logo

Barnstable County Human Services 
   E-Newsletter
Join Our List
Join Our Mailing List
Quick Links

 

 Accessibility Resource Center

 

In This Issue
Making Ends Meet
Barnstable County Pumps Up Bike Safety
C&I Summer Work Program Resource Guide
HopeHealth Summer Events 2014
Parkinson's Disease Updates
News from Cape Mediation
Utility Assistance Workshop
Intensive Mediation Skills Training
Independence House Town Package Raffle
Volunteers Needed for Meals-On-Wheels program
How can we pay for a healthy population?
HopeHealth Honors Veterans
News from the Barnstable Senior Center
News from the Eastham Senior Center
Massachusetts Substance Abuse Helpline
Online Resource Directory
MASS 2-1-1
Veterans Crisis Hotline
Samaritans Survivor Support Group
E-Newsletter Article Submissions
ISSUE: 117

July 2, 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
"MAKING ENDS MEET" 

From mid-July to mid-September, 22 restaurants are partnering with four local nonprofits to ensure that a safety net is maintained for the many Cape Codders who, even with multiple jobs, need help making ends meet.  With the support of local restaurants, Community Action Committee of Cape Cod & the Islands, The Community Development Partnership, The Family Pantry of Cape Cod and WE CAN are, for the second year, "Making Ends Meet".  The two month campaign will raise money for the work that the four organizations do and, equally important, raise awareness about he financial and other challenges so many Cape Codders face living year round in a seasonal economy.  Read more....

BARNSTABLE COUNTY PUMPS UP BIKE SAFETY

For many foreign seasonal workers on Cape Cod, their only mode of transportation to and from work, or anywhere else, is by bicycle.  With more bikes than ever on Cape Cod roads and a steady increase in bicycle related accidents, Barnstable County has teamed up with the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) to make everyone on two wheels safer.

 

The Regional Bike Safety Education and Awareness Campaign is designed to achieve that goal through education and outreach, according to a Barnstable County release. "Barnstable County wants to promote the many benefits of bike riding," said Barnstable County Commissioner Sheila Lyons, "but we have a responsibility to educate motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists--residents and visitors alike about sharing the road safely." 

 

Organizers have focused their efforts on informational materials including the creation of bike safety pamphlets in 10 languages, the Cape & Islands Summer Work Program Resource Guide, and an educational video produced by MassBike.  Read more....

CAPE & ISLANDS SUMMER WORK PROGRAM RESOURCE GUIDE
This Resource Guide is packed with helpful information for international students working and living on Cape Cod & the Islands during the summer months.  It includes information on housing, safety & security, wages & compensation, transportation, local places to know, the J-1 program, H2B program information, welcome parties, cultural activities and much, much more.
HOPEHEALTH SUMMER EVENTS 2014 
  • July 11, 6 - 10:00 PM:  Summerfest - Cape Cod Charitable FunRaisers Live and Silent Auction at Cape Cod Beer, 1336 Phinney's Lane, Hyannis.  "Bust the Box" Auction to kick off The Last Gasp.  For more information call 508/957-0257 or visit www.capecodcharitablefunraisers.com
  • July 12, 8 - 11:00 PM: Cape Cod Ballroom Dancers presents a Summer Dance, Betsy's Ballroom, Yarmouth Senior Center
  • July 25, 5:30 PM: An Evening by the Sea Auction at the Wianno Club in Osterville. This elegant evening includes dinner, a live and silent auction, jazz music and swing dancing.  For more info or to purchase tix call 508/957-0254.  Read more ...
  • August 16, 11:00 AM registration, race 12 Noon: Swan River Restaurant's family-friendly Canoe/Kayak Race. Lunch buffet to follow.  Call Swan River restaurant for more information at 508/394-4466.
  • August 17: Falmouth Road race
  • August 21, 6:00 PM:  Celebrate Summer Memories Auction at the Wequassett Resort and Golf Club on Pleasant Bay in Harwich.  For more information call 508/957-0254.
  • September 14, 8:00 AM start: The Last Gasp Bike, Boat n' Bake.  Leaves from Sandwich Marina and travels 62 miles along Route 6A into Provincetown.  For more information call 508/957-0254.

For information visit www.hopehealthco.org

UPDATE ON THE MANAGEMENT OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Please join us for a free program:  Update on the Management of Parkinson's Disease presented by Samuel Ellias, MD, PhD

 

Dr. Ellias is Associate Professor of Neurology and Movement Disorders Specialist at Boston University Medical Center, Parkinson's Disease & Movement Disorder Center where he provides comprehensive care to patients with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease or other movement disorders. 

