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In This Issue
Department Corner
Aging & Disability Forum III
Grassroots Advocacy Training
Handicap Housing Unit - Sandwich
Barnstable CDBG Grant Program
HAC celebrates 40th Anniversary
Discounted Dental Cleanings for Fishermen & Their Families
Engaging & Mentoring Youth on Cape Cod
Utility Rights Forum
Forum for Parents: Development of Self Esteem in Children
News from the Barnstable Senior Center
CHNA Meeting Notice
CACCI Fundraiser for Safe Harbor
Spaulding Hosts Music Therapy Advocate
Elder Suicide Prevention Training
News from Sight Loss Services
Male Support Group for those Experiencing Domestic or Ssexual Abuse
Women's Cancer Awareness Expo & Run
Health & Wellness Expo
News from WE CAN Center
Children's Cove Golf Tournament
Golf Classic to Support Spaulding Cape Cod
Falmouth Road Race Bibs Available
Easter Seals Summer Camp
Operation Military Kids Summer Camps
News from HopeHealth
News from Health Resources in Action
Mass 211 offers Mental Health Screenings Online
VNA - Navigator Pilot Project
Online Resource Directory
MASS 2-1-1
Veterans Crisis Hotline
Samaritans Survivor Support Group
E-Newsletter Article Submissions
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ISSUE: 110

March 28, 2014


 
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

The Department of Human Services would like to welcome

 

Samantha Kossow, Regional Substance Abuse Coordinator

Samantha will assist the Department in coordinating the activities of the Council, develop a communication strategy to engage and inform Council members, assist in community planning and mobilization of prevention, treatment, criminal justice and recovery services.  Working with the Council she will help to identify gaps and disparities in the service system and gather data on a variety of indicators and resources in the region.  Samantha is also a Volunteer in the Barnstable District Court Probation Department, Drug Court.

 

Christina Soltis, our intern this Spring!  Christina is assisting in the development and implementation of a web-based behavioral health resource directory for our region. She is currently pursuing her associate's degree in Human Services at Cape Cod Community College, and her work with our Department will help her explore many of the services available on Cape Cod.  Christina is Vice President of the college's Legacy Club and Manager of the Family Pantry of Cape Cod Community College. 

AGING AND DISABILITY FORUM III

SAVE THE DATE

 

Aging and Disability Forum III - "Local Experts, Local Resources"
  
May 16, 2014
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Cape Codder Resort in Hyannis, MA
  

The Barnstable County Department of Human Services is proud to be hosting its next Aging and Disability Forum on Friday, May 16, 2014.  This forum will be an all-day conference and has been generously sponsored by Cape Cod Healthcare. 

 

With help from feedback provided by past forum participants, multiple breakout sessions have been developed focusing on some of the major concerns for the aging and disabled communities on Cape Cod.  Legal questions, insurance needs, chronic disease self-management and prevention, mental health issues, and dementia are among the topics the May 16th conference will explore during panel presentations and interactive workshops.

This conference has been approved for 5 CEUs for social workers, registered nurses, licensed mental health counselors, and nursing home administrators.  

 

Registration information will be available next week! View Save the Date flyer.

FREE GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY TRAINING
Free Grassroots Advocacy Training for Plymouth Area Advocates will be offered on Monday, March 31st from 9:00 am to 12 Noon at the Browning Lodge, Camp Clark, Old Colony YMCA, 200 Hedges Pond Rd., Plymouth.  Join with other community organizations and concerned citizens to learn how to become an advocate for healthy eating and active living policies.  View flyerf or more information.  Click here to register
HANDICAP HOUSING UNIT AVAILABLE IN SANDWICH
The Sandwich Housing Authority will have a 3 BR 705 (Family Public Housing) unit available sometime in April.  If you know of a family who could benefit from this type of housing, please contact (or have the family contact) the Sandwich Housing Authority at (508) 833-4979 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. or email info@sandwichhousing.org.  There are families already on the 3 BR wait list, but not with a preference for a handicapped unit.
TOWN OF BARNSTABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

In accordance with the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program Citizen Participation Plan the Town of Barnstable Growth Management Department (GMD) is providing a thirty (30) day public comment period on the Draft 2014 Annual Action Plan.  The Action Plan serves as a planning and strategic document that describes how CDBG funds will be used in the 2014 program year.  The Draft Action Plan for program year 2014 is available as of April 3, 2014 on the Town website:  http://www.town.barnstable.ma.us/CDBG or in the Growth Management Department between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, M-F, 367 Main St., 3rd Floor, Hyannis, MA.  Read more ...

