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In This Issue
Department Corner
Opportunities to improve the Community Response to Domestic & Sexual Violence
Upcoming events at WE CAN
Bay State Bike Week
Professional Educational Event
CCCC: Adult Learner Information Sessions
iRules Community Forum
Comedy Night to Support the Boys & Girls Club
Non-violent Crisis Intervention Training
Kennedy-Donovan Center Activities & Programs
Preparing for a Disaster Emergency - Tips for People with Disabilities
Webinar: MassHealth - the Basics
Social Bullying in Older Adults
Aging with Dignity Conference
Eastham Rental Lottery
Elder Suicide Prevention Training
Concert to Benefit Independence House
FREE Fun Fridays
Summer Camp for Military Children & Families
Upcoming Peer Trainings
Cape Cod Volunteers: Million Hour Challenge
Meals on Wheels Volunteers Needed
CC Regional Transit Authority Survey
Join the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Movement
National Low Income Housing Coalitions 2014 Out of Reach Study
DTA Partnerships
Falmouth Road Race Bibs Available
Informaton on filing 51A Neglect/Abuse Forms
Massachusetts Substance Abuse Helpline
Online Resource Directory
MASS 2-1-1
Veterans Crisis Hotline
Samaritans Survivor Support Group
E-Newsletter Article Submissions
ISSUE: 113

May 9, 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

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!!!

 

Aging and Disability Forum III
"Local Experts, Local Resources"
  
Friday, 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, 8:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. and has been generously sponsored by Cape Cod Healthcare. 

 

Multiple breakout sessions have been developed focusing on some of the major concerns for older adults and people with disabilities 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.  

 

DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE OPPORTUNITIES TO IMPROVE THE COMMUNITY RESPONSE
Event will be held at the State House, Gardner Auditorium on Monday, May 12, 2014 from 12 - 2:00 PM.  Dialog with special guest speakers and audience Q&A with Expert Panel.  CEU's available for social workers.  Space is limited.  RSVP for this free event to [email protected].  Students welcome.  View flyer.
UPCOMING EVENTS AT WE CAN
  • Family Law Overview Workshop "Everything Women Need to Know about Family Law but were Afraid to Ask"- Presented by Attorney Nicole B. Norkevicius, will provide an overview of legal terms, as well as information on child custody, guardianship, divorce, and other family legal matters.  Time will be set aside for Q & A.  Sandwich Public Library, 142 Main street Sandwich. Tuesday, May
    13, 6-8 pm.  Please call WE CAN at 508-430-8111 to register.  View flyer.
  • Legal Issues Facing Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Co-sponsored by the Neighborhood Support Coalition and the MA Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. This workshop is intended to respond to the legal questions and needs of grandparents raising grandchildren. Attorney Lynn Girton will host. Please come and have dinner with other grandparents from 5:30-6:00, and then attend this valuable session while your grandchildren are entertained in a separate space. Harwich Community Center 100 Oak Street, Wednesday, May 21, 5:30-8 pm. Please call WE CAN at 508-430-8111 to register.  View flyer.
GET ON YOUR BIKE!

Bay State Bike Week starts tomorrow and runs through next weekend (May 10-18)  You can find events happening throughout the Cape on the Bike Week website at http://baystatebikeweek.org/ 

 

Our colleagues at the Cape Cod Commission are co-sponsoring several events.  All are welcome!

  • Wednesday, May 14, 8 - 8:45 AM. Hyannis Biker Breakfast at the Hyannis Transportation Center:  Bike commuters from Hyannis - start your day off right!  Maps, schedules, light refreshments/coffee will be available.  Bike Week T-shirts and giveaways will be distributed (while supplies last.
  • Friday, May 16, 8:15 - 9:00 AM, West Village Green, north of Exit 5 on Route 149 in West Barnstable:  A 4.8 mile 1-way ride from West Barnstable to Barnstable.  Bike Week T-shirts and giveaways will be distributed (while supplies last).
    MiM logo
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATIONAL EVENT SPONSORED BY HOPEHEALTH

This professional education program is designed for clinical professionals looking for professional insights, personal development and organizational collaboration. This free event is co-sponsored by Bayada Home Health Care, Caregiver Homes, HopeHealth and The SHINE Program. A continental breakfast is provided by Bayada Home Health Care and lunch is provided by Caregiver Homes. Topics include: Health Benefits University, Addressing Medical & Palliative Options at End-of-Life, and Pain Management at  End-of-Life.

