By Nicole Long
October is Global Diversity Awareness Month, a time to celebrate diversity and inclusion.
According to National Today Global Diversity Awareness Month FAQS, it “is a reminder of the positive impact a diverse culture of people can have on society as a whole.”
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) celebrates individuals from all cultures and backgrounds and honors the diversity of cultures and communities around the world.
Did you know? OCES’ services are available in multiple languages including but not limited to Cape Verde Creole, Haitian Creole, Spanish, and Portuguese. From the first point of telephone contact, OCES connects with individuals, families and caregivers seeking resources and assistance.
Caring for a Diverse Community
Through the talent of an experienced, diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community.
OCES supports EVERYONE without exception. There is “No Wrong Door” when it comes to supporting all. Through more than 20 different programs, OCES offers significant life-supporting care contributing to an individual’s ability to live within the community as independently as possible for as long as possible while preserving dignity and quality of life. With a service area of 23 communities, OCES is the largest provider of these in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in the southeastern part of Massachusetts.
OCES’ Nutrition Program enhances the quality of life for older adults by providing nutritionally sound and satisfying meals at Community Dining meal sites located throughout the OCES service area as well as through the Meals on Wheels (home-delivered meals) Program. Holiday meals are offered at congregate meal sites and to Meals on Wheels recipients in certain communities. In addition, a diverse Caribbean meal is served daily in Brockton. OCES and the Bridgewater Cole-Yeaton Senior Center congregate meal site have teamed up to provide an LGBTQ+ Senior Luncheon on a monthly basis. All LGBTQ+ seniors are welcome. If you are interested in any of the Nutrition Opportunities available in your area, email ocesinfo@ocesma.org.
OCES also provides information and resources to a diverse audience through “Community Options,” which is a local cable show on Brockton Community Access.
Diversity enriches our community. It’s important to respect one another regardless of background and differences. There are many ways to commemorate diversity at any time, not just during Global Diversity Awareness Month. Learning more about different cultures, customs and experiences is one of the best ways to strengthen understanding and connection.
For more information about programming at OCES, visit www.ocesma.org. If you are in need of services, contact OCES’ Information and Referral Department at 508-584-1561.
About the Author
Nicole Long is the Chief Executive Officer of Old Colony Elder Services (OCES). Founded in 1974, OCES is a private, non-profit organization proudly serving greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is designated as one of 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information, call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.
Source:
National Today. (n.d.) Global Diversity Awareness Month–October 2023. https://nationaltoday.com/global-diversity-awareness-month/
