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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. | |
"HOPEFUL HOMES: SEA CHANGE FOR THE CAPE AND ISLANDS YOUNG ADULTS": PLAN TO ADDRESS AND END YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT HOMELESSNESS | |
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On January 26th at the Homeless Prevention Council in Orleans, the Cape and Islands Youth Action Board (YAB) and the Barnstable County Department of Human Services held a public release event to announce their Coordinated Community Plan (CCP) to address and end youth and young adult (YYA) homelessness on Cape Cod and the Islands. The Plan is entitled Hopeful Homes: Sea Change for the Cape and Islands Youth and Young Adults.
Barnstable County spearheaded the planning effort as part of a $1,357,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program. The County’s Department of Human Services will lead the YYA Homelessness Committee to explore additional community partnerships and funding sources to meet the goals and action steps detailed in Hopeful Homes.
Hopeful Homes is the culmination of an eighteen-month planning process that brought together over eighty community partners to develop a data-informed assessment of current services and resources, and develop an equitable, inclusive, and accessible response to homelessness for youths aged 24 and under. Key resources and services identified during development of the plan include lowering barriers to stable housing, exploring innovative housing models, expanding the authentic voice of YYA with lived experience of housing instability in systems improvement, transportation challenges, and more. Notably, HUD funds will support a Host Homes program linking community members with suitable space in their home with YYA in need of temporary housing. Homeless Prevention Council has been piloting a Host Homes program on the Lower/Outer Cape and HUD funds will allow the program to expand across the Cape and Islands.
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SAGECARE TRAINING SERIES: CHALLENGES FACING OLDER LGBTQ+ ADULTS | |
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The Barnstable County Department of Human Services has partnered with SAGECare to offer three FREE virtual trainings to address the unique challenges facing LGBTQ+ adults in our communities. The first training, Supporting LGBTQ+ Older Adults, was successfully conducted on January 23rd. We encourage you to sign up for one or both of our remaining trainings!
While the target audience is providers and stakeholders, anyone is invited to register for these learning sessions, where participant engagement is warmly encouraged.
Each session has a registrant capacity of 60 participants. The first two sessions are the same and cover the topic of supporting LGBTQ+ older adults, while the third session will specifically address Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias in LGBTQ+ adults.
Sessions will be held via ZOOM on the following dates and times:
Registration is required! Spaces are limited. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Mandi Speakman at mandi.speakman@capecod.gov.
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aging well & healthy living | |
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS IN OUR PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS | |
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Every day we use soaps, lotions, deodorants, hair products, and cosmetics. In recent years however, an increasing number of reports have raised concerns about the potentially harmful ingredients some of them may contain.
Join Jeanne Schumacher, M.Ed. and Ed.D, at the Brewster Council on Aging, on Wednesday, February 7, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM for a FREE program to learn about the problem and some simple solutions to avoid environmental toxins in our personal care products. To sign up, please call the Brewster COA at (508) 896-2737.
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Join Jeanne Schumacher, M.Ed. and Ed.D. on Wednesday, February 14th, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM at the Brewster Council on Aging and cut through the smoke and mirrors and learn how the food industry is hiding things in plain sight. In this eye-opening lecture as well as “hands on activities”, learn how to understand and use the Nutrition Facts label. It can help you make healthier eating choices and identify nutrient-dense foods for a healthy diet. To sign up, please call the COA at (508) 896-2737. | |
Spring into one of our Public Health Clinics so we can help you stay on top of your spunk! The Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) is collaborating with students from Cape Cod Tech to offer a guided hands-on experience in the community. Together, we will be offering height and weight measurements, cholesterol checks, dental education, and blood pressure screenings. No registration required! | |
UPCOMING BURIED IN TREASURES WORKSHOPS FOR THOSE STRUGGLING WITH HOARDING | |
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FREE! OPEN TO ALL!
Join us for this multi-week "Buried in Treasures" Workshop for help with compulsive acquiring,
saving and hoarding! *Please note this is a 2-hour per week, 16-week commitment.
