logo

Barnstable County Human Services 
   E-Newsletter
Join Our List
Join Our Mailing List
Quick Links
In This Issue
Department News
Medicare Open Enrollment
Access to Health Insurance Still Available
News from the Samaritans on CC&I
Bridgewater State University Cape Cod
News from Hope Health
Affordable rental homes Provincetown
WE CAN - Falmouth
Cape Cod Family Services Annual Showcase
Dance in the Rain Annual Coffee House Fundraising Event
Cape Cod Transgender Day of Remembrance
News from the Coalition for Children
A Day of Giving
News from Independene House
Teddy Bear Breakfast
Adopt a Family for the Holidays
News from the C&I Workforce Investment Board
Falmouth Fund Grant
C&I Maternal Depression Task Force
Massachusetts Working on Wellness
Updates from the Workforce Investment Board
DHCD Notice of Funding Availability
News from DPH
Gosnold Family Support Groups
Cape Cod Hoarding Task Force
Samaritan Survivor Support Groups
Healthy Connected Cape Cod
Massachusetts Substance Abuse Helpline
Veterans Crisis Hotline
MASS 2-1-1
E-Newsletter Article Submissions
ISSUE: 152

November 6, 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 NEWS

Barnstable County Commissioners Appoint Co-Chairs

to Regional Substance Abuse Council

 

The Commissioners appointed Beth Albert, Director of the Barnstable County Department of Human Services, Cheryl Bartlett, Executive Director of the Office of Community Health at Cape Cod Healthcare, and Ray Tamasi, CEO and President of Gosnold on Cape Cod to co-chair the Regional Council.

 

Formed in 2014, the Barnstable County Regional Substance Abuse Council brings together a diverse group of over thirty five stakeholders including town representatives, healthcare, elected officials, people in recovery, law enforcement, treatment providers, health centers, employers, town coalitions, faith community, and others.  Read more...

MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT

Don't wait until it's too late!  Medicare's Open Enrollment Period is October 15 - December 7, 2015. Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare Prescription (Part D) plans change every year.  This is the time to review your options for 2016.  SHINE Can Help
SHINE Counselors provide free Medicare counseling.  Call your Senior Center or the Cape & Islands Regional SHINE office at 508/375-6762 for an appointment now.  View, post & share flyer.
SHINE is offering community presentations to explain Medicare coverage options, plus plan costs and changes for 2016.  Presentations will run approximately 1.5 hours including time for Q&A.  Pre-registration is required.  View dates, times, locations and pre-registration telephone #'s.
OPEN ENROLLMENT
MASSHEALTH AND CONNECTOR CARE

Open Enrollment November 1, 2015 - January 31, 2016 - apply for Health and Dental insurance.  If you are a current member and want to change your plan you can shop for and choose a plan - compare plans online at www.MAhealthconnector.orgView flyer for more information.

 

Mass Health Connector/MassHealth Open Enrollment event, November 6, 5-8 PM & November 7, 9 AM - 4 PM at Community Action Committee of Cape Cod & the Islands, 372 North St., Hyannis.  View flyer for more information.

  

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.)

NEWS FROM THE SAMARITANS ON CAPE COD AND THE ISLANDS

Crisis Line Volunteer Training: November 9, 10, 16, 17 & 18, 5:45 - 8:45 PM.  For more information call 508/548-7999 or email ccsamaritans@verizon.netView flyer.

 

Elder Suicide Prevention Training for Cape and Islands Communities: November 12, 8:45 AM - 4:30 PM, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 91 West Main Street, Falmouth.  This training is open to all community members and is free of charge.  7.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be offered for registered Nurses, Social Workers, and Licensed Mental Health Clinicians.  To register, please complete and submit this form.  Space is limited to 15 participants so register today!

BRIDGEWATER STATE UNIVERSITY
CAPE COD
Free Essay workshop for college-bound students to help prepare for the application process presented by Bridgewater State University Cape Cod.  English professor and writer Mary E. Cronin will present "Tips for Writing Your College Essay" aimed at high school students who are completing the college admissions process.  Workshop will be presented on November 10, 6-7 PM at the BSU Cape Cod campus, MacArthur Building, 1175 Route 28, South Yarmouth.  Students & parents welcome.  View flyer.  For more information contact Stefanie Deprey at BSUcapecod@bridgew.edu or call 508/531-1844.

