Volunteers Make a Difference

In April, we celebrate National Volunteer Month and all the individuals who generously donate their time and effort to make a difference in the lives of so many.

At Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a nonprofit organization, we honor more than 650 volunteers who are dedicated to providing essential services to older adults, individuals with disabilities and others throughout the 23 communities we serve.

Our volunteers support several important programs. For example, there are more than 400 volunteers in our Nutrition Program delivering “Meals on Wheels” to homebound recipients on a daily basis. More than 40 volunteers support our Money Management Program and help older adults balance their checkbooks, reconcile bank statements, and pay their bills on time. Volunteers also serve on OCES’ Board of Directors and the Money Management Program Advisory Council as well as many other important efforts.

OCES is also fortunate to have more than 250 volunteers in the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Plymouth County, part of the AmeriCorps Seniors network, which is the federal agency for volunteering, service, and civic engagement. These volunteers help local agencies such as Plymouth Public Schools’ Reading Programs, Food Banks including South Shore Community Action Council, Veterans Services, and others.

We recognize and thank all volunteers for your important contributions to our community.

Matching Volunteers and Organizations

Thinking about becoming a volunteer? There are a variety of volunteer opportunities to match an individual’s interests. At OCES, we help our community partners by providing and connecting individuals to volunteer opportunities. For example, OCES recruits many volunteers for programs at other nonprofits, schools, and organizations throughout Plymouth County. For anyone who is 55 and older, OCES can provide information on RSVP of Plymouth County.

Visit the Volunteer Center

Not sure how to become a volunteer? Or, are you currently a volunteer seeking a new opportunity? The Volunteer Center at OCES, located at 204 South Meadow Road in Plymouth. Please call and make an appointment to be matched to a service opportunity that meets your needs! The Volunteer Center is a central place for prospective and current volunteers to talk one- on-one with Volunteer Program staff. They can assist in your search for volunteering opportunities that fit your skills and interests.

The Volunteer Center also serves as a designated space for volunteers to work together on specific projects, such as Letter Writing to Troops for National Days of Service and Remembrance.

Did you know? Individuals of all ages can volunteer, from high school and college students to retirees. There are many different outreach opportunities. You can choose a volunteer opportunity that best suits your schedule.

OCES is able to personally “match” volunteers and organizations. Interested in learning about the many different volunteer opportunities? Visit the Volunteer Center, open Tuesday, and Thursday by appointment only from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information about volunteer opportunities throughout Plymouth County and the Southcoast, visit OCES’ website at www.ocesma.org/volunteer or contact OCES’ Volunteer Coordinator at 508-584-1561 ext.596.

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Recent News

DECEMBER ARTICLE: Healthier Eating During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is upon us. Spending time with family and friends, celebrating traditions, and sharing memories make the holidays truly special.

Something else that makes holidays special are delicious meals and sweet treats!  It can be challenging to avoid overindulging during the holidays, especially if there are festive gatherings or events that involve a lot of food.

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Old Colony Elder Services Receives Women Non-Profit Organization Certification

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, is proud to announce that they have recently been certified as a Women Non-profit Organization (WNPO) by the Massachusetts' Supplier Diversity Office (SDO).

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NOVEMBER ARTICLE: Shining a light on Caregivers and honoring their commitment during National Caregiver Month

The number of family caregivers in the U.S. has increased significantly in recent years. According to “Caregiving in the U.S. 2020” report presented by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, 53 million Americans provided unpaid care in 2020; up by 9.5 million since 2015. The report also showed that 26 percent of Americans are caring for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

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OCES Announces Thanksgiving Menu for Community Dining and Meals on Wheels Recipients

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a nonprofit organization that is the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, has announced that a special holiday meal will be available in November at Community Dining sites and delivered to Meals on Wheels recipients.

On Wednesday, November 27, 2024, OCES will provide a delicious Thanksgiving Meal that includes turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, dinner roll, and for dessert, pumpkin pie. A reservation for the Thanksgiving meal must be made in advance.

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Community Options Ep. 303 Open Enrollment

In Episode 303 of Community Options:

Today we have two guests from OCES (Old Colony Elder Services).
• Nicole: Benefits Support Specialist, SHINE Counselor, OCES
• Jessie: Benefits Advisor, SHINE Counselor, OCES

They will discuss the Medicare Open Enrollment period and provide additional details on who is eligible and how to apply.

OCES is located at 144 Main St in Brockton and the phone # there is 508-584-1561. You can also visit the website at ocesma.org. OCES helps individuals age gracefully by providing a variety of information, referrals as well as services to support them in remaining independent in their homes and in the community.

 

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Community Options Ep. 302 Home Care

In Episode 302 of Community Options:

Joining us from OCES to discuss Home Care programs and services, are:
- Erin Dunlap, Home Care Program Supervisor, OCES
- Kristin Randall, Home Care Nursing Services Supervisor, OCES
- Tremeda Martin, Community Transition Liaison Program Supervisor, OCES

OCES is here to support you in staying in your home and community by utilizing our wide range of in-home services. Our experienced care management team will take the time to assess your current needs and determine the appropriate personalized care plan. OCES' goal is to support individuals by assisting you to live independently with dignity avoiding unnecessary hospitalization and long-term care placement.

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Old Colony Elder Services Named as a 2024 Best Place to Work

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 been named as a Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing 2024 Best Places to Work honoree. It is the second consecutive year that OCES has received this award.

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OCTOBER ARTICLE: A positive self-perception of aging is key. Join us in Recognition of Ageism Awareness Day

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) and the American Society on Aging (ASA) will recognize Ageism Awareness Day on Oct. 9, 2024. Modeled after the United Nation’s International Day of Older Persons (Oct. 1), Ageism Awareness Day is an opportunity to highlight the prejudice of ageism and its effects.

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OCES Kicks Off #GivingTuesday Campaign to Raise Funds for Behavioral Health and Wellness Programs

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a nonprofit organization that is the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, has kicked off its #GivingTuesday campaign to raise $10,000 to support their Behavioral Health and Wellness programs.

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SEPTEMBER ARTICLE: Celebrating Grandparents!

Every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day, people celebrate National Grandparents Day in honor of grandparents.

Grandparents hold a special role in their grandchildren’s lives – a role that includes sharing their wisdom and experiences. Grandparents are a source of strength and oftentimes are their grandchildren’s greatest advocates.

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