| | 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. | | APRIL IS VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION MONTH: HEALTHY AGING CAPE COD EXTENDS THEIR GRATITUDE | |
April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and Healthy Aging Cape Cod extends our gratitude to the dedicated volunteers who support Barnstable County’s 76,000 older adults. Your unwavering commitment ensures that vital services—like meal deliveries and rides to medical appointments—are available to those in need. Your support helps create a more livable and caring environment for everyone. We appreciate you!
As we celebrate Volunteers, Healthy Aging Cape Cod encourages community members to consider lending a hand to support our older adults. Several organizations are currently seeking dedicated volunteers to support their important work. If you have a passion for helping others and making a difference, check out these opportunities:
Elder Services Cape Cod & Islands
Barnstable Neighbor to Neighbor
Bay To Sound Neighbors
Nauset Neighbors
Neighborhood Falmouth
Get Involved! Volunteering is good for you and your health.
Together, we can continue to make Barnstable County a more caring and supportive place for our older adults. Thank you once again to all our volunteers for your relentless dedication and support!
For more information about Healthy Aging Cape Cod and other ways to get involved, please feel free to contact Mandi Speakman, Deputy Director at Barnstable County Department of Human Services at (508) 470-4936 or mandi.speakman@capecod.gov. We appreciate your continued efforts in making our community stronger!
| | aging well & healthy living | | INTRODUCING THE DEMENTIA CARE PLANNING TOOLKIT | |
The Care Planning Team of the Massachusetts Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Disease and All other Dementias is pleased to release a new toolkit for people living with dementia, dementia care partners, families, community-based service providers, and health care providers. The purpose of the toolkit is to facilitate the development of person-centered dementia care plans that support living well with dementia.
| | CAPE COD REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY AWARDED $198K DIGITAL EQUITY GRANT TO ENHANCE TRANSPORTATION ACCESS FOR OLDER ADULTS | |
The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA), in collaboration with COAST (Councils on Aging Serving Together), has been awarded a $198,000 Digital Equity Grant to improve transportation accessibility for older individuals who are unable to use mobile apps.
The grant will fund the development of a dedicated call-in service, enabling older adults to arrange CCRTA’s SmartDART, an on-demand, app-based service, without relying on digital payment methods or technology-heavy processes. This initiative is part of a broader effort to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to public transit for all members of the community, particularly older adults who may face barriers to using modern technology.
CCRTA coordinates frequently with Cape Cod’s Councils on Aging to address transportation needs and ensure seamless service for older adults. Additionally, CCRTA offers free fares on all fixed routes, further enhancing accessibility for older adults.
As part of this initiative, CCRTA also encourages riders who are comfortable with technology to download the SmartDART app, which provides a convenient way to schedule on-demand transit services.
This project aligns with CCRTA’s commitment to accessibility in public transit, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of technological proficiency, can benefit from convenient and reliable transportation options.
The initiative is expected to roll out in the coming months, with further details on implementation to be announced soon.
| | SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES REQUIREMENT FOR IN-PERSON OR ONLINE IDENTITY CHECKS, ENDING PHONE OPTION | |
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced changes that will require recipients and applicants to show up in-person to agency offices instead of being able to engage over the phone.
The Globe story reports that more than 72.5 million people, including retirees and children, receive retirement and disability benefits through the Social Security Administration.
The SSA announced the changes would be effective on March 31st following a transition period that “includes training frontline employees and management about the new policy and careful monitoring of policy compliance.”
| | ACHIEVE SAFE BLOOD PRESSURE LEVELS IN THE BLACK CAPE COD COMMUNITY! | |
Data shows that Black individuals have higher rates of unsafe blood pressure which can cause strokes, heart attacks and kidney failure. Research has shown that disparities are likely to be related to life experiences in historically under-resourced populations, such as the Black community.
Conducting interviews with community members will help to develop improvement plans that lead to safer blood pressure rates.
