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Department News
Access to Health Insurance Still Available
Duffy Health Center recipient of 5% Tuesdays from Whole Foods
Cape Cod Healthcare Human Service Provider Forums
Barnstable County Human Rights Commission
A Second Chance - Support program for suicide attempt survivors
Rotary Club of Hyannis Human Service Projects RFP
Substance Abuse and Mental Health in the Workplace
Working on Wellness Funding Opportunity
2016 Gerontology Intensive Workshop Series
News from NAMI Cape Cod & Islands
Annual Arts Foundation Winter Art Exhibit
AmeriCorps Cape Cod needs your Recycled Materials
Public Hearing on Women's issues
RFP - Town of Provincetown: access to mental health & substance abuse services
News from the Eastham Council on Aging
Winter Classes at Bridgewater State University Cape Cod
News from the Coalition for Children
News from the Cape Cod Family Resource Center
MassTAPP December Newsletter
Gently used Mac computers for sale by CIGSYA
Intensive Mediation Skills Training
Game Change - Patriots Anti-Violence Partnership
News from the MA Department of Public Health
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: 156

December 30, 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   
 
    new-year-header.jpg
 
Wishing all our readers a Happy and Healthy New Year in 2016
 
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.

  

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.)

DUFFY HEALTH CENTER AND WHOLE FOODS HYANNIS COLLABORATE TO GIVE BACK
Whole Foods Hyannis has generously chosen Duffy Health Center as the recipient of the first 5% Tuesday of the New Year.  On Tuesday, January 5, 2016, Whole Foods will donate 5% of its net sales on that day to Duffy's "In From the Streets" program.  This program offers temporary motel subsidies and multi-agency case management to persons experiencing homelessness.  In From the Streets is open to clients from across Cape Cod and is supported by local towns and other human services agencies.  Read more............
CAPE COD HEALTHCARE FORUMS FOR HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
Cape Cod Hospital and Falmouth Hospital will hold two forums in January for health and human service organizations to provide input and feedback on the health needs of the residents they serve in Barnstable County.
 
Every three years, the hospitals conduct a community health needs assessment for Barnstable County. To ensure that accurate health needs are identified and prioritized, it is critical to have input from the general public, public health experts and health and human service organizations that serve vulnerable populations in our community.
 
Please attend one of the following forums, your input is vital:
 
Falmouth: January 6th from 9 am - 10:30 am at Falmouth Hospital, Faxon I & II Conference Rooms, 100 Ter Heun Drive, Falmouth. Please click here to RSVP for the Falmouth Forum.
 
Hyannis: January 11th from 3 pm - 4:30 pm atCape Cod Hospital, Lorusso Board Room, 27 Park Street, Hyannis. Please click here to RSVP for the Hyannis Forum.
 
For more information, please click here or call 508-862-7896.
NEWS FROM THE BARNSTABLE COUNTY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

On December 16, 2015 the Barnstable County Commissioners appointed the following four new Commissioners to the Human Rights Commission for terms beginning January 1, 2016:  James McGuinness of Yarmouthport, Barbara Burgo of Brewster, Judith Blau of Wellfleet and Patricia Oshman of North Falmouth.

 

The next meeting of the Human Rights Commission is scheduled for January 4, 2016 in the Harborview Conference Room on the County Complex, 3195 Main St. in Barnstable Village.  Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month and are open to the public.

A SECOND CHANCE ~ SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR SUICIDE ATTEMPT SURVIVORS

Because of the stigma associated with suicide, attempt survivors often find it difficult to reach out.  Talking with others who have similar experiences can be an important part of healing after a suicide attempt.  A Second Chance offers a safe, non-judgemental place for people to talk and build resilience by identifying resources and coping strategies for the future.

The Samaritans on Cape Cod will offer their next eight week session beginning in January 2016.  Sessions are free of charge.  Participants must be at least 18 years of age. 
Read more.....
For more information please contact Stefanie Kelly at 508/548-7999 or [email protected]
ROTARY CLUB OF HYANNIS ISSUES RFP FOR BASIC HUMAN NEEDS SERVICE PROJECTS

The rotary Club of Hyannis Good Works Foundation through the Human Development Committee is accepting proposals from non-profit organizations for service projects that focus on basic human needs and welfare in the town of Barnstable.  This focus includes but is not limited to Food, Shelter, Safety, Medical and Education.

 

The Committee is looking for innovative programs (no capital funds will be considered) within the Town of Barnstable that could be replicated to other areas of the Cape if the program is successful.  Read more details and criteria specifications.

 

The deadline for receipt of proposals is Friday, January 8, 2016.  Proposals should be sent to the attention of Jay Goodwin, Chair of the Human Development Committee, P.O. Box 977, Hyannis, MA  02601.  For questions contact Jay Goodwin at [email protected].

SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE
The Center for Corporate and Professional Education at Cape Cod Community College presents Substance Abuse and Mental Health in the Workplace: Awareness, Prevention and Intervention Solutions for the Employer, January 12 - January 26, 2016, 8:30 - 11:30 AM (3 sessions).  Workshop location is Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce, 134 Court Street, Plymouth.  Cost is $139.00  per person.  Special Registration Offer available for a limited time:  Employers registering two employees for this program at full cost can register a third employee at no charge.  Read more.....

WORKING ON WELLNESS

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

Employers Take Note!  Massachusetts Working on Wellness (WoW) Funding Opportunity

 

There is a new opportunity for Massachusetts businesses to engage in worksite wellness funded by Chapter 224, Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund dollars.

 

Massachusetts Working on Wellness (WoW) supports employers in implementing comprehensive evidence-based worksite health initiatives.  The program provides employers with expert training, technical assistance, an on-line learning community, and seed funding to help offset the cost of starting a wellness program.  This is an excellent opportunity for employers to invest in the health of their employees and community.

 

Keep in mind, "employer" in this context is not limited to a for-profit business; non-profits and government entities are eligible to participate too.

 

At this time, DPH is actively promoting the program and recruiting businesses for the April 2016 cohort.  The application deadline is March 4, 2016.  Additional informational webinars have also be set up.  Interested employers can view webinar dates and register at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/7383053825821541890

 

You can learn more about Working on Wellness by visiting www.maWOW.org.  Contact Shioban Torres at [email protected] or 617/624-6065 with questions. 

2016 GERONTOLOGY INTENSIVE

WORKSHOP SERIES

If you are a professional currently working with older adults or exploring gerontology as a career choice, this certificate series is for you.  Attached is a listing of workshops in the 2016 Gerontology Intensive Workshop Series which will start in March.  In addition to the 10 Workshop Certificate Series, there are two new workshops this year in June: Seniors, Alcohol and Prescription Drug Addiction and Emotional Distress in Later Life.

 

The certificate series will run from March 23 - May 25, 2016 from 5-7 PM at the Cape Cod Community College Hyannis Center, 540 Main Street.  CEUs will be offered, 2.5 per workshop or 25 CEUs if all 10 workshops are attended.  Read more.....

 

Early registration is encouraged as the 2015 program was over-enrolled.  For questions or to register contact [email protected] or call Mary Conklin at 508/375-5010.

NEWS FROM NAMI CAPE COD & the ISLANDS

NAMI Cape Cod & the Islands will host the next in their Challenging Child Protective Initiative: Helping Our Challenging Children.  This free workshop will be held at the Hampton Inn & Suites, Route 28, West Yarmouth on Saturday, January 9, 2016 from 10 AM to 2 PM.  A light lunch will be served.  Registration is required.  Call NAMI CC&I at 508/778-4277 or email [email protected] for questions or to register.

 

NAMI CC&I is organizing discussions and support groups focused on the book The Explosive Child by Dr. Ross W. Greene.  These groups will help you better deal with your challenging child.  Call or email the NAMI office if you would like to participate at 508/778-4277 or [email protected].

9TH ANNUAL WINTER ART EXHIBIT
The Arts Foundation of Cape Cod will host its 9th Annual Member Winter Art Exhibit at the Cotuit Center for the Arts.  The 2016 juried exhibit is titled Balancing Act, and will feature 48 local artist's interpretations of the theme. The exhibit will be open to the public starting January 10 and will run through February 14, 2016.

Throughout the five-week exhibit many local schools and youth organizations will be hosted by a trained docent.  If you would like to bring your group for a visit please contact the Arts Foundation at [email protected] or by calling 508/362-0066.  Read more.......
AMERICORPS CAPE COD NEEDS YOUR RECYCLED MATERIALS

For the Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, AmeriCorps Cape Cod is collecting recycled materials in order to make recycled crafts and art projects at the Hyannis Youth and Community Center.

 

Items requested:  Plastic grocery bags, tin soup or vegetable cans, plastic bottles, old T-shirts.  Items can be dropped off at the Barnstable County Resource and Development office in the Barnstable County Complex, 3195 Main St., Barnstable Village by January 13, 2016View flyer.

 

For questions please contact Olivia Martin at 508/375-6870 or [email protected]

PUBLIC HEARING ON WOMEN'S ISSUES
The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women is holding a Regional Public Hearing on Women's Issues on Tuesday, January 26, 2016, 4:30 - 6:30 PM at the South Yarmouth Library, Leonard Room, 312 Old Main Street, Yarmouth, MA

Citizens government officials and organizations that advocate for women and families in the region are invited to attend and encouraged to participate.  Discussion about issues that are important to you, your children, your family, your community and the greater Yarmouth area.

