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Barnstable County Human Services 
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In This Issue
CIGSYA Benefit Event
Samaritan Volunteer Training
News from the Boys & Girls Club
Suicide Assessment Webinar
Legal Workshops for Women
Incarceration & Health Disparities Symposium
Career Changers Conference
Skill Building for Caregivers
St. Patty's Day Dinner
Harwich Human Service Grants
BCCCYF Youth Summit
Family Voice & Choice
Executive Functioning Seminar
Transition Planning Conference
Barnstable Senior Center News
The Coalition for Children
With One Voice 2010
Advocates for a Healthier America
$750 million Investment in Prevention
Suicide Prevention Training Video
Mass In Motion
Cape Cod Disability Access Directory
Healthy Connected Cape Cod
Samaritans Survivor Support Group
Homelessness Crisis Hotline
MASS 2-1-1
E-Newsletter Article Submissions
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ISSUE: 29

February 25, 2011

Greetings!

Welcome to the information E-Newsletter from Barnstable County Department of Human Services.  This newsletter is designed to provide timely information on health and human service topics of interest for people living and working in Barnstable County. This publication will be sent out periodically to our mailing list.  Please forward this newsletter to your friends and colleagues and if you are not on our mailing list you can join by clicking on the JOIN THE MAILING LIST button below.
If you have information you would like included in future e-newsletters, please follow the submission requirements outlined at the bottom of the page and email to kcallahan@barnstablecounty.org

Sincerely,
Elizabeth Albert, Director
Barnstable County Department of Human Services
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SWEET CHOCOLATE MELODIES

An evening of great original music and fabulous chocolate desserts!  To Benefit Cape & Islands Gay & Straight Youth Alliance (CIGSYA)

 

DATE:            Saturday, February 26th @ 7:30 PM

LOCATION:     Unitarian Church of Barnstable, 3330 Main St. (Rt 6A)

ADMISSION:   $20 (more if you can, less if you can't)

 

To reserve a seat or table for 5-6 mail a check made out to CIGSYA to:  CIGSYA, ATTN:  Amy, 56 Barnstable Rd., Hyannis, MA  02601.  Please include your email address for confirmation of your reservation.

 

For more information contact Amy at amy@cigsya.org or visit the calendar page at www.cigsya.org.

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SAMARITAN VOLUNTEER TRAINING

The Samaritans of Cape Cod and the Islands will be conducting Crisis Line Volunteer training sessions beginning on March 1, 2011.  Candidates are invited to visit our website at www.capesamaritans.org to learn about who we are and what we do.  We have trained 736 volunteers over the past 33 years, and we are committed to carrying on our proud tradition of service.

 

BECOME A SAMARITAN VOLUNTEER and help people understand that reaching out is a sign of strength and staying connected to the community is essential.  Call our office today at 508/548-7999 for training details.

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NEWS FROM THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

Two amazing events to support the kids of the Boys & Girls Club of Cape Cod

  • Benefit Wine Dinner at Trevi, Mashpee Commons on Tuesday, March 1 @ 6:30 PM.  $60 per person, RSVP to Trevi at Tel: 508/477-0055
  • FREE Business Expo, Wednesday, March 9 from 4 - 8:00 PM at the Holiday Inn, Rt. 132 in Hyannis.  Display booths, give-aways, food vendors with free samples, great raffle items.

 

For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of Cape Cod programs, camps and events visit http://www.boysgirlsclubcapecod.org/index.php

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SUICIDE ASSESSMENT WEBINAR

FREE Webinar on March 9, 2011, 12 - 1:00 PM

 

Due to its statistical infrequency, individual suicide is not predictable by any known risk factor or combination of factors.  However, an individual's suicide risk can be assessed and a treatment plan can be designed with the goal of reducing the risk.  This presentation will provide you with an overview of the important steps in that process and will help you understand the different approaches to manage risk.  Topics will include:  Suicide Prediction vs. Suicide Assessment and an Overview of the SAFE-T Protocol.

 

To register contact Jenny Garneau at jennygarneau@comcast.net or 508/325-0048

 

Webinar offered by the Nantucket Suicide Prevention Coalition and the Massachusetts Workplace Mental Health Initiative.

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LEGAL WORKSHOPS FOR WOMEN

WE CAN is offering FREE Legal Clinics in February & March for a 30 minute one-on-one consultation with an attorney, for low to moderate income women.

 

Additionally, WE CAN Center is offering a Family Law Overview with Attorney Anne Batchelder on Monday, February 28th from 5:30 - 7:30 PM at the Harwich Community Center and also a Divorce Boot Camp with Attorney Anna Merrill on Saturday, March 26th from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the Hyannis Transportation Center.  Suggested donation: $5-$20 based on your personal means.  No one will be turned away due to inability to pay.

