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.
Recent News
by Kerry Zingaro
OCTOBER ARTICLE: How Can We Be More Age-Inclusive?
October 9th is Ageism Awareness Day, an opportunity to bring attention to ageism in society and its impact on individuals and communities. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) joins the American Society on Aging (ASA) in recognizing Ageism Awareness Day and promoting age-inclusion.
Read more … OCTOBER ARTICLE: How Can We Be More Age-Inclusive?
by Kerry Zingaro
OCES Announces Expansion to Serve More - The organization now serves 34 communities across Plymouth County and the South Shore
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, has expanded its territory to serve 11 additional towns in the South Shore.
by Kerry Zingaro
Putting the Spotlight on Local Caregivers During National Family Caregivers Month – OCES Encourages Caregiver Nominations through October 12th
National Family Caregivers Month, celebrated every November, recognizes the dedication and compassion of family caregivers in our communities.
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP’s Caregiving in the US 2025 report, one in four adults, 63 million Americans, are family caregivers. A significant number of family caregivers care for adults with complex medical conditions or disabilities, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
by Kerry Zingaro
For the Fourth Consecutive Year, OCES Recognized as one of “Best Places to Work”
For the fourth consecutive year, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Plymouth County, the South Shore and surrounding areas, has been named as one of the “2026 Best Places to Work” by Cape & Plymouth Marketing.
Read more … For the Fourth Consecutive Year, OCES Recognized as one of “Best Places to Work”
by Kerry Zingaro
SEPTEMBER ARTICLE: Making it Grand. 5 Tips for Transitioning Routines to Support Back-to-school Schedules.
National Grandparents Day is a special day dedicated to honoring grandparents and recognizing the important roles they play in our families and communities. It is celebrated each year on the first Sunday after Labor Day, which falls on September 13th this year.
by Kerry Zingaro
AUGUST ARTICLE: Spotlight on Self-Care during National Wellness Month
Did you know that it’s National Wellness Month? This month, we celebrate physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
It’s all about making self-care a priority, fostering healthy habits and reducing stress.
Read more … AUGUST ARTICLE: Spotlight on Self-Care during National Wellness Month
by Kerry Zingaro
OCES Announces Upcoming LGBTQ+ Brunches for Older Adults
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities throughout Plymouth County, the South Shore and surrounding area, has announced the schedule for the South Shore LGBTQ+ Brunch for Older Adults program.
The monthly Saturday brunch program, operated and supported by OCES’ Nutrition Program, is for LGBTQ+ older adults who live on the South Shore and in the greater Plymouth County area.
Read more … OCES Announces Upcoming LGBTQ+ Brunches for Older Adults
by Kerry Zingaro
Hundreds participate in local marches to raise awareness of elder abuse.
In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) in June, two Marches Against Elder Abuse events brought hundreds together to raise awareness about elder abuse.
Read more … Hundreds participate in local marches to raise awareness of elder abuse.
by Kerry Zingaro
JULY ARTICLE: Maintaining and Celebrating Independence as We Age
As we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, it also reminds us of another meaningful form of independence, one that is deeply valued across all cultures and communities, including the Cape Verdean and Asian communities, where older adults are honored for their wisdom, resilience, and important role within the family. Maintaining independence while aging is not only about remaining at home safely, but also about preserving dignity, cultural connections, and quality of life.
Read more … JULY ARTICLE: Maintaining and Celebrating Independence as We Age
by Kerry Zingaro
Community Options Ep. 322 - July is National Minority Mental Health Month
A conversation with Armindo Rocha, Volunteer & Healthy Living Program Manager, Michelle Fontes, Adult Family Care Intake & Assessment Supervisor and Tremeda Martin, Home Care Transition Support Supervisor from OCES about National Minority Mental Health Month.
Read more … Community Options Ep. 322 - July is National Minority Mental Health Month