Thursday, May 17, 2012
News Archive:
Region IX AAA Congratulations
Michigan Works! Ambassador Award
Top Workplace in Michigan Award
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SERVICE PROGRAMS
Early Childhood Education | Area Agency on Aging | Client Services
Volunteer Services | Community Development | Michigan Works!
Early Childhood Education | |
Early Head Start (EHS) is a federally funded community-based program for low-income families with infants and toddlers and pregnant women. Its mission is simple: to promote healthy prenatal outcomes for pregnant women, enhance the development of very young children, and promote healthy family functioning. Recent advances in the field of infant development make this an especially exciting time to have Head Start formally expand its family to include the provision of Early Head Start services. Family income is one key factor in determining eligibility for program participation. The federal poverty guidelines are used to evaluate family income.
Head Start (HS) is a preschool education program for children 3 - 5 years of age whose family incomes are at or below 100% of poverty. At least 10% of enrollment slots are reserved for children with documented disabilities. Head Start is a comprehensive program in that, in addition to education, it provides for social service, health/dental, nutrition, mental health, and disability services to participating families. By coordinating these services for each child, Head Start provides skills which bring about a greater degree of social competence and allows the child to more effectively deal with their present environment and later responsibilities in school and life.
NEMCSA's Head Start program serves children in twenty-one Michigan counties. The counties are Alcona, Alpena, Arenac, Bay, Cheboygan, Clare, Crawford, Gladwin, Huron, Iosco, Lapeer, Mecosta, Midland, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Sanilac and Tuscola.
The Michigan School Readiness Program provides the same services as Head Start with the exception that eligibility is open to families whose incomes are within 250% of poverty.
For more information about the NEMCSA Head Start program call (800) 968-2226 ext. 219, or e-mail HeadStart@nemcsa.org.
www.nemcsa.org/headstart
The School Success Partnership is a prevention program that identifies elementary students who are showing early signs of difficulty in school and other settings. What happens to a child at home, play, and at school can deeply affect a youngster's ability to learn. Through this program, workers can identify a child's needs, address those needs, and help that youngster have a sound, successful early learning experience that will stay with them for a lifetime.
Any child who is experiencing difficulties may be referred to the School Success Program by a parent, teacher, community agency, or school success worker. These difficulties may include: excessive absenteeism, behavior problems, family crisis situations, withdrawn behavior, untended needs, transitional difficulties, or any factor that may have a negative impact on a child's successful learning experience.
Close communication is established and maintained between home and school through a School Success Worker. Teachers, parents, school staff, and student are all involved in developing an action plan, to determine the steps necessary to help the child be successful in school. The School Success Worker has weekly contact with the child, bi-weekly home visits with parents, and frequent contact with teachers. This contact is necessary to help maintain success of the action plan goals and to insure student progress.
Family involvement in the School Success Program is voluntary, except in cases of truancy. All information about the students and families is the program is kept confidential.
Program specific information can be obtained by calling (989) 358-5006, or e-mail Dorothy Pintar.
The purpose of the Area Agency on Aging is to plan, coordinate and develop a comprehensive service delivery system for the elderly within its planning and service area. The Area Agency on Aging service area includes 12 counties: Alcona, Alpena, Arenac, Cheboygan, Crawford, Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle and Roscommon.
The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program provides information and education to families and individuals about long term care facilities and services. The Ombudsman investigates concerns and helps facility residents, families and friends to resolve problems dealing with quality care, residents' rights and state regulating services. The Ombudsman and Ombudsman Volunteers act as a liaison between residents, care providers and state regulatory agencies. The Ombudsman provides educational programs and training in residents' rights, guardianship, volunteer advocacy and long term care public benefits. For more information e-mail Sharon Greenhoe, or call (989) 356-3474.
The Medicaid/Medicare Assistance Program (MMAP) is a hotline for Medicare beneficiaries and their families to access well-trained volunteers who assist with understanding Medicare and Medicaid eligibility, enrollment, coverage, medical bills, supplemental and long-term care insurance. For more information call (800) 803-7174, or go to www.mmapinc.org.
For Prescription Information and Assistance e-mail Susan Bowen, or call (989) 356-3474.
In-Home Services including Homemaking, Personal Care, Home Delivered Meals, and Respite Care are sub-contracted to local service providers. Recipients must meet the 60 years of age requirement or be the spouse of someone 60 years of age or older for home-delivered meals. Persons requesting one or more of these services must possess a need for assistance with certain activities of daily living. There are no income guidelines to receive services, however, donations and cost sharing are encouraged to help maintain the program. For more information e-mail Yvette Smigelski, or call (989) 356-3474.
Congregate Meal sites are located in all twelve counties served by the Area Agency on Aging. Local Senior Centers are the focus for providing these daily, nutritionally balanced, meals to individuals. Participants must meet the 60 years of age requirement or be the spouse of someone 60 years of age or older. There are no income guidelines for participation, however suggested donation rates, per meal, are posted.
NOTE: Some Senior Centers require advanced reservations for meal preparation.
