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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. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
DEPARTMENT CORNER | |
Serving the Health Information Needs of Everyone (SHINE)
The Barnstable County Department of Human Services has been awarded a three year SHINE grant from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. The SHINE Program is a state health insurance assistance program that provides free health insurance information, counseling and assistance to Massachusetts residents with Medicare and their caregivers. The SHINE Program is administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs in partnership with elder service agencies, social service and community based agencies and Councils on Aging. The program is partially funded by the federal agency Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service.
The SHINE Program assists elders and individuals with disabilities in understanding their Medicare and MassHealth benefits and other health insurance options. The SHINE program ensures that Massachusetts residents with Medicare and their caregivers have access to accurate, unbiased and up-to-date information about their health care options. This is a critical regional program that provides seniors and people with disabilities a local resource for assistance with the ever changing complexities of private and public health insurance.
SHINE Counselors are available throughout the region at local Councils on Aging. SHINE counselors are available to meet with individuals in person through one-on-one counseling, via telephone, email and through public education presentations.
Through September 2013 the SHINE program office will continue to operate at the Yarmouth COA, Monday - Friday from 9 am - 3 pm. The telephone number is 508-394-9326. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
UPDATE FROM THE CAPE & ISLANDS REGIONAL NETWORK TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS | |
- On July 18 the Policy Board of the Cape and Islands Regional Network to Address Homelessness will participate in the 21st Annual Bob Murray Housing for Love Walk 2013. Members of the Regional Network's Policy Board will join the walk for the Yarmouth-Barnstable leg of the fundraiser walk on Thursday, July 18. The 103 mile walk begins today in Provincetown and ends Sunday, July 21 in Falmouth
- In January 2013, the Network launched a comprehensive web based directory of housing supports and services at http://find.bchumanservices.net
- The Network's Client Coordination Council convenes quarterly trainings on housing topics of interest.
- The Regional Network also supports the HUD Continuum of Care (CoC) grant application and renewal project review process. The Continuum of Care is a community plan to organize and deliver housing and services to meet the specific needs of people who are homeless as they move to stable housing and maximum self-sufficiency. View a listing of C&I CoC FY12 Homeless Assistance Awards. As part of its application for HUD CoC funds, Network agencies also participate in the Annual Point in Time (PIT) Count, a one day count of people who are literally homeless. View results from the PIT Count on January 30, 2013 for Cape Cod & the Islands.
- The March 1, 2013 federal sequestration resulted in five percent cuts to nearly all programs within the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). With looming federal and state cuts, increasing need and shrinking resources, one of the ways providers assist people from becoming homeless is by raising prevention funds, such as those raised by the Housing for Love Walk. Prevention funds are used to help families and individuals stay in their homes and range from short term rental assistance to emergency payments for utility arrearages. Many organizations in our region participate in homelessness prevention by raising and distributing hundreds of thousands of dollars of privately raised funds. Historically, the Cape and Islands have been leaders in homelessness prevention.
- View a listing of the C&I Regional Network to Address Homelessness Policy Board 2013.
Read more... about the topics above in a recent press release from the C&I Regional Network to Address Homelessness. View a copy of the three year Plan to Address Homelessness that provides the framework of a regional, coordinated approach to address homelessness on Cape Cod and the Islands.
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SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM (SFSP) | |
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a federally funded nutrition program that provides FREE meals to children ages 18 and under when school is not in session. In Massachusetts, the SFSP is administered by the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Summer meal sites are located in eligible areas throughout the state, and meals are often provided in conjunction with educational and recreational activities. By providing free, nutritious meals throughout the summer, the SFSP ensures that every child has access to the food they need in order to return to school ready to learn. To find meal sites in the Cape and throughout Massachusetts this summer, please visit the Child Nutrition Outreach Program website at http://meals4kids.org/find-summer-meal-site
View flyer for more information on dates, times and locations of the Summer Food Service Program in the towns of Dennis, Eastham, Chatham, Truro and Wellfleet.