 

To find out more about dates and times for free legal clinics visit http://www.wecancenter.org/.  Call 508/430-8111 or email info@wecancenter.org to schedule an appointment or register for a workshop.

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INCARCERATION & HEALTH DISPARITIES SYMPOSIUM

Symposium will bring together researchers, practitioners and advocates to discuss current research on the role incarceration may play in promoting racial/ethnic disparities in healthcare and outcomes.

 

DATE:            Wednesday, March 9, 2011, 1:00 - 5:00 PM

LOCATION:     Bornstein Amphitheater, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston

 

For more information and a draft agenda visit http://catalyst.harvard.edu/incarcerationandhealth

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CAREER CHANGERS CONFERENCE 

Looking to change careers but need some guidance?  Need to revise your resume?  Want to learn today's job search strategies?

 

FREE conference for adults who are considering a change of career or direction in their lives.  Includes several workshops focused on exploring career options, assessing interests and abilities, revising resumes, learning about career options.  Information tables on emerging careers in health care, human services, early childhood education and CCCC services for adult learners.

 

DATE:            Tuesday, March 15, 3:30 - 8:00 PM (registration deadline March 11)

LOCATION:     Tilden Arts Center, Cape Cod Community College

                     2240 Iyannough Rd., West Barnstable

 

For more information & to register visit:  http://www.capecod.edu/web/advising/career-changers

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SKILL BUILDING FOR CAREGIVERS WORKSHOPS

Responding to the growing needs of informal and family Caregivers of Elders for education on caring for an elder, Community Action Committee of C&I is offering:

"Powerful Tools for Caregivers Workshops".  Caregivers who attend will receive two DVD's:  "Nutrition & Home Safety" and "Mobility & Relaxation" as well as a resource handbook.  Refreshments will be served.  Voluntary Contributions accepted.

 

Upcoming workshops:

Wednesday, March 16, 1 - 3:30 PM - Federated Church, 320 Main St., Hyannis

Thursday, March 24, 5:30 - 8:00 PM - Mashpee Library, 64 Steeple St., Mashpee

Wednesday, March 30, 1:00 - 3:30 PM, Dennis Library, 5 Hall St., Dennisport

 

Funded by the Tufts Health Plan Foundation, Healthy Aging

 

For more information or to RSVP call 508/771-1727 x159 or 800/845-1999 x159.

*  More workshops will be held throughout the region in April & May.

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ST. PATTY'S DAY DINNER

The Barnstable Senior Center will celebrate it's annual St. Patrick's Day Dinner on March 17th from 4 - 7:00 PM.  A festive Irish corn beef and cabbage dinner will be served along with entertainment from Dinah Mellin and her band.

 

Tickets are $10 and may be picked up at the Center.  Please call Tel: 508/862-4750 for more information.

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HARWICH HUMAN SERVICE GRANTS

The Town of Harwich Human Service Grants Program is now accepting applications for Fiscal Year 2012.  The goal of this program is to assist non-profit agencies in their efforts to support the residents of the Town of Harwich through vital human service programming.  The program is managed by the Barnstable County Resource Development Office.

 

If you are a previous recipient of Harwich Human Services funding, you must apply to this program to be eligible to receive funding in FY2012.  In FY2012 a total of $76,500 is anticipated to be available to support these efforts  - subject to town meeting approval.  Historically, grants have ranged from $1,000 to $15,000.  The due date for applications is March 18, 2011.

 

Applications are available at http://www.barnstablecountyrdo.org/topics/harwich 

Questions or to have application email contact Philip Burt at Tel: 508/375-6902 or email pburt@barnstablecounty.org .

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CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILIES SUMMIT

The 8th Annual Children,  Youth & Families Summit will be held on Friday, March 18, 2011 from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Barnstable High School, 744 West Main St. Hyannis.

 

The Youth Summit is hosted by the Barnstable County Council for Children, Youth & Families and America's Promise Alliance.  The Summit is an interactive event for youth, adults, community members, service providers, educators, parents, families and professionals to network and learn from each other.  Workshops include fun and safe places for youth, volunteering, community drum circle, active bystanders.  This year's Community Champion Award will be accepted by Siobhan Magnus, a graduate of Barnstable High School and American Idol contestant.

 

This is a free event with refreshments provided.  For more information and to pre-register visit www.bcccyf.org and click on "Events" or call 774/766-6916.

