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Barnstable County Human Services 
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In This Issue
MASS 2-1-1
Webinar: Cost of Mental Health in the Workplace
Health & Wellness Expo
Annual Postal Food Drive
Cape Abilities 5K Walk/Run
Caregiver Workshops
Regional Domestic Violence Council
LGBT Bereavement Support Group
Comedy for a Cause
Spousal Loss Support Group
Youth Community Development Grants
Suicide Prevention Conference
Judge Hatchett Luncheon Reception
Health Equity: Recipes for Success
Adlife Healthcare
Community Benefits Report
Barnstable County fair
Good360 - Product Donations
Veterans Crisis Hotline
Cape Cod Disability Access Directory
Healthy Connected Cape Cod
Samaritans Survivor Support Group
Homelessness Crisis Hotline
E-Newsletter Article Submissions
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ISSUE: 34

May 9, 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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MASS 2-1-1 RESOURCE LOCATOR
Is your organization listed on 2-1-1?  If not, you may be missing out.
  
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 is supporting and promoting 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 provider portal to enter  your organization.   To locate services dial 211 or 1-877-211-MASS on your telephone or go to www.mass211help.org
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WEBINAR: COST OF MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE

FREE webinar - May 11, 2011The Cost of Mental Health in the Workplace and Practical Solutions.  Presented by the Massachusetts Workplace Mental Health Initiative and the Partnership for Workplace Mental Health.  This webinar offers information about common mental health disorders, particularly depression and the costs of untreated mental illnesses to organizations.  The webinar speakers will also discuss best practices among companies that are successfully implementing preventative and practical solutions, and will also describe some free programs available to your organization.

 

To Register:  please fill out this short questionnaire.  For questions contact Sara Herman at 781/591-5233 or email at SHerman@MentalHealthScreening.org.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO

Celebrate Older Americans Month on Friday May 13th, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Barnstable Senior Center, 825 Falmouth Rd., Hyannis. The Older Americans Month 2011 theme is "Older Americans: Connecting the Community". The theme pays homage to the many ways in which older adults bring inspiration and continuity to the fabric of our communities. Visit our vendor fair with great health and wellness resources for seniors. Meet representatives from a wide variety of senior-related organizations throughout Cape Cod. Following will be our annual fashion show; this year's theme will be "Senior Prom" featuring fashions brought to us by Mulberry Corners and Mr. Perry's Tux. There will be raffle items, Trader Joe's Juice Bar and a Brunch Buffet by Whitehall Estates.

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ANNUAL POSTAL FOOD DRIVE

On Saturday, May 14th, the Postal Workers Union is holding their Annual Postal Food  Drive.  All residents are encouraged to leave grocery items double bagged hanging on their mail boxes for their postman to bring to their local food pantry.  Especially need are: tuna fish, pasta sauce (in plastic jars), cereal, juice (in plastic), canned pasta and meets, canned fruit in natural juice, peanut butter, low sodium vegetables, various all natural jams, lunch box snacks and healthy soups.  Additionally, any community members who wish to help are encouraged to contact their local pantry to find out if help is needed to sort and shelve the donations.

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2011 CAPE ABILITIES 5K WALK/RUN

The 2011 Cape Abilities 5K Walk/Run is scheduled for Saturday, May 14th at Hyannis Village Green.  This event is open to runners and walkers of all abilities.  The deadline to register online at $25 is midnight on Thursday, May 12.  You may register in person on the day of the event for $30.  Registration begins at 8:00  AM on the day of the event, the run starts at 9:15 AM and the walk steps off at 9:20 AM. 

 

Cape Abilities is a non-profit organization that provides jobs, homes, transportation and therapeutic services for people with disabilities across Cape Cod.  Every dollar raised from this event stays on Cape Cod to help support people with disabilities.  For more information visit www.capeabilities.org

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CAREGIVER WORKSHOPS AT CACCI

Community Action of Cape Cod & Islands Presents:  Take Care of Yourself & Your Loved One.  CACCI Caregiver Toolkits contain powerful tools for Caregivers:  Nutrition for Elders, Food & Home Safety Tips, Hands on Skills, Yoga for Relaxation.

