spotlight

HOMELESS PERSONS MEMORIAL SERVICES

5:00 PM on Thursday, December 19, 2024

On this day, all are invited to honor the memory of the men and women who died in 2024 having experienced homelessness at some point in their lives. The Homeless Persons Memorial Service is an opportunity to remember these local individuals who have been a part of our Cape community. So far this year, 36 individuals known to have experienced homelessness in our area have died. 

The National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Health Care for the Homeless Council view Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day as an occasion to “remember those who have died and strengthen our resolve to work for a world where no life is lived or lost in homelessness…as we work to end and prevent homelessness while ensuring the immediate needs of those experiencing homelessness are met and their civil rights are respected and protected.” (nhchc.org).  The event is traditionally held across the country close to the longest night of the year to highlight the cold, harsh conditions faced by unsheltered people during the winter months.   

UNIVERSAL HUMAN RIGHTS MONTH 2024: "OUR RIGHTS, OUR FUTURE, RIGHT NOW."

Human Rights Day is observed annually around the world on December 10th. It commemorates the anniversary of one of the world's most groundbreaking global pledges: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This landmark document enshrines the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being - regardless of race, color, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

The Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 and sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected.

As a “common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations”, the UDHR is a global blueprint for international, national, and local laws and policies and a bedrock of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.

It is available in 577 languages, from Abkhaz to Zulu, making the UDHR the most translated document in the world.

aging well & healthy living

FREE VIRTUAL PEER WELLNESS COACH TRAINING FROM HELPING OUR WOMEN

Helping Our Women Peer Wellness Coach Training Program

A free, 10–week, Online Offering: January 14 – May 20, 2025*

Tuesdays from 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Peer coaching is a collaborative communication process and a way of being present that helps identify areas of life that deserve attention, maintenance, growth, success, barriers, and ways to deal with everyday life. In the Helping Our Women (HOW) training, you will learn and practice specific communication techniques to empower others to speak openly, to take an appreciative stance about their lives, to identify what matters most about the situation at hand, and to consider the next steps.

Upon completion of the training, you’ll receive a certificate and commit to volunteer for HOW as a Peer Wellness Coach a minimum of 4 hours/month for a minimum of six months. You will coach and support HOW clients and community members in formally scheduled 30-60 min sessions. The initial sessions will take place at one of HOW’s two centers in Provincetown or Eastham.

HOW's training curriculum was developed in cooperation with HOW staff and community members by Elise Phillips, a seasoned coach and member of the International Coaching Federation and The Institute of Coaching.

For more details contact Cathy at cathy@helpingourwomen.org or call (508) 487-4357.

*Training session dates are Tuesdays, January 14 & 28, February 4 & 11, March 4 & 25, April 8 & 15 and May 6 & 20

2024 JOHN LEVIN MEMORIAL ZOOM TELECONFERENCE ON ALZHEIMER'S: BEST PRACTICES IN DEMENTIA CARE WITH TEEPA SNOW

On Friday, December 6, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, join us for a FREE day-long conference on best practices in person-centered dementia care for family and professional caregivers. Register today on Eventbrite!

This video conference is intended for persons working in settings such as memory care, skilled nursing facilities, and day programs. Family caregivers are also encouraged to attend.

For more information call (508) 896-5170 or email info@capecodalz.org.

CHAIR YOGA

Looking to stretch, strengthen and restore balance in your body? Chair yoga is an adaptive yoga practice that allows you to stay seated while practicing yoga-focused poses. It can be practiced by anyone who wants to enjoy the benefits of yoga and may (or may not) have mobility limitations.

Chair yoga is an accessible, inclusive way for yogis to experience the benefits of yoga, without stressing joints, worrying about balance, or supporting body weight.

$35 for the series. Advanced registration is required.

For more information and to sign up, please call Marty at (508) 326-4224 or martyzurn@comcast.net

Brewster Council on Aging • 1673 Main Street

behavioral health

JOIN THE CAPE & ISLANDS SUICIDE PREVENTION COALITION'S GENERAL MEMBERSHIP

The mission of the Cape and Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition is to help give Cape Cod and the Island communities the necessary information and tools to raise awareness, promote education, and increase action to reduce suicides.

Join our quarterly meetings in-person at Cape Cod Community College or on Zoom.

The next meeting is Wednesday, December 11th from 3:30 PM – 4:30PM.



