logo

Barnstable County Human Services 
   E-Newsletter
Join Our List
Join Our Mailing List
Quick Links
In This Issue
DEPARTMENT CORNER
Access to Health Insurance Still Available
Adult & Youth Programs & Career Opportunities
Project Sticker Shock
Program on Human Trafficking
Korengal: Veterans Perspectives on the Effects of War
Transitioning With Our Transgender Children
Advancing Health Equity in Massachusetts
Mindfulness & Stress Reduction Clinic
New England Gratitude Breakfast
Healthy Living Cape Cod Spring/Summer programs
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group
Duffy Health Center Suitcase Party
SCOPE of Pain Trainings
News from HopeHealth
Brian Finkelstein's: First Day Off in a Long Time
Citizensship Application Workshops
Youth FireSetters Prevention & Intervention Specialist Class
Samaritans on Cape Cod Trainings
Aging with Dignity Conference
Community Forum: Combating Cape Cod Substance Abuse Epidemic
Calling All Runners - Falmouth Road Race
Housing Rehab Program
Community Health Training Institute
News from DPH
Meals on Wheels Volunteers Needed
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: 138

April 24, 2015


 
Welcome to the information E-Newsletter from the 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

Barnstable County Behavioral Health Web Portal

 

The Barnstable County Behavioral Health web portal  is 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 that enables consumers to easily locate the local programs and services they need most.

  

If your organization isn't listed in the Behavioral Health Service Directory yet, it's 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 or contact Jessica McHugh at 508/375-6630 or [email protected] to set up a group tutorial or for questions.

ACCESS TO HEALTH INSURANCE
STILL AVAILABLE

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.)

ADULT & YOUTH PROGRAMS & CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

View flyer for information on youth career opportunities: JTEC Works Program, GED & Remediation Program, Young Parent Program and Training Options for Youth.

 

Career Opportunities/JTEC is recruiting for the Town of Barnstable Youth Works Program 2015.  This program provides opportunities for eligible youth ages 14-21 who reside in the town of Barnstable.  This year's 7-week program will run from July 6 - August 20, 2015.  Accepting applications immediately, download applicationRead more...

 

Looking for a new career/job?  If you want education, training, vocational education or your dream job contact Career Opportunities, 372 North St., Hyannis at 508/862-6132.  Read more...

"PROJECT STICKER SHOCK CAMPAIGN"
TO HELP REDUCE UNDERAGE DRINKING
On Saturday, April 25, 2015, dozens of youth group volunteers from Cape Cod Church will team up with Gosnold on Cape Cod at 17 Falmouth liquor stores placing 10,000 stickers on customer bags.  The stickers have a common message: "Parents Who Host Lose the Most: Don't be a party to teenage drinking".  The objective is to encourage customers not to purchase alcohol for minors and to remind them that it is illegal to do so.  It also reminds parents not to host parties where alcohol is available to underage youth.  Read more....
PROGRAM ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING

What is Human Trafficking program will be held on Sunday, April 26 at 2:00 PM at St. Joan of Arc Church, 68 Canal Rd., Orleans.  This is not a problem for a distant land, rather, human trafficking goes on at an alarming rate in our own country. 

 

Event speaker is Elizabeth P. Weiland, an attorney and "Ambassador of Hope" for Shared Hope International, an organization that was founded 16 years ago.  The purpose of the program is to bring awareness about the problem through a power point presentation and a short documentary entitled "Chosen" which tells the story of how two young "All American" teenage girls were recruited as minors into sex trafficking.  There will also be a short Q&A session following the presentation.

KORENGAL: VETERANS' PERSPECTIVES ON THE EFFECTS OF WAR

A FREE showing of Korengal will be held on April 27, 2015 at 5:30 PM at Cape Cod Community College Tilden Art Center.  The film was produced by the famous American journalist, Sebastian Junger, who chronicles the experiences of troops fighting in the Korengal Valley in Afghanistan in this award-winning documentary.  The viewing will be followed by a panel discussion with Cape Cod veterans and physicians.  View flyer for more information.