 

Schedule:  Wednesday, May 14, 2014, 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., HopeHealth, 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis, MA 02601.

 

For more information or to register, please call (508) 313-2029. Register for all or part of the day.  CE's available for nurses and social workers.

CAPE COD COMMUNITY COLLEGE ADULT LEARNER INFORMATION SESSIONS
Monthly information sessions will be offered to review the services for Adult Learners Program at Cape Cod Community College, 2240 Iyannough Rd., West Barnstable, beginning May 14,2014 for adults who are interested in returning to college or starting college for the first time.  View flyer for more information and session dates.  Call 508/362-4354 or email Linda at [email protected] with inquiries.
iRULES - FORUM PRESENTED BY THE ORLEANS POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Orleans Police Department is holding a forum on Thursday, May 15 @ 6:00 PM at the Nauset Regional Middle School Auditorium featuring Janel Hofmann, author of iRules. First 50 people to arrive will receive a copy of her book compliments of the Orleans P.D.

 

Janel Burley Hofmann provides families with the tools they need to find a balance between technology and human interaction through a philosophy she calls "Slow Tech Parenting".  She educates parents about the online culture "tweens and teens" enter the minute they go online, exploring issues like cyberbullying, friend fail, and sexting, as well as helping parents create their own iRules contracts to fit their families' needs.  Click to watch the iRules Video.

COMEDY NIGHT TO SUPPORT THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF CAPE COD

COMEDY NIGHT - SATURDAY, MAY 17TH

 

They say that laughter is the best medicine.  The Cape community is invited to enjoy a big dose of laughter on Saturday, May 17th in support of the Boys & Girls Club of Cape Cod and their 823 kids!   

  

 

The event is being held at Dino's Sports Bar, 401 Rt. 151 in Mashpee.  The doors open for food and drink at 7:30 PM and the show starts around 8:30 PM.  Tickets are $25 each and the Club would like to sell them in groups of 4-6 per table.  This event sold out last year, so get your tickets early!

 

To purchase tickets call Ed at 508/274-0408 to pay using MC or Visa or go online to pay via PayPal.  Put "Comedy" in the special instruction box.  Sponsorships for the event are still available.

NON-VIOLENT CRISIS INTERVENTION TRAINING PROGRAM

Free Cape-wide Forum for parents & caregivers will be held on May 19, 2014, 6-8:00 P.M. @ Barnstable High School JR/SR Cafe, 744 West Main St., Hyannis.  This is an introduction to aid participants in understanding some steps in managing disruptive behavior. 

 

Buffet dinner and networking beginning at 6:00 PM followed by presentation at 6:30 PM.  A raffle will be held for a new Nexus Tablet.  All are invited to attend - you do not have to be a Barnstable resident.  No registration required.  Read more ...

 

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

KENNEDY-DONOVAN CENTER: ACTIVITIES & PROGRAMS
May 21, 2014, 5-7:00 PM,Centerville Recreation Building, 524 Main St. in Centerville.  A Full Life Ahead - a series of monthly workshops for parents and guardians of young adults with a disability.  RSVP to Kathi Hacket - 508/693-7900 ext. 249 or [email protected] or Juliane Dillon at 508/385-6019 x 125 or [email protected]View flyer for more information.
May 28, 2014 @ Dept. of Developmental Services, Hyannis:  Disabled Protection Commission - Identifying and reporting abuse of persons with disabilities.  Register by calling Vanessa at DDS at 508/771-2595 or [email protected]
June 18, 2014 @ Dept. of Developmental Services, Hyannis: Dietary considerations for Autism - review current information on dietary, nutritional and medical treatments for individuals on the autism spectrum. Register by calling Vanessa at DDS at number above.
Family Support Networking Group for parents and caregivers of individuals on the autism spectrum and related developmental disabilities.  View list of dates, times & locations on Cape Cod.
COMMUNITY FORUM:  PEACE OF MIND IN A DISASTER: PREPARING FOR AN EMERGENCY - TIPS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Hurricane season is coming! Do you know where the regional shelters are or what you should bring with you if you go? Do you know what you need to ride out the storm in your home?

 

Join the Cape Organization for Rights of the Disabled (CORD), the American Red Cross Cape Cod & Islands Chapter, Americorps Cape Cod and the Dennis Police Department for their FREE presentation Peace of Mind in a Disaster: Preparing for an Emergency - Tips for People with Disabilities on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at CORD, 106 Bassett Lane in Hyannis and find out what you need to know to stay safe during a hurricane or other major disaster.

