Register today for the Gerontology Intensive Workshop Series at Cape Cod Community College 

The Town of Barnstable Growth Management Department (GMD) is the lead agency for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is pleased to announce the availability of CDBG funds.  Funds can be used for eligible projects that benefit income eligible Town of Barnstable residents.

Requests for affordable housing activities that can be completed by April 2015 will be given preference but all eligible activities will be considered.  Funds for public service projects are limited to activities that begin July 1, 2015.  Please visit http://www.town.barnstable.ma.us/cdbg for eligibility requirements and application instructions.  Read more in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Letters of Interest are due in the Growth Management Department, 367 Main St., 3rd Floor, Hyannis, MA  02601 by 4 PM, February 27, 2015.  Contact Kathleen Girouard, CDBG Coordinator with questions at 508/862-4702 or kathleen.girouard@town.barnstable.ma.us. 

ACCESS TO HEALTH INSURANCE IS STILL AVAILABLE:  You can apply and enroll in MassHealth at any time during the year. If you are newly eligible for ConnectorCare Plans (subsidized public health insurance*), you can apply and enroll at any time during the year.  You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you have Qualifying Life Events, such as a marriage, having a baby, losing a job, new Massachusetts resident, etc. (Need to apply and enroll within 60 days of the event.)

If you are currently on MassHealth and received a Renewal Notice, it is important to enroll by the deadline noted in your letter from MassHealth or you may experience time without health insurance.  View flyer.

Community Action Committee of Cape Cod & Islands has certified MA Health Connector Navigators trained to help you! To schedule an appointment or for more information: call 508-771-1727 or walk-in at 372 North St., Hyannis, MA. (We offer services in Falmouth and on Nantucket, by appointment only.)

Chronic Disease Self Management is a 6-week no-cost program for adults living with or caring for an individual with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, depression, etc.   New programs starting at Mashpee Council on Aging, Truro Council on Aging, Community Health Center of Cape Cod in Mashpee. 

Matter of Balance Leader Training:  become a coach of this 8 week evidence-based course to improve balance in older adults.  Begins March 6, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM at Elder Services of Cape Cod and Islands.  For more information and an application contact healthylivingcapecod@gmail.com.

Tai Chi for Healthy Aging:  a 24 week program broken down into three 8 week sessions for individuals who would benefit from exercises to improve balance and agility.

Bi-lingual Portuguese Community Health Worker needed for Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund Grant activities.

View flyer and brochure for additional information or contact Gina Kupski at 508-957-7620 or healthylivingcapecod@gmail.com or visit www.healthylivingcapecod.org 

The Cape Cod Foundation will be hosting 2 technical assistance sessions in March.  The sessions will cover information about the Foundation's grantmaking, tips for a successful application, an overview of the online program, and new changes to the process.

Corrected dates/locations:

Tuesday, March 3, 10:00 AM - Noon, Hearing Room, Barnstable Town Hall

Thursday, March 5, 1-3:00 PM, Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, Brewster

RSVP to Maura by March 1st.  Please include your name, organization and which session you will be attending.

As part of an annual focus on pediatric rehabilitation, Spaulding Cape Cod will host a free 1/2 day seminar entitled "Knowledge is Power:  A Pediatric Workshop for Parents and Professionals"

To pre-register please call Spaulding at 508/833-4210.

Cape Organization for Rights of the Disabled will host a panel presentation, Alzheimer's from the Inside, on Sunday, March 8th from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Tilden Arts Center at the Cape Cod Community College. A panel of experts moderated by WXTK radio's Ed Lambert and featuring Greg O'Brien, author of On Pluto, Inside the Mind of Alzheimer's will provide an insightful afternoon of how one lives with Alzheimer's.  A book signing by Greg O'Brien will follow the presentation. 

