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In This Issue
Department Corner
Online Resource Directory
FREE Tax Help
FREE Home Energy Assessments
FY14 Harwich Human Service Grants
Grief & Loss Support Groupts
Chronic Disease Self Management Workshops
St. Patty's Day Celebration
Business Expo to Support Boys & Girls Club
Growing the Pie Seminar Rescheduled
10th Annual Youth Summit
WE CAN Legal Workshops
Educational Dementia Support Groups
The Invisable War
9th Annual Day of Words, Wit & Wisdom
Webinar: Treating Hepatitis C in HIV Patiends
OMB Sequester Guidance
Samaritans seeks Part Time Office Manager
MASS 2-1-1
Veterans Crisis Hotline
Samaritans Survivor Support Group
E-Newsletter Article Submissions
Join Our List
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ISSUE: 83

March 8, 2013 

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.  For additional information visit the Department website at bchumanservices.net.
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DEPARTMENT CORNER

Grant Opportunity - Request for Proposals - Navigator Pilot Project

 

The Barnstable County Department of Human Services has issued an RFP for the Navigator Pilot Project. The goal of the Navigator Pilot project is to improve access to information and the coordination and delivery of home based long term care supports and services for residents of Cape Cod who have chronic health conditions and physical disabilities. Barnstable County will award up to $ 90,000.00 to an eligible non-profit entity or individual for an 18 month period.

 

View the RFP.  It can also be found on-line at www.bchumanservices.net and on the Resource Development Website. All questions regarding this RFP should be directed to Julie Ferguson, Barnstable County Grant Manager at 508- 375-6879.

 

Applications must be received no later than: 12:00PM on Thursday April 4, 2013.  Applicants should submit an original proposal and FIVE COPIES (including attachments) to:

 

Barnstable County Resource Development Office

Navigator Pilot Project RFP

P.O. Box 427

Barnstable, Massachusetts 02630-0427

Attention: Julie Ferguson

 

*If hand delivering a proposal, applications must be brought to the Resource Development Office located at the Barnstable County Complex before 12:00 PM on April 4, 2013.

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BARNSTABLE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ANNOUNCES NEW ON-LINE RESOURCE

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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COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE OF C&I OFFERS FREE TAX HELP

Community Action Committee's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program is offering FREE tax help to low and moderate income taxpayers of all ages.  They will help prepare both federal and state 2012 tax returns and help claim tax credits including: Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit, Child & Dependent Care Credit, and Education credits. View flyer.  Clients seen by appointment only and during tax season only.  FAST, EASY and FREE!  Call today ... contact Melissa at 508/771-1727 ext. 132.

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FREE HOME ENERGY ASSESSMENTS

Did you know that Cape Light Compact offers Free Home Energy Assessments?

 

These free assessments are available to all Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard residents (tenants and homeowners), regardless of your income level. Our energy specialist(s) will come to your home and evaluate your insulation, determine air leaks, replace your incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient ones, and meter your refrigerator to see if it would be eligible for a rebate towards a new energy efficient model. Cape Light Compact will cover 100% of the cost of any recommended air leak sealing, and at least 75% of the cost up to $4000 for any insulation work that is recommended.

 

To sign up for your free assessment or for more information, please call 1-800-797-6699 or visit www.capelightcompact.org.

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FY2014 HARWICH HUMAN SERVICE GRANTS

The goal of the Harwich Human Services Grants 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 still must apply to this program to be eligible to receive funding in the coming fiscal year.

 

In Fiscal Year 2014, 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 15th, 2013.  For more information visit  http://www.barnstablecountyrdo.org/topics/harwich/

 

For questions or to have an application emailed to you contact Katherine Garofoli - kgarofoli@barnstablecounty.org or call 508-375-6873.

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HOPE HEALTH OFFERS TWO NEW SUPPORT GROUPS TO ANYONE EXPERIENCING GRIEF OR LOSS 

Hope Community Care, part of the HopeHealth family of services, announced two new community bereavement support groups to be held in Falmouth. HopeHealth, formerly Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod, is a non-profit healthcare organization providing medical care, care management and support services to people living with serious illness.  All groups provide a safe, confidential and supportive setting for anyone experiencing loss or grief. Programs are led by licensed professionals from Hope Community Care with specialized training and extensive experience. The new groups will focus on Loss of a Spouse/Parent and Loss of a Young Adult Child.

 

Advanced registration is required. Please call (508) 957-0244 for any of the groups or for more information. All groups are free and open to the public. New members can join within the first two weeks of the group's official start. More information can be found at HopeHealthCo.org.

 

Schedule and location:  HopeHealth Falmouth office, 359 Main Street

 

Loss of a Spouse/Partner:  Wednesday, March 13 - April 17; 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. For any adult experiencing the loss of a spouse/partner within the past year.

Loss of a Young Adult Child:  Thursday, March 14 - April 18; 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. For any parent experiencing the loss of a young adult child within the past two years.

