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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. | |
AGEISM AWARENESS DAY: OCTOBER 9TH | |
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Ageism refers to stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel), and discrimination (how we act) toward others or ourselves based on age. It negatively impacts our health and well-being, our financial security, and the economy. It exists in many forms, influencing everything from personal interactions to public policy, and impacts us at every age. The good news is that we can do something about it, and we begin by spreading the word on Ageism Awareness Day Oct. 9, 2024.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THE NEEDS OF OLDER ADULTS | |
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Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands (ESCCI), the federally designated Area Agency on Aging (AAA), announces its participation in the 2025 Statewide Needs Assessment Project. Data collected will be used to identify gaps in services, as well as in the development of programs to support elders, their caregivers, and the disabled living in the community. ESCCI encourages community participation in the process and invites residents of Barnstable County age 60 or better and their caregivers to attend a public hearing via ZOOM. All responses will be kept confidential and will not be shared outside of ESCCI and the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
Public Hearing for Barnstable County
Friday, October 18 at 11:00 a.m.
Register HERE >>>
Individuals and their caregivers can also weigh in via an online survey at:
https://app.keysurvey.com/f/41748328/8b22/ .
In addition to the on-line survey, the survey is also available in hard copy in several languages including Portuguese, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Russian and Chinese. If you wish to receive the survey in any of these languages or others, please contact Sarah Franey at (508) 258-2406.
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aging well & healthy living | |
ACTIVE PARENTING, THE FIRST FIVE YEARS | |
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The purpose of Active Parenting, The First Five Years, is to support the growth and development of children through the family structure by providing parents and other caregivers the information and skills necessary to prepare their children to survive in a democratic society.
WHEN: October 18th, 25th, November 1st, 8th
WHAT TIME: 12:00 PM–1:30 PM
WHERE: Online/Virtual
Call to register! (508) 815-5100
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FEMA Region 2 encourages you to take simple steps today that will help keep you and your loved ones safe in an emergency.
Know Your Risk!
Learn how to prepare for some of the most common disaster hazards in our region.
- Extreme Heat (ready.gov/heat)
- Power Outage (ready.gov/power-outages)
- Fire (ready.gov/home-fires)
- Hurricanes and Floods (ready.gov/hurricanes, ready.gov/floods)
Have What You Need
Having enough food, water and medicine can help you prevent injury and stay safe and comfortable until help arrives. Consider any special supplies you may need to take care of small children, pets, older adults, or people with a disability. Visit ready.gov/kit for a list of basic supplies for everyone in your home – including your pets – to be prepared when an emergency or disaster happens.
Download the Preparedness Resource Guide for tips and resources.
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DESTINATION RESPITE: ATTENTION ALL CARE PARTNERS! | |
Need a break to run errands, go to an appointment, or even take a nap? Destination Respite is for you. Destination Respite programs are offered in Barnstable, Dennis, and Yarmouth, the Hyannis Mall and the Cape Intercultural Center. A collaborative of local agencies work together to provide social engagement programs for your loved one living with dementia, while you take some time to take care of yourself. | |
VISION ZERO ACTION PLAN CAPE COD: SAFER STREETS FOR ALL | |
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The Cape Cod Commission is developing a Vision Zero Action Plan for Cape Cod to identify and eliminate fatalities and serious injuries from vehicle crashes for everyone: pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, and drivers.
The Cape Cod Zero Action Plan, a pathway to a safer future, will include a systematic crash analysis and set of solutions to tackle the root causes of al crashes, emphasizing those involving bicyclists, pedestrians, and other non-motorists.
Your input will help identify the biggest problem areas and aid in prioritizing safety improvements. Visit the Vision Zero Action Plan Website and submit your comments HERE >>>.
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YOUTH SUICIDE: HOW IS OUR COMMUNITY RESPONDING? | |
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The Brewster Ladies’ Library Association's Discovery & Enrichment Series will present “Youth Suicide: How Is Our Community Responding?” at the library on Thursday, October 24, 6:00 PM–7:30 PM.
