OCES Appoints New MassHealth Programs Director

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA... Samantha J. Sousa, a resident of Brockton, MA has been promoted to MassHealth Programs Director at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding towns.

 

As MassHealth Programs Director, Sousa will oversee MassHealth programs at OCES including Adult Family Care, Personal Care Management, Senior Care Options and One Care Plans. She will also oversee management staff and develop and implement procedures, standards and guidelines for program/department operations while ensuring program integrity and regulatory compliance. 

 

For three years prior to her promotion to MassHealth Programs Director, Sousa was the Home Care Program Assistant Manager, overseeing daily operations of the Home Care program and supervisory staff. Previous to that, Sousa was a Home Care Program Supervisor, where her responsibilities included supervising case managers who assess and set up services for older adults monitoring case files, assessments, and documentation to ensure compliance within Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) guidelines.

 

Sousa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Stonehill College in Easton, MA, and she is currently attending a social work licensure program to obtain Licensed Social Worker (LSW) credential. Sousa is a member of the American Society on Aging (ASA) and is an ASA RISE inaugural Fellow.

 

Sousa regularly attends community events such as open houses at Councils on Aging (COAs), Metro South Chamber of Commerce multicultural business forums and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce events, and is often present at informational sessions at assisted living facilities, insurance companies, women empowerment, and Pride events.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org. 

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 …

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 …

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

Read more …

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.

Read more …

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.

Read more …

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.

Read more …

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.

 

Read more …

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 …

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 …

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.

Read more …