large. OCES has grown to 243 full-time and 26 part-time employees, with 23 members on their Board of Directors. Their leadership team includes Nicole Long, Chief Executive Officer; Anna Dee, Chief Operating Officer; Alisa DeLage, Chief Programs Officer; Rob Buckel-Gillis, Human Resources Director and Yolanda America, Finance Director.
Milestones
Founded in 1974, OCES continues to grow and evolve. There have been many milestones over the years including: the creation of the Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force; the establishment of the first Supportive Housing Program in Brockton; and the formalization of an Internship Program with Bridgewater State University – all of which continue today. In 2013, the first annual Elder Abuse Awareness event was held in Brockton. In the years that followed, Healthy Living Workshops, Buried in Treasures Workshops, Caregiver Support and other programs have been established. OCES opened a second office at 204 South Meadow Road in Plymouth featuring a dedicated Volunteer Center for volunteer recruitment for OCES as well as for other nonprofits, schools, and agencies in Southeastern MA.
“In 2023, OCES served more than 25,287 older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County, providing them with essential services that increase independence and improve quality of life,” said Alisa DeLage, Chief Programs Officer.
Earlier this year, OCES expanded their Behavioral Health services with a new Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT). EMHOT provides behavioral health and wellness supports to older adults and people with disabilities who may be isolated or encounter barriers that limit access to behavioral health care. To further increase the reach of the program, OCES has launched a 50th Anniversary fundraising campaign with a goal to raise $50K in support of expansion of the Behavioral Health and Wellness Programs.
According to Nicole Long, CEO, “OCES is at the forefront - providing essential services, creating awareness of critical issues, and serving as an important resource for older adults, people with disabilities, families, caregivers, and the larger community. We are dedicated to, and passionate about helping others and improving lives.”
Join in celebrating the 50th anniversary by helping to make a difference with a donation to the campaign in support of OCES’ Behavioral Health and Wellness programs.
To make a donation online, visit www.ocesma.org and click on the Donate button. Donations may also be made by check or money order and mailed to OCES, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.
OCES is recognized as a tax-exempt charitable corporation under section 501c3 of the IRS tax code.
Recent News
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
by Kerry Zingaro
MARCH ARTICLE: Honoring Women in Social Work
March is both Women’s History Month and Social Work Month! In recognition of both, we’re honoring dedicated women in the social work profession
by Kerry Zingaro
OCES is Participating in the March for Meals Campaign - Nutrition Program in Urgent Need of Support
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in greater Plymouth County is participating in the March for Meals campaign, a national effort to raise awareness about senior hunger and the importance of nutrition services.
by Kerry Zingaro
OCES Employees Honored with Milestone Awards
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) honored 24 staff members, including their Chief Executive Officer Nicole Long, with milestone awards during their annual staff meeting in January.
by Kerry Zingaro
FEBRUARY ARTICLE: Random Acts of Kindness
February is a month that celebrates care and compassion, highlighted by Valentine’s Day on February 14 and National Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17.
by Kerry Zingaro
JANUARY ARTICLE: MLK National Day of Service
Every year on the third Monday of January, 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.
by Kerry Zingaro
OCES Staff Supports Families in Need with Donations to Three Organizations
Staff at 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, are supporting those in need of assistance by providing food, gifts and other essential items during the holiday season.
Read more … OCES Staff Supports Families in Need with Donations to Three Organizations
by Kerry Zingaro
10 Local Caregivers Honored During National Family Caregivers Month
Ten local caregivers were honored with Caregiver Appreciation Awards at a special luncheon acknowledging National Family Caregivers Month in November. The luncheon was held at Fireside Grille in Middleboro, MA.
Read more … 10 Local Caregivers Honored During National Family Caregivers Month
by Kerry Zingaro
Raising Funds for Behavioral Health and Wellness Programs - Old Colony Elder Services Kicks Off #GivingTuesday Campaign
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest non-profit provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, kicks off this year’s #GivingTuesday campaign with a goal of raising $20,000 for their Behavioral Health and Wellness programs.