Click the button below to learn more about the interviewer and interview criteria. Participants will receive a $20 grocery store gift card in return for their participation.
| | AGING IN PLACE: JOIN US FOR THE APRIL MEETING OF THE CAPE COD LGBTQ+ SENIOR FRIENDS | | Join us for the April meeting of the Cape Cod LGBTQ+ Senior Friends at the Yarmouth Senior Center on April 9th! Chris Fromback, an Occupational Therapist, will present ideas to help seniors stay in their homes as they age. Pizza will be served. | | THE GOOD AND BAD OF SOCIAL MEDIA: WHAT RESEARCH TELLS US | |
The connection between social media and mental health is complicated and personal. Everyone responds to social media differently. Download our infographic for a few ways to think about how social media impacts kids and teens.
For more information on what research tells us about the impacts social media has on youth and what teens can do, check out our website: Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health and browse previously submitted questions on our Question and Answer Portal.
| | FREE MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING ON MARTHA'S VINEYARD | |
Mental Health First Aid (Martha’s Vineyard) is a skills-based training course that helps people identify, understand, and respond to mental health and substance use issues. The 8-hour course covers:
- Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and substance use challenges.
- How to interact with a person in crisis.
- How to connect a person with help.
- Expanded content on trauma, substance use and self-care.
Date: May 1, 2025, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: MV Community Services, Oak Bluffs
Register >>>
| | REDUCE SUICIDE RISK AND PROMOTE HEALING: SUDDEN DEATH POSTVENTION | |
FREE Wellness Training Programs
Reduce Suicide Risk and Promote Healing: Sudden Death Postvention with Doctor Maura Weir
Date: Tues., April 8, 2025, 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Using National Best Practice protocols, participants learn how to reduce the risk of contagion and create a comprehensive response plan in the event of a traumatic death. Industry Certificate will be awarded upon completion of session.
Class Format: 4.00 hours (in person)
Location: In Person, Cape Cod Community College
The Cape and Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition has partnered with Cape Cod Community College to offer QPR, safeTALK, Mental Health First Aid, Sudden Death Postvention, and ASIST training programs that provide our communities with the necessary information and tools to raise awareness, educate, and increase action to reduce suicides.
Questions: Contact Val Duffy, at (508) 375-5018 or email vduffy@capecod.edu
| | SAMARITANS SAFE PLACE SUICIDE LOSS SURVIVOR GROUPS STARTING IN APRIL | |
Have you lost someone to suicide? You don’t have to navigate your grief alone. Safe Place provides a caring, confidential, and peer-based support group where loss survivors can connect, share, and find compassion.
Safe Place support groups are:
- Virtual, free, and ongoing
- Facilitated by trained volunteers who are suicide loss survivors
- A welcoming and safe environment where participants can share their stories or simply listen
Meeting Details
Meets: Every 2nd & 4th Wednesday from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM EST
Format: Online via Zoom (Register to receive the Zoom link used to attend any future session.)
Register today at capesamaritans.org/grief-services.
For questions, email us at griefservices@capesamaritans.org.
| | JOIN THE CAPE & ISLANDS SUICIDE PREVENTION COALITION IN HONOR OF MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH | |
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Cape Cod Community College
Fitness Center, Building 10
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Please park in Lot 12
Join the Cape and Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. We will be offering two types of meditative practices to promote overall well-being and support mental health.
Sound Bath Session: Meditative practice using resonant sounds like those from singing bowls, gongs, and chimes to promote relaxation, healing and mindfulness.
Mindfulness Meditation Session: Focus on the present moment and experience a sense of calm, peace and balance to benefit your emotional well-being and overall health.
RSVP to capeandislandspc@gmail.com by May 2, and indicate which session you would like to attend.
Light refreshments will be served.
| | FAIR HOUSING CENTER FOR RIGHTS & RESEARCH INVITES YOU TO FAIR HOUSING MONTH | |
Each April, National Fair Housing Month is celebrated to reaffirm our commitment to ending housing discrimination and commemorate the passage of the federal Fair Housing Act in 1968, which prohibits discrimination in the sale or rental of housing on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), familial status, or disability. The Fair Housing Center invites you to join us for Fair Housing Month of Action — a month dedicated to educating ourselves, and taking time to reflect, so that we can take action to advance fair housing.
