logo

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

 

 Accessibility Resource Center

 

In This Issue
Department News
Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program
Fuel Assistance Program Benefit Increase
Medicare Open Enrollment
October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month
Annual Tribal Health Fair
Buried in Treasures Hoarding Support Groups
Cape Cod Volunteers
Free Health Screenings
Falmouth Fund seeks Grant Proposals
Living with Parkinson's Disease
Utility Assistance Workshop
RFP: Homelessness Continuum of Care Planning
The State of Mental Health in the Commonwealth
A Voice at the Table
This is How it Feels: A Memoir of Attempting Suicide and Finding Life
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
Health Care Application Assistance
News From Hope Dementia
Parkinson's Dance & Exercise Class
Brown Bag for Seniors Program
News from the Coalition for Children
Holiday Volunteer Opportunities
Dance in the Rain
Tutoring Program Seeks Volunteers
Support Group for Parents of Children who Died from Overdoses
Gosnold Weekly Family Support Groups
Samaritan Survivor Support Groups
Massachusetts Substance Abuse Helpline
Veterans Crisis Hotline
Online Resource Directory
MASS 2-1-1
E-Newsletter Article Submissions
ISSUE: 125

October 24, 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

Have you heard about the new Barnstable County Behavioral Health web portal?  It's a fantastic tool for our community providing critical information, communication, and advocacy tools with a single point of entry.

 

One of the key features of the new portal is a comprehensive Service Directory with over 100 services. This Service Directory enables consumers to easily locate the local programs and services they need most.

 

But to make a Service Directory most effective, it needs to be complete, comprehensive, and up-to-date. Thus, several community organizations and coalitions provided their expertise and assistance in order to pre-populate the Service Directory before it launched in late September. This fantastic team was able to initially identify over 100 services, but chances are there are just as many organizations that still need to be added.

 

That's where you come in!

If your organization isn't listed in the Behavioral Health Service Directory yet, don't worry: it's super easy to include your agency's information. Likewise, if your organization is already included but you would like to tweak or update the information currently listed, that's very straightforward too.

 

To learn more about editing or adding your organization to the Behavioral Health Service Directory, please check out this quick online tutorial!

MASSACHUSETTS RENTAL VOUCHER PROGRAM 

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 (HAC) 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. 

 

The attached notice provides further information on how clients can obtain an application and eligibility requirements.  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

FUEL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM BENEFIT INCREASE

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (DHCD) has just increased the benefits a household can get under LIHEAP (the fuel assistance program), which opens its doors November 1st.  The full table of benefits, which vary by heating source and household income, can be found at http://www.mass.gov/hed/docs/dhcd/cd/liheat/fy15liheat-incomeeligibilityandinitialbenefitlevels.pdf.

 

The maximum benefit for those who heat with oil or propane/kerosene is $1,025, if income is less than 100% of the poverty level.  The maximum benefit for those who heat with electricity or gas is $700.  Check the table for complete details.

MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT PRESENTATIONS

Medicare's Open Enrollment period for Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D), and Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) 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 time 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 [email protected]

OCTOBER IS NATIONAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

Of people age 12 and older who abuse prescription drugs, many get them from family or friends.  Safely dispose of unwanted medications by dropping them in the MedReturn kiosk in the lobby of your local police station.  It is open 24/7 and no paperwork is needed.  View flyer.

 

"Parents Who Host Lose the Most".  It's against Massachusetts law to serve or provide alcohol to individuals under the age of 21, or allow them to drink it in your home or on your property.  View flyer.

 

Gosnold on Cape Cod Prevention Division reminds you

to help keep alcohol and addictive prescription drugs

away from our youth.

6th ANNUAL TRIBAL HEALTH FAIR
October 25, 2014: Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Health invites you to attend the 6th Annual Tribal Health Fair from 12 Noon to 3:00 PM at the Tribal Government/Community Center, 483 Great Neck Rd. South, Mashpee.  This event is open to the public.  For more information view flyer or contact Kim Frye at 508/477-0208 ext. 103.
BURIED IN TREASURES HOARDING SUPPORT GROUPS

Do you encounter compulsive cluttering situations in your professional career?  Are you looking for options to help individuals that struggle with hoarding disorder?  Are you searching for resources that can help?

 

This Cape Cod Hoarding Task Force event on Tuesday, October 28th, 8:30-11:30 AM at the Cape Cod & Islands Association of Realtors Conference Center, 22 Mid Tech Dr., West Yarmouth is designed for professionals who work with people who suffer from hoarding disorder and want to learn more about the Buried in Treasures approach to addressing this problem.  Read more...

 

To register for this FREE event contact Erika Woods at 508/375-6620 or [email protected].

CAPE COD VOLUNTEERS ~ HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING...

Mondays, October 27 & November 3Effective Volunteer Management two-part workshopRegister online.

 

Wednesday, October 29:Mass Nonprofit Network (MNN) is hosting its Annual Conference: Leading Today, Transforming Tomorrow. 

