OCES News & Events

Disability Pride Month, observed each July, commemorates the 1990 enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark law that extended vital civil rights protections to people with disabilities.

The ADA is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. Not all disabilities are visible. The ADA protects people with mobility, vision, hearing, intellectual, cognitive, and other disabilities.¹

Read more … JULY ARTICLE: Disability Pride Month

More than 150 participated in the March Against Elder Abuse on Thursday, June 26, 2025, that began at Tavern on the Wharf and proceeded down Main Street in Plymouth, MA.

Read more … “March Against Elder Abuse” Event Held in Plymouth Raised Awareness of Elder Abuse

More than 150 participated in the March Against Elder Abuse on Thursday, June 12, 2025 that began at the Brockton Council on Aging (COA), 10 Father Kenney Way, proceeded down Main Street to OCES’ office, then returned to the COA.

Read more … Raising awareness of elder abuse at “March Against Elder Abuse” event held in Brockton. Second March to be held in Plymouth on June 26.

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.

Read more … Home Care Service Providers Concerned by Stalled FY25 Supplemental Funds

The 1969 Stonewall Uprising served as a catalyst for the global movement for LGBTQIA+ rights.
In June, we celebrate Pride Month commemorating this important time in history.

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.

Read more … JUNE ARTICLE: Pride Month, LGBTQIA+ Senior Luncheon

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

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

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.

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

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, honored volunteers at a special luncheon and awards ceremony held at Indian Pond Country Club in Kingston, MA.

Read more … Local Volunteers Awarded at Appreciation Luncheon

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.

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

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.

Read more … Community Options Ep. 308 - Brockton Council On Aging

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.

Read more … APRIL ARTICLE: April is 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

Read more … Community Options Ep. 307 - National Volunteer Month

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

Social workers are dedicated to helping people and communities thrive. Social workers also help people of all ages cope with life’s challenges. A major part of a social worker’s job is advocacy. Social workers stand up for equal rights of all people and work to ensure that services are provided to all who need them.  

Read more … MARCH ARTICLE: Social Work: Making A Positive Difference

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.

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

OCES the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, honored staff members with annual milestone awards.  On November 20, 2024, a special luncheon was held at Hotel 1620 in Plymouth Harbor, where thirty-three staff members from OCES' Brockton and Plymouth offices received longevity awards.

 

Read more … Old Colony Elder Services Honors Employees with Milestone Awards

Did you know? Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

February is American Heart Month, a time to bring awareness to heart disease and lifestyle changes that can help reduce your risk for this serious disease.

Read more … FEBRUARY ARTICLE: Taking Care of Your Heart