Managing a Happy and Effective Volunteer ProgramSaturday, November 21, 9 AM - 3 PM.  In this non-credit workshop you will learn how volunteers should be managed as part of an overall, systematic program, somewhat similar to the systematic approach that should be used to manage employees.  Whether you have an established volunteer program or if you are looking to begin a volunteer program, this non-credit course will provide you with a wide variety of perspectives and resources for how to develop an effective and happy volunteer management program.

Registration fee: $89.  Course held at BSU Cape Cod, MacArthur Building,1175 Route 28, South Yarmouth, MA 02664
 Easy online registration:  or call 508/531-1844
NEWS FROM HOPE HEALTH

Hope Hospice 25th Annual Tree of Memories Ceremonies:  Trees in 19 communities will be adorned with lights and scallop shells inscribed with the names of family and friends being honored and remembered.  View list of dates & locations.

 

An Evening with Lisa Genova and Michael Verde - Ending the Dis-Ease of Alzheimer'sThursday, November 12, 7-9:30 PM at the Chatham Orpheum Theatre.  $35.00 per person to benefit Hope Dementia & Alzheimer's Services.

 

18th Annual Dementia & Alzheimer's Awareness Conference - Adapting & Planning for Disease ProgressionFriday, November 13, 8 AM - 3:30 PM at the Double Tree by Hilton Cape Cod, Hyannis.  Tuition $125.00 includes materials, breakfast, lunch and CEs.

 

Read more  about the announcements above. 

YEAR ROUND AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOMES IN PROVINCETOWN

Stable Path: 23 year round affordable rental homes, studio/efficiency, one, two and three bedrooms, in Provincetown.  Available Spring 2016.  Three tiers of Income Eligibility apply based on household income as a percentage of Area Median Income (AMI).  Rental Subsidy Vouchers welcome.  Income and household size restrictions apply.

 

Information sessions will be held at Veteran's Memorial Community Center, 2 Mayflower Street, Provincetown on Saturday, November 14 at 11:30 AM and Wednesday, November 18 at 5:30 PMRead more.....  

 

Completed applications must be postmarked by U.S. Mail no later than Tuesday, January 5, 2016.

 

Stable Path is currently a construction site and only authorized personnel are allowed on site.

WE CAN - FALMOUTH
WE CAN Center will be offering additional 1:1 appointments in collaboration with the Falmouth Service Center.  On November 17th, along with legal consults, appointments with a Financial Empowerment Volunteer will be available.  On December 15th, Work Support appointments will be offered.

CAPE COD FAMILY SERVICES

FIRST ANNUAL SHOWCASE   

SAVE THE DATE

 

Cape Cod Family Services First Annual Showcase scheduled for November 18, 2016 from 4-6:00 PM.  A free opportunity to meet other Cape Cod Providers servicing families and children, share services available to Cape Cod families, explore possible opportunities for collaboration, and discuss the intricacies of serving families on Cape Cod.

 

Call the Cape Cod Family Resource Center at 508/862-0600 for more information.  View flyer.

DANCE IN THE RAIN

ANNUAL COFFEE HOUSE FUNDRAISING EVENT

Dance in the Rain Whole Person Approach Peer to Peer Services presents it's 2nd Annual Coffee House Fundraising Event "Underground Asylum" on Thursday, November 19, 5:30 - 9:00 PM at the Doubletree Inn - Vine Room, Route 28 in Hyannis.

 

An evening of challenging stigma through community engagement.  This important community event will raise the awareness of life with mental health challenges and how it affects the community as a whole.  Mental health weaves a web of destruction destroying individuals, tearing families apart and challenging the community as a whole.  View flyer for more information.

CAPE COD TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE
Join Independence House, PFLAG, Promise Place School, The Orleans Council on Aging, The First Parish Brewster and the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod for the Cape Cod Transgender Day of Remembrance for those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice on Friday, November 20, 2015, 5:30-7:30 PM at the Harwich Community Center.  View flyer for more information.
NEWS FROM THE COALITION FOR CHILDREN

Play & Learn Groups: Free for families with children birth to school age.  December is drop-in month and register for winter groups.  For more information call 508/548-0151 x172.

 

Annual Dance with Toe Jam Puppet Band concert, Pie/Bake Sale, & StorywalkSaturday, November 21, Mullen-Hall School, Falmouth.  Doors open at 9:00 AM, concert at 9:30 AM, Storywalk begins at 10:30 AM.

