spotlight

International Day for Tolerance — November 16



Each year on November 16, communities around the world observe the International Day for Tolerance. The UN General Assembly established the day in 1996, honoring the anniversary of UNESCO's Declaration of Principles on Tolerance, adopted on November 16, 1995.

The Declaration describes tolerance not as indifference or simply “putting up with” others, but as respect for and appreciation of the many cultures, forms of expression, and ways of being human that make up our world. As former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted, people today are more connected than ever, but connection does not automatically bring understanding. Tolerance is active, not passive — something that must be taught, nurtured, and supported through education, inclusion, and opportunity, and that strengthens communities built on dialogue and mutual respect.

Get Involved Locally: Help Promote Equality and Human Rights on Cape Cod

The Barnstable County Human Rights Advisory Commission (BCHRAC) is seeking applicants to fill two Commissioner vacancies and two Alternate Commissioner vacancies for three-year terms beginning in January 2027. The BCHRAC promotes equality and human rights throughout Barnstable County. 

The BCHRAC consists of nine members and two alternate members, as well as liaisons from towns and tribes in the County. Members and Alternates are appointed by the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners. Liaisons are appointed by their Town/Tribe. The BCHRAC is currently seeking applicants for two Commissioner vacancies and two Alternate Commissioner vacancies for three-year terms beginning in January 2027.

Human Rights Advisory Commissioners are expected to attend monthly meetings, serve on a working committee, and promote human rights through community education and outreach.  

Applicants must be permanent residents of Barnstable County. People with varied language skills and diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Please submit a letter of interest and resume/bio by e-mail to: leslie.dominguez-santos@capecod.gov or via mail to the Barnstable County Human Rights Advisory Commission, Candidate Application, P.O. Box 427, Barnstable, MA 02630 before November 20, 2026.

aging well & healthy living

Building a Bigger Table: Thanksgiving Grab'n'Go Meals

Grab'n' Go Thanksgiving Meals, big enough to share! Thanks to our friends at Stop & Shop and the generous support of Boar’s Head and Reser’s Fine Foods, 300 neighbors in need will enjoy ready-to-eat Thanksgiving meals, bringing comfort and connection without the stress of meal preparation. These heat-and-serve holiday meals include a 3 lb. turkey breast, stuffing, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and — yes! — cranberry sauce.

Call 508-394-4630 x280 between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to reserve yours. Available while supplies last to adults age 60 and older.

Pick-up Tuesday, November 24 in Falmouth, South Dennis and Provincetown.

Massachusetts State 911 Department Launches Statewide Campaign to Help Older Adults Access 9-1-1

The Massachusetts State 911 Department has launched “911 Help Is At Your Fingertips,” a statewide public awareness campaign to help older adults, their families, and caregivers understand how to reach help in an emergency. Massachusetts 9-1-1 call centers handled more than 2.58 million emergency calls and texts in 2025.

The campaign highlights three resources:

• Silent Call Procedure — Massachusetts 9-1-1 telecommunicators are trained to respond when a caller is unable to speak.
• Text-to-911 — communicate with a 9-1-1 telecommunicator by text when you cannot make a voice call, or when speaking is not safe. Text-to-911 is available in every Massachusetts community.
• MassEDP — the Massachusetts Equipment Distribution Program provides specialized telecommunications equipment at little or no cost to eligible Massachusetts residents with disabilities that affect their ability to use standard telephone equipment.

Designed primarily for Massachusetts residents age 60 and older, “911 Help Is At Your Fingertips” will continue through June 2027 across television, radio, digital and social media and community-based outreach. Materials will be available in multiple languages and designed to meet state accessibility standards. While older adults are the campaign’s primary audience, the information and resources can benefit residents of all ages.

Residents can learn more about the Silent Call Procedure and Text-to-911 at Mass.gov/e911. Information about MassEDP equipment and eligibility is available at Mass.gov/EDP.

behavioral health

Enrolling Now: JRI's FREE, Trauma-Informed Caregiver Group

JRI is enrolling now for a FREE, virtual trauma-informed caregiver group for foster, adoptive, pre-adoptive, and kinship caregivers. The group uses the Resource Parent Curriculum (RPC), an 8-week course for caregivers of trauma-impacted children ages 0–21, open to families across New England.