 

Upcoming Workshops:  May 16, 10 AM - 12 PM - Provincetown Senior Center, 26 Alden St., May 17, 9:30 - 11:30 AM - Harwich Senior Center, 100 Oak St., May 19, 9 - 11:00 AM - Barnstable Senior Center, 825 Falmouth Rd.

 

For reservations call 508/771-1727 ext. 159.  Refreshments provided.  Voluntary donations accepted.

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C&I REGIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COUNCIL

Cape and Islands Regional Domestic Violence Council quarterly netingworking and informational meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 17th, 9 - 10:30 AM at the Dick Bigos Conference Room at Community Action Committee of C&I, 115 Enterprise Rd, Hyannis.  Presentation:  Grandparents Raising Grandchildren - overview & discussion.  Light refreshments will be served.  RSVP to Caronanne Procaccini at 508/771-1727 ext 135 or cap@cacci.cc
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CAPE COD LGBT BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP

NEW:  Spring 2011, Cape Cod LGBT Bereavement Group.  Are  you or someone you know coping with the loss of a loved one?  We can help. Meetings scheduled May 17th - June 21st.    To learn about upcoming Bereavement Groups or for more information visit www.lgbtagingproject.org or call 617/522-1292.

 

LGBT Bereavement Groups are funded by the Mass Department of Public Health and facilitated by Ethos and the LGBT Aging Project.

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COMEDY FOR A CAUSE

Wednesday, May 18th, 5:30 - 8:30 PM at Tommy Doyle's Irish Pub & Restaurant, 334 Main St., Hyannis -- a special night of comedy and fun to benefit the Cape & Islands United Way and Housing Assistance Corporation on Cape Cod.  The event is hosted by Single Volunteers of Cape Cod and will include a social hour, 50/50 raffle and professional comedians from the Laffs Express Comedy Clubs  Ticket price is $20, with proceeds to be split between HAC and C&I United Way. 

 

Space is limited to 100 tickets.  Click here to register on-line.  If available, tickets will also be available at the door.  Questions contact: Gary Kirchgessner at 774/216-0426 or gary@fundraiseforacause.com

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SPOUSAL LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

FREE Spousal Loss Support Group facilitated by Barbara Nordstrom, LICSW of Hospice & Palliative Care being held Wednesdays, May 18 - June 22, 10 - 11:30 AM at the Barnstable Senior Center, 825 Falmouth Rd, Hyannis.  RSVP by May 16th to 508/957-0284.  Events are handicap accessible.

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C&I YOUTH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL GRANTS

The Cape & Islands Youth Community Development Council is a youth committee funded through the Job Training and Employment Corporation.  This committee is responsible for awarding $5,000 in grant funds for the community service learning projects to organizations that serve the C&I community.  Nonprofit organizations with a 508(c)3 tax status, schools, school programs and clubs, civic clubs, youth groups, city and county government and municipalities service the C&I are eligible to apply.

 

This year the Council has set its priorities for funding the areas of human needs.  One or more award(s) will be made totaling $5,000.  Application deadline is 12 Noon on May 23, 2011 at JTEC Administrative Offices, 88 North St, Hyannis, Attn: C&I Youth Community Development Council.  16 copies of the completed Grant Application Form are needed.  For more information or to obtain the grant application form contact Martha Burzycki at 508/862-6139 or mburzycki@detma.org

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10TH ANNUAL SUICIDE PREVENTION CONFERENCE

Conference presented by the MA Department of Public Health Suicide Prevention Program.  "Making Connections, Creating Hope, Saving Lives:  Suicide Prevention Across the Lifespan" conference scheduled for May 24 & 25, 2011 at the Best Western Royal Plaza, Marlborough, MA.  Click here for brochure and registration.

