| |  | Barnstable County Department of Human Services monthly E-newsletter is the 'clearinghouse' for human services on Cape Cod providing news to human service organizations, elected officials and residents on training, funding opportunities, events and more. Visit our website for information on all BCDHS initiatives. | | | | | | Food & Community Resources | |
Understanding Human Trafficking—and How to Help Stop It
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, observed nationwide since 2010 to raise awareness of human trafficking and strengthen efforts to prevent exploitation in our communities.
Human trafficking is a crime that involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit individuals for labor or commercial sex. It often happens in plain sight—and education is one of the most powerful tools for prevention.
Throughout the month, individuals and organizations are encouraged to:
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Wear blue on January 11 in recognition of #WearBlueDay, a national show of solidarity against human trafficking
- Learn the warning signs of trafficking, which may include sudden isolation, restricted communication, or someone else controlling a person’s identification or finances
- Share trusted resources and information from federal and state agencies that support prevention, reporting, and survivor services
By increasing awareness and knowing what to look for, we can help protect vulnerable individuals and strengthen community-wide prevention efforts. Human trafficking prevention starts with informed, watchful, and compassionate communities.
👉 Visit capecodpath.org to explore local prevention efforts, educational resources, and ways to recognize and respond to human trafficking on Cape Cod.
| | aging well & healthy living | | |
WHEN: Wednesday, January 14 | 2:00—3:30 PM
WHERE: Auditorium Brewster Ladies' Library1822 Main Street, Brewster, MA, 02631
REGISTER: CLICK HERE
This memoir-book discussion explores the evolving intersection of faith and sexuality over nearly eight decades of life. The book discussion weaves together personal stories about the transformation of faith and unexpected fluidity of sexuality, examining how questions and doubts as well as societal shifts shaped the author's understanding of self.
About the Author
Susanne Bennett is a spiritual director, author, and educator living in Brewster. A former psychotherapist and university professor at The Catholic University of America and Smith College, she specialized in mental health, attachment, and clinical social work with LGBTQIA+ individuals and families. She has a PhD from Smith College and is now on the board of PFLAG-Cape Cod. To learn more, visit www.susannebennettphd.com.
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Nauset Public Schools Offering Classes to Start the New Year Off Right
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Start the new year off right by signing up for a class or two at Nauset Adult & Community Ed. Starting in January 2026, you can choose from courses like Intermediate Spanish, three levels of Italian, Plant-Based Cooking, Bead Jewelry for Beginners, and fitness classes like Weight Training & Conditioning, Total Body Fusion, and Tai Chi.
In February, we’re offering Feature Screenwriting I, another beading class, and a Drum Circle. March brings Hamletcetera and a new series of fitness classes, while April features a Mystery-writing class and another Drum Circle.
New courses are still being added, so consider setting a reminder to check back in early 2026 for the latest offerings. We’d love to hear your suggestions for new classes—or even proposals for classes you’d like to teach!
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Brewster Council on Aging Activities & Fitness Classes
| | From fitness classes to social and wellness programs, the COA offers a range of ongoing activities that support active, healthy, and connected aging. | | Advance Your Skills in Addressing Suicidality | | Supporting individuals at risk of suicide is critically important and can be challenging. These trainings offer evidence-based approaches and practical tools to support your work, build confidence, and strengthen your response during critical moments. Each session is available to watch on demand and designed for immediate, real-world application. | |
Crisis Lines for LGBTQ+ Communities
When LGBTQ+ individuals seek crisis support, feeling safe, affirmed, and respected is essential. This reference sheet offers a curated list of crisis hotlines that prioritize consent and do not contact emergency services without the caller’s permission.
The resource highlights national crisis lines that emphasize confidentiality, cultural competence, and peer-based support, with particular attention to LGBTQ+, BIPOC, neurodivergent, and other marginalized communities. Each listing includes details on availability, focus areas, and the populations served.
This guide is intended to support informed, compassionate responses during moments of crisis. Download and share with individuals or organizations who may benefit from having these resources readily available.
| | Affordable Housing Lottery Announced in Dennisport | | |
The Cape Cod Ready Renter Program is accepting applications for an affordable housing lottery for six newly constructed apartments located at 626 Main Street (Route 28) in Dennisport, the former site of The Improper Bostonian. Five of the available units are one-bedroom apartments, and one unit is a two-bedroom apartment. Monthly rents range from $1,650–$1,800 for one-bedroom units and $2,100 for the two-bedroom unit, not including utilities.
Households must earn no more than 80% of the Area Median Income to qualify. Current income limits are $74,800 for a household of one, $85,450 for two, $95,150 for three, and $106,800 for four. Additional eligibility requirements apply.
Lottery applications are available at the Town of Dennis Planning Department and at Town of Dennis public libraries. Applications may also be requested by mail or email through the Ready Renter Program.
The public is invited to attend one of two informational sessions on December 10, 2025, at 12:00 PM or December 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Dennis Police Station Training Room. Attendance is optional and not required to apply.
Completed applications must be delivered or postmarked by January 21, 2026, at 4:00 PM.
| | Lower Cape Housing Institute: Water Resource 201 | | |
The Lower Cape Housing Institute (LCHI) provides training to municipal officials and town staff about the critical need for and mechanics of attainable and affordable housing. All LCHI programming is open to elected and appointed officials and town staff and is especially valuable for new board members, committee members, and future town leaders.