Sessions meet Tuesdays from 12:00–2:00 PM, October 27 through December 15, 2026.

Caregivers will learn the impact of trauma on child development and behavior; how to respond to the behavioral and emotional needs of trauma-impacted children; strategies to help children develop healthy attachments, recognize their strengths, and build coping skills; and tools to increase trauma-informed advocacy, self-care, and support.

Space is limited — caregivers are invited to schedule a 60-minute intake meeting as soon as possible.

Can We Talk…? Community Sharing on Trauma and Healing

Grief, trauma and loss can leave people feeling alone. Can We Talk…? is a welcoming, spiritually informed gathering where people can share, listen and find comfort in community. Former WBZ-TV news anchor and pastor Rev. Liz Walker created the program.



Each gathering begins with a simple community meal, followed by an opportunity for participants to share their stories. No one is ever required to speak. Music and a gentle closing ritual are also part of the evening, with particular care given to respect and confidentiality. 

Can We Talk…? welcomes people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and life experiences. Our hope is to create a place where everyone feels comfortable coming as they are — no matter where they are on the journey of life. 

Can We Talk…? is not intended to replace therapy, hospice care, pastoral counseling, church services, or other professional support. Instead, it offers an additional form of community care for people who may feel isolated by grief, trauma, or pain. 



We especially invite you - community professionals, care providers, and resource organizers - to join us for a gathering so that you can better understand the experience and consider whether Can We Talk…? could be a helpful resource for the people you serve. 

Sunday, November 15, 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Cotuit Federated Church, Hamilton Hall, 40 School St., Cotuit

Rev. Liz Walker will join this gathering in person.

Community professionals and care providers are especially invited to attend, so they can see whether Can We Talk…? could help the people they serve. To attend or learn more, contact Dan Smith or Linda Harmon at (508) 560-1503 or rockyluke@comcast.net.

Cape Cod LGBTQ+ Senior Friends Bereavement Support Group

Cape Cod LGBTQ Senior Friends is sponsoring a grief support group at the Yarmouth Senior Center. The sessions will begin on November 2 and will Run for 8 weeks on Monday afternoons from 2PM- 3:30PM. The group will be facilitated by Diane McCarthy, a former counselor at Norwell COA. Diane is certified in Thanology, which is the study of death and bereavement

housing & homelessness

Rental Lottery in Falmouth Now Accepting Applications



Now leasing through an affordable rental lottery: 85 Brick Kiln Road in Falmouth offers 15 units — studios, 2-bedrooms, and 3-bedrooms — for households earning 80% to 120% of area median income (AMI). Rents range from $1,725 to $3,000 depending on unit size and income tier.

Status: Now Accepting Applications

Deadline: November 25, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Questions? Contact us at lotteries@haconcapecod.org.

Household income must fall within the maximum and minimum gross allowable income limits; applicants below the minimum who can show they can pay the rent are encouraged to apply, and income limits do not apply to subsidy holders.

Rental Lottery in Barnstable Now Open

Now accepting applications: Barnstable Flats, a brand-new apartment community in Barnstable, is offering 5 one-bedroom units through an affordable rental lottery at $1,470/month (utilities not included), for households earning 80% of area median income (AMI). Be among the first residents of a newly constructed community in one of Cape Cod's most convenient and connected locations.

Status: Now Accepting Applications

Deadline: November 13, 2026, at 5PM

Household income must fall within the maximum and minimum gross allowable income limits; applicants below the minimum who can show they can pay the rent are encouraged to apply, and income limits do not apply to subsidy holders.

Affordable Housing Opportunity in Barnstable

Applications are now being accepted for two affordable housing units at 210 North Street in Barnstable, a new 18-unit residential building with an elevator. Available units include a studio apartment (361 sq. ft.) for $1,607 per month and a one-bedroom apartment (326 sq. ft.) for $1,836 per month, with utilities included. Income limits are $64,285 for a one-person household and $73,450 for a two-person household. An informational meeting will be held via Zoom on November 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The application deadline is January 2, 2027, and the housing lottery will take place on January 6 at 6:00 PM. For application information or questions, contact Kristen Costa at L.A. Associates, Inc., at 978-758-0197 or kriscosta@laassoc.com.