Oral and written testimony will be accepted.  Open to the Public.  For more information or to RSVP please contact Kelly Lynch at [email protected] or 617/626-6520..

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

TOWN OF PROVINCETOWN   

The Town of Provincetown invites proposals from qualified applicants to provide increased access to mental health and substance abuse services for unserved Provincetown residents in order to improve public health and safety. Read more.....

Grant proposals are due in hard copy form by Monday, February 1, 2016 at 4:00 PM to:  Town Manager/Chief Procurement Officer, Town of Provincetown, 260 Commercial Street, Provincetown MA  02657.  Copies of the full Request for Proposals/Applications may be obtained from the Town of Provincetown's website.  Questions regarding this RFP may be submitted by email only, no later than 4:00 PM on Monday, January 18, 2016 to Executive Assistance Elisabeth Verde at [email protected].
NEWS FROM THE EASTHAM COUNCIL ON AGING
Windmill Whisperings, the Newsletter for the Eastham Council on Aging, contains lots of great information on activities scheduled for January and February 2016.  Activities include such things as: Help with tax preparation, Alzheimer's Family Support Choir, Elder Law attorney assistance, assistance with snow plowing, fuel assistance application help, medical transportation assistance and much more.  View the January-February newsletter issue.
WINTER CLASS OFFERINGS AT BRIDGEWATER STATE UNIVERSITY

A new semester is fast approaching.  Bridgewater State University Cape Cod offers undergraduate courses such as Special Education, Strategic Communication, Early Childhood & Secondary Education as well as English and Business Leadership Certificate/Management.

 

Graduate courses include Master of Arts in Teaching, English, Educational Leadership, Certified Public Manager/Public Administration, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and more.

 

To learn more and to register visit www.bridgew.edu/capecod.

THE COALITION FOR CHILDREN

JANUARY/FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

The Coalition for Children is Falmouth's Coordinated Family and Community Engagement grant, a state funded parent education and support program, addressing the needs of families with children birth to age eight.  All programming is free.  Offerings include Play & Learn Groups, parenting classes, workshops, developmental screenings, kindergarten transition information and activities, community events and so much more.

 

While programs are offered only in Falmouth, anyone from any town can participate in any of the groups and workshops.  New groups begin the week of January 3rd.  View January-February Newsletter for details or visit www.thecoalitionforchildren.org

NEWS FROM THE CAPE COD FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER
Cape Cod Family Resource Center January newsletter is attached.  January offerings include: parenting classes, American sign language class, craft class for kids and more.  All classes are free of charge. 
MassTAPP DECEMBER NEWSLETTER

MassTAPP - Technical Assistance Partnership for Prevention newsletter highlights local prevention work, provides quick links to the latest prevention information, funding, and events.

 

The December issue highlights a New Communications Toolkit, information on the State without StigMA campaign, social marketing materials and resources and more.  View newsletter.

NEWS FROM THRIVE AT CIGSYA
Looking for some excellent Mac computers?  IMacs, 21", 2.7 Ghz, 8 GB.  One year warranty AppleCare, on almost new condition are being offered by Thrive at CIGSYA ~ the LGBTQA Center of Cape Cod.  Cost is $850 each compared to new at a cost of about $1,450 with shipping and AppleCare.

Call or text Scott at 508/524-7888.

INTENSIVE MEDIATION SKILLS TRAINING

Cape Mediation's 2016

Intensive Mediation Skills Training

 

April 25, 26, May 2 & 3

or

October 24, 25, 31 & November 1

 

Cost: $550 ($495 if payment received 30 days before training begins).  A limited number of partial scholarships available.

 

Contact Cape Mediation today to reserve your place at [email protected] or 205/240-1717.

INDEPENDENCE HOUSE IS AWARDED GRANT FOR "GAMECHANGE" PARTNERSHIP WITH NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
A formal announcement was made by Attorney General Maura Healy's office just days before Christmas that Independence House, Inc. based in Hyannis, MA has been named as one of six domestic violence and sexual assault prevention organizations to receive part of over $250,000 in grant funding to partner with, and provide support to schools participating in "Game Change: The Patriots Anti-Violence Partnership".  Robert Kraft indicated that he and the New England Patriots are committed to supporting both prevention and access to resources for domestic and sexual assault survivors and are proud to partner with organizations in that work.  Read more...

NEWS FROM THE MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Drug Free Communities Support Program

 

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Pioneer Portfolio Unsolicited Proposals

 

National School Lunch After School Snack Program

 

Developing Healthy Places

 

Christopher D. Smithers Foundation Grants

 

Mary Byron Foundation: Celebrating Solutions Awards

 

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 [email protected] 

          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 [email protected] 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 [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.