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In This Issue
A Matter of Balance
Workforce Education Resource Center Certificate Program
Suicide Prevention Upcoming Events and Trainings
Roundtable Discussion hosted by HAC
Powerful Tools for Caregivers Workshop
Statewide Listening Session
Samaritans Crisis Line/Senior Outreach Training
My Life, My Health Information Session
Caring for America's Heroes
Human Rights Commission Seeks Commissioners
Drug Take Back Day
What Happened Here: the Untold Story of Addiction on Cape Cod
Healthy Harvest Celebration
Upcoming Events for the LGBT Senior Community
2014 Community Impact Strategic Focus Grant
CC&I Behavioral Health Summit
Cape Mediation Fall Training
Independence House 35th Anniversary Celebration
Philanthropy Day on Cape Cod
YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program
Kids and Tobacco/Nicotine Products
Volunteers Needed - Meals-on-Wheels Program
Lower Cape Winter Farmers' Market
Parents Supporting Parents
Cape Light Compact Behavior Initiative
Massachusetts Substance Abuse Helpline
Online Resource Directory
MASS 2-1-1
Veterans Crisis Hotline
Samaritans Survivor Support Group
E-Newsletter Article Submissions
ISSUE: 121

September 12, 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 NEWS

Such a busy time of year here on Cape Cod!!! 

 

With the high volume of requests for postings in the newsletter we have decided to issue another newsletter during the week of September 15th.  We have made an effort to include as many upcoming September events and activities in this issue of the newsletter.

A MATTER OF BALANCE
Many older adults experience concerns about falling and restrict their activities.  A Matter of Balance
is an award-winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels.  This FREE workshop will be held at Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands, 68 Route 134, South Dennis on Thursdays from September 4th - October 23rd from 1 - 3:00 PM.  For more information or to register please call Pat Hart at 508/394-4630 x 103.  Seating is limited.  View flyer.
CAPE COD COMMUNITY COLLEGE WORKFORCE EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTER

CERTIFICATE IN NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT: This certificate program introduces learners to key current management issues for nonprofit organizations, fundraising, board and volunteer development, budgeting, leadership, marketing and setting strategic direction.  Enroll in the full certificate program or individual courses. View course and registration information.  Call 508/362-2131 ext 4711 to register.  For questions contact WERC at 508/375-5010 or email werc@capecod.edu.  This certificate program will take place at the CCCC Hyannis Center, 540 Main St., Hyannis.

 

SUICIDE PREVENTION UPCOMING EVENTS AND TRAININGS 

IN THEIR SHOES: an art exhibit created by the Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands can be viewed during the month of September during library hours at the Falmouth Public Library - Meeting Room Hall, 300 Main St., Falmouth.  249 pairs of shoes represent the 249 stories never completed - the 249 lives lost.  You are invited to view the installation to help understand suicide in our community. View flyer.

 

SAFETALK TRAINING: SafeTalk is a half day training program that increases suicide awareness and helps you become active in preventing suicide and promoting life.  The training will be held Saturday, September 13, 1-5 PM at the John Wesley United Methodist Church in Falmouth. Contact Desiree Cohen at the Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands to register at 508/548-7999 or ccsamaritans@verizon.net.  Training is FREE but registration is required.  View flyer.

 

QPR: Question, Persuade and Refer training will be held Tuesday, September 30th from 6-7:30 PM at the Falmouth Public Library, Bay Room, 300 Main St., Falmouth.  This FREE training is open to the public, registration is required. Contact Kelly Welch at suicideprevention@capecoalition.com or 508/566-3610 to register or with questions.  View flyer.

 

BOLSTERING RESILIENCE IN VETERANS & GLBT YOUTH:  This workshop, coordinated by the Community Health Center of Cape Cod, will be held on Monday, September 15th from 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM at the Resort and Conference Center, 35 Scudder Ave, Hyannis.  Program fee is $79.  To register contact yspp@chcofcapecod.org or call 508/477-7090 ext. 1192.  CEU's available.  View flyer.

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION HOSTED BY HOUSING ASSISTANCE CORPORATION

A Round Table Discussion will be held on Wednesday, September 17th, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM in the Housing Assistance Corp. Conference Room, 460 West Main St., Hyannis.  A light lunch will be served.  View flyer.

 

Please RSVP to Liz at 508/771-5400 ext. 210 or lbelcher@haconcapecod.org by September 12th.

