Below is a link to the recent Social Security Newsletter.
Archive | February, 2015
Myth Busting Common Concerns about Aging
Workshop: Myth Busting Common Concerns about Aging
Here’s Application for Mi-CAP!! New Mi-CAP food program gives $171 monthly
Some Members may have received an application for Mi-CAP, it’s only for members with SSI as their only income source, and no open Bridge card case. SCs can inform members about this great program that provides $171, monthly, on their Bridge cards. One of our members was advised by DHS to have his Bridge card closed, and apply for the Mi-CAP. If they have an open regular Bridge benefit, they will not qualify. They will have a new worker, in Lansing, and I hear it only takes 2 weeks to open the case. I hope to have a copy of the DHS-513 Mi-CAP application, soon, to post, unless DHS wants their workers to complete applications. Here is some information about applying and attached flyers and reminder cards that you can use if you want. (Don’t forget to replace my and Kenny’s contact information with your own!!!) I couldn’t attach the flyer and reminder cards, so email me if you may want them and I’ll be happy to email them to you. Referrals to MICAP:. The DHS local offices may refer an individual to MiCAP. The DHS-513, MiCAP Application, must be completed and signed by an indi-vidual, then sent to the MiCAP unit at: MiCAP PO Box 30784 Lansing, MI 48909-4561 Applications may also be faxed to MiCAP at 517-335-6454
MiCAP sent the application, so here it is for you to save to your Microsoft Word!!!
Accounting Aid Society – Tax Assistance
See flyer for information on Free Tax Assistance through Accounting Aid Society.
Human Trafficking Forum
By Vanessa Rorai
This week I had the privilege of attending a forum held at Wayne State University on the topic of human trafficking. This event not only changed my entire idea and understanding of human trafficking, it gave me a great sense of empowerment to make even the slightest change to this huge social problem. The panel of speakers gave diverse perspectives from a legal, educational, research, and treatment standpoint. All speakers emphasized three ways anyone can do something about human trafficking: awareness, activism, and advancement.
I would like to share a few facts I learned at this event that raised my awareness. First, the average age of a person being trafficked is 12 years old. Trafficking generates $32 billion dollars a year, which is more than the revenue of the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL combined. I found it exceptionally interesting when one speaker discussed the ‘conditioning’ process trafficker’s use on their victims, and how it differs from the most common trafficking processes occurring in Detroit. Generally a trafficker will spend a lot of time and effort in getting to know their victim, become trusted, and eventually function as the main source of support in every facet of the victim’s life. In Detroit, it typically occurs fast and spawns out of opportunity. It is the nature of the situation that turns to opportunity for the trafficker to start using the individual to make money.
There is much room for activism against human trafficking. Anyone can volunteer to fundraise for treatment programs, or raise awareness by having a conversation with another person. Although Michigan currently has safe harbor laws, there are 32 states that do not. Thus, there is room for activism in improving the current laws of Michigan and supporting other states to adopt safe harbor laws.
Anyone can advance the idea of decreasing and ending human trafficking. The speakers targeted the students in the audience like myself as key individuals that can choose careers that advance awareness and activism against human trafficking such as law enforcement, treatment counselors, researchers, educators, and social workers.
Thus, this leads me to my conclusion of what all social workers can do in the fight to end human trafficking. First, social workers need to be aware of this social problem by knowing the signs of a trafficker and victim, where opportunity for trafficking exists, and realize that trafficking has no boundaries to gender, age, or location. Regardless of what population or area a social worker works within, there is a high likelihood of coming into contact with a current or previous victim. Thus, social workers must know how to advocate for a victim, what resources are available, and how to connect that individual to the services they may need. Anyone can raise awareness through conversation; social workers are perfect to start this necessary conversation.