Here's the Latest News from our Departments
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Phone: (508) 696-0020
Hours of Operation: M – Th 8-5
Friday & Saturdays by appointment.
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Medicare Seminar Presented by Mary Leddy of VHCAP:
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Phone: (508) 696-3844
Hours of Operation: Monday, Thursday & Friday 9-4
Tuesday & Wednesday 9-2:30
Fuel Assistance Season Wrapping up
The last day for applications for the SSCAC Fuel Assistance 2018-2019 season is
April 30th, 2019
. There is still time to apply. If you are a low-income family in need of assistance with fuel bills please call the DCSS office to make an appointment and fill out an application: (508) 696-3844.
Click here
for more information on eligibility and requirements for this program.
VITA Tax Program 2019 Season
This year we assisted 24 individuals with
FREE tax preparation through the
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program funded by
The
Community Action Committee of Cape Cod & Islands
. A Trained volunteer held appointments on six days over March and April.
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Jo Ann Murphy
Phone: (508) 693-6887
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This month I’d like to share a personal anecdote that demonstrates the importance of filing a claim with the VA for Veteran’s Disability Compensation.
In 2017 a veteran came to our office about filing a claim with the Veterans Administration. I filed the paperwork but we couldn’t find his military medical records. Recently, the client moved to the Cape and I suggested that he go see Dr. VanBeber (“Dr. V”) at the VA Hyannis Clinic. After seeing Dr. V at the clinic a few times and explaining the problem, they were able to locate his medical records and we submitted the claim which was finally settled this month (April 2019). I received a call from the family telling me about his benefit check that they received and so relieved to finally have his case settled.
This one claim brought in a retro check of $49,000 to the veteran and his family
. This is just one example in my 18 years as Director of Veterans Services. The most I have gotten for a veteran is over $400,000. Not only is this benefiting the men and women who have served this Country, but it is also bringing money back to our island communities. If you are, or know of, a disabled veteran that incurred an injury or illness as a result of military service, contact our office about filing a claim.
Jo Ann, Dukes County Veterans Agent
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Veteran's Support Series: Veterans Benefits
April 16, 2019, 1pm
American Legion Hall
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Mrs. Cheryl Belisle from the Veterans Benefits Administration and
Jo Ann Murphy
, Dukes County Veterans Agent will discuss Veterans Benefits. Lunch will be served.
Please contact
Tom Bennett
for more information and group times at 508-693-7900 ext. 211.
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Warming Center and Houses of Grace close after another successful season.
The
Warming Center that operated at the Good Shepherd Parish Hall closed on March 30. The program offered homeless residents home cooked meals, laundry and shower facilities and access to a nurse and recovery coach. Up to 12 adults
visited the support center daily. The program, manned by volunteers, was open 6 days/week through the winter. It was also a great resource for visitors who wanted to pick up donated clothes or supplies, link to community resource and referral agencies or talk with Rebecca Jamieson, the coordinator and a counselor.
Houses of Grace has also just completed a 4th successful year providing shelter for Island residents from January 1 - March 31. An amazing cadre of volunteers served guests dinner and breakfast and staffed the 3 church facilities that were used for the program. This season saw a rise in the number of guests frequenting Houses of Grace as well as a rise in the number of women.
Harbor Homes of Martha's Vineyard
, the newest nonprofit on the Island, is at the final step for securing funding from the Community Preservation Committees in Aquinnah, West Tisbury, Oak Bluffs, and Chilmark. Harbor Homes will use the funds to acquire existing property on the Island to provide housing and life skills education to low-income residents who face homelessness.
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Leslie Clapp, Executive Director
Phone: (508) 939-9440
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Supportive Day Program
The Supportive Day Program is a daily activity program for older adults who are at risk if left alone, or who may be experiencing memory challenges. Activities are designed to promote social engagement and encourage a sense of belonging and participation in the community. We offer a wide range of experiences such as exercise and yoga, music, drama, history and book clubs. A family style lunch is included, transportation is available.
Open Monday – Friday 9am – 3pm, full or half days available, we will schedule to meet your needs. Fee for service, low income assistance may be available.
Call 508-939-9440 for more information.
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Substance Use Prevention (SUD) Committee:
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Notes from The CCAR Academy
Over the course of two weeks in March, 17 Islanders successfully completed the Vineyard's third ever training to become Recovery Coaches in our community. The training was paid for by Dukes County with funds dedicated to combating the high incidence of substance use disorder on Martha's Vineyard. Island Health Care facilitated the event, which was hosted by the Vineyard House. Certified Recovery Support Worker Ginger Ross was the trainer, and CCAR (Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery) provided the template upon which the training was grounded.
The training stressed a multiple pathways to recovery approach and helped foster a deep understanding of the fundamental ethics to which the platform of recovery coaching must subscribe.
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The AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod is seeking a Part-time Harm Reduction Specialist. Click
here
for more information.
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Richard Cohen
Associate Commissioner for Disabled Affairs
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Dick Cohen of O.B. Appointed New Associate Commissioner of Disabled Affairs
Dick Cohen was appointed by the Dukes County Commissioners and succeeded Mary Holmes in March. Many thanks to Mary for her work this past year. She will continue as a member of the Dukes County Disability Committee which works with and advises the Associate Commissioner. Dick has 45 years of experience in disabilities rights as a lawyer, court monitor, senior state government official in abuse and neglect investigations and consultant. Dick, who had life-long ties to the Island, and his wife, Alison Cohen, moved to the Island as year-round residents three years ago. Dick has been active on the Island Disability Coalition.
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Next Dukes County Disability Committee Meeting:
Weds, April 24th, 1:30-2:30
Oak Bluffs Library
Reasonable Accommodations can be made to Dick Cohen at racohen65@aol.com or (508) 687-9330
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Accessibility Comments Submitted to O.B. Planning Board on Town's Master Plan
Dick Cohen recently submitted comments on the Oak Bluffs Master Plan related to accessibility to the OB Planning Board. For more information or copy of Cohen’s comments, you can email at racohen65@aol.com. The Planning Board is scheduled to meet on Tues., April 25 at 5pm and will likely discuss and possibly decide on the Master Plan at the OB Fire Station.
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Webinar: "
Mainstream Gaming with Disabilities: Accessible Solutions"
Thursday, May 2, 2019
3:30pm-4:30pm
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This live broadcast focuses on making console, electronic and board games accessible. It is being conducted by Assistive Technology Industry Association. Fee: $39. Click
here
to register and for more information.
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Our Community Partners and Affiliates
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Dukes County Health and Human Services
(508) 696 -3844
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