 

Friday, July 11, 2014, 11 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. at the Dennis Senior Center, 1045 Rt. 134.  Reservations are required. To RSVP, please call the American Parkinson Disease Association Information & Referral Center at 800-651-8466 or register via email at information@apdama.org. To learn more about the Parkinson Support Network of Cape Cod, visit www.parkinsoncapecod.org

NEWS FROM CAPE MEDIATION
  • July 22: Elder Professional Workshop, Harwich Community Center.  CE credits available. Cost: $35, early registration by July 8th - $25.  Learn proven problem-solving model and practical skills to help deal with conflict among adult children, families and peers.  Foster effective client communication. Contact Echo Karras for more information at echo@capemediation.org
  • Cape Mediation is partnering with the Barnstable Housing Authority to meet their goal of pre-court mediation options of 'helping residents live peacefully together'.  Cape Mediation will provide a weekly on-site presence for residents known as "Open Door Access", rotating to one of the four Hyannis BHA locations.  Open Door Access allows residents to come and talk about conflict in their lives and allows Cape Mediation to direct appropriate cases for Elder Family meetings and/or Elder mediation and coordinate services.

If you would like more information about Cape Mediation's Elder Program please call 508/240-1717.  Cape Mediation has a number of on-going workshops and evens throughout the year.  Visit www.capemediation.org to learn more.

UTILITY ASSISTANCE WORKSHOP

Behind in your utility bills?  Have an old bill you can't pay off?  Need help making an affordable payment arrangement?  Do you know if you qualify for a discounted rate?

 

Come to HAC's FREE workshop on Wednesday, August 6th from 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon, 460 West Main Street, Hyannis. View flyer.

 

Representatives from NSTAR and National Grid will be available to assist you with your bills.  For more info call 508/771-5400 ext. 210.

INTENSIVE MEDIATION SKILLS TRAINING

SAVE THE DATE 

 

Cape Mediation's Fall 2014 Intensive Mediation Skills Training is scheduled for October 20, 21, 27 & 28, 2014.  This training is valuable in everyday life and the current work world.

 

Cost: $550 ($495 if payment received 30 days before training begins).  A limited number of partial scholarships available thanks to The Peter Regan Scholarship Fund.  30 CEUs available for social workers and licensed mental health counselors.

 

Visit www.capemediation.org for more information or call 508/240-1717.

INDEPENDENCE HOUSE 35TH ANNIVERSARY TOWN PACKAGE RAFFLE

15 winners - one for each town package!!  Exciting packages include overnight stays, dining gift certificates, artwork, home accessories, jewelry, whale watch certificates, mini-golf and much much more.

 

Visit the raffle webpage  to view each package's content and purchase tickets securely online.  Purchase tickets for each town package you want to win.  Winners will be drawn on November 1, 2014 at the 35th Commemorative Anniversary Reception (attendance not required).

ELDER SERVICES NEEDS VOLUNTEERS FOR MEALS-ON-WHEELS PROGRAM
Volunteers are needed across Barnstable County for Elder Services of C&I Meals-on-Wheels program.  Just an hour a week can help ensure homebound elders have a warm meal.  Mileage reimbursement is available.  Please contact Nancy Wolf at 508/394-4630 or nancy.wolf@escci.org.
HOW CAN WE PAY FOR A HEALTHY POPULATION?  INNOVATIVE NEW WAYS TO REDIRECT FUNDS TO COMMUNITY PREVENTION

The US health system, the most expensive in the world, has long been hampered by a fundamental paradox:  resources are systematically allocated in ways that neither maximize health nor control costs.  While the main goal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is to increase access to healthcare, it also recognizes that broad improvement in health outcomes requires shifting the focus of the US healthcare system from the delivery of services to individuals toward prevention-oriented strategies that can improve the health of populations.

 

Prevention Institute talked to health-system innovators around the country to identify emerging new approaches for financing population health measures that prioritize community prevention. Read the full report.

HOPEHEALTH HONORS VETERANS

Recently HopeHealth achieved the Level One recognition in We Honor Veterans, an awareness campaign developed by the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs.  We Honor Veterans has four primary goals to create an integrated care delivery model between hospices and VA centers. 

 

It is important to recognize that our community hospices, state hospice organizations and VA medical staff across the country share a common goal: to provide the best possible care for veterans in the best possible manner and setting.  Read more...

 

Learn more about the program at www.wehonorveterans.org or www.HopeHealthCo.org/Veterans

NEWS FROM THE BARNSTABLE SENIOR CENTER

The Barnstable Senior Center offers daily activities including: Author Talk, computer program classes, exercise classes, health information, free movies and more.  

 

The Barnstable Senior Center also offers an Adult Supportive Day Program, Transportation Services via their Silver Express Van Service, and Outreach Services including help with fuel assistance, pharmacy programs, food stamps, housing direction and referrals and more.  The Outreach Department is an information hub that can also point you toward the agencies that provide assistance for medical, assisted living and basic needs.  Call 508/862-4754 for more information or visit www.town.barnstable.ma.us/seniorservices

NEWS FROM THE EASTHAM SENIOR CENTER
  • Medical Transportation:  Call the office at least one week prior to schedule transportation at 508/255-6164.  Minimum payment schedule.
  • Wanted: COA Board members.  For more information on how to volunteer call 508/255-6164.
  • The Gathering Place:  A supportive Day Center.  For more information call 508/255-6734 or contact Jill Benelli at LCADC@comcast.net.
  • Drop-in programs and activities for a wide arrange of interests.

For more information view July-August newsletter

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 DIRECTORIES

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 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.