December 14, 2012 

Accessibility Resource Center 

The Barnstable County Department of Human Services has recently updated its website to include a new section devoted to accessibility information for people with disabilities. The Accessibility Resource Center provides links to federal and state laws such as the Americans with Disability Act, Fair Housing Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.  The Accessibility Resource Center also provides links to commonly requested information such as universal accessibility symbols and guidelines and standards for accessible print materials and meetings. In addition, Barnstable County Policies and Procedures related to accessibility and reasonable accommodations are also on-line.   The Accessibility Resource Center is located at bchumanservices.net.

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The Barnstable County Department of Human Services is pleased to announce a new website find.bchumanservices.net featuring on-line directories of health and human service resources. The Directories are a compilation of local resources organized around areas of critical need such as food, housing, mental health services, energy/fuel assistance, and services for seniors and people with disabilities. Find.bchumanservices.net is a valuable resource now available to Barnstable County residents and human service organizations. This new on-line tool is an effective and efficient way to make local information available on a 'simple to search' website. For more information view press release in its entirety.

If you believe your organization should be included in any of the new Directories or have any other feedback on how to improve the on-line directories, call the Department of Human Services at 508/375-6628.

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The Massachusetts Nonprofit Network reported that earlier this month, the Boston Globe reported that this holiday season has already seen a rise in demand and a deficit of cash donations for most Massachusetts food pantries.  According to the United Way of Tri-County, food pantries have experienced a dramatic increase in usership, while cash donations are down due to the still-recovering economy.  The rise has been particularly notable recently among working families, in addition to the homeless or unemployed of previous years.

To make the greatest impact this holiday season, you can donate cash directly to a food pantry.  Cash donations are preferred for a number of reasons, namely for the greater buying power and lack of an expiration date.  Donate to a local pantry  in your Cape Cod community.

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WE CAN has a very busy January planned and it includes moving to a new home down the street! Open House will be held this Saturday, December 15th  from 1-3pm.  Feel free to stop by and have some cider and cookies. Actual move is scheduled for the 2nd week of January but wanted to give you all a sneak peek!

Programming highlights include:

• From Surviving to Thriving - Attend Info Session on January 9th to learn more about this exciting 6 week program that uses value exploration as a way for participants to create and reach goals. Workshop Series to begin January 16th
• Divorce Support Group - beginning January 9th, childcare available- a support group for women thinking about, in process, or recently divorced
• Family Law Workshop - "Everything You Wanted to Know about Family Law but were Afraid to Ask"- Monday January 28th- learn about the process of divorce and other family law matters

See attached Flyers for location and details on all the above. Please note all participants must contact WE CAN to register for programs.  Please feel free to post flyers and share. Additionally, check out our website at  www.wecancenter.org to learn about other things we do and to see updated schedule of ongoing sessions.

POLAR BEAR PLUNGE TO BENEFIT HOPE DEMENTIA & ALZHEIMER'S SERVICES

Belinda Bachand started a polar bear plunge in 2010 to honor her father.  Now in its fourth year, the event continues to grow and raises essential funds for clients served by Hope Dementia and Alzheimer's Services.  Kick off New Year's Day 2013 with a plunge into the ocean to support a worthy cause.  Last year 250 people attended the event with over 75 brave people dashing into the frigid waters at Bank Street Beach.  All proceeds from the event will be used for free support services and respite grants for the families served by Hope Dementia & Alzheimer's Services.

The Polar Bear Plunge will be held on Tuesday, January 1, 2013: plunge at noon, registration at 11:30 AM at the Bank Street Beach in Harwich Port and is open to men, women and children.  After the plunge attendees are invited to Land Ho! in Harwich Port for refreshments.  For a pledge sheet visit HopeDementia.org or call 508/775-5656.  Suggested donation is $20.

Read more about the Polar Bear Plunge and Hope Dementia & Alzheimer's Services.

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The new ACT program collaborates with the local Career Opportunities Center to assist adults who are unemployed or underemployed looking for re-training or updating their professional skills.  These four new Certificates will include college level credits which may also be applied towards a future degree.  Specialized training programs will be offered January through July 2013.  Participants enroll in Cape Cod Community College and attend (full or part-time day schedules) specially targeted 8-week accelerated terms for college credits.  Financial Aid is available for qualified individuals.

The four areas of study include:  Medical Coding/Billing, Medical Receptionist, Computerized Accounting and Bookkeeping Clerk.  Upon completion of the certificate(s) the students will be able to continue their academic study or utilize skills acquired for specific career areas and seek employment.  Career and job search assistance is an essential part of the program.  For more information, contact the ACT office, Grossman Commons Building (top floor), call 508/362-2131 x 4662 or email act@capecod.edu.

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The U.S. Surgeon General and  the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention recently released the 2012 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.

http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/reports/national-strategy-suicide-prevention/full-report.pdf. The report is the culmination of the efforts of the Action Alliance's National Strategy Revision Task Force, co-led by Surgeon General Regina Benjamin and Jerry Reed, Director of the Suicide Prevention Resource Center.  The National Strategy recognizes that suicide is a complicated issue that requires equally complex solutions. Effective solutions need to incorporate multiple approaches at multiple levels. Effective prevention programs and policies stress the importance of wellness, resiliency, and protective factors; effective suicide response and intervention programs address risk factors, mental health and substance abuse services, and crisis response for those who are struggling with suicidal behaviors; and effective support programs are required for those who have been touched by suicide or suicidal behavior. 

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Dementia Certificate Level I 

January 8 & 15, 2013, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM, John Adams Health Center, 211 Franklin St., Quincy, MA

January 17 & 24, 2013, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Martha's Vineyard VTA building, Edgartown, MA

February 12 & 19, 2013, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Jordan Hospital, Plymouth, MA

This professional training is an in-depth eight-hour CE program designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of professionals who work with individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.  Eight CEUs for RNs, LPNs, CNAs, MSWs, LHMCs, Psychologists, PCAs, Nursing Home Administrators, and Activity Professionals.  Course Fee $115.00 (includes materials)

Dementia Certificate Level II (pre-requisite: Dementia Certificate Level I)

February 21, 2013, 12:00 - 4:00 PM, Martha's Vineyard VTA building, Edgartown, MA

February 26, 2013, 12:300 - 4:30 PM, Hope Health Building, 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis, MA

Advanced Problem Solving - Behavioral Interventions for Dementia Care.  For those professionals looking to advance their clinical skills to solve problem behaviors associated with Alzheimer's and dementia both at home and in the workplace.  Class participation with case studies.  Four CEUs.  Course Fee $75.00 (includes materials)

To register for either program call 508/775-5656 or register online at www.hopedementia.org

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Events, entertainment, workshops, health & wellness programs have been scheduled for January 2013 at the Barnstable Senior Center, 825 Falmouth Rd., Hyannis.  Contact Susan Griffin for questions or to RSVP for all events at susan.griffin@town.barnstable.ma.us or 508/862-4761.  For a full calendar of events visit http://town.barnstable.ma.us/SeniorServices/default.asp

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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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