Edition 290 | February 25, 2021 |
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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.
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New Vaccine Site Search Tool |
Mass.gov launched an all-new vaccine appointment search tool that makes it easy to see which vaccination sites have availability.
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New Transportation Policy for COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments
MassHealth is providing free transportation to vaccine appointments to any individual that has any type of MassHealth coverage or the Health Safety Net. This includes people with MassHealth Limited, Children’s Medical Security Program (CMSP) and MassHealth Family Assistance (FA). In addition, members can request transportation services directly through MassHealth’s Customer Service, rather than needing to request services through a health care provider.
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COMMUNITY NEWS / ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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Cape Cod Foundation Needs Assessment Survey |
Please take 10 minutes to update our team on your organization's current circumstances, challenges, and critical needs. We are using this information to help direct our own grantmaking. We are also sharing the survey's themes with other fundholders within the Foundation and in the community. Please know your individual responses will remain confidential. Visit our website for the latest information on the Foundation's Strategic Emergency Response Fund and other resources and opportunities.
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With Your Help, We Can Support Moms in Providing the Best Possible Care for Their Babies
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Each year, Duffy Health Center's Moms Do Care program supports up to 70 pregnant and parenting women who are seeking recovery from a history of opioid use. Program staff include a Certified Addiction Registered Nurse and Peer Recovery Coaches who have lived experience - services are provided for moms by moms who have walked this path during their own pregnancy.
The women we serve are working hard to take care of their children, but often lack resources and family support; they feel alone. They seek assistance from our team because they know we really do care.
Your gift of $10 or more will go towards the purchase of a Moms Do Care Kit, which will directly benefit the children of women enrolled in this important program.
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Age-Friendly Funding Alert: 2021 AARP Community Challenge Grant |
The application period for the 2021 AARP Community Challenge is now open and will provide small grants to fund quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. Applications are accepted for projects to improve public spaces, housing, transportation, civic engagement, coronavirus recovery, diversity and inclusion, and more. |
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Yarmouth's Community Development Block Grant Announcements
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CDBG funds can be used to fund activities which meet at least one of the CDBG National Objectives, which are 1. benefit low / moderate income persons within the community, 2. prevent or eliminate the occurrence of slums & blight, and 3. address an urgent need or condition which poses a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community. CDBG activities in Yarmouth must also meet at least one the local objectives identified by the Town of Yarmouth CDBG Action Plans, which are 1. to create suitable living environments, 2. provide decent affordable housing, and 3. create economic opportunities. In Yarmouth, the range of activities that may be undertaken by the CDBG Program include affordable housing, spot blight removal, economic development, job retention and creation, special business assistance, public facility improvements and public services. Other activities are considered for eligibility upon request. There are also CDBG-CV funds which, in general, follow the same rules as CDBG and are used to prepare for, prevent and provide a response to the spread of the COVID-19 virus. |
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WE CAN is Hiring!
WE CAN is looking for someone who wants to make a difference in the lives of women on Cape Cod. As Participant Engagement Coordinator, you will help the women who seek services at WE CAN to transform their lives through an empowerment model of service delivery.
The Participant Engagement Coordinator will interact daily with participants through phone, email, and in-person conversations to assess their needs match them with WE CAN programs and/or provide information and referral to other community-based organizations.
This position joins a small and energetic team based in Harwich Port and serving the entire Cape region. We strongly encourage applicants who are people of color, indigenous, immigrants and refugees, LBGTQ+, people with disabilities and those with lived experience or a passion for WE CAN’s mission to apply.
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Calmer Choice Mindfulness Course for Resilience & Well-Being
Calmer Choice is now offering mindfulness courses and practice groups online to help the community cope with increased levels of anxiety.
Course Dates: Tuesday, March 16th to May 4th at 5:00PM - 6:45PM
Course registration cost: $200.00 Scholarships are available!
Please contact Calmer Choice if you are a community group who would like to partner for customized mindful awareness programs for your constituents. Questions? Email info@calmerchoice.org or call 508-398-0808.
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CHNA27 Zoom Meeting 3-11-21
Topic: Family Caregivers Across the Generations
Thursday, March 11th Time: 9:00 – 10:30 am
Please click button below for meeting details.
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Let's Take a Hike, Become an Explorer
It can be challenging for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to understand the nuances of friendships and communicating with others.
On March 20, Community Connections is launching an Explorers program for adults with high-functioning IDD and/or ASD. While hiking and enjoying the beauty of Cape Cod, Community Connections staff will help participants improve social skills by guiding communication, identifying social cues, and offering suggestions on appropriate interactions.
