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In This Issue
Department News
News from the Barnstable Senior Center
News from the Human Rights Commission
News from NAMI Cape Cod & Islands
News from Independence House
Barnstable Senior Center offers Aging Mastery Program
Elder Suicide Prevention Training
News from Eastham Senior Center
Children's Cove Champions for Children Conference
4C's - Student Employment Services
Town of Yarmouth Social Worker RFP
Health Care Application Assistance
Gosnold Weekly Family Support Groups
Quit Smoking Tips
Volunteers Needed - Meals-on-Wheels Program
Massachusetts Substance Abuse Helpline
Veterans Crisis Hotline
Online Resource Directory
MASS 2-1-1
E-Newsletter Article Submissions
ISSUE: 123

September 26, 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

Barnstable County Human Services Launches Behavioral Health Website and Service Directory

 

"The Barnstable County Behavioral Health website provides much needed information about behavioral health services in our region in a centralized and comprehensive way" said Beth Albert, Director of Barnstable County Human Services.

 

Key features of the web site include:

  • Comprehensive Service Directory that enables consumers to easily locate the local programs and services they need most
  • Quick reference to all local emergency and crisis intervention programs in the area
  • Access to more than 30,000 articles, fact sheets, and interactive tools
  • Up-to-date information on the latest developments in behavioral health via an online learning center, daily nationwide news updates, advocacy tools, and state and federal legislation tracing. 

Read press release... 

 

Visit the Behavioral Health Website and service Directory at http://barnstable.ma.networkofcare.org/mh/

 

Visit the Barnstable County Department of Human Services flagship website featuring up-to-date announcements, information from our community partners and the Department's bimonthly e-newsletter highlighting upcoming community events.

 

Additionally, the Barnstable County Public Health portal  provides an overview of our region's health via an array of Health Indicators at the local, state, and national levels.

THE LAST SUNSET: SUPPORTING PARENTS AGING AT HOME SERIES

September & October - The Last Sunset: Supporting Parents Aging at Home series

 

The Barnstable Senior Center is offering a two part series to assist with getting help to take care of your 80+ parent that wants to continue living in their own home.  Recorded interviews with representatives from Elder Services, S.H.I.N.E., Elder Law and Supportive Day Programs for a series of five TV broadcasts which will be played on Barnstable Town Channel 18 during September & October The questions in these interviews will be directed towards the questions you may have or things you need to know to assist an elder person living alone. 

 

There will be a follow-up round table discussion on October 21st from 5-7 PM at the Barnstable Senior Center to ask questions of the presenters and enter into the discussion.  The series can also be viewed on the Town of Barnstable Senior Services website.

 NEWS FROM THE BARNSTABLE COUNTY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
The next meeting of the Barnstable County Human Rights Commission (HR) is scheduled for Monday, October 6th from 5:30 - 7:30 PM in Rms 11/12 in the Barnstable Superior Courthouse in the Barnstable County Complex, 3195 Main St., Barnstable Village.
  
The HRC just released it's latest informational brochure on Bullying, a guide for parents and kids.  Read the brochure for important information on the Massachusetts anti-bullying law, warning signs of bullying, what should parents do if their child is being bullied, what a child should do if they are being bullied and more.  To request a supply of brochures contact Elenita Muniz at hrc@barnstablecounty.org
  
Visit the website for more information about the Barnstable County Human Rights Commission.
NEWS FROM NAMI CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS

October 7:  Family to Family - a new class being offered in Falmouth.  For more information or to register call NAMI C&I at 508/778-4277 or email ahoxie@namicapecod.org

 

October 18, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM:  NAMI Massachusetts Annual State Convention, UMass Lowell Conference Center & Inn.  For people in recovery, the mental health community, caregivers and friends.

INDEPENDENCE HOUSE NEWS

SAVE THE DATES

 

October 5:  Vendor Fair to benefit Independence House.  View flyer.

October 18:  5K Walk in Chatham, sponsored by the Chatham Clergy Association.  View flyer.

November 1:  Stayin' Alive after 35, The Independence House 35th Commemorative Anniversary Reception Dinner and Dancing.  View facebook event page for details.

December 5:  Open House and Holiday Giving

BARNSTABLE SENIOR CENTER OFFERS AGING MASTERY PROGRAM

A FREE 14-week health and wellness program to participants 50 and over.  The program is designed to provide rewards to encourage participants to challenge themselves to take steps necessary to improve their health and live a better life.  Participants will partake in eight focus areas of healthy living.

The program will begin on October 15th and run through February 4th on Wednesdays from 2-4 PM weekly at the Senior Center.

 

Read more ...

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 scheduled for October 21, 2014, 8:45 AM - 4:30 PM at the Mashpee Senior Citizens Center, 26 Frank E. Hicks Drive, Mashpee.  This FREE training is open to the public and is appropriate for anyone who has contact with older adults during their professional, personal, or volunteer activities.  Read more and view registration form.
  