Take part in Fair Housing Month of Action to expand your fair housing knowledge and become a better advocate for housing justice. Throughout the month of April, check out our page for weekly challenges, resources, and engaging activities. Be sure to also follow us on social media and subscribe to our email list, so you don’t miss out on any of the action!
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BARNSTABLE COUNTY HOME CONSORTIUM FIVE YEAR 2025–2029 CONSOLIDATED PLAN AND ONE-YEAR 2025 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING, DOCUMENT AVAILABILITY AND COMMENT PERIOD
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The Barnstable County HOME Consortium has prepared its draft Five Year Consolidated Plan for Program Years 2025-2029 (July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2030) and its draft Annual Action Plan for Program Year 2025 (PY25) (July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026).
This plan outlines funding priorities and serves as the strategic and planning documents for Barnstable County’s HOME Program which is funded by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The anticipated HUD allocation for PY25 Annual Action Plan is $400,000.00 and approximately $39,665.60 in repurposed program income. The anticipated funding amount for the following four Program Years is $400,000.00 per year plus any repurposed program income.
The Barnstable County HOME Consortium will conduct an in-person public meeting on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 4:00 PM at:
Barnstable County Complex, Innovation Conference Room
3195 Main Street
Barnstable, MA 02630
Legal Notices and the 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan and PY25 Annual Action Plan will be available for review April 14, 2025 online at https://www.capecod.gov/departments/human-services/initiatives/housing-homelessness/home-program/.
Submit written comments to:
Barnstable County Department of Human Services
HOME Program
P.O. Box 427
Barnstable, MA 02630
Submit comments by email to homeprogram@capecod.gov. Comments will be accepted through May 15, 2025 and will be summarized and included in the final 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan and PY25 Annual Action Plan submitted to HUD.
| | SHINE SUPPORTS MORE THAN 80,000 PEOPLE DURING 2024 OPEN ENROLLMENT | |
In 2024, SHINE counselors assisted 83,774 people in Massachusetts with their health insurance and drug coverage issues, an increase of 12.3% from 2023. The Administration on Community Living (ACL) rated the performance of counselors as Excellent!
Of those who worked with SHINE counselors, 80,324 received help enrolling in health insurance, prescription drug plans or other programs, earning a score of Excellent from ACL. Counselors helped beneficiaries search for the plans that cover their medications, lower their costs and work with their providers. In 2023, SHINE saved 2,600 people $8.7 million. The 2024 savings data is still under review.
Congratulations and thank you, SHINE Counselors!
| | HOW CAN I STAY UPDATED ON SOCIAL SECURITY CHANGES IN 2025? | |
To stay updated on Social Security changes in 2025, you can follow these key strategies:
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Create and regularly check your My Social Security account: This online platform provides personalized information and important updates directly from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
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Monitor official SSA channels: The SSA website (www.ssa.gov) and their official blog are reliable sources for current information on Social Security programs and changes.
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Read your COLA notice: In December 2024, a newly designed and improved COLA notice will be available online in the Message Center of your My Social Security Account. This simplified notice provides exact dates, and dollar amounts of your new benefit amount and any deductions.
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Stay informed about recent legislative changes: The Social Security Fairness Act, implemented in early 2025, has made significant changes to benefit calculations, especially for public sector workers.
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Watch for updates on payment adjustments: Starting April 2025, affected individuals will see increased monthly benefits due to the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).
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Be aware of operational changes: The SSA will resume withholding 100% of overpayments starting March 27, 2025.
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Subscribe to SSA email and SMS updates: This free service notifies you when popular web pages are updated.
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Watch SSA's YouTube channel: The agency now records and publishes Weekly Operational Report meetings, providing insights into agency operations and decision-making.
