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IN THIS ISSUE
Department News
Newsletter Policies
News from SHINE
FREE Tax Preparation
Community Development Partnership Housing Rehabilitation Program
2016 Gerontology Intensive Workshop Series
Barnstable County HOME Consortium Annual Plan
Town of Barnstable CDBG Comment Period
Center for Corporate & Professional Education at 4 C's
Chronic Disease Self Management
Massachusetts Tax Amnesty Program
Tax Help offered by United Way & H&R Block
News from the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness
Ask the Advocate at CORD
"Think Before the Drink" Forum
National Pain Strategy Prescribing Guidelines
Education Program on Alzheimer's Disease or Related Dementia
News from the Cape Cod Family Resource Center
Public Hearing on the Needs of Elderly Residents and Caregivers
Parkinson Support Network of Cape Cod
News from the Barnstable Senior Center
Palliative Care Regional Forums
Homeless Prevention Council Talbots fundraiser
Housing Vouchers for Chronically Homeless
16th Annual Cape Cod Canal Clean Up
Yarmouth Addresses Growing Caregiver Needs
Working on Wellness Funding Opportunity
Alzheimer's Family Support Center of Cape Cod
Life Cape Cod Seeks House Supervisor
C&I Partnership for Nonprofit Advancement 2015 Survey
25th Annual "A Night at the Chef's Table"
E-Newsletter Article Submissions
ISSUE: 164

                 April 8, 2016



Welcome to the Barnstable County Department of Human Services' E-Newsletter. This bi-weekly 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 www.bchumanservices.net.
DEPARTMENT NEWS
Barnstable County Department of Human Services is pleased to announce the launch of a newly revised and updated local Public Health and Wellness Service Directory containing services providers and organizations serving the health and human services needs of Barnstable County.  The Public Health and Wellness site's comprehensive database provides search tools to access local resources on aging, disability, mental health, substance use, housing, and many more public health and wellness areas.
 
As the companion to the Department's Behavioral Health web platform, the Public Health and Wellness  site is a powerful web-based platform that converts analysis of all health data into customized community health indicators.  The tool is especially valuable for assessment and community health planning.  The site also provides data and information about community services, laws, and related news.
 
Key features of the website include: easy access to vital health information for individuals and families; local, state, and national health data; integrated sets of data, public health model practices and CDC Interventions with each health indicator; and the latest developments via the online learning centers, library, and advocacy tools.
NEW NEWSLETTER  POLICIES
 
Welcome to our New E-Newsletter format!

We have updated the E-Newsletter layout and process to better inform you and connect to our new website.

New Submission Deadline is every other Wednesday at 12 Noon. See website CALENDAR for exact dates.

- Content Policy Changes - We are prioritizing timely information on the ever-changing landscape of health and human services events and opportunities. Due to the increasing number of submissions to the newsletter, the Department reserves the right to limit the number of times a submission is published.

- Local Search Directory Links
are easily accessed in the first content box on the left.

 - Quick Links to Connect to our Current Programs are located in the second content box.

- "In This Issue" is the same format table of contents as previous E-Newsletters.

Click here for more news in our web postings...

NEWS FROM SHINE

Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone

Every day there are thousands of baby boomers turning 65 and now eligible for Medicare.  Those new to Medicare can make costly mistakes resulting in higher health care costs, gaps in coverage and possibly a lifetime late enrollment penalty. 

Read more.....

 

Help with prescription drug costs: Prescription Advantage is a state-run program which assists many elders with the costs of their medications.  Eligibility is based on income only and there is no asset limit.  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 you local Senior Center to make an appointment with a SHINE counselor or call the Cape & Islands Regional SHINE office at 508/375-6762.
FREE TAX PREPARATION
Community Action Committee of Cape Cod & the 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 the 2015 Tax Preparation Season at 508/771-1727.  View flyer for additional details. 
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM
The Community Development Partnership (CDP) has opportunities available to fund housing rehabilitation in the towns of Dennis, Harwich, Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro and Provincetown.  Funds up to $35,000 are available to eligible residents to pay for critical home repairs, like roofing and siding; electrical heating and plumbing work; structural repairs; lead paint abatement; energy efficiency upgrades such as windows and storm doors.  Read more..... 
Find out more about the program and to download an application on the CDP's website.
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. 
 