 

For reasonable accommodations, please call CORD by May 20th at 508-775-8300 or 1-800-541-0282 (both numbers voice/TTY). Please note that this is a scent free event. Please refrain from wearing perfumes or other scented products to this event.

 

UPCOMING WEBINAR: MASSHEALTH - THE BASICS

The Massachusetts Medicaid program (commonly referred to as Mass Health) provides health insurance to one-fifth of Massachusetts residents.  Upon full implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), enrollment is anticipated to rise to 1.7 million.

 

The Massachusetts Medicaid Policy Institute will host a webinar on Thursday, May 29 from 1-2:30 PM to walk through their recently released Updated MassHealth: The Basics.  Learn more about this critical health coverage program.

 

RSVP required by 5:00 PM on Thursday, May 22nd.  RSVP to [email protected]  

SOCIAL BULLYING:  STRATEGIES FOR ASSESSING AND INTERVENING WITH OLDER ADULTS

Social bullying is a concern both for older adults and staff who work with them.  This program will explore what is and isn't bullying and provide a multi-faceted approach that has proven effective in addressing the problem.

 

This FREE workshop will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2014 from 9:30 AM - 12 Noon at the Tilden Arts Center on the Cape Cod Community College, Route 132, West Barnstable.  No registration required.  View flyer for more info.

AGING WITH DIGNITY CONFERENCE

Aging with Dignity Conference 2014 will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2014, 8:15 am to 4:00 pm at the College of the Holy Cross, Hogan Campus Center, 1 College St., Worchester, MA.

 

Click to view the event summary and to register.

EASTHAM RENTAL LOTTERY

Rental Lottery - 6 Dory Lane - Brackett Landing, Eastham, MA.  New 1 bedroom Unit.  Information Sessions scheduled for June 4th, 5-6 PM and June 14th, 10 - 11 AM at CDP Conference Room, 3 Main St. Mercantile, Unit 8, Eastham, MA.  Application deadline July 1, 2014, 3:00 PM.  Lottery to determine order of applications are reviewed July 30th, 10 AM.

 

View flyer for more information.

ELDER SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING

Elder Suicide Prevention Training for Cape & Islands Communities is led by the Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands and is designed to reduce the incidence of suicide among adults age 55 and older  Training is open to the public and appropriate for anyone who has contact with older adults during their professional, personal or volunteer activities.  Training will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2014, 8:45 AM - 4:30 PM at the Waquoit Congregational Church, 15 Parsons Lane, East Falmouth.  Read more ...

 

For more information contact Stephanie Kelly at the Samaritans at 508/548-7999 or [email protected]

CONCERT TO BENEFIT INDEPENDENCE HOUSE

Save the Date: June 14th at 7:30 pm 

 

Zoe Lewis concert to benefit Independence House.  Zoe Lewis, from Provincetown, is a band in a body! She plays jazz, jump jive, latin grooves, swing, international folk, funk originals on anything from the piano to the spoons! Troubadour, vaudevillian, storyteller, singer-songwriter, piece of work!

 

Concert to be held at First Parish Brewster, Main St. Brewster.  Delectable desserts served between 5:30 and 7:00 pm.  Tickets: $35  

 

Questions?  Contact Chris Morin at [email protected]

or Judy Jollette at [email protected]

FREE FUN FRIDAYS
Free Fun Fridays - 66 museums & cultural venues open for FREE on Fridays all summer.  View the list of dates and locations across the Commonwealth including Cape Cod.
SUMMER CAMP OPPORTUNITIES FOR MILITARY CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

OPERATION MILITARY KIDS 

 

July 14-18, 9 AM to 3 PM: A FREE week-long day camp offered to military children ages 8-14 yrs. who are currently experiencing the deployment of a loved one. 

 

July 28 - August 1, 9 AM - 3 PM:  A FREE week long day camp offered to Air National Guard children ages 8-14.

 

August 11 - 15, 3 - 7 PM:  Families in Transition Camp - to create a community of support for military families during transition and beyond.

 

View flyer for more information and registration form.

UPCOMING PEER TRAININGS

Attached is a save the date flyer for the upcoming DMH-Sponsored Peer Employment Trainings in July at the Hilton Garden Inn in Worcester and in August at the UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center.

