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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. | |
UPCOMING COMMUNITY FORUMS: CHILDREN'S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH BASELINE NEEDS ASSESSMENT | |
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The Barnstable County Department of Human Services is conducting a Children's Behavioral Health Baseline Needs Assessment focusing on behavioral health needs and services for children and youth (0-21 years). The Assessment includes four community forums, conveniently located in four sub-regions of Barnstable County, that offer an opportunity to engage, contribute, and be a part of this crucial assessment. The forums are hybrid and can be attended virtually via Zoom or in person.
Barnstable County residents are encouraged to engage with the assessment process, provide their input, and share their experiences regarding the behavioral health needs of our youth and young adults.
Event times and locations are as follows:
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Outer Cape Forum: Monday, October 16 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Truro Community Center, 7 Standish Way, North Truro REGISTER OUTER CAPE >>>
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Lower Cape Forum: Wednesday, October 25 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Cape Cod Technical High School, 351 Pleasant Lake Ave., Harwich REGISTER LOWER CAPE >>>
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Mid Cape Forum: Thursday, October 26 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | The Family Collaborative, 1338 Route 28, South Yarmouth REGISTER MID CAPE >>>
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Upper Cape Forum: Monday, November 6 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Mashpee Wampanoag Community/Govt. Center, 483 Great Neck Road, S. Mashpee REGISTER UPPER CAPE >>>
Registration is required to receive a Zoom link. Those attending in-person are also encouraged to register. While childcare is not provided, children are welcome to attend. Food and refreshments will be provided for in-person attendees. For more information, please contact Mandi Speakman at mandi.speakman@capecod.gov.
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aging well & healthy living | |
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Each year in October communities worldwide celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month. This annual observance provides an opportunity to reflect upon the rich and diverse history of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community.
LGBTQ History Month was first celebrated in the United States in 1994, organized by a high school history teacher named Rodney Wilson. Inspired by the successful implementation of Black History Month, Wilson saw the need to promote LGBTQ history and achievements. Since then, the observance has gained momentum and is now recognized and celebrated by individuals, organizations, and educational institutions worldwide.
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CHECK FDA'S WEBSITE TO SEE IF YOUR COVID-19 TESTS' EXPIRATION DATES HAVE BEEN EXTENDED; ORDER MORE FREE TESTS FOR YOUR FAMILY! | |
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Beginning September 25, 2023, every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home!
Before you throw out "expired" test, check FDA's website to see if your COVID-19 tests' expiration dates have been extended!
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BARNSTABLE COUNTY FLU AND COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINIC ON OCTOBER 11 | |
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Barnstable County Public Health Nursing Division is holding a flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Wednesday, October 11th from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the Harborview Conference Room. If you are interested, please use the registration link below and have your insurance information ready when you sign up.
This clinic includes both regular flu vaccine for anyone 12+ and high dose flu vaccine for anyone 65+. Pfizer-BioNTech Updated COVID-19 vaccine is available for anyone 12+. We are not offering other brands of COVID-19 vaccine at this time.
If you have already registered for a flu vaccine at Wednesday’s clinic and would like to add an appointment for the updated COVID-19 vaccine, you will need to complete the registration process a second time.
It is safe to receive both vaccines simultaneously.
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Our Public Health Nursing team is excited to introduce Wicked Wellness, a monthly flyer inspired by relevant health awareness themes! Each edition discusses an important health topic, with helpful exercise tips and simple yet delicious recipes using local, in-season ingredients. | |
988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE ADDS AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE SERVICES FOR DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING CUSTOMERS | |
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s addition of nationwide American Sign Language (ASL) services for people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, as part of ongoing efforts to expand accessibility to behavioral health care for underserved communities. Since the July 2022 launch, the 988 Lifeline has received more than 5.5 million calls, texts, and chats, following a nearly $1 billion investment by the Biden-Harris Administration, and will now be available to the millions of Americans who use ASL.
