Local Heroes Needed

USA (SANEPR.com) April 14, 2009 -- The staff at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) in Brockton that provides valuable programs and services to elders, their families and caregivers, really goes ”above and beyond” to help ensure that seniors who need a nutritious meal every day, receive one.

OCES has adopted a Meals on Wheels route in Brockton and 33 staff members from OCES are now volunteering their time to deliver between 15 to 20 meals a day to frail and home bound elders.

The agency is challenging local businesses to do the same - adopt a Meals on Wheels route and encourage their employees to get involved delivering meals to elders in need.

"The need for Meals on Wheels volunteers is quite significant.  As it stands now, we don’t have enough volunteers so many of them have taken on additional meal routes. We are encouraging Brockton area businesses and their employees to get involved in the community by adopting a meal route and taking on the responsibility of delivering meals to elders who are on that route. It’s a great way for businesses to give back to the community." explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES. “We must take action to ensure than no elder goes hungry.”

OCES staff members who work on a rotating schedule in delivering meals to seniors each day include: April Panos, Beverly Ferris, Brenda Carrens, Christine Silveira, Diana DiGiorgi, Diane Witkus, Elizabeth DosSantos, Erin Maki, Glenda DeVincentis, Guerdy Baron, Isabel Sims, Jill Getchell, Jim Mileski, Judy Eldridge, Julie Clark, Kristina Gardiner, Lauren Murphy, Lucille Dallaire, Maria Janvier, Marie Rateau, Michele Wall, Nicole Welch, Phyllis Martin, Rick Alvarnaz, Rochelle Sugarman, Sally Sacchetti, Sara Gassett, Sharon Sheehan, Susan Weiner, Susan Willis, Terri Henshaw, Terri Kourtz and Tim Valentine.

Meals on Wheels drivers typically deliver meals between 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and are reimbursed for mileage.  Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday.

“What many people don’t realize is that Meals on Wheels purpose is twofold; it not only ensures that elders receive a nutritious meal, but also serves as a safety check. The elders who receive Meals on Wheels are homebound or disabled and usually don’t have anyone to make sure they are okay. A Meals on Wheels volunteer’s responsibilities include delivering meals and making sure that every elder is OK. If they are not, we need to know about it right away,” continued DiGiorgi.

OCES' Nutrition Program is designed to enhance elders' quality of life by providing nutritionally sound and satisfying meals. Because the Nutrition Program is primarily federally funded, there is no income-based test; all residents at least 60 years of age and those less than 60 but disabled are eligible.

Businesses interested in adopting a Meals on Wheels route should contact Brenda Carrens, Volunteer Coordinator at OCES at (508) 584-1561.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Caring Homes and Enhanced Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman. 

The organization's mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent
unnecessary or premature institutionalization. 

The agency has 130 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.
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