Program specific information can be obtained by calling the Area Agency on Aging at (989) 356-3474, or e-mail Kelly Robinette.
The National Family Caregiver Support program provides information and services to family caregivers who are caring for someone older than age 60, or the grandparent(s) and other relative caregivers over the age of 60 who are caring for a child age 18 or under. Priority will be given to those in greatest social and economic need with particular attention to low-income, older individuals. For more information e-mail Kara LaMarre, or call (989) 356-3474.
Tobacco Settlement funds are available to establish Adult Day Care Service programs where none currently exist, expand, or enhance existing adult day care programs, and provide on-going support of adult day care centers.
See below for list of available Adult Day Centers in the Region IX Service Area:
The Caring Place
100 Woods Circle, Alpena, MI 49707
Phone: (989) 356-4507 or (800) 221-0294
Hilltop Manor Health Care Center
1290 E. Michigan Hwy., Roscommon, MI 48653
Phone: (989) 275-8936 Fax: (989) 275-4808
Otsego Haus Adult Day Services
120 Grandview Blvd., Gaylord, MI 49735
Phone: (989) 732-1122
Pleasant Days Center Adult Day Care
131 Clyde Street, Omer, MI 48749
Phone: (888) 370-7184
Sand Castles
1531 Sand Road, Cheboygan, MI 49721
Phone: (231) 597-8317 Fax: (231) 597-8337 Web: www.3coa.com
Elder Abuse/TRIAD is cooperation between law enforcement, senior citizens and senior service providers. TRIAD strives to reduce criminal victimization of older persons and assesses the needs and concerns of older citizens. Roscommon County is active with TRIAD involvement. Presque Isle and Montmorency Counties are in the development stages. For more information contact your local Council or Commission on Aging or Kara LaMarre at (989) 356-3474.
Community Based Care Services
Care Management (CM) is a service designed to locate, mobilize and manage a variety of home care and other services needed by frail elderly persons, aged 60 and older, at risk of nursing home placement. A cost sharing fee scale is an element of the program, however, service will not be denied if the person is unable to pay.
The MI-Choice Waiver Program is designed to allow persons who are eligible for Medicaid-covered nursing home services (anyone age 18 and older) to remain in their own home with the same level of care. Clients must be medically eligible for nursing home placement and financially eligible for Medicaid based on 300% of SSI and assets of $2,000 or less per individual.
The Home and Community Based Waiver program is available in Alcona, Alpena, Arenac, Crawford, Cheboygan, Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle and Roscommon counties.
Program specific information can be obtained by calling the MI-Choice Program at (989) 356-3474, or e-mail Cheryl Riopelle.
The Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund (MATLF) provides low cost, fixed-rate loans to qualified applicants to finance the purchase of assistive technology devices and/or services. Examples of potential loan items includes vehicle lifts, ramps, home modifications, specialized computers, etc. To participate in the program, applicants must be individuals with disabilities or parents/guardians of individuals with disabilities.
The MATLF is a joint effort of the Michigan Disabilities Rights Coalition, United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan, and the Centers for Independent Living statewide. Additional information can be obtained by e-mailing Connie Skowronek or by visiting www.michiganloanfunds.org.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) serves individuals less than 60 years of age that have income at or below 130% of Federal Poverty Guidelines. Individuals 60 years of age or older must have income at or below 160%. Recipients must be certified annually.
The program began in 1981 as a means to reduce the quantity of surplus cheese being stored by the federal government. Since its inception, the number of foods available has varied between four and thirteen items. Distributions are held on a quarterly basis during the months of November, February, May and August.
Program specific information can be obtained by calling (989) 358-4700 or e-mail foodprograms@nemcsa.org.
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is designed to aid those low-income individuals most vulnerable to malnutrition during critical periods of growth and development - infants, children age 1 - 5, as well as pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding mothers with income at or below 185% of Federal Poverty Guidelines, and not on WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program; and the elderly 60 years of age and older with income at or below 130% of Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Program specific information can be obtained by calling (989) 358-4700 or e-mail foodprograms@nemcsa.org.
The Low Income Weatherization Program provides water heater insulation, pipe wrap, ceiling and attic insulation and ventilation, wall, floor and perimeter insulation, caulking, weather-stripping and other measures to prevent air infiltration. Energy saving measures installed on homes depend on energy audit of the client's home and funding available.
Housing units are eligible for weatherization assistance if they are occupied by a family whose income is at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines, priority is given to families under 125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines, or which contain a member who has received ADA or SSI assistance in the twelve month period prior to determination of eligibility.
Program specific information can be obtained by calling (989) 358-4700 or e-mail weatherization@nemcsa.org.
Crisis Prevention
The Homeless Prevention Program provides security deposits, first month's rent, rental and utility arrearage payments, and some other assistance. Requirements are that:
- The family has experienced a sudden drop in income which results in the family being unable to meet housing costs
- This assistance is necessary to avoid eviction or termination of utilities
- The family has sufficient income to make future payments after one-time assistance
- Sufficient assistance is not available from another source. There are no specific income qualifications for the program, except that there has been a decline in income which is resulting in homelessness. The program does require specific documentation of need.
