Archive | 2015

A couple MiCAP success stories for you…

I recently heard back from my two clients who I worked with on MiCAP applications. Both met the qualification criteria (only SSI, independent living, etc). I educated both clients about the program and what is involved with the application process. They both decided to apply, completed the applications on their own, and contacted their local DHS worker to have their cases closed. Both applications were faxed into the MiCAP office in Lansing and in a little over two weeks, both clients received letters stating that they had been approved for the program and would be receiving $171 on their Bridge card starting in April.

One client was only receiving $16/mo and was overjoyed that she has now been approved for $171 a month. This client told me that she previously was getting some juice and water each month…she was speechless when she thought about what she could now buy each month.

I am educating my clients on the potential hiccups/risks associated with applying for the program, but am finding that most people are interested in applying. I just wanted to give you an update on what my experience with the program has been thus far. Hope you are having a good week!

Please see the below facts regarding MICAP (Michigan Combined Application Program) which provides food benefits to individuals receiving only SSI. This information comes from Timothy Charron, Family Independence Manager at the Kalamazoo County DHS office.  I have attached the application to this post.  MICAP Application 0513

1) They must receive SSI only. No other type of income. So, if they are combination SSI and Social Security they are not eligible for MICAP.
2) They cannot be active FAP at the time they apply for MICAP so they will have to have their FAP case closed at the local office before applying.
3) The eligibility and the ongoing maintenance of the MICAP case is done by the MICAP unit in Lansing, not the local office.
4) The MICAP application is mailed to Lansing. There is no on-line application.
5) There is a 36 month certification period compared to only 1 or 2 years from the local office.
6) There are only two Issuance amounts for MICAP. $171/month if shelter costs are below $1000 or $185/month if shelter expenses are greater than $1000.
      Pretty cut and dry determination.
7) The MICAP group is always a group of one.
8) The benefits are put on same card so no need to use up the benefits.
9) My experience is that eligibility has been pretty quick
10) Application can be mailed to: MICAP, PO Box 30784, Lansing, MI 48909-4561 or faxed to  1 (517) 335-6454/

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.