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

Home Care Service Providers Concerned by Stalled FY25 Supplemental Funds

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, shares deep concern as critical funding for home care services remains stalled in the legislature awaiting final approval and passage. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, shares deep concern as critical funding for home care services remains stalled in the legislature awaiting final approval and passage.

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JUNE ARTICLE: Pride Month, LGBTQIA+ Senior Luncheon

The 1969 Stonewall Uprising served as a catalyst for the global movement for LGBTQIA+ rights.
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Diversity enriches our community. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living. OCES aspires to be a culturally diverse and inclusive organization that removes barriers creating equity for all by empowering individuals and communities to thrive, age in place, and reach their highest potential.

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“March Against Elder Abuse” events to be held in Plymouth and Brockton in June

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

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Community Options Ep. 309 - World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Panel

In June we hosted a World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Panel featuring:
Teresa Kourtz, OCES Protective Services Director
Mayor Robert Sullivan, City of Brockton
District Attorney Timothy Cruz, Plymouth County
Christina Long, Brockton Council on Aging

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MAY ARTICLE: Join us to celebrate Older Americans Month this May!

The Administration for Community Living (ACL), which leads the nation’s observance of this special month, has announced this year’s theme, “Flip the Script on Aging”, will  focus on “transforming how society perceives, talks about and approaches aging”.

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that by 2030, all Baby Boomers will reach age 65 or older; by 2040, this demographic is expected to make up 22 percent of the American population.

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Community Options Ep. 308 - Brockton Council On Aging

In May we spoke with Dottie Slack, Outreach Coordinator and Shine Counselor at the Brockton Council on Aging highlighting the grand re-opening and programs and activities at the COA.

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APRIL ARTICLE: April is National Volunteer Month

April is National Volunteer Month - a time to celebrate individuals who generously donate their time and effort to make a difference in the lives of others and in our communities. At Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), we are grateful for all of our volunteers who assist us in providing essential services to older adults, individuals with disabilities and others throughout the 23 communities we serve in Plymouth County and surrounding towns.

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Community Options Ep. 307 - National Volunteer Month

In April, we celebrate National Volunteer Month, a time to recognize and honor the countless individuals who generously donate their time, skills, and energy to make a lasting impact in their communities. At Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), we proudly acknowledge the dedication of our volunteers who work tirelessly to support older adults, individuals with disabilities, and others across the 23 communities we serve.

We discussed our Volunteer programs with:

-       Cidalia America, Volunteer Coordinator at OCES

-       Mike Pauley, OCES Volunteer

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MARCH ARTICLE: Social Work: Making A Positive Difference

During March, we celebrate Social Work Month and the many contributions of social workers.

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Old Colony Elder Services Launches Urgent Campaign for Essential Funding to Support Vital Programs

OCES a designated Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) and the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, has kicked off a campaign to raise awareness for essential funding needed to support vital programs including Home Care Services.

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