 

Holiday Help:  Consider starting a family tradition by giving to the Falmouth Service Center for a community members in need.  On Sunday, November 22nd from noon to 4:00 PM you can drop off frozen turkeys and/or all the Thanksgiving fixings.  Questions call 508/548-2794.

 

Fundamentals of Effective Parenting: Free eight week workshop begins January 21 for parents with children ages 1-6.

 

For more great offerings from the Coalition for Children view the November/December newsletter .

A DAY OF GIVING
A Day of Giving on Saturday, November 28, 2015, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM at Blake & Co., 47 Main Street Orleans.  A percentage of all sales will be donated to the Homeless Prevention Council.  View flyer.
NEWS FROM INDEPENDENCE HOUSE

Homicide Victims Program:  A new program recently launched provides specialized counseling for survivors of homicide victims.

 

Holiday Giving Program:  Thanksgiving program provides a full Thanksgiving meal to clients in need.  December holiday giving program provides gifts for clients and their children who financially are unable to provide these items for their family. Please contact Independence House to make donation arrangements at 508/771-6507.

 

Alternative Gift Fairs:  An alternative gift fair (or gift market) is a unique shopping experience that provides opportunities to purchase donations as gifts from non-profit organizations.  Fairs will be held on November 14 & 15 at Unitarian Church of Barnstable and St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Falmouth.

 

Visit the Independence House website for more information.

TEDDY BEAR BREAKFAST 

Teddy Bear Breakfast will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2015, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Clancy's Restaurant, 8 Upper County Rd., Dennisport to support Independence House programs.  Breakfast includes a plus new teddy bear, a photo & visit with Santa and his elves, and a Belgian Waffle decorating station.  Adults are $20 and children $15.  Advance reservations required.  Reserve your spot online or by calling 508/771-6507 x221. View flyer.

 

Please consider the holiday giving season and bring a non-perishable food item for the Independence House Food Pantry.

ADOPT A FAMILY FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Would you like to adopt a Homeless Prevention Council child o family for the holidays?  This program continues to be a warm and wonderful success thanks to all the community support.  Your gift is up to you ... anything from clothing, toys, a bike, or one special gift.  If you would prefer, you can also send a donation and our "Special Moms" will do the shopping for you!

 

To join the Adopt-A-Family Program call Maureen Linehan at the Homeless Prevention Council at 508/255-9667 ext 13 or email Maureen@HPCcapecod.orgDeadline for dropping off gifts is December 7, 2015View flyer for more information.

NEWS FROM THE CAPE & ISLANDS WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD (WIB)

Two New Exciting Courses at Bridgewater State University Cape CodSocial Innovation Certificate Program  and Managing a Happy and Effective Volunteer Program.

 

Call for Gingerbread EntriesHeritage Museums & Gardens invites professional bakers, bakeries, restaurants and student culinary organizations to display gingerbread creations during the holiday celebration, Gardens Aglow.  This event occurs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 4:30 - 8:30 PM beginning November 27 and concluding December 27, 2015. View more detailsPrint application

CAPE COD FOUNDATION

FALMOUTH FUND GRANT

The deadline to apply for grants through the Falmouth Fund is Tuesday, December 15, 2015.  The technical assistance scheduled for November 3rd was cancelled but applicants are encouraged to contact Dara Bryan with questions about the grant process.

 

Recipients of the grants must be 501(c)(3) organizations and serve the residents of Falmouth.  Visit the Cape Cod Foundation website for grant guidelines and access to online applications.  Grant recipients will be notified within three months of the December 15th deadline.

CAPE & ISLANDS MATERNAL DEPRESSION TASK FORCE

Becoming a parent is a major change that affects every aspect of life.  It is normal to feel overwhelmed, uncertain, and sensitive as you learn about motherhood, especially in the first few weeks.  However, if the troubles with adjusting to your new role persist, getting information and help as soon as possible will make a big difference in your ability to cope.

 

Postpartum depression can happen to anyone regardless of work status, marital status, number of children, or mental health history.  Both men and women can experience postpartum depression.  View brochure for more information and resources list.

MASSACHUSETTS WORKING ON WELLNESS   

Health Resources in Action officially launched it's Working on Wellness program.  Working on Wellness is Massachusetts' newest initiative to support employers in implementing comprehensive, evidence-based worksite health initiatives.  The program specifically aims to reach businesses or organizations that are smaller, have low-wage workers, and do not have the internal capacity to implement a comprehensive wellness program.