Ticket cost is only $30 and includes a signed copy of On Pluto. Tickets can be purchased at CORD at 106 Bassett Lane in Hyannis, at Books by the Sea at 875 Main Street in Osterville, at the Cape Cod Community College Library and online at

The Community Health Network Area (CHNA) 27, has released a Request for Proposals from non-profit and public entities proposing to address issues that eliminate health disparities, promote wellness, and prevent/manage chronic disease for individuals who are elderly and/or persons with disabilities. During 2015, $70,000 will be distributed across the geographic area of CHNA 27 to selected eligible organizations through grants ranging from $15,000 to $40,000.  Funding for this grant is made possible by Cape Cod Healthcare through the Department of Public Health's Determination of Need (DON) process.  

For more information or questions about the application, please contact Dara Bryan, Program Officer for The Cape Cod Foundation, at (508) 790-3040 or dbryan@capecodfoundation.org. Please reference CHNA 27 Application in the subject line.

The Town of Harwich Human Service Grants Program is now accepting applications for Fiscal Year 2016.  The goal of the program is to assist non-profit agencies in their efforts to support the residents of the Town of Harwich through vital human service programming.  In Fiscal Year 2016 (7/1/15-6/30/16) a total of $76,500 is available to support these efforts.  Historically, grants have ranged from $1,000 to $15,000.  The program is managed by the Barnstable County Resource Development office. 

If you are a previous recipient of Harwich Human Services funding, you still must submit an application to be eligible to receive funding for FY16.  Due date for applications is March 13, 2015.  Please view the Request for Proposals or visit http://www.barnstablecounty.org/resource-development-officeamericorps-Cape-cod/.  Contact Bobbi Moritz with questions at 508/375-6873 or bobbi.moritz@barnstablecounty.org

The Cape Cod Association is accepting applications for its 2015 scholarship program. Over the past 10 years, the Cape Cod Association has distributed more than 3,000 awards totaling over $4 million to local students.  

The applications are completely online. Past recipients of this scholarship must reapply by midnight on March 15, 2015. New applicants and those who have not previously received this scholarship must apply by midnight on April 1, 2015. Links to the online applications can be found on the Association's website at www.capecodassoc.org. Late or incomplete applications, or applications on old paper forms, will not be accepted. For more information, visit the Cape Cod Association's website or contact them at 508-790-8055 or info@capecodassoc.org. Read more...

3/3/15--Members of the Falmouth Police Department will be teaming up with Gosnold on Cape Cod to provide support and help overdose victims and their families.  Falmouth police officers will work directly with specially trained Gosnold Counselors to provide a home visit within a few days of an overose incideent.  Services offered will include counseling, family support groups and interventions. This pilot program was started at the Yarmouth Police Department in February.  Read article.

3/12/15--An educational forum for all Cape Cod clergy provides information on prevention, addiction and recovery, as well as ways the community can be part of the solution. Location to be determined. For information see link below.

3/17/15--Dr. Charles Reznikoff, M.D. will be providing physician and prescriber education to area doctors at Alberto's Restaurant in Hyannis, on Tuesday March 17 from 6-7:30 PM. View invitation. 

3/19/15-- Dr. Charles Reznikoff, M.D. will be providing a training session, "Treating the Opiate Patient" to Cape Cod clinicians at Gosnold at Cautaumet.  For more information, see link below or please contact Lori McCarthy, National Director of Clinical Outreach, at ljmccarthy@gosnold.org.  

3/23/15-Gosnold will team up with the Falmouth Public Schools to present a community forum on "The Opiate Crisis-Next Steps." Details to follow.

For more information on any of these events click here.

DMH will host its annual series of Citizens Legislative Breakfasts in February and March.  This is an opportunity for members of the mental health community to meet with their legislators, thank them for their support and discuss how DMH helps people with mental illnesses recover and live satisfying lives in communities of their choice.  It is also an opportunity for consumers and family members to share good news and success stories about their life experiences.

Sharing stories is the most powerful tool we have in the recovery toolkit.  At the DMH Citizens Legislative Breakfasts, we will hear the courageous and compelling personal stories of adults, youth and families living with mental illness and thriving in the face of their challenges.

Join the conversation on Thursday, March 12, Southeast Area Citizens Legislative Breakfast, Great Hall - State House.  Registration and refreshments from 9:30 - 10:00 AM and the program starts promptly from 10 - 11:00 AM.

