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In This Issue
Access to Health Insurance Still Available
News from SHINE
MassHealth 2016 Hyannis Enrollment
Free Tax Preparation
Additional Fuel Assistance available to Dennis Residents
Affordable Housing in Yarmouth
Commonwealth Corps Program
News from Cape Cod Center for Women
Working on Wellness Funding Opportunity
2016 Gerontology Intensive Workshop Series
HopeHealth presents:
Affordable Home in Barnstable
Regional Job Networking Group for People 50+
C&I Workforce Investment Board
News from the Cape Cod Family Resource Center
News from Independence House
News from the Barnstable Senior Center
News from the Mashpee Senior Center
Community Health Center Receives $25,000 grant
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: 159

January 26, 2016


 
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
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.)

NEWS FROM SHINE

Can I change my Medicare Plan after Open Enrollment?

 

Even though Medicare's Annual Open Enrollment ended on 12/7/15 (that's the period in which you can change your Medicare Part D Drug Plan or Medicare Advantage Plan Part C) you may still have some options.  Read more.....

 

State certified SHINE counselors are trained regarding the enrollment rules that may apply to your personal situation and your personal coverage choices.  Call your local Senior Center to make an appointment with a SHINE counselor or call the Cape & Islands Regional SHINE office at 508/375-6762.

MASSHEALTH 2016 HYANNIS ENROLLMENT
MassHealth and the Health Connector is holding a free special enrollment event on February 4, 2016, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Harbor Community Health Center, 735 Attucks Lane, Hyannis. For more information, visit mass.gov/masshealth.  Snow date is February 11.  View flyer.
FREE TAX PREPARATION
Community Action Committee of Cape Cod & Islands is offering FREE Federal and MA State tax preparation to eligible individuals at CACCI, 372 North St., Hyannis.  Call to schedule an appointment for 2015 Tax Prep Season at 508/771-1727.  View flyer for additional details.
ADDITIONAL FUEL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO ELIGIBLE DENNIS RESIDENTS
If you have been approved for fuel assistance and live in the Town of Dennis, you may qualify for extra help for heat utilities up to $300.00, or a tank of oil for consumers of all ages from the Town of Dennis.  Read eligibility requirements.
 
If you have not applied for the State/Federal Fuel Assistance through South Shore Community Action in Plymouth and you feel you need fuel assistance, please call Marion Prendergast at 508/694-2004 to schedule an appointment.

READY TO BUY APPLICATION

AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN YARMOUTH

There are currently three Affordable Homes (one, two & three bedrooms) for Sale in Yarmouth.  Income limits apply.  Equal Housing Opportunity.  Use the Housing Assistance Corporation Read to Buy Application, and instructions, to be added to the wait list.  Call 508/771-5400 ext 285 for more information. 
NEWS FROM THE MASSACHUSETTS SERVICE ALLIANCE AND BARNSTABLE COUNTY
Need Assistance Building Capacity at your Organization?  Consider applying for a Commonwealth Corps Member.  Barnstable County Resource Development Office, in partnership with the Massachusetts Service Alliance invites organizations on Cape Cod to submit an application to host Commonwealth Corps members for 2016-17Read more...  Request for Proposal is available - click hereTwo general information webinars are scheduled for January 26th (register here) and January 28th (register here). 

2016-17 Commonwealth Corps Webinar on Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment, February 4, 2016, 11:00 AMRead more and register.  Please register in advance.

2016-17 Commonwealth Corps RFP Webinar on Addressing Chronic/Long Term Unemployment, February 3, 2016, 1:00 PM Read more and register.  Please register in advance.

NEWS FROM THE CAPE COD

CENTER FOR WOMEN

Falmouth Artists Guild at the Falmouth Art Center: Thanks to the generous donation of space and supplies by the Falmouth Arts Center, shelter clients will have the opportunity to explore various art activities and art classes as no charge.

Shelter from the Storm - New Beginnings Capital Campaign:  The Center will be purchasing a larger shelter to enable the Center to double capacity and service additional families.  Donations will make a tremendous impact on the lives of individuals and families affected by domestic violence.

Shop for a Cause: January 30, 2016, 10 AM - 5 PM at the Plum Porch, 181 Rt. 149 Marstons Mills.  20% of purchases will be donated to the Cape Cod Center for Women.