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SUPPORT THE SAMARITANS ON CAPE COD AND THE ISLANDS | | Every Tuesday during the month of July, Not Your Average Joe's in Hyannis will donate 15% of all purchases made by Samaritan supporters to The Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands. All you need to do is head to Not Your Average Joe's during any Tuesday in July, enjoy some great food, and present the attached certificate to your server. You'll be able to have a great meal out while supporting a great cause! ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
COUNTY HEALTH RANKINGS & ROADMAPS FREE WEBINARS | |
This new Special Topic: Understanding the Hospital Community Benefit Requirement & the Community Health Needs Assessment webinar will be held on Tuesday, July 16 at 3-4 PM Eastern Daylight Time. The past few years have seen many changes in mandates, reporting and oversight related to community benefits. One major area of change is the requirement that all not-for-profit hospitals conduct a community health needs assessment (CHNA) and adopt an implementation plan by the end of their 2013 fiscal year. Register here.
Are you appreciative of the Rankings data, but wonder what to do next to make an impact? In the Take Action webinar series, our County Health Roadmaps team will walk you through each step of the Take Action Cycle: Assess Needs & Resources, Focus on What's Important, Choose Effective Programs & Policies, Act on What's Important, and Evaluate Actions. The Take Action: Choose Effective Policies & Programs - Choosing Policy! webinar will be on Tuesday, July 23 at 3-4 PM Eastern Daylight Time. Register here.
All County Health Rankings & Roadmaps webinars are free and open to everyone! Please invite colleagues, friends, and members of your community who may be interested in this topic.
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PREVENTION AND WELLNESS TRUST FUND: DPH LISTENING SESSIONS | |
MDPH will be hosting four listening sessions on July 17 and 18 about the Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund. These listening sessions are designed as a forum for municipalities, healthcare systems, businesses, regional planning organizations, and schools to provide input before the Request for Response (RFR) is drafted. Please forward this flyer with details of dates, times and locations to your partners as appropriate.
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5th ANNUAL WALK/RUN TO SUPPORT AIDS SUPPORT GROUP OF CAPE COD | |
On July 21, 2013 ASGCC will host their 5th Annual 5K Walk/Run in Provincetown. Enjoy a gorgeous morning run or walk down Commercial St. out to the end of MacMillian Pier and then continue down Commercial St. to the Provincetown Inn finish line. Registration stats at 7:00 A.M. at the Harbor Hotel, 698 Commercial St., Provincetown. Race start time for walkers is 8:00 A.M. and for runners at 8:30 A.M. View for more information and to Register here. Registration cost is $35 which will include a light breakfast buffet at the finish line at the Provincetown Inn. Firstgiving pledge sheets are available by contacting ASGCC or can be downloaded at their website at www.asgcc.org. For additional information contact Tanya at 508/487-9445 or by email at tanya@asgcc.org
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CAPE 2-O - THE COMMUNITY PlanIt GAME | |
What will Cape Cod look like in 30 years? What steps can we take to make sure that the Cape of the future is one we want to live in? How far are you willing to go to protect the things that make Cape Cod such a special place? The future of the Cape's watersheds is in your hands. Make choices, contemplate possible futures, and give feedback that will affect real policy decisions in Cape 2-O! The Cape Cod Commission is launching the first of two online games July 22nd, Cape 2-O - It's Something in the Water. Help solve Cape Cod's biggest problem ... and support some of your favorite causes, Cape Abilities, Cape Cod Volunteers and the Boys & Girls Club of Cape Cod. Register now at communityplanit.org/capecod. Learn more at capecodcommission.org/game. This game was created by the Cape Cod Commission in order to bring citizens of the Cape together to keep this special place special.
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ACCESSING AFFORDABLE HOUSING: PRIVATE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ON THE CAPE & ISLANDS | |
The next training on Accessing Affordable Housing: Private Affordable Housing on the Cape & Islands will be held on Tuesday, July 23 from 9:30 to 12 Noon in the Harborview Conference Room at the Barnstable County Complex.
This is Part 2 of a free training series on Accessing Affordable Housing Resources sponsored by the Client Coordination Council of the Regional Network to Address Homelessness. Attendance at the first training is not required to attend this training. View flyer with registration form and directions . If you attended the first training, just reply to Paula Schnepp at pkschnepp@gmail.com to RSVP; if not, please complete the form so we'll have your correct contact information. This training is open to all: please forward to anyone who you think would benefit from learning about housing resources in our community.
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GRIEF AND GRIEVING LIVE WEBCAST | |
Falmouth Grief & Loss Response Team presents Live Webcast Workshop on Grief and Grieving, Tuesday, July 23, 2013 from 9:30am to 5pm at Falmouth Academy Library, 7 Highfield Drive, Falmouth.