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 1st and June 8th  CEUs & CECs will be offered to nurses and social workers for workshops 1-10 only.  You can sign up for individual workshops or the full series.  For workshop topics, dates and fees Read more.....
 
In addition to the 10 Workshop Certificate Series, there are
two new Bonus Workshops this year in June:
Seniors, Alcohol and Prescription Drug Addiction, June 1 and Emotional Distress in Later Life, June 8

Early registration is encouraged.  For questions or to register contact [email protected] or Mary Conklin at 508/375-5010. 
 
To learn more about the Center for Corporate and Professional Education at Cape Cod Community College visit
 
Tuition fees have been reduced thanks to
sponsorship from the Barnstable County
Department of Human Services

BARNSTABLE COUNTY HOME CONSORTIUM

2016 ANNUAL PLAN

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD

The Barnstable County HOME Consortium is preparing its 2016 Annual Plan, and Citizen Participation Plan for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  These plans serve as the strategic and planning documents for the region's HOME program that is funded by HUD.  Pursuant to the requirements of the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, the Consortium will provide a thirty day comment period from March 21 - April 19, 2016 at 4:00 PM on the CP, Annual Plan and Citizen Participation Plan.

The Consortium expects to receive $392,396 in HOME funds for July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017.  Read more details in English, Spanish, and Portuguese and also locations to obtain a copy of the 2016 Annual Plan.

TOWN OF BARNSTABLE

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT  2016 ACTION PLAN & CITIZENS PARTICIPATION PLAN

PUBLIC COMMENTS

The Town of Barnstable is preparing the One Year Action Plan and Citizens Participation Plan for the CDBG program year of July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017.  The plan will be available for review on April 1, 2016 on the Town of Barnstable website and in the Growth Management office, 367 Main St., 3rd Floor, Hyannis. 

 

Comments on these documents may be submitted by May 3, 2016 in writing to: Kathleen Girouard, Growth Management Department, 367 Main St., 3rd Floor, Hyannis, MA  02601 or by email to [email protected] with CDBG comments in the subject line.  Read more in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

THE CENTER FOR CORPORATE AND PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION AT

CAPE COD COMMUNITY COLLEGE   

Social Media Manager Certificate, Tuesdays 4/20-5/11, 1-4 PM

Hyannis Center, 540 Main St., Hyannis, Cost $199.

Marketing that will make this Summer Season Hot, Monday & Wednesday, 4/25 & 4/17, 1-4 PM, Veterans Memorial Community Center, Provincetown.  Cost $75. 

Creative Marketing Ideas for Nonprofits: On-line and Off-line.  Thursdays 5/5 - 5/12/16.  Cost $79. 

Small Business Speaker Series, offered monthly, 8-10 AM.  Free seminars - online registration required.
CHRONIC DISEASE SELF MANAGEMENT
Healthy Living Cape Cod presents two workshops:
 
Chronic Disease Self Management: Tuesdays, April 5 - May 10 from 6-8:30 PM at Harbor Community Health Center, 735 Attucks Lane, Hyannis.  This workshop will be held in the Portuguese language.  View flyer in English or Portuguese for more information.
 
Chronic Disease Self-Management Leader Training: May 16 & 17 and May 23 & 24 from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM at Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, 68 Route 134, S. Dennis.  $150 registration fee - No charge if you will be leading workshops in Barnstable County.  View flyer  for more information.  View Leader Qualifications.  View CDSMP Leader Application FormView CDSME Leader Agreement Form.
MASSACHUSETTS TAX AMNESTY PROGRAM
Take Advantage of the Massachusetts Income Tax Amnesty Program between April 1 - May 31, 2016.  This opportunity is for those who have not filed, or have underreported on one or more returns, to get on track and pay no penalties through a tax amnesty program that is open to businesses and individuals.

More information may be found at www.mass.gov/TaxAmnesty.

