Edition 300 | July 15, 2021
E-Newsletter. This bi-weekly newsletter is designed to provide timely information on health and human service topics of interest for 
people living and working in Barnstable County.
SPOTLIGHT
~ Celebrating our 300th edition Human Services Newsletter ~

They say it takes a village, this one took a County!

Having Gratitude for our Community where we live, work & play

The pandemic accelerated the adoption and implementation of new technologies in local governments. Everyone was working remotely and Zoom meetings fast became the new communication tool. The Department of Human Services never missed a beat in hearing the public's needs and serving them in a timely fashion. We couldn't have done any of this without YOU. The collaboration and dedication within our networks was nothing less than miraculous. Listed below are a mere handful of OUR efforts combined to serve this Community we so love.

COVID REPORTS
We created, analyzed, and disseminated daily epidemiological information on the impact of the outbreak on Barnstable County (tracking cases and deaths).  

HOMELESSNESS
We coordinated with County Incident Commander and the Emergency Operations Center on the emergency response to homeless persons in Barnstable County; advise on resources and supports needed, including planning to secure an emergency shelter site, securing temporary sanitation and hygiene infrastructure, and coordination with service partners to understand and secure non-medical supplies.

We convened and facilitated weekly Covid 19 Homeless Emergency Planning calls to address needs of the homeless. 35+ entities participate on these calls including state and local elected officials, Barnstable County Incident Commander, Duffy, CCHC, Catholic Social Services, HAC, Homeless Prevention Council, Falmouth Human Services, Town of Barnstable PD, faith-based organizations, meal programs, visiting nurses, and other homeless provider organizations.   

PPE
We provided guidance on accessing PPE to non-profits (HAC and CSS) and faith-based organization (Council of Churches Faith Family Kitchen) serving homeless. Submitted requests to MACC and coordinate delivery of PPE.

FOOD ACCESS
We compiled and disseminated food access information and delivery options for vulnerable families and individuals, collaborative effort with the Cape Cod Hunger Network, Cooperative Extension, Council of Churches and HAC.

HOMELESS YOUTH
We amended contracts with five partner organizations operating on Cape and Islands to allocate funds to COVID-19 responses for homeless youth and young adults, providing up to $45,000 in additional flexible funds to assist households experiencing financial hardship remain in their homes, this assistance includes providing immediate rental assistance.

TELEHEALTH
We compiled and disseminated a County-wide informational flyer listing behavioral health telehealth resources.

RENTAL ASSISTANCE
We planned responses to newly released HUD Waivers that will allow Participating Jurisdictions to set up a process to utilize HOME funds for Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) for individuals and families experiencing financial hardships due to Covid-19.

SUBSTANCE SUPPORT
We supported the recovery community by providing CDC, SAMHSA and DPH-issued best practices and guidance to sober homes and addiction providers.
COMMUNITY NEWS / ANNOUNCEMENTS
Food Access Cape Cod

The Barnstable County Cooperative Extension has compiled information on programs and sites in Barnstable County where prepared meals and pre-bagged groceries and supplies are available for pick-up.

Please see flyer below for listing of meal distribution sites on the Cape.
Summer Food Service Program

The Summer Food Service Program is a Federally-Funded Nutrition Program that Provides Free Meals to Children ages 18 & under when School is not in Session.

Please see flyer below for listing of meal distribution sites on the Cape.
EBT SNAP Online Purchasing Options Expanded in Massachusetts


The Baker Administration announced that Massachusetts residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can now use their EBT SNAP benefits to buy fresh food and pantry staples online from a variety of participating stores for same-day delivery and pickup via Instacart, including Price Chopper, ALDI and newly added Hannaford and Stop & Shop. 
EMPLOYMENT
Kitchen Assistant Needed in Falmouth!
The Town of Falmouth has an immediate opening for a temporary Kitchen Assistant in our brand new state of the art Senior Center kitchen. Position is responsible the following: assists in the preparation and display of all food items and daily service and special events; assists in taking food orders and completing each transaction while providing high quality customer service; provides guidance to volunteers; practices hygienic food handling, preparation and serving techniques under the general direction of the Kitchen Supervisor; properly greets and informs guests of daily specials and all other duties as assigned. High school graduation or equivalent and one year of food service experience; ServSafe Certification. This is a long term temporary position for approximately 19 hours per week. $15.63/hour. For more info click HERE.
EVENTS / TRAININGS
Dementia-Friendly Programs at Barnstable Adult Community Center
Barnstable Council on Aging invites caregivers and other members of our community to join Barnstable Connects, a dementia friendly program that provides engaging activities for those with memory impairments. Barnstable Connects focuses on keeping our bodies in motion, cognitive exercises and, of course, having a little fun. Programs are led by trained and dementia friendly facilitators.
To register for Barnstable Connects Programs contact Program Coordinator Stacey Cullen at 508-862-4765 or email Stacey.cullen@town.barnstable.ma.us for more information. 
Discover Summer, an Online Destination from the National Summer Learning Association
 
