OCES Kicks Off #GivingTuesday to Raise Funds for Elder Mental Health Services

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding communities, has kicked off a #GivingTuesday campaign to support the expansion of the agency’s behavioral health services.

Earlier this year, OCES established an Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT) to provide behavioral health supports to older adults and individuals with disabilities who may be isolated or encounter barriers that limit access to behavioral health care.

OCES’ EMHOT supports adults age 60 and older who have complex behavioral health conditions, chronic illness, substance misuse, or who are in crisis situations that may require counseling or long-term case management to improve overall wellbeing. On a case-by-case basis, The EMHOT Team provides in-home one-on-one counseling, support, referrals, and resources.

#GivingTuesday will be celebrated on November 28, 2023, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Due to the success and identified need for more behavioral health services, OCES is seeking donor support to help fund the program's expansion into other communities.


The Law Office of Paula M P Schlosser is encouraging others to give and is generously matching all #GivingTuesday donations made to OCES in support of the EMHOT program’s expansion. Join in celebrating the 50th anniversary by taking action! Take the challenge and #give50for50 to match or support the campaign. Together we can make a difference!

To make a donation online to OCES’ #GivingTuesday campaign 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.

To learn more about #GivingTuesday, visit www.givingtuesday.org.

 

About EMHOT

The EMHOT program was launched earlier this year after OCES received an Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT) grant from the Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) which is funded through the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. Referrals to OCES’ EMHOT can be made by anyone including an individual in need. To make a referral or for additional information from OCES’ EMHOT, call 508-584-1561.

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