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Barnstable County Human Services 
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In This Issue
Department's Corner
Regional Health Dialogues
Divorce Boot Camp
News from the Barnstable Senior Center
Independent Living Education Day
Technology for Living Conference
NAMI MA Advocacy Day
Workforce Development Training
Youth at Mall Night
LGBT Aging Project
Caregiver Homes Open House
Health Benefits Seminar
PathMakers Program
ChopChop Newsletter
Health & Wellness Webinars
Grant Opportunities
Affordable Care Act State Fact Sheets
MASS 2-1-1
Veterans Crisis Hotline
Healthy Connected Cape Cod
Samaritans Survivor Support Group
Homelessness Crisis Hotline
E-Newsletter Article Submissions
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ISSUE: 58

March 23, 2012 

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. _____________________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT'S CORNER

Men Get Depression

 

The Department has been looking at new ways to inform the community about men and depression and to encourage men to seek mental health treatment.  The Department recently produced Men Get Depression - A Cape Cod Response at the Cape Community Media Center in Dennisport.   The show includes a 30 minute segment of the award winning PBS documentary film Men Get Depression, followed by a Q&A discussion between Beth Albert, Director and Co-chair of the Cape and Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition, Steve Jochim, Area Director of the Department of Mental Health and Tim Lineaweaver, Co-chair of the Cape and Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition.  The show is airing on local access cable stations across the Cape.  The Department also purchased ten copies of the Men Get Depression documentary on DVD and have donated them to the CLAMS Library System for public use.  We also have three of the DVD's at our office and would be happy to loan them to anyone who is interested. 

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REGIONAL HEALTH DIALOGUES

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health invites you to participate in the Seventh Round of Regional Health Dialogues with MDPH commissioner John Auerbach to discuss "The Public Health Department of the Future". 2012 dates include:

Metro Boston:  March 28, 9:30 - 11:30 am, Braintree

Southeast:      March 28, 3-5 pm, Fall River

Northeast:      April 17, 10 am - 12 pm, Lowell

Central:          April 25, 9:30 - 11:30 am, Leominster

                     April 25, 2:30 - 4:30 pm, Worcester

Western:        May 4, 10 am - 12 pm, Springfield

 

For a complete list of times, locations and up to date details visit www.mass.gov/dph/ohc           

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 WE CAN PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES

Divorce Boot Camp led by Attorney Anna Merrill and sponsored by WE CAN is scheduled for March 24, 2012, 9:30 am - 1:30 pm at the Cape Cod Regional Transportation Center, 215 Iyannough Rd., Hyannis.  Learn how to prepare emotionally and financially for divorce, how to avoid paying for routine legwork you can do yourself, pitfalls to avoid in mediation, how to hire an attorney for only the complicated parts of your case, how to navigate the family Court System without an attorney and so much more.  Each participant will be given a CD containing the complete workshop information.  To register please call 508/430-8111 or email at info@wecancenter.org.  Suggested donation: $5-20 based on your personal means but no one will be turned away due to inability to pay.

 

From Surviving to Thriving workshop series facilitated by Certified Professional Life Coach Maggie French, will be held on April 4th at the Harwich Chamber of Commerce.  Registration for the actual six week workshop series will begin at the end of the info session.  Read more ...

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NEWS FROM THE BARNSTABLE SENIOR CENTER

Lots of great things happening at the Barnstable Senior Center.  The following is a sample of upcoming activities:

  • April 2: Cape Cod Military Museum, Contributions to America
  • April 2: Garden Talk 
  • April 3: History of the Cape Cod National Seashore 

 

Older Americans Month is celebrated each May to honor and recognize older Americans for the contributions they make to our families, communities and society.   This year's national theme is "Never Too Old to Play" encouraging older Americans to stay engaged, active and involved in their own lives and in their communities.  The Center will host their Annual Health & Wellness Expo on May 18th to inform and educate seniors about good health care practices and aging resources.  For more information about reserving a table, placing an ad in the program book or details of the event contact Heather Arrascue at 508/862-4758 or heather.arrascue@town.barnstable.ma.us.