HAC CELEBRATES 40th ANNIVERSARY

In 1974 the Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC) was founded to address what would become a growing need on Cape Cod: provide safe, stable and affordable housing for those in the region.  It's initial beginnings were humble, epitomized by its first office in a converted garage on Raymond Rd. in West Yarmouth, where two full-time employees, assisted by a part-time worker, were tasked with managing the state's Chapter 707 rental assistance program.

 

Today, with more than 120 employees and an annual budget of $20 million, much has changed, but HAC's mission remains the same.  On Thursday, April 3rd at the Cape Codder Resort & Spa, 1225 Iyannough Rd., Hyannis, the work being done to support hat mission over the past 40 years will be celebrated at HAC's annual meeting. Read more...

DISCOUNTED DENTAL CLEANINGS FOR COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES

The Fishing Partnership Support Services will be offering discounted dental cleanings for commercial fishermen and their families on Saturday April 5th

 

For more information about the Fishing Partnership, visit www.fishingpartnership.org, or feel free to give us a call.

 

at the Chatham Community Center. Appointments can be made for anytime between 9 am-5 pm, and run for 45 min. Teeth cleanings cost $30 and optional x-rays are an additional $50. To make an appointment, call Morgan Parker, FPSS Community Navigator for the Cape & Islands, at 508-237-9402. View flyer.

ENGAGING AND MENTORING YOUTH OF ALL AGES ON CAPE COD

Youth, of all ages, are the future leaders of our community!

Here on Cape Cod, there is concern that increasing numbers of teens, young adults, and families with young children are moving off Cape for various reasons. How many of us have heard a teen or young adult tell us "there isn't anything to do here on Cape Cod, especially in the winter"!

 

We invite you to start a conversation on how we can work together to engage and mentor youth on Cape Cod so they want to stay here, work here, raise their families here and, most importantly, become a resourceful, confident and happy adult!

 

Community Network Meeting - April 8, 2014

3:00 - 5:00 pm (Networking 4:30 - 5 pm)

MSPCC Conference Room, 206 Breeds Hill Rd., Hyannis

 

Read more ...

UTILITY RIGHTS FORUM FOR LOW INCOME MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS
The Cape Organization for Rights of the Disabled (CORD) and the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) invite you to a Utility Rights: What Front Line Staff Need to Know on Wednesday, April 9, 2014, 10 am - 2:00 pm at the CORD office at 106 Bassett Lane, Hyannis.  This training for non-attorney advocates and front-line social service workers will provide information to help low-income Massachusetts residents avoid termination of their utility services.  Read more...
  
Seating is limited.  Contact Cathy Taylor at 508/775-8300 or 1-800-541-0282 or cordinfo@cilcapecod.org to reserve your seat.  Request reasonable accommodations by Thursday, April 3rd.  Lunch will be provided.
FREE CAPE-WIDE FORUM FOR PARENTS: DEVELOPMENT OF SELF ESTEEM IN CHILDREN

FREE Forum on Development of Self Esteem in Children will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the Harwich Community Center, 100 Oak St., Harwich, MA.  Buffet dinner and networking from 6-6:30 PM.  A raffle will be held for a new Nexus Tablet.  All are invited to attend and you do not have to be a Barnstable Resident.  Read more...

 

Forum is sponsored by the Peter & Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation through the Barnstable Public Schools.

NEWS FROM THE BARNSTABLE SENIOR CENTER

Lots of activities planned at the Barnstable Senior Center during the week of March 31, 2014 including:

  • 5K Walking Program: April 7 - June 4, 10:45 - 11:45 AM (M,W).  Fee $70.  Ease into the Walking Program at the Senior Center by beginning with a 1/2 mile walk and progress to 3.1 miles over the course of the 9-week program.
  • SMILE - Healthy Teeth Program: April 9, 1:30 pm (M,W), RSVP - Free.  This new program is specifically geared to assist seniors with oral health needs, thanks to the Oral Health Excellence Collaborative.  Learn to make dental care affordable and resources available for restorative treatment.

To RSVP or for information on lots of other activities call the Barnstable Senior Center at 508/862-4750.

COMMUNITY HEALTH NETWORK AREA (CHNA 27) MEETING NOTICE
The Community Health Network Area 27 (CHNA27) will meet on Thursday, April 10th, 9-11AM in Room 11/12 in the Barnstable County Courthouse.  CHNA27 is a local coalition of public, non-profit, and private sectors working together to build healthier communities. CHNA meetings are open to the public and all are welcome.

At the April meeting, entomologist Larry Dapsis will discuss Lyme Disease and Beth Albert of Barnstable County Human Services will discuss the Navigator Pilot Project. Please email any questions to CHNA27Cape@gmail.com. 