TAX HELP OFFERED BY

THE UNITED WAY & H&R BLOCK

If you haven't done your taxes yet, don't sweat it!  Individuals or families that make less than $62,000 a year qualify to file taxes for free through myfreetaxes.com offered by the United Way and H&R Block.  The easy, step-by-step online software makes filing your taxes quick and painless.  Families or individuals that exceed the salary requirement can still file at myfreetaxes.com
for a small fee.  Click here to get started.
NEWS FROM THE U.S. INTERAGENCY COUNCIL ON HOMELESSNESS
New Resource for Reentry Professionals:  Connecting People Existing Incarceration with Homelessness Assistance:  Housing is a stabilizing force.  It provides a consistent base for people so they can focus on accessing the services they need to successfully reenter their communities and break the cycle of homelessness and incarceration.  This tip sheet provides practical suggestions for reentry professionals on helping people exiting the criminal justice system connect to housing and homelessness resources.

President's FY17 Budget Seeks Resources to End Chronic Homelessness and Help Families Achieve Self-Sufficiency:  Supportive housing is a proven solution for ending long-term homelessness among individuals with disabilities and complex health conditions.  Read the fact sheet to see how the President's budget would help create enough supportive housing opportunities to end chronic homelessness once and for all.

Also learn about how the President's budget would strengthen the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs in this new fact sheet from the Administration for Children and Families.
ASK THE ADVOCATE
HOSTED BY THE CAPE ORGANIZATION FOR RIGHTS OF THE DISABLED   
The Cape Organization for Rights of the Disabled (CORD) invites you to "Ask the Advocate". This event will feature two experienced educational advocates, Tina Qvarnstrom of Cape Cod Advocate and Toni Saunders, Executive Director of the Associated Advocacy Center - Visions for the Future.  They will share information and answer questions on special education on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at CORD's office at 106 Bassett Lane in Hyannis. Seating is limited so please RSVP and request reasonable accommodations by Thursday, April 7, 2016 by contacting Susan Powers at CORD at 508-775-8300 or 1-800-541-0282 (both numbers V/TTY) or [email protected].
 
Please note that this is a scent-free event and CORD requests that people refrain from wearing perfumes and other scented products.  This event is open to parents and guardians of children with disabilities; it is not for school personnel.

"THINK BEFORE THE DRINK"

SPONSORED BY THE YARMOUTH SUBSTANCE ABUSE COMMITTEE

The Yarmouth Substance Abuse Committee (YSAC), together with a grant from the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is holding a Town forum entitled "Think Before the Drink", consisting of exhibits and a panel discussion on the impact of underage drinking on our children, families and community.  The panel discussion will focus on the legal, medical and community issues of social hosting and the effects of alcohol use by anyone under the age of 21.  Read more... 

 

The Yarmouth Town Forum is being presented as a pilot program for the Substance Abuse Prevention Collaborative (SAPC) grant, and is supported by the Barnstable County Department of Human Services and the Barnstable County Regional Substance Abuse Council.

 

The Forum will be held Wednesday, April 13, 2016 from 6:30 - 8:00 PM at the Mattacheese Middle School, 400 Higgins Crowell Road, West Yarmouth.  Doors open at 6:00 PM for exhibitor viewing prior to the meeting.  The event is free and open to the public. 

THE NATIONAL PAIN STRATEGY AND THE NEW CDC OPIOID PRESCRIBING GUIDELINES: WHAT THEY MEAN TO YOU
Given the high prevalence of pain and associated disability caused by pain, the National Pain Strategy and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidelines for Managing Chronic Pain were recently released.  The National Pain Strategy is our country's first coordinated effort to develop a plan to address the care of people with pain. 

A session to learn more about what these new publications mean to health care providers and people with pain on Wednesday, April 13, 2016, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, 265 Lakeside Ave., Marlborough, MA.  Cost is $60.00 and includes materials and CEs.    For more information or to register, please contact Kathy DellaPenna at [email protected]. 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM - ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW   

Free Educational Program for Town & Community Employees
Alzheimer's Disease: What You Need to Know

Hope Dementia & Alzheimer's Services will host several FREE educational programs in 2016 for Cape Cod town and community employees.  This training program is designed to provide a basic understanding of how to work with individuals and families who have Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.  Community programs will be held on April 12 in Dennis, April 19 in Sandwich, May 10 in Hyannis, June 7 in Wellfleet and June 14 in Orleans. Read more and view times and locations.