Those who have experienced a loss, along with clinicians helping those affected by loss, will learn how to process and understand loss, commemorate and honor those who have died, gain perspective, and reinvest in life. Speaker David Kessler is one of the most well-known experts, lecturers and authors on grief and loss today. David also co-authored two books with the legendary grief expert Elisabeth Kubler-Ross.
Webcast Workshop is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. To register contact Susan at 508-548-0533 or sclondas@falmouthhumanservices.org. 6 CEU's available for $19.99. View flyer for more details.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE BARNSTABLE SENIOR CENTER | |
Lots of fun activities scheduled during July at the Barnstable Senior Center. Check out the July 2013 Newsletter.
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FREEDOM FROM ADDICTION NETWORK SPONSORS COMMUNITY PREVENTION EVENT | |
The Freedom from Addiction Network is sponsoring a community prevention event: SAM (Smart Approaches to Marijuana) on August 2, 2013 from 10:00 A.M. TO 12:00 P.M: at Cape Cod Community College with an informative presentation by former US Congressman Patrick Kennedy and nationally recognized expert Kevin Sabet with opening remarks by DPH Commissioner Cheryl Bartlett. View flyer for more information.
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NEWS FROM CAPE COD CHILDREN'S PLACE | |
Cape Cod Children's Place is a non-profit family resource center serving families and caregivers of children living on the Lower and Outer Cape. 2013 events include:
- Raising Healthy Families parenting series at Brewster Baptist Church facilitated by Cindy Horgan, Family Support Coordinator, Tuesdays in September and October
- Lower Cape Dads' Talk at Harwich Community Center facilitated by Paul Melville, Cape Cod Neighborhood Support Coalition, July 3 & 7 and August 7
- Kennedy Donovan Center Support Group for Eastham area Parent/Caregivers of those on the Autism Spectrum and other Developmental Disabilities, Tuesdays, July 23 and August 27 at the Eastham Senior Center
- Art Outside the Box, Monday July 22nd, 6-8 P.M.: Tickets $30 include wine, food, music and fun presented by Truro Vineyards & the Cape Cod Children's Place. Event celebrates the 9th Annual Art Outside the Box Lunchbox Auction & Golf Tournament, August 5,2013 at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club in Brewster.
And so much more ... View July/August newsletter for additional activities and events.
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ORAL HEALTH EXCELLENCE COLLABORATIVE RECEIVES MATCHING GRANT | |
The Dentaquest Foundation has awarded the Oral Health Excellence Collaborative (OHEC) a matching grant. Every dollar you contribute will be matched up to $30,000. This is the time to make your most meaningful donation. Mail your donation to OHEC?Cape Cod Foundation, 115 Enterprise Rd., Hyannis, MA 02601 or click here to donate online at the Cape Cod Foundation website.
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RUNNERS NEEDED FOR THE FALMOUTH ROAD RACE | |
For the third year, the Cape and Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition has a team running the Falmouth Road Race on August 11, 2013. In the past two years the team has raised over $40,000.00 for this important cause. The funds have been used to support suicide prevention training and awareness events across the Cape and Islands. We are looking for additional members for CISPC Falmouth Road Race Team - the Coalition has already paid the $150.00 entry fee for guaranteed placement in the race, runners then seek sponsorship for the race from donors.
Tim Lineaweaver is heading up the team for the Coalition again and will assist runners in a simple and easy fundraising process. If you are interested in being part of the team contact Tim at tnt410@aol.com or by calling 508-524-7978. Please help support an important Cape and Islands cause!
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JOIN THE CHILDREN'S COVE TEAM FOR THE FALMOUTH ROAD RACE | |
Children's Cove has been awarded 15 numbers in the Falmouth Road Race on Sunday, August 11, 2013. This is a seven mile run along the shore from Woods Hole to Falmouth Heights. Join the Children's Cove team and be guaranteed a number. As a member of the team Children's Cove will pay the registration fee and provide a race day shirt. All team members are required to rise a minimum of $1,000. Commitment is required by Friday, July 5th for registration purposes. For additional information or to sign up please contact Katie at 508/375-0410 or kpartin@childrenscove.org
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HOPE HOSPICE JOINS THE NEW BALANCE FALMOUTH ROAD RACE | |
Hope Hospice is excited to participate in the New Balance Falmouth Road Race on Sunday, August 11, 2013. Ten runners can join the Hope Hospice team and claim one of our guaranteed Numbers for Non Profits. Runners for Hope Hospice help to ensure that anyone who is eligible receives the services, care and support needed for the best possible quality of life.