 

The Barnstable Adult Supportive Day Program is located at the Barnstable Senior Center, 825 Falmouth Rd., Hyannis.  The program provides supportive professional services to elders in the community who cannot or do not wish to stay alone at home during the day.  The program offers a structured range of activities throughout the day and also provides much needed respite for caregivers.  Transportation available to Barnstable Residents.  Lunch & Snack provided, Monday - Friday, 9 am - 3 pm.  Please call 508/862-4750 for more information.

 

Visit http://www.town.barnstable.ma.us/SeniorServices for a full listing of activities.

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INDEPENDENT LIVING EDUCATION DAY 

Join the Cape Organization for Rights of the Disabled (CORD) and people with disabilities from across Massachusetts on April 4, 2012 at the State House as they meet with legislators to educate them on the importance of Centers for Independent Living (CIL's). 

 

Each year the 11 Centers in Massachusetts assist as many as 200 people to move back into the community from institutionalized settings.  This saves the Commonwealth an average of $4,000,000.  This past year the 11 CIL's received over 10,000 Information and Referral calls from people with disabilities, family members and the general community.  The Massachusetts CIL's employ hundreds of staff, many of whom are people with disabilities, enhancing our state's commitment to being a model employer of people with disabilities.

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2012 TECHNOLOGY FOR BETTER LIVING CONFERENCE & EXPO

SAVE the DATE - Registration starts on April 12, 2012

 

Technology for Better Living:  A Conference and Expo for Older Adults, Caregivers, and Professionals Focusing on Security, Health and Relationships.  Scheduled for Friday, June 1, 2012 from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM at Cape Cod Community College, 2240 Iyannough Rd., West Barnstable.  Registration fee: $50, includes continental breakfast, boxed lunch and refreshments.  For the latest conference news and information  visit www.capecod.edu/seniortech.  For questions contact nchen@capecod.edu or 508/365-5010.
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NAMI MASSACHUSETTS ADVOCACY DAY

Let your Voice be Heard on Monday, April 2, 2012 at the Massachusetts State House Great Hall.  Registration 10 am, Program 11 am, Light lunch 12 am, Visit your legislators 1 pm.

 

RSVP required to T.Lee Shostack at 781/937-4048 or TLee.shostack@namimass.org and also if you need an accommodation.  To register online visit http//www.eventbrite.com/event/2813476183.

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FREE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TRAINING

How much do you know about workforce development?  What do you need to find out?  This introductory workshop may be for you.

 

The Cape & Islands Regional Network to Address Homelessness invites you to "Workforce Development in Massachusetts:  The View from 10,000 Feet" being held on Tuesday, April 10, 2010 from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm at the Hyannis Transportation Center, 215 Iyannough Rd., in Hyannis.

 

Training is FREE, space is limited and registration is required by April 4th.

 

Click here  for more information and the registration form.

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YOUTH AT MALL NIGHT

The next Youth at Mall Night will be Friday, April 20th, 5 PM - 7 PM, in the Macy's Alcove by Hollister's and Payless Shoes.  A performance by the Beth Walsh Dancers will begin around 5:15 PM.

 

If you would like to set up a table to display the free services you provide to young people, children, and families, please email me your intention to reserve a table.

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LGBT AGING PROJECT

Yarmouth Senior Services is hosting a gender diversity presentation on April 23, 2012 from 1:30 - 4:00 PM at the  Yarmouth Senior Center.   Click here for  more details.

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CAREGIVER HOMES OPEN HOUSE

Caregiver Homes Cape Cod is hosting an Open House on Thursday, April 26, 2012 from 8:30 - 10:30 AM at Caregiver Homes, 115 Enterprise Rd., Hyannis.  Learn about services for Seniors & their Caregivers.  Complimentary refreshments will be served.  RSVP to Linda Plante at 508/737-8792 or lplante@caregiverhomes.com.

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2012 HEALTH BENEFITS UNIVERSITY

Presented by the SHINE Program and Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod on May 17, 2012 from 8:30 Am - 12:30 PM.

 

Topics covered:  Original Medicare, Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap), Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D), 2012 marketplace Updates, Health Care Reform & Medicare, and more.  Space is limited.  Register online at www.capehbu.eventbrite.com.  For special accommodations or questions contact Chris Ciano at christopher.ciano@state.ma.us or 617/222-7454. 