Mourning Reflections: Coping with the Loss of Loved one

Mondays 5-6:30 PM, March 16th-April 27th, in Hyannis

In this 7 week session, we will honor our memories of individuals and family that have touched our hearts and given our lives meaning now that they are passed.   Through writing we will explore, express, make peace with, and honor our memories of our connections to our loved ones.  With the use of various writing prompts including poetry, music and objects, we will share and journal our experience(s) of loss.

Please contact Brooks Reinhold, Bereavement Coordinator at Beacon Hospice for questions/sign up at 508-778-1622 x115 or brooks.reinhold@amedisys.com

The next Forum convened by the Network of Human Service and Faith Communities of the Lower/Outer Cape and the Community Development Partnership will take place on Friday, March 20th, 9 AM - 12 Noon at the Church of the Holy Spirit, corner of Monument Road and Route 28 in Orleans.

Panel discussion will focus on "How Can We Make Affordable Housing a Priority in Each Town on the Lower/Outer Cape?"  Read more...

Please RSVP by March 16th to ksbcampbell@verizon.net or via mail to Rev. Ken Campbell, P.O. Box 306, South Orleans, MA  02662.

CISPC Seeks Retreat Facilitator:  The Cape and Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition seeks a qualified consultant to facilitate an upcoming retreat for the Coalition's leadership team. The consultant will engage the Coalition's Steering Committee in a 4-6 hour retreat in May/June 2015 to help create a road map of Coalition goals and priorities. A two-page proposal & budget should be submitted by April 10th to the Coalition's Co-Chairs at SuicidePrevention@CapeCoalition.com. Please see attached flyer for more details and submission guidelines.

March 23, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, COMM Fire Dept., 1875 Falmouth Road, Centerville.  Suicide Prevention and Intervention:  What EMT's Need to know for more effective Scene Management.  Pre-registration required. View flyer for more information or contact suicideprevention@capecoalition.com with questions.

April 8, 12 - 1:30 PM, Mashpee Public Library, 64 Steeple St.:  QPR (Question, Persuade & Refer) suicide prevention training.  Three simple steps that anyone can learn to help prevent suicide.  Training will have a human service/Mashpee focus.  View flyer for more information.  Contact Kelly Welch at suicideprevention@capecoalition.com or 508/566-3610 for more information and to register.

The Kennedy Donovan Center supports people with developmental delays, disabilities or family challenges to pursue their personal potential and success in the community.  Connect with others for support, information, advocacy, discussion and encouragement.  Open to parents, professionals, teachers, caregivers, siblings, and individuals with special needs.  Support groups are offered at various locations across Cape Cod.

Kennedy Donovan Center will host an Early Intervention Presentation for parents and professionals of children ages birth to 5 years on Tuesday, March 24, 2015, 5-7:00 PM at the West Barnstable Community building, 2377 Meetinghouse Way, Rte. 149, West Barnstable.  View flyer.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod & the Islands is currently taking referrals for children ages 7-12 living in the Mid Cape area who are interested in being matched with a caring, responsible adult mentor in the community.  Children who have Big Brothers or Sisters are more likely to stay in school, make better choices and have improved self-confidence.

If you are interested in learning more about how this program might benefit your child or a child you know, please click here  to schedule an introductory phone call with a staff member or email MVentola@bbbscci.org.

The Coalition for Children is a grant program funded by the MA Department of Early Education and Care.  The Coordinated Family and Community Engagement grant offers early childhood resources and information, play and learn groups, developmental screenings, family literacy, kindergarten preparation programs, parenting classes and community events for all families with children from birth to school age in Falmouth. 

The Coalition for Children is gearing up for their Spring programming.  Read the Coalition for Children March/April Newsletter

An Eight-Week Support Program for
Suicide Attempt Survivors

16th Annual Spring Education Conference: A New Philosophy of Alzheimer's Care, Thursday, March 19, 2015, 8 AM - 12:30 PM at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Cod, Hyannis. Tuitition $95, 3.5 CEs available. Register online or call 508/775-5656 or email info@HopeDementia.org. Download, print and mail this form with your payment.