TRANSITIONING WITH OUR TRANSGENDER CHILDREN
Author Candace Waldron will visit the Falmouth Jewish Congregation, 7 Hatchville Rd., East Falmouth on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 PM followed by a support group discussion. View flyer.  She will discuss her book, My Daughter He: Transitioning with Our Transgender Children.  In her book she undertakes a courageous and honest exploration of the 7 stages she traveled to move from denial and loss, to acceptance and advocacy.  Read more...  The event is sponsored by PFLAG of Cape Cod.
ADVANCING HEALTH EQUITY IN MASSACHUSETTS
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health wants to hear from you about how they can improve services to families, women, children and youth, including children and youth with special health needs.  A series of meetings will be held across the state to gather input.  A meeting is scheduled for Friday, May 1, 1 - 2:30 PM in the Moakley Center Auditorium, Bridgewater State University, 100 Burill Ave, Bridgewater, MA.  Read more..... for additional information.
MINDFULNESS AND STRESS REDUCTION CLINIC
FREE Introduction to Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Clinic is scheduled for April 23, 6-8 PM at Inner Glow Yoga, 30 Steeple St., Mashpee.  Call ahead to reserve your spot at 508/420-3300.  The next eight week class will be held May 7 through June 25, 2015.  Learn techniques to help you sleep better, heal better, reduce inflammation and pain, become more focused, and promote positive changes in brain function.
NEW ENGLAND GRATITUDE BREAKFAST
Recovery will be celebrated at the New England Gratitude Breakfast hosted by Caron Treatment Centers on Saturday, May 2, 2015 from 9 - 11:30 AM.  The event will be held at the Endicott Estate located at 656 East St., Dedham, MA.  Tickets are $25 in advance ($30 after April 30).  Tickets can be purchased online at www.caron.org/events or call Jamie Demmi at 800/678-2332, ext. 6110.  View flyer.

HEALTHY LIVING CAPE COD

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 PROGRAMS

My Life, My Health Chronic Disease Self-Management: New classes will run Tuesdays, 5/26 - 6/30/15, 9-11:30 AM at the Falmouth Council on Aging and Mondays, 5/11-6/22, 1-3:30 PM (info session 5/4, 1-2 PM) in West Barnstable at the Cape Cod YMCA.

 

Matter of Balance: Class for individuals who are at risk of falling or have a fear of falling.  8 week group meets Thursdays, 6/4-7/23, 2-4 PM at the Yarmouth Council on Aging. 

 

Tai Chi Healthy Aging: Physical activity program to help reduce the risk of falls and improve balance, coordination and stamina will run Thursdays, 7/9-8/27, 3-4 PM at the Barnstable Council on Aging.

 

All programs are FREE and are open to the community through the Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund grant through Barnstable County.  View flyer for more information, visit the www.healthylivingcapecod.org website or contact Gina Kupski at 508/470-1125.

GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN SUPPORT GROUP

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group will be held at East Falmouth Elementary School, 33 Davisville Rd., East Falmouth on Tuesdays, May 5 & 19 and June 2 & 16 with a 5:30 PM supper followed with a meeting from 6 - 7:00 PM.

 

To register call Beverly Costa-Ciavola at 508/771-4336.  Childcare and supper will be provided at no cost.  Sponsored by Cape Cod Neighborhood Support Coalition & Falmouth Human Services.  View flyer.

6TH ANNUAL DUFFY HEALTH CENTER SUITCASE PARTY

The Duffy Health Center's 6th Annual Evening of Stars Suitcase Party will be held at Rectrix Aerodrome in Hyannis on Friday May 8, 6-10:00 PM.  Two lucky winners will have their names drawn and they and their guests will board the private Challenger jet for a fun-filled, all-expenses paid weekend in Savannah Georgia.  There will also be live and silent auctions, a cash bar, appetizers and a buffet dinner. 

 

Tickets may be purchased online for $175.00 per person.  Tables and sponsorship opportunities are still available.  Read more...

 

For more information contact Elyse DeGroot at 508/771-7517 ext. 104 or visit www.duffyhealthcenter.org.  All proceeds will support programs and services at the Duffy Health Center.