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CHRONIC DISEASE SELF MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS

My Life, My Health:  Chronic Disease Self Management Workshops

 

Do you, or someone you know or care for suffer from one or more chronic diseases or conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, asthma, cancer, hypertension, stroke or chronic pain?  Do you feel that the disease or condition often takes over your life and prevents you from doing the many things that you enjoy?  You are not alone, 90% of older adults have at least one chronic condition, 77% have two or more. Over one third of adults age 65 or over fall each year.

 

Workshops are led by trained and certified facilitators and workshop topics include: The Mind-Body Connection, Healthy Eating, Reducing Stress, Exercise, Dealing with Difficult Emotions, Making Informed Decisions, Improving Communication with Medical Providers and Family, and Medication Usage.

 

Workshops begin March 14th and will meet every Thursday for six weeks from 1:00pm to 3:30 pm at:

Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands

68 Route 134, South Dennis, MA

 

Participants are expected to attend all six sessions.  SPACE IS LIMITED!  REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Workshops are offered at no cost to participants. For more information or to register, call Pat Hart at 508-394-4630 x 103

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CORNED BEEF, 'IRISH SESSION' SENIOR CENTER PARTY

Celebrate the food and festivities of St. Patrick's Day at the Barnstable Senior Center's "St. Patrick's Day Celebration," Thursday, March 14, 2013, from 4-7 p.m. at the Senior Center, 825 Falmouth Road, Hyannis, MA.

 

A traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner will be served in the spacious multi-room overlooking Dunn's Pond and a traditional "Irish Session" - musicians who gather for an informal, free-flowing performance of traditional Irish music - will entertain and engage partygoers.

 

Tickets are $12 for this popular event and space is limited. To reserve a seat, visit the Barnstable Senior Center at 825 Falmouth Road, Hyannis, MA. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Barnstable Council on Aging. For more information, contact the Senior Center at (508) 862-4750 or visit our website at www.town.barnstable.ma.us/seniorservices.

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BUSINESS EXPO SUPPORTS THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF CAPE COD

The Work It Wednesday Referral Network is hosting a FREE BUSINESS EXPO in support of the Boys and Girls Club of Cape Cod on Wednesday, March 20, at The HOLIDAY INN, Route 132 in Hyannis from 4-8 pm.  70 businesses are expected to attend and each of them will have donated a raffle item to support the 840+ Cape Cod kids at the Boys and Girls Club.  All proceeds from the raffle will go to the Club and the kids!! 

 

SPECIAL DEAL FOR BUSINESSES!

Have a business and want to get some great exposure?  The registration form is available online by clicking HERE and businesses responding through this online promo will get the Early Bird Registration rate - which expired on Feb. 10 - of just $50.  Just write ONLINE PROMO on the form!  Register NOW!  The show sold out completely last year!    

Raffle Tickets are on sale at the door on March 20 or at the Boys & Girls Club until 2:30 on Wednesday March 20.  Tickets cost 1 for $5, 10 for $15, and 15 for $20.  Get Yours Now!  Call the Club at 508/477-8845 with your credit card and we will write your name on your tickets and hand deliver them to the Expo for the raffle drawing!  There's no need to be present to win, however we would love to see you at the Expo!! 

 

There will be several restaurants at the Expo providing free food samples, as well as a cash bar upstairs for a little one-to-one casual networking for anyone who is interested!  Register & help us get a good count for the day, or just show up at the door, either way.  We are looking forward to seeing you, your friends, colleagues, and family, there!!

 

Please help us by spreading the word and sharing this email!

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GROWING THE PIE SEMINAR RESCHEDULED

Due to inclement weather the Growing the Pie seminar scheduled for Friday, March 8th has been rescheduled for March 27th, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM at the Martin Auditorium of the Martin Institute at Stonehill College, 320 Washington Street, Easton, MA.  If you were registered for the 3/8/13 seminar and can not make the 3/27/13 seminar please contact Hillary Kovash at hkovash@massnonprofitnet.org.  If you had not previously registered and would like to register for the 3/27 seminar or view dates and locations of all five sessions click here.

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10TH ANNUAL YOUTH SUMMIT

This free event scheduled for March 15th from 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM at Cape Cod Community College, gathers youth, young adults, professionals and trades people from across Cape Cod and the Islands to share their experiences around college, career, and life sustainability in our communities.  All high schools, colleges, youth groups, community professionals and working young adults are welcome to attend the event.  Whether you know your career path or are just getting started thinking about it, everyone can build skills, map out their passions, network with businesses and fill their toolbox for success!

 

For questions email CNofCC@gmail.com.  More information about the summit is available online at BCCCYF.org

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WE CAN CENTER OFFERS NEW WORKSHOPS

WE CAN and Cape Cod Child Development present: Demystifying the Child Support Process - Working Effectively with the Child Support Enforcement Division of the Department of Revenue (DOR) on Wednesday, March 20, 2013, 6-8:00 PM at Cape Cod Child Development, 83 Pearl Street, Hyannis.  View flyer

 

WE CAN is offering its Divorce Boot Camp workshop led by Attorney Anna Merrill, on Saturday, March 23, 2013, 930 AM - 1:30 PM at Green Briar Nature Center, 6 Discovery Hill Road (off Rt. 6A), East Sandwich.  View flyer

 

To register for either workshop please call 508/430-8111 or email info@wecancenter.org.