 

 

Wednesday, November 5: Cape Cod Volunteers Website Training at the Harwich Community Center. Read more ...

 

Wednesday November 12: Philanthropy Day on Cape CodClick here  to register or for more information.

 

Need volunteers?  Visit www.capecodvolunteers.org to post your volunteer opportunities or match available volunteers to your needs.  The CCV Opportunity Centers are open at Mashpee Public Library on Tuesday afternoons, Yarmouth Senior Center on Wednesdays, and Harwich Community Center on Thursday mornings to assist people in finding the right volunteer opportunities.

FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS

Friday, October 31, 2014: STAY HEALTHY - FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS!

Free Health Screenings will be given at the Eastham Senior Center this Friday, October 31st from 9:30 AM -12:00 PM. Feel free to drop by! Also, if you haven't received a flu shot, a limited number will be available, first-come, first-served. To make a flu shot appointment or for more information, please call the Eastham Senior Center at (508) 255-6164. The Eastham Senior Center is located on 1405 Nauset Road.

THE FALMOUTH FUND SEEKS GRANT PROPOSALS
The Falmouth Fund of the Cape Cod Foundation, which serves general needs in the town of Falmouth, has set a December 15 deadline for grant applications.  A grant writing workshop, hosted by the Foundation and the Falmouth Fund will explain more about the application process.  The workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, November 5th, 10:00 A.M. - 12 Noon, at the Education Center at the Falmouth Historical Society.  RSVP to the Cape Cod Foundation at 508/790-3040 or [email protected].   Read more ...
LIVING WITH PARKINSON'S: IMPORTANCE OF POSITIVE EMOTIONS
Family caregivers are invited to this special presentation on Thursday, November 6, 2014, 4:30 - 7:00 PM at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital of CApe Code, 311 Service Road, East Sandwich.  Buffet supper will be served.  Reserations are required.  To RSVP contact the American Parkinson Disease Association Information & Referral Center at 800/651-8466 or [email protected].  View flyer for more information.
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 the Housing Assistance Corporation's free workshop on Friday, November 7th from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 460 West Main Street, Hyannis.  Representatives from NSTAR and National Grid will be there to assist you with your bills.  For more info call 508/771-5400 ext. 210.  View flyer.

RFP: HOMELESSNESS CONTINUUM OF CARE PLANNING

Please share this information with interested parties:

 

Barnstable County, through its Chief Procurement Officer and on behalf of the Department of Human Services, seeks a qualified contractor to assist the Department in Homelessness Continuum of Care Planning Activities in Barnstable County.  The RFP is posted on the purchasing website at:  http://purchasing.barnstablecounty.org.   The bid opens on November 7, 2014.  All questions concerning the RFP should be sent to Elaine Davis, Chief Procurement Officer, Barnstable County, Phone: (508) 375-6637.

THE STATE OF MENTAL HEALTH CARE IN THE COMMONWEALTH

Senate President Therese Murray will be speaking at the Heritage Museum & Gardens on the State of Mental Health Care in the Commonwealth, on Friday, November 7, 2014 from 10 - 11:00 A.M.  Senator Murray has been a long time advocate for mental health services in Massachusetts.  She will speak about the strides made in our state in the area of mental health.

 

This event is FREE and open to the public, however, please RSVP as seating is limited to [email protected] or call 508/778-4277.

 

This event is sponsored by NAMI Cape Cod & the Islands and NAMI Plymouth area.

A VOICE AT THE TABLE
November 13, 2014 at 11:15 A.M. at the Cape & Islands General Membership meeting, a viewing and discussion of the documentary film A Voice at the Table will take place. The film highlights the importance of including the voice of suicide attempt survivors in suicide prevention education. Craig Miller will also be joining the meeting to talk about the inclusion of suicide attempt survivors in the suicide prevention effort.
  
Event is free and open to the public.  For more information, visit www.suicideispreventable.net or email suicide [email protected].
THIS IS HOW IT FEELS: A MEMOIR OF ATTEMPTING SUICIDE AND FINDING LIFE

The Cape & Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition and Cape Cod Community College's Students Achieving Recovery Together

will host Craig Miller on Thursday, November 13 at 5:30pm in Lecture Hall B of the Science Building at Cape Cod Community College. 
  
Craig Miller, author of This is How it Feels: A Memoir of Attempting Suicide and Finding Life, will share his story of recovering after years of child abuse, mental health issues, and a suicide attempt. Craig will discuss his lived experiences, highlighting what hurt and what gave him hope. Most importantly, he will share the steps he took to move forward in life and how the lessons he learned gave him everything he needed to become and remain resilient.  View flyer for more details.
APPLIED SUICIDE INTERVENTION SKILLS TRAINING (ASIST)
ASIST is a two-day intensive, interactive and practice-dominated course designed to teach suicide intervention skills to mental health and medical professionals, teachers, youth workers, police and correctional staff, clergy, and community volunteers.  The next training is scheduled for November 20 and 21, 2014, 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. at the Trowbridge Tavern and Canal Club, 100 Trowbridge Rd., Bourne, MA.  Cost is $125.00 per person (which has been subsidized by several sponsors).  Lunch and refreshments will be served.  13 CEU's for SW and LMHC available.  Registration deadline is 11/14/14.  For an application email [email protected] or call 774/392-5420.  View flyer for more information.
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.

ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT GROUP LEADER TRAINING & ANNUAL CONFERENCE

November 21, 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.:  Alzheimer's Support Group Leader Training will be held at the HopeHealth Hyannis Office, 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis.  6 CEs available.  Cost $80. View more information and registration form.

 

November 14, 8:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M.: 17th Annual Dementia & Alzheimer's Awareness Conference.  This year's conference presents a roster of leaders in the field of dementia research to help you better understand these risk factors and how they relate to the diagnosis of dementia.  6 CEWs available.  Cost is $125 (includes materials, lunch and CEs). View more information and registration form.

PARKINSON'S DANCE & EXERCISE CLASS AT THE YMCA

This entertaining exercise and dance class specifically benefits people with Parkinson's disease.  The class meets on Wednesdays, 1:30-2:30 PM and is free to members and $40 for non-members per 7-week sessions.  The class focuses on balance, coordination, flexibility and gait through easy to follow simple movements that are fun and in a relaxed environment.  View flyer for more information or contact Scott at [email protected] or 508/362-6500.

BROWN BAG FOR SENIORS PROGRAM
If you get or will be getting fuel assistance, or live in subsidized housing, or receive food stamps, you are eligible for the Brown Bag for Seniors program through the Barnstable Senior Center.  This program offers a free bag of groceries once a month to eligible seniors.  The grocery bag consists of basic, healthy food ranging from soup to cereal, meat to vegetables and even an occasional treat.  Complete the Brown Bag Application and mail it back to the Barnstable Senior Center, Outreach Department, 825 Falmouth Rd., Hyannis 02601.  You will be sent a schedule with pick-up sites.  If you have limited mobility then home deliveries is also available.  For questions contact Outreach at 508/862-4754.
NEWS FROM THE COALITION FOR CHILDREN
The Coalition for Children is a grant program funded by the MA Department of Early Education and Care.  Our Coordinated Family and Community Engagement grant offers early childhood resources and information, play & learn groups, developmental screenings, family literacy, kindergarten preparation programs, parenting classes, and community events for all families with children birth to school age in Falmouth.  Parents and Educators from any community are welcome to attend workshops in each of the four Upper Cape towns unless otherwise noted.  Space is limited in some, especially parenting classes, so please make sure you call to register.  View the November/December Newsletter for information on many great activities and events or visit the website at www.thecoalitionforchildren.org.
HOLIDAY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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...

DANCE IN THE RAIN: WHOLE PERSON APPROACH ~ PEER TO PEER SERVICES

Nonprofit private foundation helping persons with mental health challenges and dual diagnosis ages 14 years and older who live on the Cape & Islands.

 

Monday afternoons, 3-5:00 PM: Peer Social Time

1st & 3rd Tuesday, 6-7:40 PM: The Peer Coalition of the C&I

2nd & 4th Tuesday, 6-7:30 PM: Peers in Motion

Wednesday evenings, 6-8:00 PM: Igniting the Creative Mind

Friday, November 14th, 6-9:30 PM1st Annual Coffeehouse Fundraising Event, Underground Asylum

 

View complete event details

 

Join the online support group: Dance in the Rain Cape Cod at http://danceintheraincc.groupbox.com.  Read more about Dance in the Rain at www.danceintherain-wpa.org

RSVP/THREE R'S TUTORING PROGRAM SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

RSVP/Three R's Tutoring Program is seeking volunteer tutors age 55 and over to work with students in the school districts of Barnstable, Bourne, Harwich, Dennis-Yarmouth, Nauset and Sandwich. RSVP/Three R's Tutor volunteers are making a difference in student's lives. And you can too!

 

Volunteers receive training and support, no-cost supplemental volunteer liability insurance, limited mileage reimbursement and recognition.

 

Please contact Ann Gallagher@ 508-394-4630, x521 or [email protected] for more information or questions.

NEW GROUP FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WHO HAVE DIED FROM OVERDOSES
Two clinicians on the Cape whose son died of an overdose in 2013 are looking for other parents whose children have died to get together monthly to support one another.  The time and day will be determined by group consensus.  The group will meet at Barnstable Counseling Associates on Route 6A in Dennis.
  
Please contact Jennifer Taylor, LMHC, at 508/246-5972 if you or someone you know is interested in becoming part of this informal group.  Would like to begin meetings before the end of October.
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 are held at the following locations:

  • 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 [email protected]

SAMARITAN SURVIVOR SUPPORT GROUPS

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 on Cape Cod & the Islands 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.

 

For more information contact the Samaritans office at Tel: 508/548-7999
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 [email protected] or call 508/375-6626. 
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.