Email: capeandislandSPC@gmail.com for directions and/or zoom link.

housing & homelessness

BARNSTABLE COUNTY APPROVES KEY HOUSING INITIATIVES WITH ARPA FUNDS

The Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC) was awarded $3,000,000 to secure a building for expanded homelessness services currently managed by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fall River and Duffy Health Center. This facility will provide medical respite, day programs, and increased capacity to address long-standing challenges such as limited space and outdated facilities. HAC CEO Alisa Magnotta called the project “a transformative step forward for the region’s most vulnerable individuals.”

MASSACHUSETTS HOARDING RESOURCE NETWORK STRENGTHENS SUPPORTS FOR HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION

“A commitment to preventing homelessness and offering robust community support is an investment in the well-being and stability of both individuals and the community at large. Supporting people to live successfully in the community involves a multifaceted approach that not only focuses on immediate relief but prioritizes long-term prevention and support.”

– Danna Mauch, MAMH President & CEO

Unaddressed hoarding poses a significant risk for housing insecurity and major challenges to avoiding and solving homelessness among older adults affected by the condition. The severity of hoarding generally increases with each decade of life and is correlated among older adults with increased fall risks, medical risks, social isolation, and housing loss. Among people who are homeless, as many as one in five have been diagnosed with a hoarding condition.

Investing in homelessness prevention strategies and providing comprehensive support systems not only benefits individuals but also strengthens communities. A commitment to preventing homelessness and offering robust community support is an investment in the well-being and stability of both individuals and the community at large.

SHINE

IF YOU MISSED OPEN ENROLLMENT, YOU MAY BE ABLE TO SIGN UP FOR MEDICARE OR MAKE CHANGES TO YOUR MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN BY MARCH 31ST!

Medicare General Enrollment Period (GEP): January 1 – March 31

• Individuals who wish to enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B can do so ONLY during the annual General Enrollment Period (GEP) from January 1 through March 31, unless they are still within:

– Their Initial Enrollment Period; or

– A Special Enrollment Period for enrolling in Medicare (e.g., individuals whose employer-based insurance stopped, individuals who have lost Medicaid coverage, individuals who are leaving incarceration, or individuals in other special circumstances).

• Individuals must apply through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
• Coverage now starts at the beginning of the month after an individual applies.
• More details on enrollment periods can be found at the National Center for Law & Elder Rights, Medicare Interactive, and Social Security.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA-OEP): January 1 – March 31

• During the MA-OEP, individuals enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans can:

– Drop their MA coverage and choose original Medicare with a Prescription Drug Plan (PDP), or

– Change from one MA plan to another, with or without prescription drug coverage.

• During the MA-OEP, individuals in Original Medicare cannot change their stand-alone Part D Plan or join an MA plan, unless they are within another plan enrollment period, such as:

– Their Initial Enrollment Period when they first become eligible for Part A or are new to Part B; or

– A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for changing plans (e.g., for individuals who have lost Medicaid, individuals leaving incarceration, or individuals in other special circumstances).  

• For enrollees without the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), this is the last opportunity until the annual election period (October 15-December 7) to change coverage during the year unless they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Medicare enrollees with the Low-Income Subsidy (“Extra Help”) or who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid have a SEP that provides one opportunity each quarter to make any change in plan coverage.

For more information, please call the SHINE office at (508) 375-6762.

MA HEALTH CONNECTOR OPEN ENROLLMENT

Open Enrollment at the state’s Health Connector is now through January 23, 2025 to apply for new health coverage or change health plans for 2025. 

For those who enroll by December 23, their coverage will start January 1, 2025. 

For individuals and families who need coverage that starts before Jan. 1, 2025, they can enroll any time of the year if they: 

• Experience a qualifying life event, like losing coverage from a job or other source, moving, getting married, having a baby, and others. 
• Are applying for dental plans. 
• Are applying for help paying for health coverage. This includes programs like MassHealth, Children’s Medical Security Plan (CMSP), Health Safety Net, and ConnectorCare. 

The deadline to enroll in insurance that starts December 1 is November 23, 2024. 

Call 1-877-MA-ENROLL ((877) 623-6765) or visit Massachusetts Health Connector. The Health Connector is the official website of Massachusetts's health insurance Marketplace.

Social media toolkit - Open Enrollment Toolkit – Massachusetts Health Connector 

Massachusetts Health Connector Open Enrollment 

scams & fraud

ELDERCARE LOCATOR: A GUIDE TO AVOIDING FINANCIAL SCAMS

Every year, ACL’s Eldercare Locator leads “Home for the Holidays,” a campaign to encourage friends and families to use holiday visits as an opportunity to talk about an important topic affecting the health and well-being of older adults. This year, the focus is on increasing awareness of common scams, including tips to avoid fraud and what to do if you suspect you’re a victim.