 

The program is presented by the Recovery Opportunity Center, and has been taught across the country and in England and New Zealand.  Individuals need to complete an application, which will be available through email in a few weeks.  There are 20 seats available in each class.  We have had two offerings last year in Boston and Springfield that received very positive feedback from participants and employers.

 

this would be a great opportunity for older adults to attend the class, to develop our older adult peer workforce.  Anyone in the community can apply, as long as they have lived experience and a desire to share their experiences with others.

  This is a two-week program to teach individuals how to share their stories of hope and resiliency and to have the skills necessary to work in a peer role for DMH and its providers.  View the PET description information.
CAPE COD VOLUNTEERS MILLION HOUR CHALLENGE

Cape Cod Volunteers is excited to announce the launch of the Million Hour Challenge webpage as part of the first-ever Million Hour Challenge to showcase the extent of the volunteer work done on Cape Cod.  Take the pledge and show Cape Cod you believe in the power of volunteerism.

 

Your organization, its staff, board of directors and volunteers will have many hours to add and it takes just a few minutes to log your hours.  You will be able to watch the numbers increase in real time as you record your hours.

 

Everything a volunteer does counts, either personally or through their place of employment.  Volunteers do not need to be residents of Cape Cod as long as the actual time was donated on Cape Cod.  Get involved today by logging the volunteer hours donated during April and throughout the year.

 

Contact Lisa McNeill at 508/362-0242 or [email protected] with questions or for more information.

MEALS-ON-WHEELS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands are in need of volunteers for the Meals-on-Wheels program in Harwich and Orleans.

 

If you have an extra hour to spare, you would be helping our growing population of elders on the Cape.  Please contact Nancy Wolf at 508/394-4660 or [email protected] for more information or to volunteer.

C.C. REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY SURVEY

The Cape Cod & Islands Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC) is conducting a survey to identify the unmet needs and barriers to transportation services for  people with disabilities, limited incomes, limited English proficiency, seniors, youth, and visitors of our regionThe goal of the RCC is to implement recommendations to reform and maximize efficiencies within critical transportation services enabling an ability to traverse the region and beyond with more ease. 

 

We ask that you please take the survey below, so that collectively we can make the best transportation decisions for those needing services on Cape Cod and Islands. Thank you so much for your time and participation in this important survey.  https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/29VQLMY 

JOIN THE MASSACHUSETTS HEALTHY AGING MOVEMENT 

At the January 2014 Healthy Aging Forum, we introduced a new website for the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative. If you haven't already done so, we urge you to visit the website, create an account, and start connecting with other healthy aging professionals across the state.

  

Our goal with this website is to build a supportive online community of healthy aging professionals to: Address shared challenges together, Connect people to resources, information, funding opportunities, and each other, Share news and updates from across the state, and Facilitate communication, coordination, and collaboration.

Visit http://mahealthyagingcollaborative.org to find out more.

NATIONAL LOW INCOME HOUSING COALITION'S 2014 OUT OF REACH STUDY
Attached is the analysis for Barnstable County from the National Low Income Housing Coalition's 2014 Out of Reach study. The Cape's housing wage has decreased almost $2/hour from 2013 because of the decrease in the 2014 fair market rents; however, with the average renter's wage being $10.62/hour, there is still a tremendous rental affordability gap. Use whichever of these multiple sets of numbers works best to tell the story in your community. The report is also posted on the Resources section of the Affordable Housing section of the Commission's website.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE (DTA) PARTNERSHIPS

Attached is a DTA Partnerships flyer describing DTA's partnerships with educational and cultural institutions across the Commonwealth that clients can take advantage of by showing their EBT card upon admission.

 

Please share the flyer as needed.

 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 [email protected] for more information.

UPDATED INFORMATION REGARDING INFORMATION REGARDING ABUSE/NEGLECT MANDATORY REPORTING POLICY

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) recognizes the important role that mandated reporters play in ensuring the safety of the Commonwealth's children.  In an effort to increase the ease of mandated reporters to fulfill their legal obligation to report instances of suspected abuse and/or neglect, DCF has revised its reporter form.  

 

Please take the time to read some important information related to the filing of 51A forms (Abuse/Neglect) from the Executive Office of Health & Human Services.  Please review this information and distribute to anyone in your organization who might be a "mandated reporter" under the statute.  For further information please call you local DCF office.

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 ... 

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] :
  • 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.