Space is limited and priority attendance is given to nonprofit, police, fire, ambulance services and town employees on Cape Cod.  Registration is required.  Register online at www.HopeDementia.org or call 508/775-5656.

NEWS FROM THE CAPE COD

FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER

Read the Cape Cod Family Resource Center April Newsletter and view the Cape Cod Dads Update and the list of Parent Education and Support Opportunities on and near Cape Cod in April.  Activities and events include
  • Diversity Round-table on Thursday, April 14, 2-4 P.M.
  • Awareness Breakfast for the C&I Enough Abuse Campaign on April 15, 9-11 A.M.
and much more!!!!  Check out the links above.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE NEEDS OF ELDERLY RESIDENTS & CAREGIVERS
Notice of Public Hearing
 
The Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council of Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Inc. will hold a Public Hearing to receive public comment on the needs of elderly residents and their caregivers in Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket Counties. 
   
When:  Thursday, April 14, 2016 from 10:30 AM to 12 Noon
Where:  Dennis Police Department Community Room, 90 Bob Crowell Rd, South Dennis, MA 
 
The information received will help to plan for the distribution of Federal Older Americans Act funds for the Federal Fiscal Year 2017. If you are unable to attend and would like to comment, forward the  Public Hearing Comments form to Cheryl Gayle, Director of Community Services, Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Inc., 68 Route 134, South Dennis, MA 02660 or email [email protected] or call 1-800-244-4630, Ext. 103.
NEWS FROM THE PARKINSON SUPPORT NETWORK OF CAPE COD

The Parkinson Support Network of Cape Cod/APDA MA Branch will sponsor a continuing education program for nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professions. 

 

Topic:  Update on the Management of Parkinson's Disease

Date/Time: Thursday, April 14, 9 - 10:00 AM

Location:  Our Lady of Victory Church, 230 S. Main Street, Centerville

 

Read more....

NEWS FROM THE BARNSTABLE

SENIOR CENTER

Cape Cod D.A.R.T.: Cape Cod Disaster Animal Response Team will be collecting pet food for pets and their guardians in need of support.  Canned or dry cat/dog, rabbit, bird and reptile food can be dropped off at the Barnstable Senior Center, 825 Falmouth Rd., Hyannis.

 

LGBT Older Adults Dinner: Thursday, April 14th, 6 PM at the Barnstable Senior Center.  No Charge but pre-registration is required.  RSVP to Donna Burns at 508/865-4753 or [email protected].

 

Job Fair for 50+ Workers: Thursday, April 21, 12-3:00 PM at Career Opportunities, 375 North St., Hyannis.  For more information call the Senior Center at 508/862-4750 or Career Opportunities at 877/628-6977.

 

Brown Bag for Seniors Nutrition Program:  Are you 60+ and could use some help with your food budget.  If you get or will be getting fuel assistance or live in subsidized housing, or receive food stamps you are eligible.  Receive a free bag of groceries once a month.  If you have limited mobility home deliveries are available.  For questions contact Outreach at 508/862-4754.  Click here for application.

SPRING 2016 PALLIATIVE CARE

REGIONAL FORUMS

Palliative Care in the Context of Comprehensive Cancer Care, Access and Health Equity.  Planned and hosted by Masssachusetts Comprehensive Cancer Prevention and Control Network.  Forums will be held between April 15 and June 16 in Central Mass, Cape Cod, Berkshire Region and Western Massachusetts.  CEUs will be offered for nurses and social workers. 

View flyer for locations, times, registration and more information.

HARWICH TALBOTS FUNDRAISING EVENT

FOR THE HOMELESS PREVENTION COUNCIL

Talbots in Harwich Commons, 115 Route 137 will host a fundraising event on Friday, April 15, 4-6:00 PM to benefit the Homeless Prevention Council.  10% of pre-tax sales will be donated to the Council in Orleans.  See attached flyer.

 

Join Talbots and the Homeless Prevention Council for an evening of shopping for modern classic spring styles and refreshments.  RSVP and for more information to Liz Smith at 508/255-9667.

