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
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.