Housing as Longevity Infrastructure



Housing is essential to our well-being, and too often the needs of older adults are left out of the conversation. Join this free event — expert voices and a community conversation — on Tuesday, November 17, 12:00–2:00 PM ET.

In the first hour, a panel of program leaders will discuss innovative solutions, offering new ways to look at the word “infrastructure”: home share programs that pair people looking for housing with people who have space, so someone gets a place to live and someone else can age at home; home modification experts helping people prepare their homes for changing physical needs; and manufactured housing experts on affordable alternatives for downsizing or simplifying.

In the second hour, go deeper in facilitated conversations, and bring your own experiences, questions, and ideas to the table. Whether you are a housing developer, a community planner, an aging services provider, or an advocate, this conversation is for you.

Find Home Modification Resources With HMIN



Home modifications can help people remain safe and independent in their homes and communities, but finding reliable information about home modification services and resources can be challenging.

Recently updated with support from the Administration for Community Living (ACL), the Home Modification Information Network (HMIN) is a free online resource for individuals, caregivers, professionals, and organizations. HMIN brings together information about programs, funding opportunities, service providers, and other resources at the local, state, and national levels.

Search by the type of assistance you need and enter a ZIP code to find relevant resources in your area.

SHINE

Medicare Open Enrollment Is Here — Check Out

These Helpful Resources

Medicare Open Enrollment runs through December 7, giving beneficiaries an opportunity to review their current health and prescription drug coverage and make changes for 2027.

Barnstable County’s SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) Program is helping Cape Cod residents navigate their Medicare options through free educational presentations, webinars, and online resources. Upcoming presentations in Harwich and Eastham, along with live and recorded webinars, offer guidance on comparing plans, understanding coverage changes, and identifying potential cost savings.

Due to exceptionally high demand, all counseling appointments through the Regional SHINE Office are currently booked. Residents seeking individual assistance are encouraged to contact their local Council on Aging or Senior Center to inquire about availability.

scams & fraud

Medicare Scam Alert

Free Grocery Money? Hang Up First.

Open enrollment is a busy time for Medicare beneficiaries, and scammers know it. One pitch showing up in unsolicited calls and ads promises a Medicare “grocery allowance” — sometimes called a food card or healthy foods benefit — that sounds like free money for groceries. The calls create urgency (“act now or you'll lose it”) and ask you to confirm your Medicare number or switch plans on the spot. That urgency is the warning sign, even if the caller sounds helpful or official.

What is true: a small number of Medicare Advantage plans include a grocery or food allowance as a supplemental benefit, and eligibility depends on the plan and the person. What is not true: there is no universal Medicare grocery allowance anyone can claim by answering a call; Medicare does not call beneficiaries out of the blue to enroll them in a new plan or activate a grocery benefit; and you never need to share your Medicare number with an unknown caller to check whether you qualify.

If you get one of these calls, hang up. Keep your information private — do not give an unverified caller your Medicare number, Social Security number, or payment details. Verify through a trusted channel: call the number on your plan card or dial 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), and report suspected fraud.

Already shared your Medicare number? Contact 1-800-MEDICARE and explain what happened, then review your Medicare claims and plan statements for anything you did not receive.

Don't panic. Don't share. Hang up and verify.



For free, unbiased help comparing plans, contact SHINE — in Massachusetts, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program.

Guide to Protecting Older Adults from Financial Scams

The holidays are a time when older adults are more vulnerable to financial scams. Scammers know that older adults may be lonely, trusting, and have access to money — and they use the holidays to exploit that.

This holiday guide for families, caregivers, and older adults covers the most common scams: the grandparent scam, tech support scams, sweepstakes scams, charity scams, government impersonator scams, and romance scams. Watch for the warning signs: pressure to act quickly, requests for unusual payment methods like gift cards or wire transfers, threats or intimidation, requests for personal information, and offers that seem too good to be true.

Protect yourself and your loved ones: talk about scams with the older adults in your life, stay in touch (regular contact helps prevent the isolation scammers exploit), encourage skepticism about unsolicited calls, emails, and messages, verify before you act, and set up safeguards like account alerts or a trusted contact for financial matters.