Save the DateAnnual Jeans & Jewels Jubilee: March 19, 2016 at the Sea Crest Beach Hotel in North Falmouth.

WORKING ON WELLNESS

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

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

 

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 Bonus Workshops this year in June: Seniors, Alcohol and Prescription Drug Addiction on June 1 and Emotional Distress in Later Life on June 8

The 10 Workshop 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 and Bonus Workshops will be on June 1 and June 8.  CEUs & CECs will be offered to nurses and social workers for workshops 1-10 only.  For workshop topics, dates and fees 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. 
 
To learn more about the Center for Corporate and Professional Education at Cape Cod Community College visit www.capecod.edu/CCPE
 
The Barnstable County Department of Human Services
is a 2016 sponsor of the Gerontology Intensive Workshop Series.


HOPE HEALTH PRESENTS:

Independence at Home: How, What, When & why.

Explore the meaning and importance of independence at home.  Identify useful resources, tips and services that can be helpful in making independence at home an achievable goal, as well as knowing when it may no longer be a sustainable one.

Register for a one-hour workshop for seniors, caregivers and family members on either Thursday, February 11, 11:00 AM at the Plymouth Council on Aging or Friday, February 12, 10:30 AM at the Eastham Senior Center.  For more information about HopeHealth's services, please visit www.HopeHealthCo.org or email [email protected] 

 

End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium

Participants will receive a comprehensive overview of the principles involved in achieving quality end-of-life outcomes for patients and their families experiencing the impact of serious illness.  The meeting will be held at the Autumn Glen at Dartmouth, 239 Cross Rd, North Dartmouth on Thursday, February 25, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PMRegister online or by mail (pdf).  Registration deadline: February 19, 2016.  Learn more by calling 508/957-0200, email [email protected] or visit www.HopeHealthCo.org/ELNEC

Save the Date
Massachusetts Pain Initiative Spring 2016 Conference Wednesday, April 13, 2016, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM at the Holiday Inn, Marlborough, MA.  For additional information email Kathy at [email protected]
4-BEDROOM, SINGLE FAMILY AFFORDABLE HOME AVAILABLE IN BARNSTABLE
The Barnstable Housing Authority has been operating low income subsidized housing since 1948 and currently administers approximately 1052 units of housing.

Family Low-Income Housing
The BHA currently provides 52 units of housing under Chapter 705, the Family Low-Income Housing Program.  Our stock consists of 2, 3, and 4 bedroom homes scattered throughout the Town of Barnstable.
 
This program is designed to assist local housing authorities with developing family units on scattered sites throughout the town. The funds are allocated for new construction, adaptive reuse, and for purchase of units.  The Barnstable Housing Authority currently has a 4 bedroom single family home available in their 705 program to eligible families.  Applications are available at www.barnstablehousing.org.
REGIONAL JOB NETWORKING GROUP FOR PEOPLE 50 YEARS AND OLDER
If you are unemployed and actively looking for work, underemployed and looking for a new career direction, or recently retired, not ready to stop working and looking for your "Encore Career", this program is for YOU!
 
Participating in this networking program on a regular basis will give you the many tools and strategies you will need for your job search. The program is open to any person who is 50+ and resides in MA. The group leader is Bill Lippincott, principal of Lippincott Consulting, specializing in private professional outplacement and general management consulting. Bill has a 30 year background as a hiring manager for large organizations and incorporates this knowledge in helping job seekers to acquire the skills and strategies necessary for an effective job search in today's dynamic hiring environment.
 
Meetings will be held at the Barnstable Senior Center, 825 Falmouth Rd., Hyannis every 1st and 3rd Tuesday from 9 AM - noon starting on February 2nd. For more information call Donna Burns @ (508) 862-4753.

CAPE & ISLANDS WORKFORCE

INVESTMENT BOARD

Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for the Office Worker:  Desktop and MS office focused to help you be more efficient on your computer.  Students of all skill levels will benefit from this workshop.  Choice of: Tuesday, February 23, 6-8 PM or Thursday, February 25, 11 AM - 1 PM.  

 

Faster and Safer Computing: Desktop skills to help students move around the desktop easily and efficiently, file system management and various desktop tips.  Choice of: Tuesday, March 1, 6-8 PM or Thursday, March 3, 11 AM - 1 PM.