This 8-week pilot program – on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm – is a chance for adults with high-functioning IDD and/or ASD to get outside and enjoy nature, grow interpersonal skills, and develop new and lasting friendships. The Explorers program includes transportation from a central location, a meal and/or snacks, trained staff, and guest experts. Space is limited. The deadline to apply is March 10, 2021.
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Housing: The Only Thing to Really End Homelessness
A Virtual Discussion with Special Guest Dr. Sam Tsemberis on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 2PM
Ultimately, only one thing ends homelessness - housing! Join MHSA and our member agencies and supporters for a lively virtual discussion with Dr. Sam Tsemberis, CEO of the Pathways Housing First Institute. The discussion will focus on national and international strategies around the implementation of housing to end homelessness.
Pre-registration is required. We encourage you to submit questions in advance through the registration form.
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Virtual Project Safe Childhood Education Series - Wednesday, March 24, 2021 3:00pm-4:30pm
Brought to you in collaboration by: The United States Attorney's Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, The Cape and Islands District Attorney's Office and Orleans Police Department
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You Don't Need to Travel Far to Receive High-Quality Education/Training That Will Position You for Success in the Technical Trades or a Career in an Allied Health Field
Several programs prepare the student for licensure in various industries. In order to meet the needs of students, we also offer several courses online. Here at UCT you will find over 500 exciting career and enrichment courses ranging from health careers, computers, technical trades, business, legal, culinary, wellness and fun courses!
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Thrive! CIGSYA - LGBTQ and Ally Center of Cape Cod Continue Digital Meetings |
The LGBTQ+ group Thrive is for folks ages 13 to 22. We have been meeting virtually every Wednesday at 4 pm for fun, support, and more! This group creates space to discuss gender, sexuality, race, and our day to day among other things. If you are interested in joining one of our events, please email kgarcia@wethrive.us or check out our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeThriveLGBTQCenterCapeCod
Instagram: @cigsya & Twitter: @thriveatcigsya
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New Website for Those Who Help Others |
We have created a new website, Information for People Helping Others, which provides helpful resources in one place for anyone in a position to help another person access our programs and services. We are asking you to use the new website as a resource, and share it with those you serve and your extended network.
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COVID-19 NOTICES / RESOURCES |
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Most Commonly Asked Question |
The COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19. In some cases the vaccine will cause symptoms such as fever, but these symptoms are a normal sign that your body is building immunity. For more information, click button below. |
Important Information and Updates on COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout and COVID-19 Testing on Cape Cod
Everything you need to know about COVID-19 can be found by clicking button below.
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Coping During the COVID-19 Pandemic |
The Cape Cod COVID-19 Response Task Force has collected helpful wellness resources for you during COVID-19. Please check back regularly as we add to these resources.
Each month we will highlight tools to help manage this crisis and identify for you web videos, articles, discussions, and resources we have found helpful. These tools apply to those of all ages, children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and elders.
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Barnstable County COVID-19 Recovery Resources |
COVID-19 can be difficult for all of us but especially for those in recovery. This might be exacerbated by people unable to attend their normal support group meetings or other recovery supports. Please click on button below to find local and nationwide resources related to substance use disorder and mental health. You can also call the MA Substance Use Helpline anytime at 800-327-5050. |
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COVID 19 Survival Kit Series - Sponsored by Nami Cape Cod & The Islands
In early 2020, when COVID 19 hit hard, NAMI Cape Cod & the Islands developed an 8-part Survival Tool Kit Series, based on the research of Bruce Perry, renowned child psychiatrist and neuroscientist. The kit was developed as a guide to review, over the fall and winter months, some essential tools to help us deal with stress of the COVID 19 pandemic. These tools apply to those of all ages--children, adolescents, young adults, adults and elders. Each month highlights a new topic and provides tools to help manage this crisis and identify resources such as web videos, articles, discussions and more we have found helpful. In the month of February we are highlighting part 4 of the series which focuses on “Screen Time”. To access the tool kit click website button below. We want everyone to be safe and healthy during this pandemic.
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HUMAN SERVICE DEPARTMENT INITIATIVES |
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HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM |
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REGIONAL NETWORK ON HOMELESSNESS |
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REGIONAL SUBSTANCE USE COUNCIL |
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SHINE-
SERVING HEALTH INSURANCE NEEDS FOR EVERYONE
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SUBSTANCE USE
RESOURCE GUIDE
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NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP & SUBMISSION GUIDELINES |
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SUBMISSION FOR NEWSLETTER |
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Submissions will only be accepted using our online submission form.
Submission buttons are located at the bottom of every newsletter and
on the homepage of our website.
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- Content Policy - Attachments must be in .PDF FORMAT ONLY please.
- 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.
- 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 508-375-6628.
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