Our goal is to help your child discover the joy of summer and prepare for a great school year ahead
Educational Opportunities Offered by the Corporate and Professional Education at CCCC
 
Please be sure to check out their extensive variety of class offerings.
You Don't Need to Travel Far to Receive High-Quality Education/Training That Will Position You for Success in the Technical Trades or a Career in an Allied Health Field

Several programs prepare the student for licensure in various industries. In order to meet the needs of students, we also offer several courses online. Here at UCT you will find over 500 exciting career and enrichment courses ranging from health careers, computers, technical trades, business, legal, culinary, wellness and fun courses!
OLDER ADULTS
Are You a Massachusetts Resident?
Are You 65 or Older and Not Eligible for Medicare?
Prescription Advantage Can Help! Please see flyer below for more information.
It’s Time to Renew Your Coverage for MassHealth, the Health Safety Net, or the Children's Medical Security Plan
Community Action Committee of Cape Cod & Islands has Navigators Certified by the Massachusetts Health Connector to Assist You.
GROUP MEETINGS
Thrive! at CIGSYA - LGBTQ and Ally Center of Cape Cod Now Have Monday Events  

The LGBTQ + group Thrive is for folks ages 13-22. We recently switched our weekly events to Mondays at 4pm. Join us virtually or for special in person gatherings with proper COVID-19 protocols. Please feel free to join anytime! For details email kgarcia@WeThrive.us and check out our social media platforms:

Instagram: @cigsya
Twitter: @thriveatcigsya 
COVID-19 NOTICES / RESOURCES
Available Food Resources

The Barnstable County Cooperative Extension and Department of Human Services has compiled information on programs and sites in Barnstable County where prepared meals and pre-bagged groceries and supplies are available for pick-up.
Coping During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Cape Cod COVID-19 Response Task Force has collected helpful wellness resources for you during COVID-19. Please check back regularly as we add to these resources. 
 
Each month we will highlight tools to help manage this crisis and identify for you web videos, articles, discussions, and resources we have found helpful. These tools apply to those of all ages, children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and elders.
Barnstable County COVID-19 Recovery Resources

COVID-19 can be difficult for all of us but especially for those in recovery. This might be exacerbated by people unable to attend their normal support group meetings or other recovery supports. Please click on button below to find local and nationwide resources related to substance use disorder and mental health. You can also call the MA Substance Use Helpline anytime at 800-327-5050.
COVID 19 Survival Kit Series - Sponsored by NAMI Cape Cod & The Islands

In early 2020, when COVID 19 hit hard, NAMI Cape Cod & the Islands developed an 8-part Survival Tool Kit Series, based on the research of Bruce Perry, renowned child psychiatrist and neuroscientist. The kit was developed as a guide to review, over the fall and winter months, some essential tools to help us deal with stress of the COVID 19 pandemic. These tools apply to those of all ages--children, adolescents, young adults, adults and elders. Each month highlights a new topic and provides tools to help manage this crisis and identify resources such as web videos, articles, discussions and more we have found helpful. In the month of February we are highlighting part 4 of the series which focuses on “Screen Time”. To access the tool kit click website button below. We want everyone to be safe and healthy during this pandemic. 
HUMAN SERVICE DEPARTMENT INITIATIVES

CONTINUUM OF CARE
HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
REGIONAL NETWORK ON HOMELESSNESS
REGIONAL SUBSTANCE USE COUNCIL
SHINE-
SERVING HEALTH INSURANCE NEEDS FOR EVERYONE
RESOURCES
SERVICE DIRECTORY
211 ASSISTANCE
MY CHOICE MATTERS SITE
SUBSTANCE USE
RESOURCE GUIDE
EMERGENCY HOTLINES
HUMAN SERVICES SITE
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