 

COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE OF C&I FUNDRAISER FOR SAFE HARBOR

Please join Land Ho! and Trio Wine Company at a wine tasting and raffle on April 10, 5-7 pm to benefit Safe Harbor, a safe and secure family shelter on Cape Cod for women and their children who are homeless due to domestic Violence.  Safe Harbor is a program of CACCI, a non-profit anti-poverty agency.  Tickets are $20 per person.  View flyer.

 

RSVP: to 508/771-1727 X240

SPAULDING TO HOST COMPOSER, MUSIC THERAPY ADVOCATE

Composer and founder of the Greg Rice Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Greg will present Living Life to the Fullest:  Sharing Gifts and Serving Others, Despite Parkinson's

at the next Healthy Living Series presentation Thursday, April 17 at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Cape Cod, 311 Service Road in East Sandwich.  The free lecture will begin at 3:00 p.m. in the cafe.  Read more...

 

To pre-register for the presentation, call Spaulding's Event Line at 508/833-4210.

ELDER SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING FOR CAPE & ISLANDS COMMUNITIES

This suicide prevention training led by the Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands is designed to reduce the incidence of suicide among adults age 55 and older.  The training is open to the public and is appropriate for anyone who has contact with older adults during their professional, personal, or volunteer activities.  This FREE training will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2014 from 8:45 am - 4:30 pm at the Heritage House Hotel, 259 Main St., Hyannis.  7.0 CEU's will be offered to Registered Nurses, Social Workers and Licensed Mental Health Clinicians.  View flyer & registration form.

 

For more information contact Stephanie Kelly at the Samaritans at 508/548-7999 or ccsamaritans@verizon.net.

NEWS FROM SIGHT LOSS SERVICES

5th Annual Benefit Raffle to benefit Sight Loss Services of C&I for an Optelec "Compact Mini", digital video magnifier.  Tickets are $5 ea. or 3 for $12.00.  Drawing will be held May 1.  For more information view flyer.

 

Adaptive Aids Yard Sale to benefit Sight Loss Services of C&I is scheduled for Saturday April 26, 10:00 am - 3:00 PM at the West Dennis Graded School House, 67 School St., West Dennis.  Each person may take 3 items at no charge as they were donated to Sight Loss Services.  Donations will be accepted.  For more information view flyer or contact Sight Loss Services at 508/394-3904 or info@sightloss.org

MALE SUPPORT GROUP FOR THOSE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED DOMESTIC OR SEXUAL ABUSE

For Men:  Independence House is currently forming a support group for all individuals who identify as male and have experienced domestic and/or sexual abuse. 

 

Nationally, 1 in 6 male adults are survivors of child sexual abuse.  In Massachusetts, 1 in 5 men have experienced  intimate partner abuse.  Individuals must have had counseling or therapy in the past.  The commitment is for 9 sessions and the cost is free.  View flyer.

 

For more information, please contact Chris at 508-771-6507 or Chuck at capeadvocate@gmdvp.org

WOMEN'S CANCER AWARENESS EXPO AND RUN

Just one week before Mother's Day, Team Maureen will celebrate women everywhere with a family-friendly Run 4 Your Life and Women's Cancer Expo. The May 3rd event will bring participants of all ages and fitness levels together for a four-mile run, two-mile walk/run and kid's fun dash to benefit Team Maureen, a non-profit launched by West Falmouth resident Eileen Duffey Lind in memory of her sister who died of cervical cancer at age 37.

 

The Run 4 Your Life course will begin and end at Sea Crest Beach Hotel in a loop that takes participants past the beautiful scenery of historic North Falmouth. Registration and the free Women's Cancer Expo open at 8 a.m. at the hotel.  Read more...

 

Register at www.TeamMaureen.org or contact Eileen Lind for more information at 508-221-4024.

HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO
May is Older Americans Month to honor and recognize older Americans for the contributions they make to our families, communities and society.  Barnstable Senior Center will host a Health & Wellness Fair: Safe Today, Healthy Tomorrow, on May 9th from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM at the Center located at 825 Falmouth Rd., Hyannis.  There will be raffle items, Trader Joe's Juice Bar and a Brunch Buffet by Whitehall Estates.  RSVP required to 508/862-4750.
NEWS FROM WE CAN CENTER

Making Your Seasonal Income Last the Year:  A two-part workshop co-sponsored by WE CAN and Harwich Early Childhood Council on Tuesday, April 29th and Thursday, May 8th from 5:30 - 7:30 PM at the Harwich Community Center, 100 Oak St., Harwich.  View flyer for more info.  Call 508/430-8111 or email info@wecancenter.org to register for this FREE workshop.

 

Legal Issues facing Grandparents Raising Grandchildren co-sponsored by Cape Cod Neighborhood Support Coalition and the MA Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren on Wednesday, May 21st, 5:30 - 8:00 PM at the Harwich Community Center, 100 Oak St., Harwich. View flyer for more info. Call 508/430-8111 or email info@wecancenter.org to register for this FREE workshop.