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GETTING REAL ABOUT FAMILY VOICE & CHOICE

A conference dedicated to People Who Care About Families: for state & provider Human Service professionals, parents and guardians.  CEU's available

 

DATE:            March 22, 2011, 8:30 AM registration, Conference 9:00- 4:00 PM

LOCATION:     Bentley College, 175 Forest St., Waltham, MA

FEE:               Early registration (by Feb. 22): $89, after 2/22 - $109

                     MAMFT member registration: $89, group registration (min. of 5 -                     by mail only): $89

 

For more information contact mamftpresident@live.com.  To register on-line visit www.MAMFT.org

 

Conference sponsored by Family Continuity, NFI Massachusetts, Inc., Parent/Professional Advocacy League and  Mass Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT)

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EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING SEMINAR

Program will feature Sarah Ward, M.S./CCC and is for parents, educators, youth workers and behavioral health providers.  Practical strategies seminar focusing on organization and self-management skills and will address skill building for children and adults.

 

DATE:             March 26, 2011, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

LOCATION:      Cape Codder Resort & Spa, Route 132, Hyannis

FEE:                Early registration (by 2/28) is $79 (includes lunch & CEU's)

                      After 2/28/11 = $99

 

For more information or to register click here.

 

Sponsored by Bridges Associates, Inc., Family Continuity, and Commonwealth Education Seminars

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TRANSITION PLANNING CONFERENCE

A FREE training and clinic for parents and youth on special education transition services for children with disabilities, ages 14-22.  Morning session will include group presentations.  Afternoon session will include individual consultation time with attorneys.

 

DATE:              Saturday, April 2, 2011, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM

WHERE:           Southbridge Community Center, Casaubon Senior Center

                      153 Chestnut St, Southbridge, MA

 

To register click here.  For more information call Tel: 508/765-1985

 

Conference is co-sponsored by the Disability Law Center, Inc., Legal Assistance Corporation, Massachusetts Justice Project, Children's Law Center of Massachusetts, & the Federation for Children with Special needs.  The training is supporting by the Massachusetts Bar Foundation Special Education Outreach Project Grant.

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THE BARNSTABLE SENIOR CENTER

Upcoming events and activities at the Barnstable Senior Center:

 

Tax Season is here!  AARP volunteers provide free tax service.  Call the Center at 508/862-4750 to schedule an appointment.

 

Conversations with Claudia.  Are you starting to worry about your parents or loved ones?  Are you concerned about their safety at home?  At what point do you step in and to what extent?  Twice a month starting February 22nd from 5 - 6:00 PM, Claudia Borden, Outreach Coordinator for the Town of Barnstable, will be available to answer your questions. She is well versed in the issues surrounding seniors, programs and supports that are available.  Call the Center at 508/862-4750 to make a reservation to attend this FREE program.

 

For other happenings at the Barnstable Senior Center visit the Town of Barnstable website at http://www.town.barnstable.ma.us/seniorservices/

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THE COALITION FOR CHILDREN CALENDAR

Visit www.thecoalitionforchildren.org to view the newsletter which includes many, many fun & informative programs for parents and educators from each of the four Upper Cape towns.  Space is limited in some workshops so please make sure you call to register.

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WITH ONE VOICE 2010

A survey by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy found that 46% of teens continue to say that parents most influence their decisions about sex. 78% of teens say they have all the information they need to avoid unplanned pregnancy.  These and other findings are part of the With One Voice 2010:  America's Adults and Teens Sound Off About Teen Pregnancy report.  To view the report visit:  http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/resources/pdf/pubs/wov_2010.pdf

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ADVOCATES FOR A HEALTHIER AMERICA 
 The President released his Fiscal Year 2012 budget on 2/14/11.  To view a copy of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) "budget in brief" -- http://www.hhs.gov/about/FY2012budget/fy2012bib.pdfFor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) budget justification document -- http://www.cdc.gov/fmo/topic/Budget%20Information/appropriations_budget_form_pdf/FY2012_CDC_CJ_Final.pdf.   For links to all the HHS agency documents:  http://www.hhs.gov/about/hhsbudget.html#OperatingDivisions:CongressionalBudgetJustificationsandOnlinePerformanceAppendices.

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$750 MILLION INVESTMENT IN PREVENTION

HHS Announces $750 Million Investment in Prevention

New health care law provides new funding to reduce tobacco use, obesity and heart disease, and build healthier communities.  Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced a $750 million investment in prevention and public health, funded through the Prevention and Public Health Fund created by the new health care law.  Building on $500 million in investments last year, these new dollars will help prevent tobacco use, obesity, heart disease, stroke, and cancer; increase immunizations; and empower individuals and communities with tools and resources for local prevention and health initiatives.