7 CEU's available to Registered Nurses and Social Workers.  For more information contact Stephanie Kelly at the Samaritans at 508/548-7999 or ccsamaritans@verizon.net.   Training is funded through the Mass Dept. of Mental Health Suicide Prevention Project and the C&I Suicide Prevention Coalition.
NEWS FROM EASTHAM SENIOR CENTER

Wednesday, October 22nd, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PMFlu shots will be given at the Eastham Senior Center, 1405 Nauset Rd., North Eastham.  Appointments are required.  To schedule please call the Eastham Senior Center at 508/255-6164.

 

The Friends of the Eastham Council on Aging Thrift Shop are having its Annual Bag Sale - stop by and fill a bag for just $5! 

 

Also, the first week of November the shop will offer 50% off on all holiday (Thanksgiving & Christmas) items*.  The shop is located at 580 Massasoit Rd (corner of Oak and Massasoit Rd).  Shop hours are Thursday - Saturday, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM.  All proceeds benefit the Eastham Senior Center.  *Note:  all sales exclude jewelry.

14th ANNUAL CHILDREN'S COVE CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN CONFERENCE
SAVE THE DATE
  
14th Annual Children's Cove Champions for Children Conference on October 23 & 24, 2014 at the Double Tree Hotel in Hyannis.  Call Nancy at 508/375-0410 for more information or visit http://championsforchildrenconference.com/ for conference details and to register.
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT SERVICES AT CAPE COD COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Cape Cod Community College offers services to help local employers fill part-time, full-time, year round or seasonal job opportunities.  The 4CJobLink is their online system for advertising available job opportunities to students and alumni.  View instructions for accessing the system to post job opportunities and search for viable candidates. 

 

Local employers can also utilize the "Recruiting Table"

on campus.  It is available on select Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM and is located in the Connector Hallway between two of the busiest academic buildings.  View Recruiting Table instructions.
  
Read more... for additional information or with questions contact the Student Employment Office at Cape Cod Community College at 508/362-2131 x4336 or studentemployment@capecod.edu
TOWN OF YARMOUTH REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:  SOCIAL WORK POSITION

The Town of Yarmouth, MA is requesting proposals from qualified licensed social workers to provide assessment, advocacy, consultation and evaluation for elders who need assistance due to a variety of mental challenges including dementia, Alzheimer's disease, depression and anxiety.  This is an eight month grant funded position.  Read more...

 

Questions should be addressed to Kathi Bailey, 528 Forest Rd., West Yarmouth, MA  02673, 508/394-7606 ext. 1332 or kbailey@yarmouth.ma.us.

HEALTH COVERAGE APPLICATION ASSISTANCE
Open enrollment: November 15, 2014 - February 15, 2015

 

Members who are currently enrolled with Commonwealth Care, MSP, Temporary coverage, or a QHP will need to re-apply by December 31, 2014 to avoid a loss of coverage.

 

Community Action Committee of Cape Cod & the Islands is available to inform and assist individuals on how they may qualify for affordable health coverage and help with enrollment in new programs or re-enrollment in existing programs. 

 

To set up an appointment or for more information contact CACCI at 508-771-1727 or walk in at 372 North St., Hyannis.

Navigators will be available for application assistance in our Falmouth Office, Jones Rd. 8am-4pm 9/30, 10/14, 10/28, and 11/25 or the Falmouth Service Center 10am-2pm 10/7, 10/21, 11/4, and 11/18 by appointment only.

GOSNOLD ON CAPE COD WEEKLY FAMILY SUPPORT GROUPS 

The Gosnold Reaching Out program is a resource for family members and loved ones affected by addiction.  It assists the family at all stages of addiction through education, intervention, and support.

 

Weekly support groups available:

  • Gosnold Counseling Center, 1185 Falmouth Rd., Centerville on Tuesdays, 6-7:30 PM
  • Gus Canty Community Center, 790 Main St., Falmouth on Wednesdays, 6-7:30 PM
  • Falmouth Hospital - Faxon Center, 100 Ter Heun Dr., Falmouth on Sundays, 4-5:00 PM

View flyer for more information.  For additional support call 781/366-0143 or email ljmccarthy@gosnold.org

QUIT TIPS FOR YOU

Trying to quit smoking but need a little extra help?  Call 1-800-9-GET-A-TIP (1-800-943-8284) for tips on how to quit smoking and how to stay tobacco free.  New tips are used every day!

 

Here's a quit tip to get you started:  Write down the three strongest reasons you have for quitting smoking.  Circle the one that is most important to you and read it aloud.  Post it in a place where you would normally smoke to help you get through a craving.

 

If you need to speak to a live person after hearing the pre-recorded quit tips, or at any time, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) to help you begin your journey as a non-smoker.

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.
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 ... 

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. 

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.

 

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. 
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.