Old Colony Elder Services Names Zirka Ferreira Depina as Supportive Housing Specialist

BROCKTON, MA, April 27, 2011 (Press-News.org) has recently named Zirka Ferreira Depina as Supportive Housing Specialist for the Healthy Living at Home Supportive Housing Program.

In her new position as Supportive Housing Specialist, Ms. Depina will assess and review the needs of elderly and disabled residents at Campello High Rise and refer them to appropriate community programs and services. She will plan and coordinate care conferences as well as structured social, educational and recreational programs for residents. Ms. Depina will also serve as a liaison between the Brockton Housing Authority and Old Colony Elder Services.

For three years previous to Old Colony Elder Services, Ms. Depina was a social worker at Brockton Adult Day Health Center where among her many responsibilities, she assessed client needs though intakes, individual and group counseling and provided referrals to available community services. Prior to that, Ms. Depina was a Housing Specialist at ABCD Programs, which is a homeless shelter, in Boston.

Ms. Depina holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Bridgewater State College. She is a resident of Brockton, MA and a native of Praia, Cape Verde.

"Zirka is knowledgeable and experienced and we're delighted to have her on our talented team," said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of Old Colony Elder Services.

About Old Colony Elder Services
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit corporations designated as Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Old Colony Elder Services offers a number of programs for seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts: Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization's mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at http://www.oldcolonyelderservices.org