13th ANNUAL CHILDREN'S COVE GOLF TOURNAMENT

SAVE THE DATE:

 

13th Annual Children's Cove Golf Tournament on Monday, June 2, 2014 at the Ridge Club in Sandwich, hosted by District Attorney Michael O'Keefe.  11:30 AM registration and lunch, 1:00 PM shotgun start, dinner to follow, live auction and raffles.

 

Sponsorships still available.  For more information call Nancy at 508/375-0410.  Register online today at http://www.childrenscove.org/eventsfundraisers/

18th ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC TO SUPPORT SPAULDING CAP COD

SAVE THE DATE:

 

The 18th Annual Golf Classic supporting Spaulding Cape Cod on Wednesday, June 11th at the Golf Club of Cape Cod, 132 Falmouth Woods Road, East Falmouth.  Foursome packages sold out but sponsorship opportunities available.  For questions please contact Lindsay Corbo, Spaulding Network at 617/952-6881 or lcorbo@partners.org

 FALMOUTH ROAD RACE BIBS AVAILABLE

The Cape and Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition will once again be participating in the Falmouth Road Race's Numbers for Nonprofits program.  Through this program the CISPC is able to offer 10 New Balance Falmouth Road Race registration numbers to people interested in running the race on August 17, 2014 as a fundraiser for the CISPC.  Read more...

 

Run in memory of someone you've lost, or almost lost to suicide, or run for a family member who is grieving.  Email Kelly Welch at suicideprevention@capecoalition.com for more information.

EASTER SEALS SUMMER CAMP

Easter Seals provides overnight summer camp opportunities for youth with disabilities between the age of 8 to 22.  Camp programs take place at Starfish located in Rindge New Hampshire.  Transportation to and from camp is available from Boston.  Financial aid is available to all families in need.  View camp overview.

 

2014 Camp Date for Explorer Camp is August 19-24.  To learn more or to register for camp please contact Colleen at 617/226-2635 or email camp@eastersealsma.org.

OPERATION MILITARY KIDS SUMMER CAMPS 

Stars, Stripes & Saddles: July 14-18 from 9 am - 3 pm.  This camp is for yout ages 8-15 currently experiencing the deployment of a family member or with a family member in the deployment cycle. 

 

Families in Transition: August 11-15.  This is a camp for families currently experiencing a deployment or for families with an immediate family member who has recently returned home. 

 

Both camps will take place at Smithfield Farms, 809 Sandwich Rd., Falmouth, MA.  View flyer. For more information contact Kerry Bickford at kbickford@barnstablecounty.org or visit the Cape Cod Extension website.

NEWS FROM HOPEHEALTH

2014 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

  • Walk for Alzheimer's: May 18, Cape Cod Canal
  • 27th Annual Evening by the Sea Auction: July 25 at Wianno Club, Osterville
  • New Balance Falmouth Road RaceAugust 17
  • Celebrate Summer Memories Auction to benefit Hope Dementia and Alzheimer's Services: August 21
  • Last Gasp Bike, Boat 'n' Bake: September 14
  • 24th Annual Tree of Memories Ceremonies
    to benefit Hope Hospice: December 2014

For more information or to register for any events listed above visit the HopeHealth website.

MASSACHUSETTS SUBSTANCE ABUSE HELPLINE

Massachusetts Substance Abuse Helpline Connects People with Services:  For tens of thousands of Massachusetts resident struggling with alcohol and other drug related issues, 1-800-327-5050 is an important number.   Read more ... 

MASS 211 OFFERS MENTAL HEALTH SCREENINGS ONLINE

Mass 211 is offering free, anonymous mental health screenings online.  This program is an an easy way for people to monitor their mental health and learn about local treatment options.  Although online screenings are not diagnostic, they do provide valuable insight helping to identify if someone is exhibiting symptoms association with depression and other mood disorders and if they should seek help.  Read more ...

NAVIGATOR PILOT PROJECT 

The purpose of the project is to improve access to information and the coordination and delivery of home based long term services and supports for residents of Cape Cod aged 18 and over who have chronic health conditions and disabilities, regardless of income.  The Navigator Pilot does not duplicate existing programs and services and is FREE.  To be connected to a Navigator call 508/957-7629.  Click to download program flyers for the community and for professionals.

BARNSTABLE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ON-LINE RESOURCE

The Barnstable County Department of Human Services website find.bchumanservices.net features 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,  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.

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?  
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.  To locate services dial 211 or 1-877-211-MASS on your telephone or go to www.mass211help.org
  
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has designated Mass 2-1-1 as the official point of contact for receiving information during a time of crisis or weather emergency.
  
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. 
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.

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)

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.