POWERFUL TOOLS FOR CAREGIVERS WORKSHOP

Powerful Tools for Caregivers workshop will be held on Thursdays 9/18 - 10/23/14 from 12:30 - 3:00 PM at the Mashpee Senior Center, 26 Frank E. Hicks Dr., Mashpee through Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Family Caregiver Support Program.  To register for this FREE workshop and Caregiver Helpbook call 508/394-4630 x 450.  Respite funds are available for those in need - call for more information.  View flyer for more information about this workshop.

STATEWIDE LISTENING SESSION ON SERVICES FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN WHO ARE DEAF, HARD OF HEARING AND LATE-DEAFENED

On Tuesday, September 23, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. the Cape Organization for Rights of the Disabled (CORD) will be hosting a Statewide Listening Session on services for adults and children who are Deaf, hard of hearing and late-deafened. 

 

The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH), DHILS providers, the Disability Policy Consortium and the Disability Law Center are looking for input from the public regarding programs, services and issues of importance to people who are Deaf and hard of hearing in Massachusetts.  CORD urges people to take advantage of this opportunity to make their needs and concerns known.  CORD is located at 106 Bassett Lane in Hyannis.  Communication access will be provided by MCDHH.  RSVPs are requested, but not required. 

 

Please note that CORD is a scent-free office and requests that people attending this event refrain from wearing perfumes and other scented products.  For more information, contact CORD at 508-775-8300 or 1-800-541-0282 (both numbers v/tty).

SAMARITANS CRISIS LINE/SENIOR OUTREACH VOLUNTEER TRAINING

Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity where you can really make a difference? The Samaritans could be a great fit for you!

During our 37 year history, the Samaritans have come to understand how powerful listening can be. We hope that you will consider sharing the responsibility we all have to care about, listen to, and help those in need.

 

Next Crisis Line/Senior Outreach Volunteer Training

dates are September 22, 23, 24, 29 and 30, 2014. Call (508)548-7999 or email us AT ccsamaritans@verizon.net to sign up today!
MY LIFE, MY HEALTH INFORMATION SESSION
My Life, My Health is a 6 week workshop that will help you take control of an ongoing health condition rather than let it control you.  If you have diabetes, arthritis, COPD, fibromyalgia, heart disease, or any other chronic disease, My Life My Health is for you.  Coffee and refreshments will be served.  This FREE workshop will be held at the Barnstable Senior Center, 825 Falmouth Rd., Hyannis on September 25th from 1-3:00 PM.  RSVP required, call 508/862-4750.
CARING FOR AMERICA'S HEROES

Caring for America's Heroes: Veterans Preparing for the End of Life.

 

Knowing options for end-of-life care is as important as having a will.  Veterans, especially those who have seen combat, often have factors that prevent them from seeking the support they need.  The presentation is based on the principles of the We Honor Veterans (WHV) program.  Read more ...

 

Presented by HopeHealth in collaboration with Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands, Hyannis Vets Center, and the C&I Veterans Outreach Center, this event will take place on Thursday, September 25, 2014, 9:00 - 11:00 AM at the Barnstable Senior Center, 825 Falmouth Rd., Hyannis.  A continental breakfast will be served.  All are welcome.  No charge but space is limited so pre-registration is suggested.

 

To register visit www.HopeHealthCo.org/CaringforVets, email info@HopeHealthCo.org or call 774/487-3667. 

BARNSTABLE COUNTY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION SEEKS NEW COMMISSIONERS

The Barnstable County Human Rights Commission is seeking interested and qualified candidates to fill four vacancies for Commissioners, with terms beginning January 1, 2015. The Human Rights Commission is charged with protecting the rights of every Barnstable County resident, rights to housing, employment, health care, education and more. If you'd like to help make Cape Cod a more just and peaceable community for ALL its residents, go to http://www.bchumanservices.net/ for information. Deadline for applications is September 26, 2014.

RX DRUG TAKE BACK DAY

Turn in  your unused or expired RX medication for safe disposal on Saturday, September 27th, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the Falmouth Police Station, 750 Main St.  View flyer for more details.

 

Sponsored by the Falmouth Prevention Partnership, the Falmouth Police Department, Gosnold on Cape Cod.

DOCUMENTARY FILM DEBUT:  WHAT HAPPENED HERE: THE UNTOLD STORY OF ADDICTION ON CAPE COD
START - Students Achieving Recovery Together, proudly presents the documentary film debut - What Happened Here: The untold story of Addiction on Cape Cod on Friday, September 26th at 7:00 PM at Cape Cod Community College, Tilden Arts Auditorium.  Benefit Reception at 5:30 PM, $25 per person.  For more information contact Regina Yaroch at ryaroch@capecod.edu or 508/362-2131, ext 4467.  View flyer.
HEALTHY HARVEST CELEBRATION

Harbor Community Health Center-Hyannis invites children and parents to its Healthy Harvest Celebration at the center located at 735 Attucks Lane, Hyannis. The free event will be held on Saturday, September 27, from 12:00  to 4:00 p.m. Activities include a safety program presented by the Hyannis Police, a visit from a Hyannis Fire Department vehicle, "minit-to-win-it" games with the YMCA, face painting and bounce house, arts and crafts - and lot of healthy activities. FREE for all attending.  Please help spread the word!  View flyer.

