March 9, 2012 

REGIONAL PLAN TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS 

On Monday, February 27, 2012, the Cape and Islands Network to Address Homelessness released its Regional Plan to Address Homelessness.  The Plan is the culmination of a ten month strategic process that brought together working groups across the region organized around five target populations: chronically homeless, veterans, families, young adults aged 18-24, and seniors.  The Plan adopts specific action strategies including plans to educate about the impact of homelessness in our community and how to access resources to preserve and/or obtain housing, advocate for policies that promote affordable housing and funding for best practices to access and sustain housing, and facilitate collaborations to optimize available resources and develop new ones.

Click here for a PDF of the Regional Plan 2012 - 2014

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What is the State of Mental health in Massachusetts?  Clubhouses ... Taunton Hospital closing ... Where is mental health headed in Massachusetts and on Cape Cod & the Islands? ... Crisis Intervention ... Recovery Plans ... Resources, etc.

Join NAMI C&I for a discussion and Q & A with Clifford Robinson, Massachusetts Deputy Commissioner of Mental Health on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 from 7  - 9:00 PM at the Hampton Inn & Suites, 99 Route 28, West Yarmouth.

This Speaker Even is open to the public and FREE of charge.  Light refreshments will be served.

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Cape Cod Community College is seeking workshop presenters for 50 minute and 75 minute sessions for the 2012 Technology for Better Living Conference scheduled for June 1, 2012 at the West Barnstable Campus.  The conference and expo will focus on older adults, caregivers and professionals focusing on security, health and relationships.

The specifics of the conference program and its goals are included in the RFP.  Deadline for proposal submissions are due by 5 PM on Friday, March 23, 2012.

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A Spring Business Expo put on by the Work It Wednesday  networking group will support the kids at the Boys & Girls Club of Cape Cod.  The Expo is open to the public and will be held on Wednesday, March 28th from 4 - 8:00 PM at the  Holiday Inn in Hyannis. Table space is only $50 plus a raffle prize donation. 

10 food vendors will be providing samples and there will be 40 raffle prizes that you are eligible to win including a week in a beach house in Mexico.  The winner of the beach house vacation will be drawn at the Boys & Girls Club of Cape Cod's 15th Annual Golf Tournament at the New Seabury Country Club  on Monday, August 13th.  For more information call 508/477-8845.

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Alzheimer's disease is more than just dementia.  It is a progressive neurological disease sharing company with other disorders such as Parkinson's, ALS and MS.  Join Alzheimer's Services of Cape Cod & the Islands for an in depth discussion on progressive neurological disorders and their corresponding dementias at their Spring Conference, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, on Thursday, March 29, 2012 at the Cape Codder Resort in Hyannis.   Conference fees: $55 Tuition, $35 Family Caregiver rate.  3 CEU's will be offered.  For more information call 508/775-5656.  Register online at www.alzcapecod.org/springconference

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The Cape Youth Force is accepting grant proposals from nonprofit public charities, public schools, and municipal programs that aim to benefit youth in grades 6-12 on Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.  Applications will be accepted online for 2012.  Deadline to apply is Friday, March 30, 2012.  For 2012, preference will be given to proposals that involve youth in project planning and/or implementation and that focus on addressing one of the following challenges:  car safety, drug and alcohol use/abuse, violence (including bullying and cyberbullying), teen pregnancy and teen suicide.

The Cape Youth Force is a committee of Cape Cod high school students that work to make the community a better place by supporting projects that positively affect youth on the Cape and Islands.  It is a program of the C&I Youth Congress, the Cape Cod Foundation, Barnstable County UMass Extension/4H, and the YMCA Cape Cod. 

Click here for more information and the online application.  Direct questions to Kristin O'Malley at 508/790-3040 or komalley@capecodfoundation.org

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Family-to-Family course presented by NAMI Cape Cod & the Islands beginning Wednesday, April 11, 2012 in Oaks Bluff on Martha's Vineyard from 6:30 - 9:00 PM.

The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a FREE 12 week course for loved ones of individuals with severe mental illness.  It is designed to help caregivers provide understanding and support while maintaining their own well being.  The course is taught by trained family member volunteers.

To register or for more information call Daryl at 508/627-5249 or email info@namicapecod.org or call the NAMI C&I office at 508/778-4277.

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Join in the fun on Friday evening, April 13th at the South Yarmouth Ryan Family Amusements for the Roll the Rock Bowling Tournament, a Cape Cod Charitable Fundraiser event.  Each four-person team is asked to raise a minimum of $500.  Donations will go to support the programs and services of Alzheimer's Services of Cape Cod & the Islands and Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod.

To register or for more information please call Catherine at 508/775-5656 or email catherine@alzcapecod.org

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WE CAN is engaged in planning the 8th Annual "A Day of Words, Wit, and Wisdom" scheduled for Thursday, June 7, 2012.  100% of every ticket dollar will support programs and services at WE CAN.  Tickets are on sale now.

For information on the many programs and events offered by WE CAN click here.

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The 4th Annual Run and Walk to benefit the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod is scheduled for Sunday, July 22, 2012 in Provincetown and fundraising has begun.  The First Giving page is up and running with lots of information about the event and to help start raising money.  Click on this link for more information and to create your fundraising page.

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Area Health Education Center (AHEC) of Southeastern MA ~ Health Imperatives 

David H. Mulligan Center for Health Promotion featured Spring trainings:

• Cross-Cultural Communication in Healthcare and Human Services
• Consumer Engagement:  Providers & Consumers Working as a Team to Improve Health Outcomes
• Emergency Preparedness of Healthcare and Human Services

Click here for training descriptions, dates and registration information 

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• Do you provide health or human services on Cape Cod or the Islands?
• Does the public know what services you provide?
• Do people know how to access your services?
• Do you need assistance in finding services for your clients?

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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• 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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