For ages 18–29, rates of death from suicide in Barnstable County have been the highest in the state for nearly two decades. Please join a conversation led by two local physicians with expertise in this topic—Dr. Bart Main and Dr. Kim Mead-Walters—and learn more about the actions our shared community is taking to reduce suicide risk.
To register, please go to https://www.brewsterladieslibrary.org/calendar. This program will be offered in person and via Zoom. For more information, contact BLLAEvents@BrewsterLadiesLibrary.org.
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LIFT THE MASK: PORTRAITS OF LIFE WITH MENTAL HEALTH | |
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Behavioral Health Innovators and the Quell Foundation present "Lift the Mask: Portraits of Life with Mental Illness" documentary, followed by interviews and Q&A on mental & behavioral health for our Cape Cod Youth.
We invite all those caring for our youth to attend! This event will take place Thursday, October 10th, 6:30 PM at the Dennis-Yarmouth High School. There is no charge.
This is a powerfully intense film...so touching and real...it is also important for high school and college-age students to view. Parental/guardian permission required for those under 18. Therapists will be immediately available for confidential consultations after the screening.
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Kids and teens are likely to talk to their friends about what’s on their mind before coming to an adult. Does your child know what to do or say if a friend comes to them feeling stressed out? Do they know what to say or do if their friend’s concerns require the attention of an adult?
Mental Healthy America has created its Basics for Supporting Friends guide to help young people support each other.
Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or community leader, MHA has the resources you need to make a difference. We have guides for creating safe spaces and building classroom relationships, tips for validating feelings, and more.
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FINDTREATMENT.GOV IS NOW AVAILABLE IN SPANISH! | |
SAMHSA has launched FindTreatment.gov/es, the Spanish-language version of FindTreatment.gov.
Designed to serve Spanish-speaking communities, FindTreatment.gov/es offers confidential and anonymous access to a comprehensive list of certified substance use and mental health treatment facilities, certified community behavioral health clinics, opioid treatment programs, buprenorphine practitioners, and healthcare centers across the United States and its territories.
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STEP-BY-STEP VOTING GUIDE FOR PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS | |
From the US Interagency Council on Homelessness newsletter: "By some estimates, less than 10% of people vote while experiencing homelessness. USICH created step-by-step voting guides for people without a permanent address and for homelessness service providers who can help them register." | |
"UPROOTED": VOICES OF STUDENT HOMELESSNESS | |
For many, homelessness may evoke images of single, adult men living on the streets. But beneath the surface of these narrow portrayals lie the plight of over a million K-12 students whose lives have been uprooted by homelessness - like Jackie, Angel, Ben and Kayla - and so many others who remain unseen. These students’ lived experiences are diverse, and they spend their nights in many different settings. The intertwined stories told here foreground the realities of many students who experience homelessness in U.S. schools. | |
ARE YOU READY FOR MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT? | |
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Open enrollment is October 15 – December 7 and state certified SHINE counselors are available at your local senior center by appointment to help you understand health care coverage, review cost increases, and find out what’s new with Medicare. To find a location, you can call the Cape Cod & Islands Regional SHINE Program at Barnstable County at (508) 375-6762.
The time is now to review your Medicare coverage! By September 30th, each Medicare beneficiary receives an Annual Notice of Coverage which includes important information regarding Medicare costs and benefits. You can compare your Medicare benefits and health insurance options at no cost with your local SHINE counselor. There are many new changes for 2025!
Meeting with a certified SHINE volunteer during open enrollment may reduce your out of pocket medical and/or prescription drug costs. In addition, a SHINE counselor can help you identify public programs that can help with premiums, copayments and health coverage based on income and assets.
SHINE appointments fill up fast during this busy period so contact your local senior center to avoid making last-minute decisions or staying in a plan that no longer works for you. Appointments may be in person, on the phone, or virtual.