WINTER 2024 START DATES
Tuesday, February 6, Eastham Public Library, 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Thursday, February 1, Dennis Center for Active Living, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Wednesday, March 6, Bourne Senior Center, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
For more information or to sign up, call (774) 330-3001
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LANGUAGE GUIDANCE WHEN SERVING LGBTQ+ POPULATIONS | |
The Center of Excellence LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity has created a language guidance related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE) as a resource for behavioral health practitioners to better understand the most recent language used in LGBTQ+ communities. The guidance outlines outdated language, updated language, and why each matters. | |
CAPE AND ISLANDS SUICIDE PREVENTION COALITION SUMMIT | |
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On March 6, 2024, Cape Cod Community College will host a Suicide Prevention Summit. This in-person event will address the issue of suicide in our community and create college, school, and community partnerships.
DETAILS
Date: March 6, 2024
Time: All Day
Location: Cape Cod Community College
Join our email list: capeandislandspc@gmail.com to receive up-to-date information.
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CAPE & ISLANDS SUICIDE PREVENTION COALITION - TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES | |
The mission of the Cape and Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition (CISPC) is to help give Cape Cod and Island communities the necessary information and tools to raise awareness, promote education, and increase action to reduce suicides. CISPC is pleased to announce our ability to offer several valuable educational programs throughout the entire Cape and Islands. | |
CURIOUS ABOUT THE HOMELESS MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM (HMIS)? | |
The Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is a required activity of the Continuum of Care (CoC) grant program. HMIS is an information management system used to collect data on the provision of housing and services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. The information that is collected by the HMIS helps to provide an accurate count of the homeless population and track the patterns of services used, as well as the locations of populations and services. This data is used to evaluate the effectiveness of services and to analyze where funding would be most appropriate. This data is also used in HUD’s annual reporting to Congress. Barnstable County serves as the Lead Entity for the administration of the Cape and Islands CoC HMIS. | |
NEW MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG: COST PROTECTIONS IN 2024 | |
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Two new Medicare prescription drug provisions of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) took effect January 1, 2024. These new benefits help protect people with Medicare who have fixed incomes and chronic health conditions from high drug costs.
1. Medicare Part D’s Low-Income Subsidy Program (LIS), also called Extra Help, expanded to cover more drug costs for people with limited resources.
2. Medicare enrollees with high prescription drug costs will no longer be required to pay out-of-pocket costs once they reach the Part D catastrophic phase.
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MEDICARE SAVINGS PROGRAM BASICS | |
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Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs), also known as Medicare Buy-In programs or Medicare Premium Payment Programs, help pay your Medicare costs if you have limited income and savings.
There are three main programs, each with different benefits and eligibility requirements.*
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Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB): Pays for Medicare Parts A and B premiums. If you have QMB, typically you should not be billed for Medicare-covered services when seeing Medicare providers or providers in your Medicare Advantage Plan’s network.
- Specified Low-income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB): Pays for Medicare Part B premium.
- Qualifying Individual (QI) Program: Pays for Medicare Part B premium.
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*Remember, states use different rules to count your income and assets to determine if you
are eligible for an MSP. Examples of income include wages and Social Security benefits
you receive. Examples of assets include checking accounts and stocks. Certain income and
assets may not count when determining your MSP eligibility. And some states do not have an asset limit. If your income or assets seem to be above the MSP guidelines, you should still apply if you need the help.
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TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR MEDICARE BENEFIT FOR GLAUCOMA | |
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Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers glaucoma screenings once every 12 months if you’re at high risk for developing the eye disease glaucoma. You’re considered at high risk if at least one of these conditions applies to you:
- You have diabetes
- You have a family history of glaucoma
- You’re African American and age 50 or older
- You’re Hispanic and age 65 or older
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CYBERSECURITY 101: BEST PRACTICES | |
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Need a starting place to find essential tips and best practices? Our Cybersecurity 101 material has you covered. Putting in a place a few simple cybersecurity controls can make a world of difference and greatly reduce risk.
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THERE'S A PHISHING SCAN TARGETING DTA/SNAP RECIPIENTS | |
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Remember, the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) will never ask for EBT card numbers online.
Households must report benefit theft within 30 days of when they discover it. To report and initiate replacement visit DTA’s Replacement Benefit FAQ.
