OCES & Staff Honored with Community Awards

BROCKTON, PLYMOUTH AND WEYMOUTH, MA… In a virtual Awards Ceremony held on June 8, 2022, Community Services of Greater Brockton honored Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) with the “COVID-19 Agency Hero Award” and OCES staff member Jordan Stocker, a South Weymouth resident, with the “Excellence In Human Services Award”.
With offices in Brockton and Plymouth, MA, OCES is a non-profit agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout a service area of 23 communities.
COVID-19 Agency Hero Award
Community Services of Greater Brockton recognized OCES with the COVID-19 Agency Hero Award. This special award, given solely in 2022, recognized OCES for their outstanding service as an agency that personified the spirit of service, courage, justice, and commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Even though the agency’s daily operations changed significantly, OCES continued to provide all their pre-pandemic services. They also expanded programs and services to meet the new and changing needs of the community. Essentially, OCES remained open and delivered services throughout the pandemic. With primarily office-based onsite staff prior to COVID-19, OCES converted to a remote workforce within 24 hours.
OCES introduced several new initiatives to address the increasing number of older adults facing food insecurities, including the “Grocery Bag” project and “Grab & Go” Meals. Delivery needs were met by more than 780 dedicated staff and volunteers. OCES also provided the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to keep consumers, families, and staff safe.
OCES took a leadership role in COVID-19 vaccination education; scheduling vaccination appointments for home-bound older adults and individuals with disabilities; and coordinated transportation for individuals to get to and from vaccine appointments.
“We are incredibly proud that our agency has been recognized with Community Services of Greater Brockton’s COVID-19 Agency Hero Award,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “I would like to thank our extraordinary staff members and volunteers for their heroic efforts which ensured we were able to respond to the needs of the community and continue to fulfill our mission during an extremely difficult time for all.”
The Excellence In Human Services Award
Jordan Stocker, Options Counselor at OCES received Community Services of Greater Brockton’s Excellence In Human Services Award. This award is given to an outstanding employee or volunteer at a Human Services Agency who has at least two years of work experience in Human Services; works directly with clients at least fifty percent of their time; and has been outstanding in their community service and collaboration. Stocker, who joined OCES in 2019, was nominated for this award for his commitment to consumers in the Greater Brockton community, along with his commitment to the OCES Team.
Stocker is dedicated to assisting older adults and individuals with disabilities, and ensuring they are able to access and understand the resources that may be available to them. There is an increased need for assistance as more face housing instability, behavioral health issues, and financial concerns including being able to afford vital medications. Stocker has been asked to join several community groups to collaborate, determine ways to assist those in need, and provide input on concerning issues. He is focused on best serving those who are in need so they may live safely and independently within the community.
According to Alisa DeLage, Chief Programs Officer at OCES, “Even in a moment when he was being recognized for his work, Jordan took the opportunity to highlight the need for affordable housing. Jordan always makes the individuals he serves the priority. We are honored to have Jordan as part of our team and are proud he has received this well-deserved award!”
To learn more about services and resources provided by OCES, visit https://www.ocesma.org
About Community Services of Greater Brockton
Each year, the nonprofit organization Community Services of Greater Brockton holds their Annual Meeting and Community Awards Ceremony. The awards are granted to recipients in the Greater Brockton community in many different categories. For more information, visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/communityservicesofgreaterbrockton/
About OCES
Founded in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is a non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout 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 24 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 offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.
Image: Alisa DeLage, OCES’ Chief Programs Officer and Jordan Stocker, OCES’ Options Counselor
CONTACT: Steve Dubin, PR Works, 781-582-1061, sdubin@prworkzone.com
Recent News
December ARTICLE: Loss/Grief. How to stay busy, importance of not being alone at the holidays
The holidays can be a very stressful time of year. For some, it can be a time of reflection of “days gone by”, which can bring about feelings of loneliness or sadness. Older adults and individuals who are grieving may be particularly vulnerable to these feelings. The holidays may become overwhelming. As a result, some may withdraw and avoid social interaction. Although avoidance is the path of least resistance, it’s important to maintain social connections.
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.
Full Article OCES Kicks Off #GivingTuesday to Raise Funds for Elder Mental Health Services
NOVEMBER ARTICLE: Caregiver Health is Important
November is National Family Caregivers Month. It’s a time to recognize and honor family caregivers – spouses, partners, adult children caring for parents, grandparents caring for grandchildren, relatives, friends and neighbors - who step up to support their loved ones in countless ways.
Full Article NOVEMBER ARTICLE: Caregiver Health is Important
Old Colony Elder Services Appoints New Human Resources Manager
Colleen Berroa, a resident of Brockton, MA, has been appointed Human Resources Manager at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding towns. OCES has offices in Brockton and Plymouth.
Full Article Old Colony Elder Services Appoints New Human Resources Manager
Global Diversity Awareness Month
October is Global Diversity Awareness Month, a time to celebrate diversity and inclusion. According to National Today Global Diversity Awareness Month FAQS, it “is a reminder of the positive impact a diverse culture of people can have on society as a whole.”
Old Colony Elder Services Honored as one of “Best Places to Work”
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency with offices in Brockton and Plymouth and proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, has been honored as one of Cape & Plymouth Business Media 2023 Best Places to Work.
Full Article Old Colony Elder Services Honored as one of “Best Places to Work”
OCES to Hold Fundraiser at Starland Sportsplex and Fun Park On September 17
HANOVER AND PLYMOUTH, MA... Support a good cause with a day of fun at Starland in Hanover! Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) will host a fundraiser on September 17, 2023 from 12:00 pm – 6:00 p.m. at Starland Sportsplex and Fun Park at 637 Washington Street in Hanover.
Full Article OCES to Hold Fundraiser at Starland Sportsplex and Fun Park On September 17
September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month. OCES to hold Virtual Falls Prevention Presentations on September 13th
BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… September is Falls Prevention Awareness month. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a nonprofit agency that supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living, is offering two free virtual Falls Prevention presentations on September 13, 2023.
"Buried in Treasures" Workshop Series Begins September 5th
BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Do you struggle with Hoarding Disorder or excessive clutter? Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, is offering a Buried in Treasures free in-person workshop series to offer support for individuals with hoarding tendencies.
Full Article "Buried in Treasures" Workshop Series Begins September 5th