Victims age 60 and older can call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311) for help with reporting at the federal, state, and local levels.

KnowBe4 Security Tips — Stay Secure When You Travel

Millions of people travel year-round for leisure and business, bringing laptops and mobile devices to stay connected — and cybercriminals take advantage, trying to steal personal and financial information. Beware of phishing emails from fake travel agents linking to fake travel websites, and of criminals at your destination who pose as someone helpful — a tour guide or a friendly traveler — and ask to borrow your phone.

Remember these tips when traveling:



• Only visit official travel websites, and never respond to unexpected emails, texts, or phone calls. Always verify the identity of people with whom you share personal or financial information.
• Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) when you access Wi-Fi at airports, hotels, and restaurants. In public places, lock your laptop or mobile device when you're not using it.
• Be careful what you reveal on social media. Never post photos of your plane tickets, ID cards, or passports.

— The KnowBe4 Security Team

upcoming community events

Native American Thanksgiving Celebration

The public is warmly invited to the 26th Annual Native American Thanksgiving Celebration on Saturday, November 21, 2026, beginning at 11:00 AM at the Old Indian Meeting House, 410 Meeting House Road, Mashpee.

Hosted by the Old Indian Meeting House Committee, the celebration includes a ceremony with regalia and cultural traditions and prayers of Thanksgiving. A Thanksgiving dinner will be served afterward at the Tribal Community and Government Center — please bring a pot luck dessert.

In lieu of rescheduling Ancestors Day, guests are invited to plant flower bulbs and honor their ancestors by sharing stories at the end of the Thanksgiving service.

Cape Cod Transgender Day of Remembrance



Please join us for a vigil for the Cape Cod Transgender Day of Remembrance — to remember those lost, and to honor those who came before us.

Sunday, November 22, 2026, 2:00–4:30 PM, Barnstable High School, Knight Auditorium, 744 W. Main St., Hyannis.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Dennis Center for Active Living November Events

The Dennis Center for Active Living, 1045 Route 134, South Dennis, has a full November schedule:

• Nov 5, 9:30–11:30 AM — Elder Services Caregiver Support Group (ESCCI). Call 508-258-2476 to register.
• Nov 5, 10:00–11:30 AM — Eating for Wellness: a presentation and risk assessment with the Barnstable County Community Health Educator. Call 508-385-5067 to register.
• Nov 9, 11:00 AM–12:30 PM — D3L Computer Class: a beginner Northstar Digital Literacy class. Call 508-385-5067 to register.
• Nov 12, 1:00–3:00 PM — Online Fraud Awareness Workshop: learn how to stay safe online and protect yourself from scammers. Call 508-385-5067.
• Nov 17, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM — South Coastal Counties Legal Services (Elder Law Project): free legal help for those 60 and over.

Registration required: 508-385-5067.

The Cape Cod Family Resource Center BINGO Night for All Father Figures!



Open to all father figures! Bring the kids for Father Child BINGO Night — food provided, and bingo prizes.

Wednesday, November 18, 5:30–7:30 PM at the Hyannis Youth and Community Center, 141 Bassett Lane, Hyannis.

Registration is required: call (508) 815-5100 or scan the QR code on the flyer to register.

Presented by the Cape Cod Family Resource Center. The Father's and Family Network is funded by the Children's Trust.

Holiday on the Cape with the Cape Symphony

Join LGBTQ+ Senior Friends for “Holiday on Cape Cod,” presented by the Cape Symphony, on Friday, December 4, 2026, at 4:00 PM at Barnstable High School, 744 W. Main Street, Hyannis. Family and friends are welcome to join.

Tickets are $72 (Section C, Left). Information about registration and tickets is on the registration form — scan the QR code on the flyer to register.

Keeping Kids Safe Online — November 9 Registration

Join Monomoy Regional School District and our Barnstable County's Children's Cove for a workshop and discussion about how to keep kids safe online. From teaching children about online safety, personal boundaries, and how to get help if something happens, this workshop aims to empower parents with the knowledge and resources they need to protect their children.

Join us for a session that will equip you with the tools to create a safer environment for your family.

Monday, November 9, in Chatham. Registration is required.