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UNLOCKING THE POWER TO PROTECT: IDENTITY THEFT AWARENESS WEEK 2024 | |
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Has someone used your personal information to open accounts, steal your tax refund, or file fake health insurance claims? That’s identity theft. It can happen to anyone, but simple steps can help lessen the chance it will happen to you.
Join us for Identity Theft Awareness Week 2024. The FTC and its partners will host free podcasts, webinars, Facebook Live interviews, and other events focused on avoiding and recovering from identity theft and spotting scams. We’ll have information for everyone and added advice for servicemembers, older adults, young adults, and business owners.
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upcoming community events | |
FEBRUARY IS TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH | |
Independence House Teen Counselors will be popping up at Cape Cod High Schools throughout the month for engagement, fun, and giveaways. The next pop-up will take place February 6th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Bourne High School. | |
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Independence House and Sharing Kindness are pleased to present the documentary RACE to be HUMAN about racism and its impact on the mental health of children and adults. The film addresses the apprehension and confusion so many of us feel when it comes to talking about race and racism. It also shares how we can participate and build empathy through conversations at home, work, and school.
RACE to Be Human includes strategies and tips to check ourselves and others while inspiring self-reflection so that as individuals we are more aware, and as communities, we can move forward more equitably.
Where: Brewster Ladies Library
When: February 13, 2024, 5:00PM–6:00PM.
Guest Moderator: Independence House Executive Director, Lysetta Hurge-Putnam
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CALMER CHOICE IS HIRING A DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR | |
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Calmer Choice’s mission is to cultivate awareness, live mindfully, and enhance resilience. We serve children and those who support them on Cape Cod and surrounding regions by providing evidence-based mindfulness education, training, and mentorship to build resilience, foster compassion and nurture the wellbeing of all people and communities. Utilizing our innovative, research-informed curriculum, we work in classrooms and community spaces to support individuals in reconnecting with the inner capacities they need to feel grounded, resourced, and capable of leading lives of kindness and compassion towards themselves and others.
The Development Coordinator is a vital contributor to the Calmer Choice mission by leading the implementation and oversight of a comprehensive outreach, development, and fundraising strategy for the organization. This position is responsible for the management of the fundraising program, including annual fund, major gifts, planned giving, and stewardship. The position also supports the organization-wide outreach and marketing efforts to educate, recruit and retain a variety of stakeholders, from donors to participants in our community-based programs. The position requires interfacing with board members, consultants, donors, volunteers and community members. The salary range and job responsibilities outlined here reflect a full-time engagement. Should a part-time candidate be hired, appropriate adjustments to work scope and compensation will be made.
Status: Full-time or Part-time
Reports To: Executive Director
Location: Hybrid (Office + remote work flexibility)
Salary Range: $75,000-$90,000 (full-time)
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START YOUR NEW CAREER AT CAPABILITIES! | |
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In 2023, Cape Abilities was chosen as one of Cape & Plymouth Business Media's "Best Places to Work", and the readers of the Cape Cod Times voted Cape Abilities "Best Nonprofit" in their "Cape Cod's Best” Awards. This recognition is a true testament to our outstanding staff, who are at the heart of the success of our programs and services.
Step through our career door in ’24 - Life-changing career opportunities await you at Cape Abilities. Part-time, full-time, weekends only, no weekends at all!
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HEALEY-DRISCOLL ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES DEPARTMENT OF EARLY EDUCATION AND CARE STAFF ARE ELIGIBLE FOR STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM | |
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Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that the third round of applications for the MA Repay Program is now open.
This is the first time that direct care staff and their supervisors at programs licensed and/or funded by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) are eligible to apply for the student loan repayment program! This includes staff who work in center-based child care, out-of-school time (OST), and family child care (FCC) programs, including educators and assistants.
- Loan repayment awards will range between $3,000 and $30,000 per individual.
- To be eligible, people must make less than 50% of the area median income (AMI) for a single-person household as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
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food & community resources | |
HELP TO HEAT YOUR HOME THIS WINTER - LEARN ABOUT LIHEAP | |
CAPE COD FOOD ACCESS GUIDE | |
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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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