 

Both Workshops will be held at the Cape Cod Media Center, 17 Shad Hole Rd., Dennisport.  Fee: $39 per person, $29 for members of the Cape Cod Media Center.  Pre-registration required - email [email protected]

 

View online version  of the C&I WIB weekly updates.

NEWS FROM THE CAPE COD FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER
February Happenings include: Parenting Classes, American Sign Language Class, Kids Crafts, Housing workshops and more.  All classes are FREE.  See attached calendar.

Housing Assistance Workshop at the CC Family Resource Center, February 25th, 1-3 PM: Join the Housing Assistance Corporation and learn about various programs offered through HAC to help families and providers learn about housing opportunities, homelessness prevention, education and counseling seminars.  Registration is required - call Cynthia at 508/815-5143 or [email protected].
NEWS FROM INDEPENDENCE HOUSE
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

Cape-wide Art Contest "We Are the Change": This event will bring high school students together to provoke critical thinking about healthy relationships, acceptance, equality, respect and anti-violence on February 24, 2016, 5:30 PM at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, 287 Iyannough Rd., Hyannis.  View flyer for more information.

Teen Counselor-Live Messenger Chat: Monday-Thursday, 7-9 PM.  Confidential assistance available for teenagers who have questions about or need assistance with abuse relationships.  Visit www.independencehouseteens.org and click on "Chat Now".  Teens can now also text for confidential assistance to our Teen Counselors at 508/375-5144.

One Billion Rising Event to be held in Yarmouth on February 12 at 1:00 PM at the Yarmouth Senior Center.  One Billion Rising is an action campaign aimed at women and girls to rise up and dance in an effort of awareness to end violence against women worldwide.

Read the January 2016 Newsletter  with more great information and event info.

NEWS FROM THE BARNSTABLE

SENIOR CENTER

Find Tax Forms and Help on Line: February 9, 1:30-2:30 PM.  Get help navigating the web to find the support and forms you need to do your taxes.  RSVP to 508/862-4750.  FREE

AARP Tax-Aide Income Tax Preparation Program: Call the Senior Center at 508/862-4750 to make an appointment for income tax preparation assistance at the Barnstable Senior Center.  After making an appointment stop by the Senior Center to pick up the Income Tax Questionnaire and bring the completed questionnaire with you to your appointment. Read more....
NEWS FROM THE MASHPEE SENIOR CENTER

Winter Preparedness: View the Winter Preparedness Check List.   The Regional Emergency Planning Committee website  has much valuable information on preparing yourself and your pets for an emergency as well as information about sheltering im place and local shelters.

 

When a storm is threatening, you can also find out the latest status of shelters, transportation, and other local emergency information by listening to WQRC radio (99.9) or calling the Senior Center at 508/539-1440.  For emergency transportation call the CCRTA at 800/352-7155.

 

Note:  When the Mashpee schools are closed, all Mashpee Senior Center activities and programs, including the van, are cancelled.  However, the Senior Center will remain open and staff will report unless the Town Hall is closed.

 

AARP Tax-Aide Income Tax Preparation Program:  Call the Mashpee Senior Center at 508/539-1440 for appointments beginning Friday, February 5, 2016 through April 11, 2016.  Appointments will be available on Mondays & Fridays, 9:30 AM - 12 Noon.  Please visit the Senior Center to pick up the Income Tax Questionnaire and bring the completed questionnaire to your appointment.  Read more.....

 

View the February Newsletter  for more information on activities at the Mashpee Senior Center.

COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER OF CAPE COD RECEIVES GRANT FROM THE WALMART FOUNDATION
Community Health Center of Cape Cod received a $25,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation through the Walmart State Giving Program.  The funds received will support the Health Center's Increased Access for Adolescent and Young Adult Behavioral Health Program.  This program integrates behavioral health screening services with primary care for Health Center patients ages 10-26. Read more.......

NEWS FROM THE MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Funding Opportunities:

Links to Articles of interest:

 

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 last Thursday of every other month.  2016 meeting dates are2/25, 4/28, 6/30, 8/25, 10/27 and 12/29 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 about meetings or for assistance and resources 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
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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.