SCOPE OF PAIN TRAININGS

FREE SCOPE of Pain Trainings will be offered across Cape Cod on May 11th & 12th at Falmouth Hospital, Cape Cod Hospital and the Chatham Wayside Inn.  The trainings are FREE and 3 CME/CE credits will be provided.  View flyer for additional information.  Visit the SCOPE of Pain website to register.

 

SCOPE of Pain is a series of continuing medical education/continuing nursing education activities designed to help healthcare professionals safely and competently use opioids, if appropriate, to manage patients with chronic pain. 

 

SCOPE of Pain is sponsored by Boston University School of Medicine.  The Cape Cod meetings are in collaboration with Cape Cod Healthcare and the Barnstable County Regional Substance Abuse Council.

NEWS FROM HOPEHEALTH 

HopeHealth announced a Special Community Program for Veterans: Caring for Veterans Experiencing the Impact of Serious Illness.  The presentation is based on the principles of the We Honor Veterans (WHV) program.  This FREE event will be held on Monday, May 11, 2015 from 9:30 - 11:30 AM at the Plymouth Senior Center, 44 Nook Rd., Plymouth.  Read more...

Pre-registration is suggested by visiting www.HopeHealthCo.org/CaringforVets, calling 774/487-3667, or emailing [email protected].

 

Professional Educational Event - ELNEC: End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium.  Program is designed for clinical professionals.  CEs are awarded for total completion of all modules.  Program is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, 2015 from 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM at HopeHealth, 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis.  Cost is $85.00 and includes materials, breakfast, lunch and CEs.  Read more...   For more information or to register call 508/957-0200, email [email protected] or online at www.hopehealthco.org/ELNEC.

 

HopeHealth Expands Hospice Volunteers:  HopeHealth is focused on growing its base of dedicated hospice volunteers and encouraging people to seek ways to engage in their communities. .  There are a wide range of volunteer opportunities available tomatch specialized expertise, unique tlents and interest in caring for others.  All volunteers participae in a comprehensive training program.  To learn more call 508/957-0280, download an application form at www.HopeHealthCo.org or email [email protected] for information.

 

HopeHealth Walk for Alzheimer's:  Walk provides essential funding for information, education and support services for those living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers, healthcare professionals and community agencies.  The Walk will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2015 at the Cape Cod Canal, Buzzards Bay Park.  Registration begins at 9:00 A.M. with the walk starting at 10:00 AM.  Visit www.HopeHealthCo.org/walk to sign up as a team or individual walker.  For questions contact 508/957-0254 or [email protected].

BRIAN FINKELSTEIN'S: FIRST DAY OFF
IN A LONG TIME

The Cape & Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition is thrilled to announce Brian Finkelstein's: First Day Off in a Long Time on Friday, May 15, 2015 at 7:00 PM at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod, 307 Old Main St., South Yarmouth.

 

Written and performed by Brian Finkelstein, a storyteller and regular host of NPR's Moth Radio Hour, this hysterical and life-changing solo-show tells true tales from the four years Brian spent volunteering at a New York City suicide hotline.

Tickets can be reserved dayofftickets.eventbrite.com, suggested donation of $10.00, and paid for at the door. More information about the event and about Brian can also be found on the attached flyer and on the ticket site.

CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION WORKSHOPS
Are you ready to become a U.S. citizen?  The MIRA Coalition offers FREE monthly citizenship application workshops for eligible green-card holders.  Workshop will be held on May 16, 2015 at 10:00 AM at the Sturgis Charter School, 427 Main St., Hyannis.  For more information visit www.miracoalition.org or call 617/500-5998.  View flyer in English, Spanish & Portuguese.
YOUTH FIRESETTERS PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION SPECIALIST CLASS
This class is the National Fire Academy curriculum and is being taught by the MFA.  The class, hosted by the Sandwich Fire Department will be held at Oak Crest Cove, 34 Quaker Meetinghouse Rd., Sandwich, MA on May 21 & 22, 2015 from 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM.  For more information and to RSVP contact Larry Machado at [email protected] or 508/989-8711.  This is a FREE training, no CEUs available.  View flyer.
NEWS FROM THE SAMARITANS
ON CAPE COD AND THE ISLANDS

Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity where you can really make a difference? Then volunteering for The Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands could be a great fit for you!

