OCES has been awarded a $10,000 grant from Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation.
Pictured on right are: Jacquelyn Meekins, Vice President of Eastern Bank (center) presenting check to OCES’ Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi (left) and Teresa Kourtz Protective Services and MMP Director.
The grant is for OCES’ Money Management Program (MMP), which assists older adults and individuals with disabilities with managing their household finances. The MMP serves individuals with limited income who are at risk of losing their independence due to their inability to pay rent, food and utility bills on a timely basis. MMP volunteers help these individuals by establishing a budget for them, organizing their mail, helping them write checks to pay their bills and balancing their checkbook.
MMP volunteers are needed in all 23 towns that OCES serves. Volunteers receive extensive training from OCES and must adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines. MMP volunteers make home visits at least once a month to help keep track of program participants’ income and expenses.
“We are very grateful for this grant from the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director. “Because of the MMP’s positive impact, we have a number of older adults and individuals with disabilities who are waiting for financial management support. We are in need of MMP volunteers and we encourage those who are able to help to contact us.”
For more information on the MMP program and how to volunteer, call Jean-Marie Doyle, Volunteer Coordinator at 508-584-1561.