End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium, March 19, 2015, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM at the Glen Independent Living at Grove Manor Estates, 180 Grove St., Braintree. Register online.  Print out registration form.  Learn more by calling 508/957-0200, email Emccabe@HopeHealthCo.org or visit www.HopeHealthCo.org/ELNEC

The HopeHealth Walk for Alzheimer's 2015 will take place on Sunday, May 17, 2015 at the Buzzards Bay Recreation Area at the Cape Cod Canal.  Registration at 9:00 A.M., Walk at 10:00 A.M. To learn more contact 508/957-0254 or visit www.Walk@HopeHealthCo.org.  Sign up at www.HopeHealthCo.org/Walk

An Evening by the Sea Auction, Friday, July 24, 2015 at the Wianno Club in Osterville will offer unique silent and live auctions, a delectable array of Tuscan wine and cuisine and much more.  For more information call 508/957-0254, email giving@HopeHealthCo.org or visit www.HopeHealthCo.org/EveningByTheSea

Dance in the Rain is a peer to peer service helping people ages 14 and older who have mental illness or dual diagnosis who live on the Cape & Islands.  You don't have to belong to any provider service to attend any of the meetings.  View support group schedule.

A call for artists!  Dance in the Rain is presenting it's third Mindset art event in May.  Looking for peer artists and family members and providers who are artists as well.  Mindset challenges stigma through the artist's eye.  For more information on this or other events visit the Dance in the Rain website.

Dance in the Rain Team office is located at 145 Barnstable Rd., in Hyannis, Tel: 508/364-4045, email: info@danceintherain-wpa.org, website: www.danceintherain-wpa.org  

Cape Cod Community College has a strong Dental Hygiene program, a requirement of which is to conduct "clinic hours" where students provide cleanings to interested individuals, free of charge.

Clients would need to be willing to sit through a rather lengthy appointment as the students consult with their professors and clinic instructors during the cleaning as it is a learning environment.  However, this is a great (free) opportunity for clients to receive reliable dental care.

Appointments are available on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:30-11:30am in the brand new clinic at CCCC.  The students for this semester are available from now through May, 2015.

Interested clients can reach out Vanessa Powers, at vanessa.powers@capecod.edu with any questions and to schedule an appointment.

Volunteers are needed across Barnstable County for our Meals-on-Wheels program.  Just an hour a week can help ensure our homebound elders have a warm 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.

A winter storm in New England can range from moderate snowfall over a few hours to a Nor'easter bringing blizzard conditions with blinding wind-driven snow that lasts several days.  People can become stranded in their automobiles or trapped at home without utilities or other services.  The aftermath of a winter storm can have an impact on a community or the entire region for days weeks or even months.

Visit the official website of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security for MEMA winter storm information and tips to stay safe.

The Board of Directors of Cape Mediation, after a thorough search and hiring process, would like to welcome their new Executive Director, Ian Ryan.  Ian trained with Cape Mediation in 2001 and has worked and volunteered in mediation  in the area of small claims and landlord-tenant cases since.  He is a lawyer in private practice specializing in family law and commercial disputes.  He brings terrific non-profit and local Cape Cod experience.  Ian has already started training and his official start date is April 8, 2015.

The Mature Workers Program has immediate openings for income-eligible people age 55 and older who are seeking a "Bridge Back to Work". If you are in transition due to job loss, relocation, family illness or another reason, and you want to re-enter the workforce, the Mature Workers program can help. We provide a variety of supports including a paid internship placement with a local non-profit or government agency. Use your skills and learn new ones while serving your community.  Work 20 hours a week and gain work experience for employment in the workforce again.

If you are a non-profit or governmental agency, this program can help you. Call to learn how our interns can be of assistance to your organization. This Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a Department of Labor, federally funded program. We've received several new placements over the past months and we thank all of our partners across the County who help make this program effective for the Mature Workers who use it.

For more information, call Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands at 508-394-4630 or 1-800-244-4630.  Ask to speak to Carol at Ext. 542 or Cheryl at Ext. 540.