2009-12-16 01:51:29 - Katie Bolinder Sandford, MACD, has recently joined Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP), as Congregate Housing Coordinator.

BROCKTON AND HANSON, MA.

In her new position, Ms. Sandford will be responsible for ensuring that residents in OCES congregate housing sites receive needed support services.  Congregate Housing is a housing option that allows individuals to age in a homelike setting while enjoying the security, companionship, and emotional support that living with others provides.  The goal of congregate living is to help seniors and the disabled remain as independent as possible while living in affordable housing and most importantly to prevent premature institutionalization.  OCES coordinates services for sites in Bridgewater, Marshfield and Stoughton. 

Ms. Sandford received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from Gordon College in Wenham, MA and a Master of Arts degree in Community Development from

North Park University in Chicago. Previous to OCES, Ms. Sandford spent four years working with homeless individuals at a drop-in center that she had founded known as the New Community Warming Center. The center is part of the New Community Covenant Church located in Logan Square, Chicago. Ms. Sandford relocated to Brockton, MA and is currently involved with the Brockton Interfaith Community and working on housing issues.

A native of Hanson, MA, Ms. Sandford resides in Brockton with her husband Greg and 10 month old son, Axel.

“It is vital to have the right people in the Congregate Housing Coordinator positions. Katie has the knowledge and experience that is needed. We are delighted to have her on our team,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

For more information about Congregate Housing, please contact either Ms. Sandford at OCES (508) 584-1561 or the local housing authority for an application.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Caring Homes and Enhanced Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of 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 and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.