Join us for the next LCHI workshop:
Water Resources 201
Wednesday, January 14, 2026; 1-2:30pm
This workshop will explore the interrelation of potable water, wastewater, and land use planning. We will also discuss how to make strategic decisions to protect our water resources and support the housing development needed in the region.
Featured speakers include:
- Dan Pelletier, Water Works Consulting
- Tim Pasakarnis, Water Resources Analyst, Cape Cod Commission
Workshops are free of charge but do require pre-registration to receive the Zoom information. Sessions are also recorded and posted to our YouTube account.
Last year, we explored housing through its intersections with other issues facing the region. Building on that approach, this year’s Lower Cape Housing Institute will weave in Economic Development. With the CDP’s strong background in small business support, we’ll highlight how housing and the local economy are deeply connected—and bring business voices into the conversation to advance housing solutions for our year-round community.
Questions? Ideas? Please contact Amanda Bebrin, Director of Housing Advocacy, at amanda@capecdp.org or 508.290.0130
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A New Volunteer Opportunity Awaits!
The Cape Cod & Islands Regional SHINE Program is now recruiting volunteers for our 2026 training class. No prior experience with health insurance is required—we provide comprehensive screening, training, and certification so you can become a Medicare expert.
As a SHINE volunteer, you can make a real difference by:
- Counseling individuals one-on-one
- Speaking to community groups
- Providing office support
We’ll help you find the role that fits your skills and interests. All you need is integrity, a willingness to learn, and a desire to help others.
Medicare can be confusing. If you’ve navigated the enrollment process yourself, you know how challenging it can be. Now, you can guide others through their first enrollment, help them compare plan options, or troubleshoot issues.
Join the SHINE team and become a trusted resource in your community!
You know your community and neighbors best, that’s why your involvement matters. SHINE volunteers are highly trained and certified to assist with:
- Original Medicare (Parts A & B)
- Medicare Advantage (Part C)
- Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
- Programs that help reduce healthcare costs
Make a meaningful impact. Become a SHINE volunteer today!
Please call the Cape Cod & Islands Regional SHINE Program Manager
Kristina Whiton-O’Brien at 508-375-6762 and choose option #2 to sign up!
Applications will be due in April 2026.
Class begins in May 2026.
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MassHealth Releases New Website for Federal Updates
The federal government is making changes that impact how Medicaid is funded and who can use the program. MassHealth is watching federal actions closely. To help explain how federal changes may affect members and partners, MassHealth released a new website -- explore the resource using the button below.
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This Attachment Is Officially Phish-y
In a recent phishing scam, recipients receive an alarming email claiming to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The message uses an urgent subject line warning of a serious issue with the recipient’s account and pressures them to take immediate action.
The email falsely claims that the recipient’s Social Security number is linked to criminal activity or has been suspended. It directs the recipient to call a phone number right away to avoid prosecution.
This message is not legitimate. The phone number connects to a scammer posing as an SSA representative—sometimes even using the name of a real government employee to appear credible. Their goal is to pressure individuals into sharing personal information or sending money to “resolve” an issue that does not exist.
How to Protect Yourself
- Be wary of messages that create urgency or fear. Legitimate government agencies do not threaten immediate legal action by email.
- Do not call phone numbers included in unsolicited emails. If you have concerns about your Social Security account, go directly to the official SSA website.
- Never share personal information or send money in response to unexpected emails, calls, or texts. The SSA will not request payment or sensitive information this way.
Taking a moment to pause and verify can help prevent fraud.
— The KnowBe4 Security Team moment to pause before responding can help protect you from phishing scams. — The KnowBe4 Security Team
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Veterans Rendezvous Café:
Discuss the Latest Scams Targeting Older Adults
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Location: Barnstable Community Center
Date & Time: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 9:30–10:30 AM
This session will feature Detective Chris Botsford of the Barnstable Police Department, who will discuss two timely topics: the latest scams targeting older adults and the Silver Alert Program.
Veterans interested in attending are asked to RSVP to Barbara-Anne Foley at 508-237-3349.
| | Save the Date for Healthy Aging Cape Cod's Age Tech Exploratory | | |
Now Hiring: Director of Communications
The Community Development Partnership (CDP) is seeking a Director of Communications to lead storytelling, digital outreach, and multi-channel communications that support affordable housing and community development on the Lower Cape. Learn more about the role, qualifications, and how to apply at capecdp.org
| food and community resources | | Governor Healey Announces That Federal Heating Assistance Funding is Now Available | | |
On December 3, Governor Maura Healey announced that the Trump Administration had released federal funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Following a delay of more than a month, the funding became available on December 2, allowing all pending applications to move forward.
LIHEAP—known in Massachusetts as the Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)—is a federally funded program that typically helps more than 150,000 Massachusetts households, representing over 300,000 residents, afford home heating costs during the winter. While funding is normally available in early November, this year’s release was delayed due to a federal government shutdown.
| | Service Directory Opportunity | | Are You Represented on our Network of Care (NOC) Service Directory? | |
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.
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