Old Colony Elder Services Recognizes 450 Volunteers at Appreciation Luncheon featuring Guest Speaker Jodie Gilson, J. Gilson Greenhouses

BROCKTON, MA, June 03, 2011 (Press-News.org) recently recognized 450 volunteers who generously dedicate themselves to Old Colony Elder Services and to helping elders in the community.

Old Colony Elder Services' Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon was several weeks ago at the agency's expansive conference center in Brockton. Volunteers from the Nutrition Program, Money Management Program and it's Advisory Board, Senior Options Cable Program, Fundraising Events, and the Board of Directors were invited in recognition for their service to Old Colony Elder Services and seniors in the community. Jodie Gilson of J. Gilson Greenhouses in Groton MA was the special guest speaker at the event. Fresh flower centerpieces were given to winners of drawings. All volunteers were given plants donated by Home Depot and Lowes.

Old Colony Elder Services Nutrition volunteers participate in the Meals on Wheels program and deliver meals to elders' homes or they may volunteer as a food server at one of Old Colony Elder Services congregate meal sites. Money Management volunteers are assigned to assist elders by providing a personalized money management service. They make home visits at least once a month to help seniors keep track of income and expenses. Senior Options is a cable television program for the city of Brockton. Senior Options is a collaboration between Old Colony Elder Services and the Brockton Council on Aging. Programs focus on addressing the needs and resources available to Brockton's seniors. Old Colony Elder Services Board of Directors and the Money Management Program Advisory Board are also comprised entirely of volunteers.

"Our volunteers are very valuable and this recognition is well-deserved. We cannot run our programs without them. We are extremely grateful to those who tirelessly dedicate their time and expertise in volunteering for programs to help elders," noted Diana L. 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 to 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.

Old Colony Elder Services 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. In 2009, Old Colony Elder Services was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce's "Economic Impact Award". The agency has 140 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at http://www.oldcolonyelderservices.org