 

There are still several openings for nonprofit venders. Participation is completely free, however we do ask that an activity of some sort be provided. Call Judith Reppucci at 508 778-5499 for more information.

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR THE LGBT SENIOR COMMUNITY
Same Sex Marriage presentation by South Coast Counties Legal Services on Wednesday, September 17th at 1:30 PM at the Barnstable Senior Center, 825 Falmouth Rd., Hyannis.  View flyer.  For further information call 508/862-4750.
  
Mocktails & Music: Open House at the Orleans Senior Center, 150 Rock Harbor Road in celebration of National Senior Center month, Wednesday, September 17th from 4-6:00 PM.  View flyer.
  
Safe Harbor Film Viewing: Learn about the advances in HIV/AIDS and HIV over 50 to follow film.  Event will be held on Friday, September 26th at 6:00 PM.  RSVP in advance to Maryanne Ryan at mryan@town.orleans.ma.us or 508/255-6333 ext 16 and for more information.  View flyer.
  
Aging as an LGBT person - What you need to know to Thrive:  A workshop sponsored by GLAD (Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders) and the Orleans COA, 150 Rock Harbor Rd on Monday, September 29th from 4-6:00 PM.  RSVP required - call Maryanne Ryan @ 508/255-6333.  View flyer.
  
Panel Discussion - The importance of being engaged healthcare consumers:  Workshop will be held on Monday, September 29th from 9:30 - 11:15 AM followed by lunch at 11:30 AM at the Orleans COA, 150 Rock Harbor Rd.  Pre-registration required - call the Orleans COA at 508/255-6333.  Sponsored by COAST (Councils on Aging Serving Together) and SMP (Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol Program.  View flyer.
  
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Course:  For Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Older Adults.  Transformative 6 week course scheduled for Monday mornings 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM from October 20 - December 1st at the Orleans Senior Center.  Advance registration required - call 857/313-6578.  View flyer.
2014 COMMUNITY IMPACT STRATEGIC FOCUS GRANT 

The Cape Cod Foundation is pleased to announce that they will be accepting funding proposals for 2014 Community Impact Strategic Focus Grants through October 1Community Impact Strategic Focus grant requests are grants of $5,000 or more to address strategic initiatives and long-range organizational capacity building.  Click here for the application.

 

For the complete Community Impact Guidelines, including information on the types of programs each grant will support, click here.  For a listing of all available Cape Cod Foundation grant programs, with deadlines and links to the online applications, please click here.

 

The Cape Cod Foundation is a community foundation whose mission is to build permanent charitable resources for community betterment through informed grantmaking and civic leadership. The Foundation has distributed more than $50 million in grants and scholarships since its founding in 1989.

2ND ANNUAL CAPE COD AND THE ISLANDS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SUMMIT

SAVE THE DATE

 

Building Bridges to Recovery, 2014 Focus: Co-Occurring DisordersFriday, October 3, 2014, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM at the Resort and Conference Center, 35 Scudder Ave, Hyannis.  Registration Fee: $50.  CE credits & CMEs available.  Read more conference informationClick to register.

CAPE MEDIATION'S FALL 2014 TRAINING

SAVE THE DATES:

 

Intensive Mediation Skills Training: October 20, 21, 27 & 28, 2014.  Cost $550.00.  $495 if payment received by September 20th.  A limited number of partial scholarships available thanks to the Peter Regan Scholarship Fund. 

 

This program has been approved for 30 Social Work Continuing Education hours for relicensure.  Also certified by MMCEP and is approved as a Continuing Education course of activity for 30 hours for Licensed Mental Health Counselors.  Visit www.capemediation.org for more information or call 508/240-1717.

INDEPENDENCE HOUSE - 35TH ANNIVERSARY
SAVE THE DATE:  November 1, 2014, Emerald Room at the Cape Codder Resort & Spa, Rte. 132 in Hyannis.  Join honorary Chair & Master of Ceremonies, Matt Pitta for a celebration commemorating 35 years of service to the Cape Cod community.  A fun evening of dinner and dancing to music from the past 35 years.  70's-80's attire encouraged - Prizes awarded. Cash bar. 
  
