Here are the minutes from our team meeting held on 10/10/13.
Archive | 2013
Two Bridge card reductions, Utility assistance changes
Judy and I gave a presentation at DHS to let Adult Services know more about service coordination.
We learned that a recent small cut to Bridge card amounts was due to a change in a credit that determines Bridge card amounts. The credit is from a heat and utility standard.
Another Bridge card reduction will take place on November 1st. A stimulus is due to end, then. DHS could not say how much, but it will be a more significant cut.
Some good news: DHS will accept proof of a past due notice, now. Some not great news: Also, DHS will not make electric and heat utility payments under State Emergency Relief (SER) during a non-crisis period from June 1 through October 31. Bet they will be swamped at DHS on November 1st! They still need us to have members apply for SER, and get a Denial Notice, for members to take to other resources & to see if they are eligible for any other assistance. DHS is still able to get a two week hold on utility shut off dates.
We have Consumers Energy here. We can apply for authorization to get holds using an assigned ID. If you have Consumers, just email a request to whitney.skeans@cmsenergy.com – this comes from Alan Long at Consumers Energy.
I was concerned about members with health related needs for electricity, including air conditioning! However, DHS Adult Services may have funds for members past due bills.
Operation PENCIL
Hello everyone,
My cousin in in the Army and is currently stationed in Afghanistan. He is participating in a program called Operation PENCIL. The mission is to get school supplies to Afghanistan schools. If you’re interested in donating supplies, here is the FB page: https://www.facebook.com/OperationPencil. The address is there, but it’s also here:
Casey Napier
724th MP BN
TASK FORCE CENTURION
APO AE 09354
If you or members of your Village are interested, I encourage you to donate!
Thanks 🙂
Naturalization Information Session at USCIS
The attached invitation is for the upcoming Naturalization Information Session at United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) in Detroit. It is scheduled for Friday, October 25, 2013 (from 1:00 to 3:00 pm). This free session is open to all, and is a great tool for community and faith based organizations, accredited representatives, the general public, and especially permanent residents awaiting their Naturalization interview or who are interested in applying for Naturalization. This program will assist attendees in understanding and demystifying the Naturalization/Citizenship process. If you would like to attend this session, please RSVP (including the number of your group), no later than October 24, 2013, to
CommunityRelations@uscis.dhs.gov or
(313) 926-4211
Have you met Stacey Molinaro yet?
To understand Stacey Molinaro, Service Coordinator at the Village of Oakland Woods in Pontiac Michigan, one needs to know about some important family influences. Her passion for the elderly came from her grandmother, affectionately referred to as “Saint” Marie. She was always a kind person regardless of what someone did or said. Even while undergoing chemo therapy, her grandmother’s kindness and courage was always on display. Then, when asked about other members of her family, Stacey had kind words to say about many, but referenced her father specifically, calling him her best friend and the reason why she completed her schooling.
Stacey received her Bachelors of Social Work (BSW) in 2009 from Eastern Michigan University and a Masters of Social Work (MSW) in 2012 from The University of New England in Portland, Maine through their online program. Here at the Village of Oakland Woods, the layout is much different than other villages. With an 88-acre campus that includes coyotes, deer, possums and other wildlife. The recent addition of walking paths by the Department of Natural Resources gives new opportunities for residents to take advantage of their surroundings, which is especially unique given their close proximity to the suburban city of Auburn Hills. Stacey’s philosophy as a Service Coordinator is strengthened by her village’s surroundings, as she hopes to empower her residents to access services for themselves and bring the spread out village together in other ways.
When she is not working, she enjoys relaxing with family and friends. While watching her favorite Netflix program or one of her 275 DVDs is always enjoyable, she also goes bowling, to the movies and out to dinner near her home in Roseville. Some day, she hopes to re-visit the DIA and spend more time on the Detroit River walk.
Whenever she can, she likes to go see live music. Stacey can’t count how many shows she has been to over the years. She has seen bands from many different genres, including Indie, Ska, and Rock and Roll. A couple favorite artists are Death Cab for Cutie and John Mayer.
Perhaps her love of live performances has influenced her own decisions to stand up in front of an audience. Stacey has recently decided to try her had at being a stand-up comedian, and is just now getting jokes together. She said the most rewarding and difficult part is to get the guts to first go up on stage.
The Witness Project of Detroit
Please join us at LaBelle for our workshop on the topic of women and breast cancer.
Standing Up To Domestic Violence
A full day of enjoyable but meaningful activities to advocate, empower and take action against domestic violence. Many of your members may be interested in this and it is free. See attached flyer
Health Insurance Marketplace
Below are some resources from ACCESS regarding Health Insurance Marketplace.