OCES Supports Flood Victims in Sao Vicente, Cape Verde

When unprecedented flooding from torrential rain on August 11th caused catastrophic damage, overwhelmed emergency services, and left thousands in urgent need in Sao Vicente, Cape Verde, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) immediately stepped up.

The rain, nearly doubled the island’s annual rainfall in just five hours, resulted in flooding that caused major disruptions, road blockages, and a humanitarian emergency.

The initiative began with two dedicated employees, Volunteer Programs Manager Armindo Rocha and SCO Geriatric Support Services Coordinator Sonia Lopes, who took the lead in organizing support efforts. With the help of OCES’ Cultural Competency Committee, the initiative quickly gained momentum as donations came in.

OCES collected so many donations from staff to help support flood victims that they filled two vehicles. All donations were delivered to the Brockton Cape Verdean Association on August 22, then transported to a cargo ship on August 24.

The Cultural Competency Committee thanks all OCES staff for their donations and recognizes Armindo and Sonia for spearheading this outreach effort. OCES is proud to help support people in Sao Vicente as they recover and rebuild.

 

Recent News

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 …

by Kerry Zingaro

Beat the Heat: Find a Cooling Center Near You

As temperatures rise, it's important to take steps to stay safe and prevent heat-related illness. Older adults, young children, and individuals with chronic health conditions are especially vulnerable during periods of extreme heat.

To help you stay safe, OCES has provided a list of cooling centers throughout our service area to make it easier to find a location near you. You can also dial 2-1-1 anytime for free assistance in locating the nearest cooling center or other community resources.

Read more …

by Kerry Zingaro

March Against Elder Abuse in Brockton and Plymouth. Local marches held in June raise awareness of elder abuse.

June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) and to raise awareness, local “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, Plymouth Center for Active Living, Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office, and Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office will hold two FREE one-mile marches to raise awareness of elder abuse in June.

Read more …

by Kerry Zingaro

Alexandra Strangis of OCES Named “40 Under 40” Honoree

June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) and to raise awareness, local “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, Plymouth Center for Active Living, Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office, and Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office will hold two FREE one-mile marches to raise awareness of elder abuse in June.

Read more …

by Kerry Zingaro

OCES is expanding to serve more and Welcomes New Talent – Expansion to 11 South Shore Towns Drives Job Growth

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 with offices in Brockton and Plymouth, is growing.

Read more …

by Kerry Zingaro

JUNE ARTICLE: Celebrating Pride Month and Honoring Diversity

June is Pride Month, a time to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, an event that sparked a global movement for the rights and recognition of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community. Join OCES in remembering this important time in history and in celebrating Pride Month.

Read more …

by Kerry Zingaro

Honoring Volunteers - OCES Presents Awards to Local Volunteers at Appreciation Luncheon

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) welcomed more than 140 guests to its volunteer appreciation event held at Indian Pond Country Club in Kingston, MA on May 5, 2026. OCES is the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts.

Read more …

by Kerry Zingaro

MAY ARTICLE: May is Older Americans Month

In May, we celebrate Older Americans Month which is led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL). Older Americans Month is a time to recognize older Americans contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving older adults in our communities.

Read more …

by Kerry Zingaro

APRIL ARTICLE: Get Involved. Volunteer on Earth Day during National Volunteer Month

Earth Day, Wednesday April 22, is a day to raise environmental awareness and take action to preserve and protect our planet.

Ensuring clean air, clean water and a healthy environment is essential. Everyone has a role to play and can make a difference. There are many ways to get involved on Earth Day. Attend an event, gain a better understanding about Earth Day and share that knowledge with others.

Read more …

by Kerry Zingaro

"March for Meals" highlights the importance of the Nutrition Program for older adults

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) announced its participation in the 20th annual March for Meals Campaign. The month of March was recognized nationwide as the time when local Meals on Wheels programs come together to raise awareness and help demonstrate the importance of this vital program.

Read more …