Accessibility Resource Center

October 10, 2014

Barnstable County Human Services Launches Behavioral Health Website and Service Directory

Join us on Thursday, October 23rd from 9-10:00 AM in the Harborview Conference Room in the Barnstable County Complex, 3195 Main St., Barnstable Village for a demonstration of the website. Please RSVP to kcallahan@barnstablecounty.org if you plan on attending.

"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 tracking. 

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

As a result of an increase in state funding available for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has made available a limited number of mobile vouchers that Housing Assistance Corporation can issue to clients who meet the eligibility requirements. 

The MRVP mobile voucher provides rental assistance to low-income families, individuals, and elderly persons who lease privately-owned apartments. A household pays at least 30 percent, but not more than 40 percent of its income as rent plus any tenant-paid utilities.  The household income may not exceed 50 percent of the area median income.

The attached notice provides further information on how clients can obtain an application and eligibility requirements. We ask for your support and assistance in providing this information by posting the attached notice in your office or in an area that is visible to your consumer/clients.

If you should need additional information or have any questions, please feel free to contact HAC at 508-771-5400 or by visiting our website at www.haconcapecod.org

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.  Click on the links below to view:

Last Sunset - Elder Services - Part 1

Last Sunset - Adult Supportive Day Program - Part 2

Last Sunset - S.H.I.N.E. - Part 3 

Last Sunset - Charles Case Elder Law - Part 4

Last Sunset - Elder Services - Part 5

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.  Please RSVP at 508-862-4754.

Medicare's Open Enrollment period starts on October 15th and ends on December 7th for 2015 plan choices.  The Cape and Islands Regional SHINE Program is offering community presentations to explain Medicare coverage options, plus plan costs and changes for 2015.  Presentations will run approximately 1.5 hours including timer for Q&A.  Please note telephone numbers and schedule on attached information sheet as advanced registration is required. 

SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) is made available through the MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs to provide free and unbiased counseling services for medicare beneficiaries, their family members, caregivers and representatives.  Certified SHINE Counselors are available at local senior centers and other locations throughout the Cape & Islands.  The regional SHINE office can be reached at 508/375-6762 or SHINE@barnstablecounty.org

IN THEIR SHOES: an art exhibit created by the Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands can be viewed on October 18 & 19 at John Wesley United Methodist Church, 270 Gifford St. in 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.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an intensive six-week course designed to transform our relationship with stress, improve your health, and increase enjoyment in life.

The MBSR Program for LGBT Older Adults is scheduled for October 20 - December 1, 2014 in Orleans and Dennis.  A half-day Mindfulness Retreat is scheduled for Saturday, November 22 from 10 AM - 2 PM. Read more... 

To register or for more information contact Bob Linscott, LGBT Aging Project at 857/313-6578 or blinscott@fenwayhealth.org

Join the Barnstable County Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Program & the Boys & Girls Club of Cape Cod will be co-hosting the 11th Annual Lights on Afterschool Child & Family Fair on Thursday, October 23, 4:30 - 600 PM at the Boys & Girls Club of Cape Cod, 31 Frank Hicks Drive, Mashpee.  Activities include information tables from non-profits that serve children on the Cape, refreshments, games and other activities for children.  Special honoree is Ray Tamasi of Gosnold on Cape Cod. View flyer for more information.

This FREE event is open to the public. RSVPs are encouraged.  If you are a non-profit that serves children & families and would like a FREE space at the Fair call 508/477-8845 or email info@boysgirlsclubcapecod.org

Harbor Community Health Center-Hyannis and the Cuda Women's Center Hosting Afternoon Tea to Promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Harbor Community Health Center-Hyannis and the Cuda Women's Health Center of Cape Cod Healthcare will host an Afternoon Tea Party for breast cancer patients, survivors and women of all ages on Friday, October 24, 2014, at the Hyannis Golf Course, 1840 Iyannough Rd, Hyannis.  The event is being sponsored by Cape Cod Healthcare. Participants are invited to bring their mothers, daughters, sisters and friends for a special program celebrating women from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 P.M.  The party will feature a photo dress-up booth, gift bags and raffle gifts and other activities as well as afternoon tea and goodies for those in attendance. The event is open to 100 and is free to attend but an RSVP by October 22nd is requested to marketing@hhsi.us or 617/533-2241.  For more information view flyer.