- Be prepared for potential policy changes: Keep an eye on any actions the incoming administration might take regarding Social Security in 2025.
By utilizing these resources and staying proactive, you can ensure that you remain well-informed about Social Security changes and how they may affect your benefits in 2025.
Please note, these offices do not accept walk-in appointments. You must call for an appointment.
Hyannis Social Security Office:
Address: 100 Independence Dr Suite 4, Hyannis, MA 02601
Phone: (866) 467-0440
Falmouth Social Security Office:
Address: 48 Research Rd, East Falmouth, MA 02536
Phone: (855) 881-0212
| | SCAMS & FRAUD PREVENTION: THE TOP 5 FINANCIAL SCAMS TARGETING OLDER ADULTS | |
Defrauding older adults is lucrative business. Worldwide, people age 60+ lost a combined $3.4 billion to financial scammers in 2023 alone. Most commonly, criminals target older adults with tech support, grandparent, and government impersonation scams, all of which work by gaining trust.
Knowledge is power. Learn how to identify and stop the top 5 financial scams and what to do if you or someone you know is a victim of fraud.
| | upcoming community events | | BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE BARNSTABLE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE: AN OVERVIEW OF INFORMATION AND RESPONSES FOR THOSE IMPACTED BY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE | |
An Overview of Information and Responses for Those Impacted by Domestic Violence
Where: Harborview Conference Room (in-person)
3195 Main Street
Barnstable Village
When: Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
| | CAPE COD ZERO ACTION PLAN PUBLIC MEETINGS | |
The Cape Cod Commission invites the public to attend a Cape Cod Vision Zero Action Plan public meeting to learn more about efforts to eliminate fatalities and serious injury crashes on Cape Cod's roadways. The meetings will provide an overview of the region’s High Injury and High Risk roadway and intersection network and a draft list of potential countermeasures, projects, and strategies to reduce serious injury and fatal crashes in our region. Attendees will have an opportunity to provide feedback on potential solutions in their communities as we prepare the Action Plan document later this spring.
Cape Cod Vision Zero Public Meetings
Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 4:00 PM (In-person meeting)
Mashpee Public Library, 64 Steeple Street, Mashpee, MA
| | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION OPEN AT THE FAMILY PANTRY OF CAPE COD | |
The Family Pantry of Cape Cod is seeking a new Executive Director. Based in Harwich, MA, The Family Pantry is the largest Pantry on Cape Cod and has provided food and clothing to ALL in need since 1989. Operating with a paid staff and over 650 dedicated volunteers, the Family Pantry serves over 3200 households per month and is the regional distribution center for The Greater Boston Food Bank.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for the Pantry and thrift store staff, volunteers, programs, annual objectives, and execution of its mission and goals.
| | Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Inc. is soliciting proposals for the Title III B & D funds received from the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended, for the delivery of services to elders and caregivers in Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket Counties (with the exception of Gosnold). Grants will be awarded through a competitive proposal review process. | | TOWN OF FALMOUTH OPENS 2025 OPIOID GRANT APPLICATIONS TO DELIVER SUBSTANCE USE RELATED PROGRAMS AND SERVICES | |
The Town of Falmouth will open their 2025 Opioid Grants on April 1st. This will be the second year that Falmouth invites local nonprofit agencies, or partnerships, and other interested parties to apply for the Town’s opioid settlement funds to deliver programs and services that mitigate the impact of the Opioid Crisis.
On July 21, 2021, Massachusetts, then Attorney General Maura Healey announced a $26 billion settlement agreement with opioid manufacturers and distributors, which will provide more than $500 million to the Commonwealth and its cities and towns for prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery across Massachusetts. Falmouth began receiving payments in 2023 and is estimated to receive a total of 2.5 million dollars dispersed annually in varying sums through the year 2039.