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JUDGE HATCHETT LUNCHEON RECEPTION

Independence House, Inc. invites you to a luncheon reception on Saturday, June 4th with Judge Glenda Hatchett, renowned juvenile court justice, TV personality, speaker on women & youth issues, & best selling author of "Dare to Take Charge.  Limited seating, reception luncheon, meet & greet, book signing, guest speakers.  Reservations required.  Call 508/771-6507 or visit www.independencehouse.org.  Tickets:  $100 tax deductable donation per person.  Sponsored by Cape Cod 5, Cape Cod Cooperative Bank, Dowling & O'Neill Insurancee, Ford-Diamond Electric and KON Limousine.

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HEALTH EQUITY: RECIPES FOR SUCCESS

5th Annual MA Healthy communities Conference scheduled for June 21, 2011 from 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM at the Beechwood Hotel & Conference Center, 363 Plantation St., Worcester MA.  Connect and learn how health equity is being applied in the field among public and private funders, policymakers and practitioners.  Increase awareness and understanding of healthy communities principles and health equity.  Identify next steps in achieving health equity within your respective agency, institution, coalition, and/or community.

 

Online registration opens May 2, 2011.  For more information click here

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ADLIFE HEALTHCARE, LLC

(GAFC) Group Adult Foster Care is a MassHealth program that pays for personal care services for eligible seniors and adults with disabilities who live in GAFC-approved housing which is designated public or subsidized housing.  Qualifications: 22 years old or older, chronically or mentally disabled, eligible for MassHealth Standard or CommonHealth, live in designated public or subsidized housing, need daily assistance with one or more personal care tasks.  For more information call Adlife Healthcare, LLC at 631/827-7000.

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CAPE COD HEALTHCARE COMMUNITY BENEFITS REPORT FY10

The Cape Cod Hospital and Falmouth Hospital Community Benefits Report FY2010 was filed with the Attorney General's Office on April 1, 2011.  This technical report and accompanying summary report provides to the public important information about how these hospitals are working with our collaborative community partners to identify and address unmet health needs of disadvantaged populations on Cape Cod.  The Attorney General opens this publication on June 1, 2011.  The full text report will be available on the Cape Cod Healthcare website within the next few weeks.

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BARNSTABLE COUNTY FAIR COMMUNITY TENT

The Barnstable County Fair will once again provide a Community Tent for community organizations as an outreach to educate the public RE:  the services provided in our community.  The dates of the Fair are Saturday, July 16th thru Saturday, July 23rd.  Daily hours of operation are 12:00 Noon to 10:00 PM.

 

For more information contact Don or Joanne McCarthy at 508/566-4783 or 508/566-4782.

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GOOD360: PRODUCT DONATIONS IN YOUR AREA

Good360 is an online marketplace where product donations from America's top brands are donated for the greater good.  The website allows nonprofit agencies to be notified of what products are available in their neighborhoods.  You need to register on the website and can then search by zip code, browse the online catalog, arrange for direct shipping or pick-ups in your area, and build relationships with local donors for recurring pick-ups.  Products include clothing, diapers, mattresses, furniture office/school supplies or personal hygiene products.  Link:  http://www.good360.org/granstation/

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VETERANS CRISIS HOTLINE

The VA has rebranded the National Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline to what is now called Veterans Crisis Line.  The purpose of the change is to shift the emphasis from "suicide" to "crisis" for Veterans and their families to make that critical first call for help.  The Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255, Press 1) is available 24/7/365 to provide confidential counseling and referrals for Veterans and their families.  This is an integrated national outreach effort to increase awareness and use of the Veterans Crisis Line, support and promote broader VA suicide prevention efforts, and promote help-seeking behaviors among Veterans at risk of suicide and other mental health problems.

 

For more information about the Veterans Crisis Line please click here.

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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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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.