Tickets are $35 and a table of 8 for $250.  15 winners of the Independence House Town Package Raffle will also be picked during the reception dinner.  Purchase tickets at https://indhouse.ejoinme.org/anniversary
PHILANTHROPY DAY ON CAPE COD 2014

SAVE THE DATE

 

Wednesday, November 12, 2014, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM at the Hyannis Resort & Conference Center, West End Rotary, Hyannis.

 

Early Bird registration, before October 17th: $60 per person/$40 for PPCI/EPCCC members.  After October 17th: $75 per person/$55 for PPCI/EPCCC members.   

 

For more information or to register visit: www.capecodgiving.org

YMCA DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM

NOW ENROLLING!!!

Participants gather in a relaxed classroom setting and work together in small groups to learn how to incorporate healthier eating and moderate physical activity into their daily lives. This class is led by a trained Lifestyle Coach for a 1-year program.  The year long lifestyle change is divided 16 weekly sessions followed by 8 monthly sessions.  The program goals are to reduce body weight by 7% and to increase physical activity to 150 minutes per week.  To learn more about this program please contact Patience AT 508-362-6500 x 136 or pcabrera@ymcacapecod.orgView flyer for more details.

KIDS AND TOBACCO/NICOTINE PRODUCTS

As school begins again in Barnstable County, parents in the area should be aware that the tobacco industry continues to produce new and varied nicotine delivery products, like e-cigarettes and vape pens that are sweet, cheap and easy for young people to get. These products are not regulated by the FDA so there is no way of knowing how much nicotine or other chemicals they contain. They come in candy and fruity flavors and have become trendy among young people; in fact their use is on the rise among high school students. In Massachusetts, high school students who have ever used e-cigarettes doubled from 5% in 2011 to 10.7% in 2013.

 

The Southeast Massachusetts Tobacco-Free Community Partnership encourages parents and teachers to look around to see what's being sold in your community. Talk with kids about nicotine and products like vape pens, e-hookah and e-cigarettes and ask them what they see.

 

Many people think the tobacco problem is solved. It's not. For more information about how Big Tobacco is targeting your kids, visit www.makesmokinghistory.org.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: MEALS-ON-WHEELS PROGRAM
Volunteers needed all across Cape Cod and the Islands for the Meals-on-Wheels program.  Just one hour a week can help ensure our homebound elders have a warm nutritious meal.  Mileage reimbursement is available.  Please contact Nancy Wolf at 508/394-4630 or nancy.wolf@escci.org at Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands.
LAUNCH OF WINTER FARMERS' MARKET ON LOWER CAPE

The Community Development Partnership is excited to announce the launch of the first ever Winter Farmers' Market on the Lower Cape!  We are pleased to be working with local growers and producers to expand their season, and to offer residents local produce opportunities year round. 

 

The Orleans Winter Farmers' Market will take place at the Nauset Regional Middle School on the first and third Saturdays of the month from 10:00 AM to 12 Noon, beginning on Saturday December 6th through April 18, 2015.  A project of the CDP, the Market is offered with support from the Orleans Winter Farmers' Market Advisory Committee and made possible by financial support fromt he USDA Rural Development Program and the Cape Cod Economic Development Council.  Read more...
PARENTS SUPPORTING PARENTS

Parents Supporting Parents is a weekly support group who come together as parents and family members coping & dealing with children/loved one's addiction.  Their mission is to support, strengthen and educate one another as they share their lives.  Their goal is to help their loved ones find and live in recovery, and for all members to live a healthy lifestyle.

 

Weekly meetings are held on Mondays, 6:30 - 8:30 PM at Alchemy Farm in Falmouth.  To learn more, view the Parents Supporting Parents Facebook page.

CAPE LIGHT COMPACT BEHAVIOR INITIATIVE

Cape Light Compact is launching a new behavior feedback initiative for Cape and Vineyard residential and commercial customers! This initiative will be able to provide near real time electricity usage, which will help consumers gain a better understanding of how they use electricity and what drives their electric bills. 

 

Minimum requirements that must be met in order to participate:

  • Must be a residential or commercial customer with an active NSTAR electric account, and have more than 6 months of usage per year
  • If you are applying as a residence, you must live on Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard
  • If you are applying as a business, it must be located on Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard
  • Need to have access to your electric meter and must be willing to self-install a monitor on it
  • Need to have a Wi-Fi router (always on)
  • Not currently compatible with Solar PV

Anyone looking to participate in this initiative can apply online at www.capelightcompact.org/smart to see if they qualify. 

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.