This year the Town of Falmouth will issue one-year grants for up to $50,000 with an option to renew for up to two additional years. Proposals will need to provide detailed project descriptions and accompanying budgets that are tied to program delivery. The Town of Falmouth reserves the right to determine if multiyear grants will be issued based on the scope and expected impact of the project and the organization’s history of delivering similar projects.
Additionally, grants of up to $1,000 for smaller projects are available on a rolling basis and have a separate application reviewed monthly by the Falmouth Commission on Substance Use.
| | food & community resources | | EXCITING UPDATES FROM CAPE COD FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER | |
Join our new Parenting in America class, now available in Brazilian Portuguese! Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to enhance your parenting skills!
Also, did you know our team is now on WhatsApp? We're here to support you so feel free to connect with us at (774) 822-0872.
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Every month we create a FREE digital space just for dads and we'd love for you to be a part of it! All parenting men are welcome no matter where you live, your custody situation, or your child(ren's) age. Hosted by Paul Melville, LICSW, an experienced facilitator and father of three.
When: Second Tuesday of every month.
What Time? 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM on ZOOM
| | SUPPORT FOR GRIEVING GRANDPARENTS | |
A safe and supportive caring circle for grandparents who have lost an adult child to a substance related death and who may be caring for the grandchildren. The attached calendar includes the ZOOM link but any questions ca be directed to Kerry.
This group is sponsored by The Sun Will Rise and Peer Support Community Partners.
| | NAUSET ADULT & COMMUNITY EDUCATION INVITES YOU TO SIGN UP NOW FOR SPRING CLASSES! | |
Nauset Adult & Community Education invites you to sign up now for spring classes!
This spring, in addition to the longer days and warming weather, you can enjoy classes with Nauset Adult & Community Ed all the way into June. Welcome the season of renewal by trying something new! Here are just a few of the classes open for registration at https://nausetschools.revtrak.net/rw-adult-and-community-education/:
Drumming Workshop - one session, Wednesday, March 26 (Orleans)
Introduction to Energy Medicine - starts Wednesday, April 2 (Brewster)
Kundalini Yoga and Meditation - starts Tuesday, April 8 (Orleans)
Learn to Play Mahjongg - starts Thursday, May 1 (Brewster)
Italian I, Italian II, and Conversational Italian II - start mid-May (Brewster and Orleans)
There are even more classes available on our website. We hope you'll find something in the lineup that sparks your interest!
P.S. Your participation makes these classes possible. Please share this announcement with a friend - or register with a friend!
| | SNAP BENEFITS FOR SENIORS | |
Over 6 million older adults are enrolled in SNAP, but millions more may be eligible and missing out on the benefit. Use these tools to conduct SNAP outreach with seniors and help them enroll in food assistance.
| | DENNIS CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING FOOD PANTRY | |
FOR VISITORS: We have donations of non-perishable food in jars, cans and sealed packets. We also have a fridge & freezer with non-expired, perishable items. We are offering limited health & beauty items when available. Outside of scheduled hours, please go to the front desk and someone will assist you. Hours of Operation: Mon. 9:00 AM –11AM, Tues.1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Wed. 9:00 AM –11AM Thurs. 1:00 PM – 3:00.
FOR DONATIONS: Donations can be dropped off at DCAL Mon. through Fri. 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM. We recommend non-perishable & perishable items such as: sauces, soups, honey, peanut butter, canned tuna, canned chicken, cereals, oatmeal, cream of wheat, shelf-stable milk, eggs, cheese, frozen fruit & vegetables. Health & Beauty: neutral soap, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, laundry & dish detergent.
| | CAPE COD FOOD ACCESS GUIDE | |
Check out this guide to Cape Cod Food Pantries, Soup Kitchens, Elder Services, and Meal Sites!
| | 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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Yes! I'd like to received the Human Services e-newsletter. When you click 'sign me up!' you will have a choice to receive both the Human Services and/or RSAC e-news delivered directly to your inbox.
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Submissions will only be accepted using our online submission form. Attachments must be in .PDF FORMAT ONLY please. Posting of articles submitted for this publication is at the discretion of the Department.
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