 

Working on Wellness offers organizations support from experts, an online learning community that offers opportunities for collaboration, and financial resources to help launch a program.  Read more.....

UPDATES FROM THE WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD

The Cape and Islands Workforce Investment Board (WIB) provides a wide range of services to young people in the region, our "emerging workforce".  Anything that can assist an individual to maximize their understanding of themselves, their skills, talents and how they match up with existing jobs will help when it is time to pick a career. 

 

WIB runs a number of programs that provide the emerging workforce with information and hands on experience in the workplace such as:  School to Careers, ArtWorks, Leadership Academy, Residential Construction Career Day, Youthworks Program and more.  Click here for more information.

DHCD NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY
The Department of Housing and Community Development, in partnership with the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation,  is pleased to announce a funding competition for the Housing Preservation and Stabilization Trust Fund (HPSTF).  Attached is the Notice of Funding Availability for this important program.  Please refer any questions to DHCD's Division of Housing Development or to CEDAC. 
NEWS FROM THE MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH: 
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES, DATA & 
ARTICLES OF INTEREST
Links to Funding Opportunities
  

Links to Articles of Interest:

Doctor Yes: Vermont Improvises to Attract Physicians

Small Towns Face Rising Suicide Rates

Young Professionals need more resources in rural communities

 

Links to Data of Interest:

Rural Adolescents Are More Likely Than Their Urban Peers to Abuse Prescription Painkillers

Case Studies of 8 Federally Qualified Health Centers: Strategies to Integrate Oral Health with Primary Care

Perceived ease of access to alcohol, tobacco and other substances in rural and urban US students

Statement of Health Resources and Services Administration before the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee

New Medicare Part D Opioid Drug Mapping Tool Available

 

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 Family Support Groups 

Tuesday 6:00-7:30 PM
Gosnold Counseling Center
1185 Falmouth Road
Centerville

 

Wednesday 6:00-7:30 PM
Gus Canty Community Center
790 Main Street, Falmouth

 

Sunday 11:00-12:30 PM
Scituate Senior Center
27 Brook Street, Scituate
 

Monday, 6-7:30 PM
Harwich Police Dept.
183 Sisson Road, Harwich

 

Grief & Addiction Support Group

Wednesdays, 6-7:30 PM

Gosnold Counseling Center

1185 Falmouth Road, Centerville

 

Weekly Family Education Group

Sunday, 4-5:30 PM

Falmouth Hospital - Faxon Center

100 Ter Heun Drive, Falmouth, MA

 

Resiliency Training (REST)

Mindfulness-based counseling group for ages 25+ experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression.

Tuesdays 5:30 - 7:00 PM, November 3- December 22

Gosnold Counseling Center, 681 Falmouth Rd

Deer Crossing Plaza, Second Level, Mashpee, MA

 

For additional informtion call 844/558-4357 or 774/313-0662 or email Mary Fisher at mfisher@gosnold.org 

          CAPE COD HOARDING TASK FORCE   

Meetings of the Cape Cod Hoarding Task Force are held the second Thursday of every other month.  Upcoming dates are: October 8 & December 10 at the Dennis Police Department, 90 Bob Crowell Rd., South Dennis.  These meetings are geared towards professionals who work with individuals with hoarding disorder in any capacity.  For more information email ino@hoardingcapecod.org or visit the Cape Cod Hoarding Task Force website.

SAMARITAN SURVIVOR SUPPORT GROUPS

Over 800,000 people worldwide end their lives annually leaving family 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

HEALTHYCONNECTEDCAPECOD.ORG
 

Creating a Healthy Connected Community: HealthyConnectedCapeCod.org 

HealthyConnectedCapeCod.org is an easy-to-use online clearinghouse for health and human services resources on Cape Cod.  We have created a single point of entry to connect to an array of online tools .....without having to keep track of every website address!  By visiting one easy-to-remember website address, HealthyConnectedCapeCod.org, users can link to:

  • BCHumanServices.net - Our flagship website highlights community announcements, updates from our regional partners, and Department reports and publications
  • Behavioral Health Portal - Features mental health and substance abuse information, state and federal legislation, self-help guides, and a robust directory of services
  • Health and Wellness Portal - Provides an overview of health data about our region, including County health rankings, and model practices
  • Human Services e-Newsletter - Spotlights regional events and pertinent news for our community
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. 

MASS 2-1-1 RESOURCE LOCATOR
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.
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.