The New Balance Falmouth Road Race celebrates its 41st running this year and the spirit which made the first Falmouth race so special is still present today. More than 11,000 runners will gather in Woods Hole for the 2013 renewal, including many of the world's elite, though the essence of the event remains a fun run. Back-of-the-pack joggers share the road with the best, forming a tapestry of colors from the start on Water Street to the finish at the beach in Falmouth Heights. Numbers for Non Profits enables community organizations to guarantee a number and bib for those who raise funds while running in the race. The New Balance Falmouth Road Race asks each participant to raise a minimum of $1,000.
Upon return of the Runner Registration/Waiver Form, a link and code to register for the New Balance Falmouth Road Race will be emailed to participants. The sign-up deadline to have a participant's name on the bib is July 10, with a final deadline to sign up by July 31, 2013.
"This is our third year participating in the New Balance Falmouth Road Race," said David Rehm, president and CEO of HopeHealth. "It's an event that brings people together to raise essential funds to support patients and families who need our care, in one of road racing's most beautiful venues."
For more information, please visit HopeHealthCo.org/BeneficiaryEvents, call (774) 487-3667 or email giving@HopeHealthCo.org.
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AFFORDABLE RENTAL LOTTERY - TOWN OF BARNSTABLE | |
Affordable Rental Lottery: Stage Coach Residences, 70 Stage Coach Residences, 70 Stage Coach Road, Centerville, MA. Six 1 bedroom units and Six 2 bedroom units. Information Sessions will take place at the Barnstable Town Hall, 367 Main St., Hyannis on Tuesday July 30 at 6:00 PM or Wednesday, July 31 at 9:30 AM. Applications are available at: Housing Assistance Corporation, 460 West Main St., Hyannis, Barnstable Housing Authority, 146 South St., Hyannis and Barnstable Libraries: Centerville, Cotuit, Hyannis, Marstons Mills, Osterville, Sturgis and Welden and on-line at www.haconcapecod.org and www.barnstablehousing.org. Application deadline September 12, 2013. View flyer for more information.
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AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION - OUT OF THE DARKNESS COMMUNITY WALKS | |
Community Walks to raise funds to prevent suicide, sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, will take place this Fall in the following locations:
- South Shore/Cape Cod: Sunday, September 29, Buzzards Bay Park
- Central MA/Worcester: Saturday, September 21, Green Hill Park
- North Shore/Wakefield, Saturday, September 28, Lake Quannapowitt
- Springfield, MA: Sunday, September 29, Mass Mutual Center
- Merrimack Valley and Haverhill: Saturday, Octover 5, Winnekenni Park
- Greater Boston's 10th Anniversary Walk, Saturday, October 12, Artesani Park, Brighton
Click here for more information and to register for any of the six Walks.
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SAVE THE DATE: PHILANTHROPY DAY ON CAPE COD | |
Philanthropy Day on Cape Cod, how in its 17 year, is one of the largest philanthropic all-day annual events on Cape Cod. This day celebrates philanthropy and gives an opportunity for sharing and learning and honoring luminaries in the community. This years event will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. at the Hyannis Resort and Conference Center, 35 Scudder Ave., West End Rotary, Hyannis.
Philanthropy Day is for professionals in non-profit organizations of any size on Cape Cod, their volunteers, board members, as well as professional advisors such as attorneys, estate planners, financial advisors, accountants and others. This one-day event sells out every year but register now so you won't be left out. Stay tuned for more information.
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MASS 2-1-1 NEW INFORMATION AND REFERRAL RESOURCE FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN REQUIRING ASSISTANCE | |
Mass 2-1-1 is an information and referral service for children, youth and families offered by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. EOHHS has contracted with MASS 2-1-1 Inc. to provide enhanced information and referral services to families and children who are dealing with challenging issues.
This program supports all families, including families who are involved with Chapter 240 of the Acts of 2012, also known as "Families and Children Engaged in Services" legislation. The legislation, which became effective in November of 2012, provides services for children who are runaways or truants, or children who are having serious problems at home and in school; the law also helps children who are victims of commercial sexual exploitation.
Families can dial 211 from any phone and be connected to a trained information and referral specialist, anytime of the day or night.
View the Mass2-1-1 brochure.
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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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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________________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
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 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
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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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.
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