 

HHS posted new fact sheets detailing how that $500 million was allocated in every state. Those fact sheets are available at www.HealthCare.gov/news/factsheets/prevention02092011a.htmlFor more information about the FY2011 Prevention and Public Health Fund investments visit

http://www.HealthCare.gov/news/factsheets/prevention02092011b.html

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SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING VIDEO

Suicide is the leading cause of death among people who abuse alcohol and drugs, making suicide risk a problem that every frontline substance abuse counselor must be able to address. In collaboration with SAMHSA, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has developed a training video as a companion piece for SAMHSA's Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) 50: Addressing Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Substance Abuse Treatment.

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MASS IN MOTION

Mass in Motion is an innovative wellness initiative which promotes wellness and the prevention of overweight and obesity in Massachusetts - with a focus on healthy eating and physical activity. 

 

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is recruiting employers to participate in"Working on Wellness", a training program that will guide employers on developing an infrustructure that best addresses the needs of individual employers and employees.  Up to 12 employers are recruited to participate.

 

For further information or to learn how to apply, contact Lisa Erck at Lisa.Erck@state.ma.us, or visit www.mass.gov/massinmotion

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CAPE COD DISABILITY ACCESS DIRECTORY

This directory contains Cape Cod accessibility information on:  transportation, gas stations, health care facilities, ATM's, restaurants, lodging & accommodations, theatres & cinemas, and beaches.  Information in the directory is based on the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act, but is a guide, not a legal resource.

 

The Cape Cod Disability Access Directory is distributed at:  Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and various Chambers of Commerce on Cape Cod, The National Seashore Park Visitor Centers, Disability Organizations, Libraries, Council on Aging Centers, Town Halls, the JFK Museum as well as on the internet at www.capecoddisability.org

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HEALTHY CONNECTED CAPE COD
The "Healthy Connected Cape Cod" project promotes opportunities to access good, nutritious food and to share the abundance of this food with neighbors and friends.
Goals:
  • Support existing programs and practices that encourage happy and healthy eating
  • Increase awareness of and participation in food-centered activities
  • Increase healthy food options at all Cape Cod food pantries
  • Promote community-driven advocacy and public education around healthy and happy eating.

To learn more visit http://www.bchumanservices.net/ or contact Beth Albert at Tel: 508/375-6626 

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SAMARITAN SURVIVOR SUPPORT GROUPS
Over 800,000 people worldwide end their lives annually.  Seven to ten people -- parents, children, siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents, grandchildren and close friends -- deeply feel the devastation of each loss.  
That means that approximately 5 million "survivors" are left behind every year.
Samaritans has expanded the number of sites on the Cape & Islands for their survivor support groups including Falmouth, Hyannis and Nantucket.  These groups honor and respect the needs of the survivors, provide unconditional emotional support, help survivors gain courage and comfort from one another, and deal with a unique grief that is often not understood by others.

For more information contact the Samaritans office at Tel: 508/548-7999
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HOMELESSNESS CRISIS HOTLINE
Serving individuals & families in the communities of Barnstable County, Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.  Staffed by trained homelesness prevention advocates.  Immediate local emergency housing, food and transportation available.  Referral to the right resources for assistance, assessment and on-going support.

 

If you or someone you know, are in crisis and have no place to stay tonight, call the  Crisis Hotline at 1-888-656-2233 to connect with an experienced advocate who can arrange local overnight emergency housing until the next business day.  You will meet with an advocate the following day to help you access available resources and supportive services.

 

The crisis hotline is a regional innovation pilot project funded by a grant to CACCI by Barnstable County through the Cape & Islands Regional Network to End Homelessness from the Massachusetts Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness.
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MASS 2-1-1 RESOURCE LOCATOR
MASS 2-1-1 is a free, confidential, 24/7 information and referral database and hotline for access to health and human services for consumers and providers.  Multi-lingual translations are also available.  The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has designated it as the official point of contact for receiving emergency information during a time of crisis.  

MASS 2-1-1 is funded by 19 local chapters of the United Way, MEMA and the Executive Office of Health & Human services.  Locally the Barnstable County Department of Human Services in partnership with the Cape & Islands United Way are supporting and marketing MASS 2-1-1. 

For more information contact the Barnstable County Dept. of Human Services at
508/375-6626 or go to www.mass211.org  To locate services dial 211 or 1-877-211-MASS on your telephone or go to www.mass211help.org
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Barnstable County Seal

Posting of articles submitted for publication in the Barnstable County Human Services Newsletter is at the discretion of the Department.  All articles must be submitted in text format to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  To request this newsletter in alternate formats, please call Kathie at 508-375-6628 or TDD at 508-362-5885.