Wednesday, October 22, 9 - 12 PM:  Stay Healthy - Flu Shots will be given at the Eastham Senior Center, 1405 Nauset Rd.  Appointments are required.  To schedule call 508/255-6164.

Friday, October 24, 10-2:30 PM:  AARP Safe Senior Driving:  Join AARP's Senior Driver Instructor, Pat Gagnon for information on safe senior driving at the Eastham Senior Center, 1405 Nauset Rd..  The first twelve people to sign up will have their tuition paid for by the Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank.  In addition, a lunch will be provided by the Eastham Police Department.  RSVP required - call 508/255-6164.

Two 1-bedroom condominium homes available at 16 Harry Kemp Way, units #7 & #9, Provincetown.  Offered for individual resale at $118,500 each.  Home Buyer selection will be by lottery.  Eligibility Income limits and asset guidelines apply.  Read more ...

View property at Open House on October 26 from 1-3 PM

Application deadline: December 11, 2014.

The Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands is offering a volunteer opportunity for those who want to help others in need, but are unable to commit to our crisis line coverage.  They will be conducting a 2-day Senior Outreach Volunteer Training on October 28 & 29, 2014 from 1-3:00 PM for potential candidates who are willing to call a senior once a week from their own home.

Samaritans have been awarded a grant through CHNA 27 to expand this vital program, and invite you to be a part of keeping seniors connected to their community.  If you are interested in participating, please call 508/548-7999 for more details.

Join WE CAN for the party of the season, the Harvest Gala: dancing to live music, delicious appetizers, and silent auction on Saturday, November 1, 2014 at 7:00 PM at the Four Points Sheraton, 3800 State Highway, Eastham.  Tickets are $75.00, sponsorships also available.  Read more ...   Register now

November 10, 12:30 - 4:30 PM, HopeHealth Hyannis Office:  Dementia Certificate Level Two - Behavioral and Medication Management.  View brochure and registration form.

November 14, 8 AM - 2:30 PM:  17th Annual Dementia & Alzheimer's Awareness Conference, Double Tree by Hilton Cape Cod, 287 Iyannough Rd., Hyannis.  6 CEU's offered, Tuition $125.  View more information and to register online.

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.

The 2015 UMASS Garden Calendar is now available for sale at the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension located in the basement of the Deeds and Probate Building in the County Complex, 3195 Main St., Barnstable Village.  Cost: $12.00, cash or check only.  Read more ...

Each year Cape Cod Volunteers get calls and e-mails from people who want to volunteer during the holidays. Some people want to combat the perceived commercialism of the holidays, some people volunteer in other ways during the rest of the year and would like to help people in need during the holiday season, some people are alone for the holidays and hope for connections through volunteering, and some people are coming to the Cape to visit family and would like to volunteer while here (some families make it a big family experience while everyone is together). 

CCV has already started to get inquiries for Thanksgiving and CCV is looking for holiday opportunities!  Read more...

Help us help you!

If you work for a nonprofit organization that provides services on Cape Cod please take this SHORT survey to help The Cape Cod Foundation learn more about the types of support that would be most beneficial to your organization. Your feedback is important!  Visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/58PXL8C to take the survey.

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:

• 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

Caregiver Support Group: FREE educational series open to caregivers.  Groups take place on 2nd and 4th Tuesdays from 3-4:30 PM at the Barnstable Senior Center.  Pre-registration requested.

What Does our Culture Teach about Death: October 16, 2014, 9 - 11:00 AM, discussion format, at the Barnstable Senior Center.  RSVP requested.

Exploring the Sacred and Unexplained in Life and Death: October 16, 2014, 9:30 - 11:00 AM and November 6, 2014, 9:30 - 11:00 AM, discussion format, at the Barnstable Senior Center.  RSVP requested.

Healing from Loss: Stories of the Heart: Tuesday mornings, 9-10:30 AM beginning late October at the Borsari Gallery in Dennis, MA.  Honor our memories of individuals and family that have touched our hearts and given our lives meaning.

For information and/or registration for any of the gatherings above please contact Brooks Reinhold, Bereavement Coordinator at Beacon Hospice at 508/778-1622 ext. 115 or brooks.reinhold@amedisys.com

Over 800,000 people worldwide end their lives annually leaving parents, children, siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents, grandchildren and close friends who deeply feel the devastation of each loss.  

Samaritans has survivor support groups in Falmouth and Hyannis.  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.

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 ... 

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. 

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.

• 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?  

• 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)