To connect directly to a trained 988 Lifeline counselor in ASL, callers who are Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened can click the "For Deaf & Hard of Hearing" button on 988lifeline.org and follow the prompts. Direct dialing to 988 from a videophone will be available in the coming weeks, and in the meantime, ASL callers can call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) from their videophone to reach ASL services
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MENTAL HEALTH PREPARDNESS FOR A DISASTER OR EMERGENCY | |
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Please join the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 2 Preparedness Team for a webinar on mental health preparedness in the event of a disaster or emergency.
Being prepared for an emergency allows us to organize ourselves and better structure the response we will have to it. Having material and knowledge in advance facilitates the effective actions that we will take later. However, it is also necessary to prepare ourselves emotionally.
When disaster strikes, individuals are not only at risk of physical injury, but may also experience emotional and psychological "wounds." Taking care of your mental health before an emergency will help you think clearly and react to urgent needs to protect yourself, and your family and community.
DETAILS
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET
Who should attend: The whole community, first responders, OEMs, hospital staff and health care providers, local, state and federal government.
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JOIN US FOR THE 2ND ANNUAL HOUSING TO PROTECT CAPE COD SUMMIT | |
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Get progress updates and resources to advocate for housing in your community.
- Hear from advocates and towns that are tackling the housing crisis.
- See the latest data on short-term rentals in a new study by the Concord Group.
- Learn messages that resonate with consumers based on findings from a new poll.
- Pick up your toolkit to advocate for pro-housing policy and zoning changes in your town.
Help us turn the tide on the housing crisis. Join the hundreds of people who want to keep Cape Cod a thriving, year-round community!
DETAILS
Thursday, October 26, 2023
8:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Cape Codder Resort, Hyannis
Tickets: $25
Breakfast & Lunch Provided
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SHINE PROGRAM MANAGER KRISTINA WHITON O'BRIEN DISCUSSES MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT IN FALMOUTH COMMUNITY TELEVISION INTERVIEW | |
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Open Enrollment for Medicare takes place October 15th through December 7th!
Meeting with a certified SHINE volunteer during open enrollment may reduce your out-of-pocket medical and/or prescription drug costs. Additionally, a SHINE counselor can assist you in identifying public programs that can help with premiums, copayments, and health coverage based on income and assets.
Want to learn more? Watch the following Falmouth Community Television interview with our very own Kristina Whiton-O'Brien, SHINE Program Manager!
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ARE YOU READY FOR MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT? SHINE CAN HELP! | |
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Open enrollment is October 15th through December 7th, 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.
Please be advised that due to Medicare Open Enrollment, both call and email volume at the SHINE reginal office is exceedingly high. SHINE staff will respond to all inquiries in the order in which they are received, and response time may be up to 3 business days. Offices are closed on all holidays, and weekends. If you have not yet contacted your local Council on Aging, please check there for appointment availability. For MassHealth related matters, please call (800) 841-2900.
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SCAMMERS USE FAKE EMERGENCIES TO STEAL YOUR MONEY | |
Recognize and Report Fraud! | Someone calls or contacts you saying they’re a family member or close friend. They say they need money to get out of trouble. Not so fast. Is there really an emergency? Is that really your family or friend calling? It could be a scammer. | |
upcoming community events | |
STAND DOWN FOR VETERANS CAPE COD 2023 | |
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Please join us for the 2nd annual Stand Down for Veterans – a free resource expo for veterans!
DETAILS
WHEN: October 13 @ 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
WHERE: The Emerald Resort: Irish Village/HyPort Conference Center, 35 Scudder Ave, Hyannis.
Pre-registration is required; Call 508-237-3349 or register online using the link provided below.
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SAVE THE DATE: TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE | |
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Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.
Cape Cod Transgender Day of Remembrance Committee invites you to Join us on November 19th to remember the victims of anti-trans violence.
DETAILS
WHERE: Unitarian Church of Barnstable, 3330 Main Street, Barnstable, MA
WHEN: Sunday, November 19th, 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Light snacks will be served starting at 2:00 PM.