Plan to have the following information available for your SHINE appointment:
- Medicare A/B card
- Medigap or Medicare Advantage Card
- Prescription Drug Plan Member Card (if you have a Part D plan)
- List of medications and dosages which can be obtained from your local pharmacy.
- If you have created an account with Medicare.gov, bring your username and password – this will save time as all medications and dosage information are stored and can be updated.
For those who prefer to view Medicare plan choices and costs online please visit www.Medicare.gov, then, click on find a health and drug plans tab.
Helpful telephone numbers and websites:
Medicare | www.medicare.gov | (800) 633-4227
Social Security | www.ssa.gov | (800) 772-1213
Prescription Advantage | www.prescriptionadvantagema.org | (800) 243-4636
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THE FAKE FUNERAL LIVESTREAM | |
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Unfortunately, cybercriminals will go to great lengths to try to trick you and steal your information. In this week’s scam, cybercriminals are stealing photos and personal details of recently deceased people from social media. They use these photos and personal details to create convincing comments on Facebook. When an announcement is posted about the deceased person, the cybercriminals leave a comment. The comment says that the funeral is being streamed online and that you need to click a link to watch it.
However, the funeral service isn’t actually being streamed online. If you click the link in the comment, you’ll be taken to a fake website that’s controlled by the cybercriminals. The website includes instructions to enter your credit card information so that you can supposedly watch the funeral. If you enter any information here, the cybercriminals will be able to see it immediately. You won’t actually be able to watch the funeral service online, but the cybercriminals will be able to charge your credit card!
Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to a fake funeral scam:
- Never donate money to an online fund unless you can verify it has been set up by an official source.
- If you’re experiencing a major loss, set your social media websites to private before posting details about the deceased person. This will make it more difficult for cybercriminals to steal personal photos and information.
- Always use caution when entering financial information online. Make sure that the website you're visiting is legitimate.
The KnowBe4 Security Team
| NAVIGATING THE EVOLVING CYBER THREAT LANDSCAPE |  | |
Wednesday, October 23, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM ET
Please join the Region 2 Individual and Community Preparedness Program and the NJ Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) for a look at the current cyber threat environment.
The cyber threat environment, including the tactics and techniques used, is constantly evolving. New lures and scams are developed to target individuals, business, and organizations with the goal of siphoning funds, accessing accounts, and stealing information. As such, this presentation will cover those prevalent threats and tactics, ways to identify them, and how to protect ourselves from becoming victims of cybercrime.
Who should attend: Everyone - Individuals, parents, students, families, businesses, volunteer organizations, civic and faith-based organizations’ leadership, and governmental agencies’ staff (federal, state, local, territorial, and Tribal Nation).
Registration: https://fema.cosocloud.com/njccic/event/registration.html
Make sure to test your Adobe Connect before the meeting using this Adobe Connect diagnostic test: https://fema.cosocloud.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm
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upcoming community events | |
WALK WITH US TO PREVENT SUICIDE! | |
THE CAPE AND ISLANDS REGIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COUNCIL IS HOSTING A RESOURCE FAIR OCTOBER 8 | |
The Cape and Islands Regional Domestic Violence Council Resource Fair showcases local and state-wide programs and services that are beneficial to survivors of domestic and sexual violence and others in need of supportive services. Numerous agencies and organizations will be available to visit; collect information and resources. | |
DENNIS CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING'S OPEN HOUSE | |
Join us on October 22, 2024, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 1045 Route 134, South Dennis, MA 02660 for health screenings, exhibitor tables, dance, exercise, nutrition, massage, meditation, and more! | |
SAFE CHILD COMMUNITIES: PUBLIC EVENT 10/23/24 | |
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The SAFE Child Communities Initiative of Cape Cod is hosting a public gathering about challenges faced by immigrants when seeking resources & services and discuss how we can together improve service delivery in our increasingly multicultural region!
