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