Our volunteers are not counselors or therapists, so no experience is required. Volunteers are trained in non-judgmental active listening so as to best assist our callers who are lonely, depressed, or isolated.

 

The next Crisis Line/Senior Outreach Volunteer Training will be held on May 26, 27, 28 and June 1 and 2, 2015. If you'd like to learn more about attending our upcoming volunteer training and how you can help make a difference, please contact our office at 508/548-7999 to learn more!

 

The next Elder Suicide Prevention Training for Cape and Islands Communities is scheduled for June 15, 2015, 8:45 AM - 4:30 PM at the Stoneman Outpatient Center, 2 Jan Sebastian Way, Sandwich, MA.  This FREE training offers 7.0 CEUs to registered nurses, social workers, and licensed mental health clinicians.  For more information view flyer or contact Stephanie Kelly at 508/548-7999 or [email protected].

AGING WITH DIGNITY CONFERENCE

Save the Date

 

Aging with Dignity Conference, Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA. 

 

The conference focus:  Preventing and Responding to Substance Use and Related Problems in Older Adults.  Read more...

COMMUNITY FORUM: COMBATING CAPE COD'S SUBSTANCE ABUSE EPIDEMIC

A non-partisan, FREE, public information forum:  Combating Cape Cod's Substance Abuse Epidemic: What's working? What's missing? What can we do? will be held on June 10, 2015 from 7-9:00 PM at the Centerville Library, 585 Main St., Centerville.  Topics will include: Prevention, Intervention, Treatment, Recovery, & Support.  Please RSVP to Gerry McGowan at [email protected] or 508/428-5960.  View flyer for more information.

 

Sponsored by the Barnstable Democratic Town Committee

CALLING ALL RUNNERS FOR THE
NEW BALANCE FALMOUTH ROAD RACE
The Cape & Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition will once again be participating in the Falmouth Road Race's Numbers for Nonprofits program. Through this program, we are able to offer 10 New Balance Falmouth Road Race registration numbers to people interested in running the race as a fundraiser for the CISPC. It is a great opportunity for non-Falmouth residents to get to run the Race without entering the lottery!

 

On August 16th you can run in memory of someone you've lost, or almost lost, to suicide. Or run for a friend or family member who is grieving. Regardless of the reason, when you run for the CISPC, everyone wins!

If you are interested in running, contact Kelly at [email protected] or call 508-566-3610. If you aren't a runner, you can still contribute to this great cause by forwarding this email or posting our flyer. Or you can support a runner by making a tax-deductible contributions to their run!

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP

HOUSING REHAB PROGRAM

The Community Development Partnership is seeking qualified homeowners and landlords in Harwich Center and Dennisport who need home repairs. Through the organization's Housing Rehabilitation Program, funds of up to $35,000 are available to make home repairs. We are encouraging interested homeowners not to delay and contact the CDP as soon as possible if interested. Please help us spread the word about this important program. Read more...
COMMUNITY HEALTH TRAINING INSTITUTE
The Community Health Training Institute in partnership with the MA Department of Public Health is pleased to share this list of upcoming trainings, resources, news and prospects.  These are opportunities to help to grow local leadership capacity and build healthier communities.
NEWS FROM THE MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH:  FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES, ARTICLES, DATA & UPCOMING WEBINARS

Funding Opportunities:

Federal Office of Rural Health Policy Funding Announcement: Rural Opioid Overdose Reversal Grant Program (ROOR)

Injury Prevention Program

Urban and Non-Urban Hopeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP)

Research on Children in Military Families:  The Impact of Parental Military Deployment and Reintegration on Child and Family Functioning

 

Links to Articles of Interest:

Prevalence of major depression lower among African-American women in rural areas

VA extends Program for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury

 

Links to Data/Reports of Interest:

Prescription Painkiller Overdoses in the U.S.

Evaluation the HCIA - Behavioral Health/Substance Abuse Awards: First Annual Report

2014 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report

MEALS ON WHEELS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Volunteers are needed across Barnstable County for the 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 [email protected] at Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands.

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.  View flyer for more information about weekly support group locations.  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 to 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.