DETAILS
When: Wednesday, October 23, 2024
What Time: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM (Lunch Provided)
Where: Cape Cod & Islands Association of Realtors, Inc., 22 Mid Tech Drive, West Yarmouth
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GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN RESOURCE FAIR | |
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This is a great opportunity for grandparents raising grandchildren and relative caregivers to learn about services and resources for your grand-family. Providers such as the Kinship Navigator Program, Learn to Cope, Family Resource Centers and more will be there.
DETAILS
October 23, 2024
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Hampton Inn Cape Cod Canal, Buzzards Bay
Continental breakfast will be provided.
Register by 10/16/24 and be entered into a raffle for a $100 supermarket gift card!
For more information and to register, please email us at massgrg@mass.gov.
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LGBTQ+ OLDER ADULTS EVENTS ON CAPE COD 2024 | |
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Chatham LGBTQ+ Seniors
Oct. 3 | 11:00 AM
Explore the Edward Gorey House, a museum in Yarmouth Port, Cape Cod, located in a charming 200-year-old sea captain's home purchased by Gorey in 1979. Open from April through December, this unique museum celebrates Gorey's life, artistic works, and passion for animal welfare.
Call Us
Email Us
Oct. 17 | 5:00 PM
Join us for our Dinner Club offering a welcoming space to connect, share stories, and enjoy a delicious meal in great company. Whether you're looking to make new friends or reconnect with familiar faces, this inclusive gathering is all about community and celebration!
Call Us
Email Us
Eastham LGBTQ+ Seniors
Oct. 25 | 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
Halloween event for the over 50 LGBTQ+ Community on October 25th from 5–8 PM at the Eastham Senior Center. There will be food and drinks provided, music and fun activities. Get in the ‘spirit’ with a costume (optional) and you could win a prize! Suggested donation: $5.00 Bring a friend and do the Monster Mash with us!
RSVP via Email
RSVP via phone
Bourne and Upper Cape LGBTQ+ Older Adult Meet Up
Oct. 22 | 2:00 PM–3:30 PM
Please come join us in Bourne at the Community Center! Celebrate LGBTQ History Month with a game of Jeopardy! Refreshments served.
RSVP by phone
Yarmouth LGBTQ+ Seniors
Lots of Upcoming Events! Visit our Facebook page for times, locations, and updates!
October Social 10/9/24 | 1:00 PM–2:30 PM
Holiday on the Cape 12/6/25
Holiday Party TBD in December
Call or Text
Visit our Facebook Page
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food & community resources | |
FLU AND COVID-19 VACCINE CLINIC FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS 12+ | |
The Barnstable County Public Health Nursing Division will be holding a flu and Covid-19 vaccination clinic on Monday, October 21, 9 AM–2 PM in the Harborview Conference Room. The clinic is open to all children and adults, 12 and up. Registration is required - walk-ins not accepted. | |
AVAILABLE NOW: FREE AT-HOME COVID-19 TESTS | |
Starting today, every U.S. household can order free at-home COVID-19 tests through a partnership between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) and the United States Postal Service (USPS). These tests will detect the currently circulating COVID-19 variants and are intended for use through the end of 2024. Each order will include four tests. | |
A COMMUNITY GATHERING PLACE WHERE EVERY CHILD & FAMILTY BELONGS | |
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The Cape Cod Toy Library was created for ALL Cape children and their caregivers as a community resource to enrich children’s play learning and development.
Our mission is to foster healthy child development and learning through play experiences by providing enriching, accessible, culturally inclusive, educational environments, resources, and guidance for all children and families.
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BUY FRESH BUY LOCAL CAPE COD | |
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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.
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CAPE COD FOOD ACCESS GUIDE SUMMER 2024 | |
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Check out this updated guide to Cape Cod Food Pantries, Soup Kitchens, Elder Services, and Meal Sites!
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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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Newsletter Sign-up & Submit | |
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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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