HOUSING VOUCHERS FOR CHRONICALLY HOMELESS
There are 10 Massachusetts Rental Vouchers (MRVPs) vouchers available for chronically homeless individuals in any Cape & Islands Continuum of Care community.  Coordinated Entry Applications are being used to establish eligibility and are available by calling Georganna Reed at 508/771-5400 ext. 227 or emailing [email protected]Deadline for receipt of lottery applications for the MRVPs is April 19, 2016.

Here's everything you need to help your homeless clients apply for an MRVP voucher:
16th ANNUAL CAPE COD CANAL CLEAN-UP
Barnstable County AmeriCorps Cape Cod and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are getting ready for our 16th Annual Cape Cod Canal Clean-Up! The event will take place on Saturday, April 23rd, 2016 from 10am-2pm at the Cape Cod Canal in Buzzards Bay.
 
At this event, volunteers will be completing a few different projects including: picking up trash along the Canal, building pollinator boxes, and expanding the existing butterfly garden at the Buzzards Bay Recreation Area. There will also be live music, educational booths, and other activities for participants to enjoy, as well as free pizza and snacks!  View flyer.
 
If you are interested in volunteering at this event, please let us know and we will be sure to update you as our plans progress.
 
We hope you will be able to join us this year at our 16th Cape Cod Canal Clean-Up! We look forward to serving with you!
YARMOUTH TO ADDRESS COMMUNITY'S GROWING CAREGIVING NEEDS & SOLUTIONS
Yarmouth to address community's growing caregiving needs and solutions at a Panel Discussion event on Thursday, April 28, 4-6:00 PM at the Yarmouth Senior Center, 528 Forest Rd., West Yarmouth.  Event is part of "Caring Across America" book tour for Ai-jen Poo's book, The Age of DignityRead more....
WORKING ON WELLNESS
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
Massachusetts Working on Wellness 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.
 
At this time, DPH is actively promoting the program and recruiting businesses.  The application deadline is May 3, 2016.  Additional informational webinars have also be set up.  Interested employers can view webinar dates and register at
 

You can learn more about Working on Wellness by visiting

www.maWOW.org.  Contact Shioban Torres with questions at [email protected] or 617/624-6065
ALZHEIMER'S FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER
OF CAPE COD
Remembery Walk - David Birtwell Memorial, Saturday, May 7, 11:00 AM, Brooks Park, Harwich Center.  Walk in support of free services for families living with Alzheimer's Disease and other dementia-related illnesses.  Register and more information.

Presented in partnership with the Friends of Harwich Council on Aging.
LIFE CAPE COD SEEKS HOUSE SUPERVISOR
Life Cape Cod, Inc., an innovative non-profit serving adults with disabilities seeks a House Supervisor to run an extended care program for two adults in Hyannis.  This position will coordinate and oversee all managerial responsibilities within the Home, supervise all staff and design and implement a program that exceeds the needs of the 2 residents that live there.

Full time, flexible hours & benefits. Read more...
C&I PARTNERSHIP FOR NONPROFIT ADVANCEMENT 2015 SURVEY

The Cape and Islands Partnership for Nonprofit Advancement is a regional collaborative whose mission is to leverage resources to effectively coordinate and expand training and educational opportunities for nonprofits on Cape Cod and the Islands to support the health and vitality of the nonprofit sector.

 

They conducted the survey in the Fall of 2015 and will inform current and future programming.  Learn more about the survey and its results.

25th ANNUAL "A NIGHT AT THE CHEF'S TABLE"
Save the Date ~

For 25 years people at restaurants all across Cape Cod have sat down together to a specially prepared meal to help support the work of the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod and to remember the many friends and family we have lost to AIDS.

Save the date to get your seat at the table on June 2, 2016.  For more information contact Barry Cook at 508/487-9445 or [email protected].
E-NEWSLETTER ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS
To submit articles, include the following information and email to [email protected]
  • Descriptive Title
  • Brief Content Description (who, what, why, when, where) 
  • Attachments must be submitted in PDF and text format to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. (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)

 

Submission deadline is every other Wednesday
at 12:00 P.M.  See Calendar for dates.


Posting of articles submitted for publication in the Barnstable County Department of Human Services E-Newsletter is at the discretion of the Department.  To request this newsletter in alternate formats, please call Kathie at 508-375-6628 or TDD at 508-362-5885.