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day

Join fellow survivors of suicide loss for a day of connection, understanding and hope through shared experience. The event will provide participants with a sense of connection to others who have experienced suicide loss, create space to remember the person(s) lost to suicide, and provide opportunities to foster a sense of hope and healing.

Saturday, November 21, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, with a light breakfast, at Cape Cod Community College, 2240 West Barnstable Road, West Barnstable, MA 02668. Park in Lots 1 & 2.



Questions? Reach out to Karen Ellery-Jones: kelleryjones@capecod.edu, 774-303-4604.

November Events — Brewster Council on Aging

Winter Coat Giveaway



Free winter coats for children ages 2 to 18! The Winter Coat Giveaway is Tuesday, November 17, 2026, from 12:00 to 6:00 PM at the Hyannis Youth & Community Center, 141 Bassett Lane, Hyannis.



First come, first served. Presented by Advocates and the Family Resource Centers of Cape Cod, with support from Macy's, Cape Cod 5, Cradles to Crayons, and People of Action. Space provided by the Hyannis Youth & Community Center.

volunteer opportunities

Volunteers Needed. Give a Little Time. Make a Big Difference.

Behind-the-scenes help means a lot. Housing Assistance is seeking dependable, detail-oriented administrative volunteers to help with tasks such as filing, data entry, assembling mailings, copying, and phone coverage. A few hours of office support can make a big difference — your support frees up staff to focus on the complex needs of the people and families they serve.

Time commitment: 3–4 hours per week. Locations: Housing Assistance offices on Cape Cod (Hyannis, Orleans, Cataumet). If you're organized, reliable, and enjoy helping others, they'd love to hear from you.

food & community resources

Bridging the Gap: Parents, DCF & Community

Building Understanding. Strengthening Connections. Supporting Families.

Bridging the Gap is a supportive, educational group for parents and expectant parents navigating DCF involvement, pregnancy, incarceration, and reentry, hosted by The Bridge Center (Barnstable County Sheriff's Office).

The group focuses on understanding the DCF process, parental rights and responsibilities, action plans, court involvement, and opportunities for advocacy and collaboration. Participants can ask questions, understand documents, and prepare for difficult conversations — and will gain practical guidance to support family stability and make informed decisions.

Every Thursday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at The Bridge Center, 3195 Main St, Barnstable Village, MA 02630. Facilitated by Angelica Moore, Director of The Bridge Center.

Please note: attendance is not a substitute for communicating directly with a parent's DCF worker, attorney, or medical provider.

Questions? Email thebridgecenter@bsheriff.net or call (508) 563-4225.

Do You Need Help With Recovery, Employment, Medical or Mental Health Support? We Have the Resources to Help!

Do you need help with recovery, employment, medical or mental health support? We have the resources to help!

The Bridge Center (Barnstable County Sheriff's Office), 3195 Main St, Barnstable Village, is a community-facing hub — an open, inclusive space for justice-involved individuals, at-risk community members, and any resident seeking positive connection, guidance, or engagement.

Weekly services include: High Point Community Outreach (Tuesdays, 10 AM–3 PM); Cape Cod Community College (Tuesdays, 2:00–4:00 PM); Housing Assistance Corporation (Thursdays, 9:00–11:00 AM); Skilled Purpose vocational training in the construction trades; Bridge Barn Outfitting Hours (Mondays, 1:00–3:00 PM); Halfway to Hire resume building and interview skills (Wednesdays, 10:00–11:00 AM); PIER Recovery Center (Wednesdays, 12:30–3:30 PM); a Duffy Health Center community health worker (Wednesdays, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM); Moms Do Care (Fridays, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM); a behavioral health therapist (2nd Tuesday of the month, 8:30 AM–12:00 PM); Kindness Rock Garden painting with Behavioral Health Network (Thursdays, 1:00–3:00 PM); and AA meetings (Mondays and Wednesdays).

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.

For a complete, updated list of services, visit www.bsheriff.net. Questions? Email thebridgecenter@bsheriff.net or call (508) 375-4225.

Service Directory Opportunity

The Barnstable County Department of Human Services’ Network of Care SERVICE DIRECTORY website, is a robust local health and human services directory with resources for individuals, families, and agencies on Cape Cod with public health questions and concerns.

Newsletter Sign-up & Submit

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