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Join us for Trivia featuring DJ Cubey to support the Cape Organization for Rights of the Disabled (CORD)! Cash prizes will be awarded! First place $250, second place $150, and third place $75!
DETAILS
WHEN: October 12th, 2023, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
WHERE: Courtyard by Marriott Cape Cod, 707 Iyannough Road Hyannis, MA
Contact CORD for ticket purchase and sponsorship opportunities! (508) 775-8300
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BULLYING PREVENTION & SCHOOL SAFETY | |
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Please join us for a Bullying Prevention & School Safety event!
DETAILS
- Date: Sunday, October 15th, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
- Location: Mashpee Wampanoag Community Center, 483 Great Neck Road, Mashpee
- Door prizes, poster contest, games and activities, community resources tables, free food, and child ID cards!
This event is held in partnership between Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Office for Victims of Crime and Barnstable No Place for Hate.
Questions? Email TribalVictimServices@mwtribe-nsn.gov
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Depolarization is a tool to assist people on opposing sides of issues in talking to and listening to each other in a manner where participants are encouraged and taught how to leave biases, prejudices and prejudgments at the door.
On October 16th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM the Barnstable County Human Rights Advisory Commission (BCHRAC) will host a workshop on de-polarization, helping individuals and communities to find common ground.
Speakers Jeanie Yaroch and Tim Mahoney will share an overview of polarization and entrenched thinking; how to build bridges with others; share effective approaches to bridging those divides; and improving your personal resistance in these situations and your ability in helping other people find common ground.
Pre-register today!
ZOOM MEETING ID:846 6630 1156
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SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR: THE CAPE COD FOUNDATION | |
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The mission of The Cape Cod Foundation is to build permanent charitable resources for community betterment through informed grantmaking and civic leadership. The Cape Cod Foundation makes a measurable difference in the community by being a source of solutions for donors, providing leadership, and leveraging resources.
The Senior Administrative Coordinator is an essential member of the Foundation’s team, providing administrative support and coordination to senior leadership to help daily operations run efficiently and to further the implementation of organizational strategic goals.
To apply: Please send a cover letter expressing your interest and qualifications AND a copy of your current resume by email to: info@capecodfoundation.org. Salary range is $30-$32 per hour. Applications will be accepted until position is filled. No phone calls please.
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SCHOLARSHIP COORDINATOR: THE CAPE COD FOUNDATION | |
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The Scholarship Coordinator provides administrative support for The Cape Cod Foundation and Cape Cod Association scholarships. Last year, $1.4 million in scholarships was awarded to more than 400 local students through these two programs. The Scholarship Coordinator is responsible for administering scholarship awards, supporting scholarship committee processes, and providing staffing for project work as assigned.
This position ensures the smooth operation of the scholarship programs while coordinating the technical aspects of scholarship applications, selection, acceptance, funds disbursement, renewal and refund processing. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.
To apply: Please send a cover letter expressing your interest and qualifications and a copy of your current resume by email to: info@capecodfoundation.org. Salary is $26-$28 per hour. Applications will be accepted until position is filled. No phone calls, please.
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food & community resources | |
CAPE COD FOOD ACCESS GUIDE FALL 2023 | |
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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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FREE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES THROUGH SNAP HEALTHY INCENTIVES PROGRAM | |
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Did you know the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) gives you extra Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) dollars for fruits and vegetables from participating farmers? If you live in Massachusetts and receive SNAP benefits, you can automatically participate in HIP. Depending on your household size, you can get up to $80 extra each month for HIP fruits and vegetables!
Check out this instructional video on how to use the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) as a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Recipient.
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Do you know a child who’s being raised by their grandparent, aunt or uncle, neighbor, or someone else besides their biological parent?
We give caregiver families free, new and nearly new:
- Clothing
- Shoes
- Outerwear
- Underwear
- Sleepwear
- Baby equipment
No referrals required. No financial threshold.
Serving the entire Cape & the Islands, ages newborn-18. Questions? Call us at (508) 514-7125 or email info@CapeCodFosterCloset.org. Check out our website.
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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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