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HOPE DEMENTIA & ALZHEIMER'S SERVICES ANNOUNCES EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT GROUPS FOR 2013

Hope Dementia & Alzheimer's Services, part of the HopeHealth family of services and formerly known as Alzheimer's Services of Cape Cod & the Islands, announced its 2013 educational support group schedule for people with memory impairment and their care partners.  These ongoing weekly support groups provide an opportunity to discuss issues related to coping with the disease and provide a safe and supportive setting in which to share stories and experiences.  View listing of Dementia Educational Support Group details. 

 

Support groups are held weekly at various locations throughout Cape Cod & the Islands. The programs are free, safe and confidential allowing for freedom of self-expression and open conversation. Programs are led by trained facilitators from Hope Dementia & Alzheimer's Services with specialized training and extensive experience. For a location in your community, please visit HopeDementia.org.

 

Advanced registration is required. Please call (508)775-5656 for additional information on programs or to register. More information can be found at HopeDementia.org.

 

These groups are made possible by grants from Cape Cod Healthcare, Cape & the Islands United Way, Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands, and the local cultural councils in Brewster, Mid Cape, Chatham, Harwich, Provincetown, Sandwich and Truro as well as by private donations.

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THE INVISABLE WAR - FILM & DISCUSSION SESSION
On April 14th at 2:00 p.m.,  Cape Cod Veterans for Peace and the Women's International League for Peace & Freedom are showing "The Invisible War,"  an Academy Award-nominated documentary on the epidemic of rape and assault of women and men in the US military. The film will be shown at the Cape Cod Community College, Lecture Hall A, Science Building.

The film will be followed by a  facilitated discussion, including actions that can be taken. Light refreshments will be served.  There is no charge to attend.  Groups interested in co-sponsoring the event can contact Mary Zepernick at 508-398-1023.
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9TH ANNUAL DAY OF WORDS, WIT AND WISDOM

WE CAN's 9th Annual Day of Words, Wit and Wisdom will be held on June 6th at the Wychmere Beach Club.   This event promises to be another excellent, uplifting experience and those of you who attend will not be disappointed!  This event makes a huge difference in WE CAN's ability to support our community on Cape Cod and represents about 25% of our annual budget. 

 

Purchasing your reservation on-line is convenient for everybody and helps WE CAN office staff and volunteers to stay focused on the women we serve.  You can of course send your check in the mail, accompanied by the registration form.  New this year, you can purchase your raffle tickets when you buy your seat!  Please be patient with us, as we anticipate that the processing of 400 attendees will challenge our staff and volunteer resources.

 

Tickets will go on sale, on-line, on Monday, March 4th or you can download this form and mail it in.  Be sure to check out more details about our 2013 speakers and raffle prizes, by visiting our website's News &  Events page beginning on March 4th.  

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WEBINAR: NOVEL APPROACHES TO TREAT HEPATITIS C VIRUS INFECTION IN THE HIV PATIENT

Novel Approaches to treat Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection in the HIV Patient, with Arthur Kim, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Infectious Disease Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.

 

This is a live webinar at Falmouth Hospital, June 11, 2013 at 8am, provided by the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod in collaboration with New England AIDS Education and Training Center. There may also be the capability to join this webinar from other locations andCEUs are available. Please contact Krystin St. Onge at the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod for more information and registration: Phone: 508.778.1954  or email kstonge@asgcc.org
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OMB SEQUESTER GUIDANCE 

March 1,2013 the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) sent a letter and supporting documentation to Congress and the President outlining how the sequester would be carried out across federal programs  View and print the document at:

 

 

http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/legislative_reports/fy13ombjcsequestrationreport.pdf

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SAMARITANS ON CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS SEEKS PART-TIME OFFICE MANAGER
The Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands seeks a part-time Office Manager. The hours are Monday-Friday from 9am-12pm at our office in Falmouth. The ideal candidate will be highly organized with excellent computer skills (QuickBooks, Excel, database management, desktop publishing), and have a sense of humor as well as the ability to handle confidential information. Must enjoy interacting with a wide variety of people. Having nonprofit experience and grant management is a plus.

Responsibilities include:

- Office Administration (answer office calls, maintain supplies, database management)
- Financial Administration (maintain QuickBooks, pay bills, manage grants, make deposits, provide reports to board and directors as needed)
- Fundraising (maintain fundraising records, admin support of fundraising events, coordinate large fundraising mailings)
- Support the Board of Directors and Agency Directors as needed
- Technical Support (insure all office equipment and phones are operational)

Interested applicants should send a cover letter, updated resume, and contact information for two references to ccsamaritans@verizon.net
 by March 22nd.
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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?
Not sure how to use 2-1-1?  Want to learn how to create your own directory of resources?  It's easy - call us for free training.
  
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.  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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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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E-NEWSLETTER ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS
To submit materials, please include the following information and forward to kcallahan@barnstablecounty.org :
  • 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.