The Eldercare Locator is a public service provided by ACL and administered by USAging. It connects older adults and their caregivers with trustworthy local resources that provide assistance with meals, home services, transportation, caregiver training, respite care, and more — including agencies and organizations that can help with financial education and fraud prevention.

WEBINAR ON SOCIAL CONNECTION AS A PROTECTIVE FACTOR FOR FRAUD AND EXPLOITATION

Social isolation and loneliness are key risk factors for fraud and exploitation. Learn about this important topic—and resources available to address it—by joining ACL's Commit to Connect webinar on Thursday, December 19, from 12:30 to 2:00 PM ET. This webinar will highlight the annual Eldercare Locator Home for the Holidays campaign, which this year focuses on avoiding financial scams.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and National Center on Elder Abuse will also share information on detecting common scams and highlight key resources on staying connected and safe from financial exploitation. Area Agency 3, an Area Agency on Aging based in Lima, OH, will share how they are using art and music to promote social connection and reduce romance scams in their community.

This event will include CART captioning and American Sign Language interpretation. The webinar will be recorded and shared publicly after the event. If you have any questions or additional accessibility requests, please email info@committoconnect.org.

upcoming community events

LOWER CAPE LGBTQ OLDER ADULTS GROUP

The Lower Cape LGBTQ Older Adults is a group of those 55+ who get together to socialize and meet new friends. We gather to promote opportunities for connection, engagement, enrichment, and support. We host seasonal events and share information about LGBTQ programming for older adults which now exists in nearby communities.

YARMOUTH LGBTQ OLDER ADULTS

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INNOVATORS: TAKE THE PLUNGE!

Take The Plunge - BHI's Winter Dips Begin!

BHI Board Members and volunteers will brave the cold ocean waters from November to April to raise awareness and funding for Cape Cod teens who struggle with substance use and mental health challenges. BHI has created a continuum of supports for these young people including our Alternative Peer Group Program, Positive Alternatives for Student Support Program and Peer Heroes RAMP® Toolkit.

To support our Winter Dippers or to become a Winter Dipper yourself, visit our website. Dip once or as many times as you like, all in support or our Cape & Islands youth.

employment opportunities

WAREHOUSE POSITION OPEN AT THE FAMILY PANTRY OF CAPE COD

The Family Pantry of Cape Cod in Harwich, is looking for an experienced Warehouse/Facilities Manager. Comfortable working in a fast paced/changing environment. Candidate must be flexible and adaptable, with demonstrated management experience. Full time (40 hrs/wk), year- round with benefits. Salary commensurate with experience. The Family Pantry of Cape Cod - 133 Queen Anne Road- Harwich Ma | (508) 432-6519

TOWN OF FALMOUTH HUMAN SERVICES EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Town of Falmouth is very pleased to open the search for our first part-time Bilingual Clinical Social Worker. This position works up to 8 hours per week with schedule flexibility to include some evening and occasional weekend hours. Additional hours may be available during the first six months.

Under the direction of the Director of Human Services, this position provides community outreach and social work services to Portuguese speaking members of the community, including counseling, case management, advocacy, and referrals. One evening a week, our part-time Bilingual Clinical Social Worker will provide drop-in referral services.

This position will also promote the assistance available from the Human Services Department to our Portuguese speaking community members and assist in program development and community organizing activities. Our Bilingual Clinical Social Worker will also engage in community networking and may serve on local and regional committees to enhance human service programs and services for citizens from diverse ethnicities, cultures, and languages.

Other functions may include assisting in the development of policies and procedures relating to multi-lingual clinical services and agency programs, developing in-service training programs for staff and other Town departments, and participating in the assessment of human service agencies’ requests for municipal funding. Our Bilingual Clinical Social Worker may perform crisis intervention for Portuguese speaking persons at risk of harm to self or others as needed.

food & community resources

FEMA: PREPAREDNESS AND RESILIENCE BULLETIN – EMPOWERING PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES

Being winter ready means understanding winter risks you face and taking steps now to prepare. 

Why should you be winter ready?

• Sixty-three percent of temperature-related deaths are attributable to cold exposure.
• Home heating is the second leading cause of home fires, and winter is when most home fires happen. 
• Travel during the winter has unique risks, especially if you travel by car.

Learn about winter weather readiness more here.

BUY FRESH BUY LOCAL CAPE COD

Nutrition educators have assisted in coordination of Buy Fresh Buy Local Cape Cod with the mission of connecting people and businesses on the Cape with locally grown farm and sea products. Through Buy Fresh Buy Local Cape Cod, resources are created to assist individuals and families in purchasing, cooking, and storing fresh foods.

CAPE COD FOOD ACCESS GUIDE

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.

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