 

This program has been approved for 4 social work and nurses CEU's.  Click here  for flyer and more details.

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PATHMAKERS PROGRAM

WE CAN is beginning outreach for the upcoming 2012-2013 PathMakers Program which will begin in the Fall.  This is a 10-month mentoring program that provides women an opportunity to create a life vision, set goals, and provides support from both an individual mentoring Partner as well as a group of women of all ages.  Women who are interested are strongly encouraged to attend an info session where they will be able to ask questions and hear from PathMakers and/or Partners who are in the program now.  

 

Click for program description  and Information Session dates and locations. For more information or to register:  info@wecancenter.org or 508/430-8111.  The PathMakers Program is supported in part by the Cape & Islands United Way.

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CHOPCHOP NEWSLETTER

ChopChop is a free monthly newsletter offering fun, healthy recipes for Massachusetts families.  Each edition of the ChopChop newsletter will include a personal message from the Patrick-Murray Administration highlighting the importance of parents spending time with their children preparing fresh, healthy meals - plus a new recipe each month featuring Massachusetts-grown produce.  The newsletter is available in English and Spanish.  The newsletter is designed to complement the Patrick-Murray administration's groundbreaking Mass in Motion Initiative, a multi-faceted program launched in 2009 to combat obesity and chronic disease in Massachusetts by encouraging residents to eat better and move more.  Learn more about Mass  in Motion at www.mass.gov/massinmotion.

 

The ChopChop newsletter will be posted on the Department of Public health's Mass in Motion website at www.mass.gov/massinmotion/chopchop.  A new version will be available each month during 2012.

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FREE HEALTH & WELLNESS WEBINARS
The National volunteer fire Council is offering five free webinars to firefighters and emergency service personnel.  The workshops focus on different aspects of health and wellness and the real-life implications for first responders.  For more information visit

http://www.nvfc.org/media/news/nvfc-and-scott-safety-team-up-to-offer-free-health-and-wellness-training/

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JESSIE B. COX TRUST - GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

The Jessie B. Cox Trust is dedicated to improving the environment and the quality of life for people living in New England. The Trust provides grants to nonprofit organizations in the six New England states that address the following issues: education, environment, and health. In the education category, there is a special interest in promoting early learning. In the field of environment, the Trust focuses on protecting the great terrestrial ecosystems of New England through habitat conservation. In the area of health, the Trust emphasizes improving access to health care within a field that is changing rapidly due to public and private efforts for reform. Grants are generally for $50,000 or more. Brief project descriptions may be submitted throughout the year. Visit the Trust's website to learn more about the grantmaking priorities and application process.

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AFFORDABLE CARE ACT STATE FACT SHEETS
State-by-State fact sheets have been developed and are now live on the healthcare.gov website at

http://www.healthcare.gov/law/resources/index.html.  When viewing the map, click on a state and it will provide a summary of the benefits of the Affordable Care Act in that state!

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MASS 2-1-1 RESOURCE LOCATOR
Is your organization listed on 2-1-1?  If not, take some time and list it today!
  • 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?
~ Is your organization listed on Mass 2-1-1?  If not, let us know.
~ Not sure how to use 2-1-1?  It's easy - call us for free training.
~ Want to learn how to create your own directory of resources?
  
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 a project supported by the Barnstable County Department of Human Services in partnership with the Cape & Islands United Way. 

For more information contact the Barnstable County Dept. of Human Services at kcallahan@barnstablecounty.org or call 508/375-6626 or ronniegullette@comcast.net or call 508/277-3008.  To locate services dial 211 or 1-877-211-MASS on your telephone or go to www.mass211help.org
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VETERANS CRISIS HOTLINE

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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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.  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.
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E-NEWSLETTER ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS
 To submit materials, please include the following information:
  • Descriptive Title
  • Brief Description of the Content (the who, what, why, when, where) 
  • Attachments must be submitted in PDF and text format (either DOC or RTF files are acceptable)
  • Weblink or Hyperlink if available 
  • Contact information of the person submitting the information and if appropriate, the contact person for the event (include name, address, phone, TTY, email)
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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.