| Secretary Festa's visit was part of his newly | | | | Affairs. Moving forward, it will help to ensure that we |
| established "Community Connections Across the | | | | are all on the same page in our dedication to ensuring |
| Commonwealth" initiative which is focused on | | | | comprehensive, high quality services for elders." |
| obtaining feedback and gathering concerns from | | | | OCES serves the towns of Abington, Avon, |
| agencies in the elder services network. Secretary | | | | Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East |
| Festa toured OCES, held a question and answer | | | | Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, |
| session and spent a lot of time speaking with the | | | | Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, |
| staff and gathering information. | | | | Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, |
| The event was attended by area Councils on Aging | | | | West Bridgewater and Whitman. |
| as well as staff and board members from two other | | | | About Old Colony Elderly Services |
| ASAPs (HESSCO and South Shore Elder Services). | | | | Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elderly Services |
| Representatives Geraldine Creedon and Thomas | | | | (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging |
| Kennedy also attended the event and offered | | | | Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the |
| theirsupport for the new Secretary. | | | | Commonwealth of Massachusetts. |
| According to Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director of | | | | The organization's mission is to provide services |
| OCES, "We strongly support Secretary Festa's | | | | which will support the dignity and independence of |
| 'Community Connections Across the Commonwealth' | | | | elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; |
| initiative, as it enhances communication between elder | | | | live safely and in good health; and, prevent |
| service agencies and the Executive Office of Elder | | | | unnecessary or premature institutionalization. |