The Crisis Prevention Program provides assistance with heat and utility needs to individuals and families whose household income is within the income guidelines defined by the funding source. Needs which may be addressed when funds are available include: primary heat source of propane, fuel oil or firewood and shutoff notices for electricity and natural gas. Very specific documentation is required. The program is not an emergency program.
Program specific information can be obtained by calling (989) 358-4713, Toll Free: (866) 484-7077 or e-mail Beth Storms.
The Client Services service area includes: Alcona, Alpena, Arenac, Cheboygan, Crawford, Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle counties.
Michigan Enrolls (Maximus) is a service to help Medicaid recipients make an educated decision when choosing a managed health plan. The program provides education, outreach and enrollment on the health plans that are available in the recipient's county of residence. There are some Medicaid recipients that are excluded from this managed care health plan choice. For those who are mandatory to enroll, MICHIGAN ENROLLS will help the recipient make an educated decision on which health plan will best meet their medical needs.
Program specific information can be obtained by calling the Michigan Enrolls Program at (989) 358-4713, Toll Free: (866) 484-7077 or e-mail Beth Storms.
The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) provides volunteer opportunities to income eligible senior citizens by establishing a consistent, one-on-one relationship with children in need of personal attention and special help. The program requires that individuals be 60 years of age or older, have income below 125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines, and have a doctor's physical. Recertification is required annually and continuing participants are permitted an additional 20% of income. Stipends earned within the program are not counted as income.
The Senior Companion Program (SCP) operates with guidelines similar to the Foster Grandparent Program but the volunteers provide companionship and assistance to frail homebound elders and older persons with special needs. Both programs receive federal and state funds.
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is the third program within the National Senior Service Corps (NSSC), funded by the Corporation for National Service and the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging. The RSVP, like SCP and FGP, is part of the National Senior Service Corps and is governed by many of the same regulations; however, volunteers have more flexibility in their choice of volunteer service.
RSVP volunteers are all age 55 or older. Unlike Senior Companions and Foster Grandparents, RSVP volunteers do not have to meet an income requirement. The volunteers are able to choose the number of hours they want to volunteer and were they want to volunteer. You will see them involved in everything from tutoring, to delivering "meals on wheels", to clerical work at a hospital, and everything in between.
The SCP and FGP Volunteer Services area includes: Alcona, Alpena, Arenac, Cheboygan, Crawford, Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle and Roscommon counties.
RSVP Volunteer Services area includes: Crawford and Roscommon Counties.
Program specific information can be obtained by calling (989) 356-3474 or e-mail Barb Dault.
NEMCSA’s Community Development Division services include: housing proposal preparation and technical assistance, assistance with water projects, public opinion and needs assessment surveys, outside evaluation, and extensive census data services.
Many Community Development projects are highly visible in the counties, towns and townships of the northeast Michigan region. These are the programs that are most likely to generate questions from the public.
NEMCSA is a Census Affiliate of the Census Bureau through the Michigan Center for Geographical Information, and receives the latest data, direct upon release via email with links to the internet. Basic information is also received on CD-ROM and in print form. Data is available for every county, township, city, and village in Michigan. We also have state and national comparative data. NEMCSA maintains a link to this data through our website. Michigan Census Statistics and Demographic Data, or you may call us directly for assistance.
Homeless Technical Assistance: Before a community can receive any funds to resolve the problems of homelessness, state and federal funding sources require that a collaborative networking system be in place. NEMCSA staff assist communities in developing and maintaining such a system, which is called a Continuum of Care.
Program specific information can be obtained by calling (989) 356-3474 or e-mail Karen Godi.
NEMCSA's Housing Program offers technical assistance to County Housing Commissions and non-profits throughout the eleven county service area. Since 1996, the housing program has designed special housing development projects on a service area wide basis. These projects are aimed at increasing affordable housing for first time home buyers.
Program specific information can be obtained by calling (989) 356-3474 or e-mail Marlene McCulloch.
The Community Development service area includes: Alcona, Alpena, Arenac, Cheboygan, Crawford, Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle counties.
Free tax preparation assistance is provided to individuals and families qualifying for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC is a refundable credit for low-income working adults and families. The filer does not have to "pay it in to get it back". NEMCSA offers this service in eleven counties. Program specific information can be obtained by calling (989) 356-3474 or e-mail Michelle Smith.
Money IDA is an Individual Development Account Program that matches participant savings, allowing low-income individuals the opportunity to save for one of three asset purchases: home ownership, post-secondary education/vocational training, and small business development or expansion. To be eligible for the program, potential participants must have a source of earned income, be within 200% of the poverty guidelines, and be eligible to receive TANF services. The program requires 10 hours of financial skills education and 4-6 hours of asset-specific training to help prepare participants for their asset purchases. Account holders save for their chosen assets and the program matches their savings on a 3:1 (home ownership) and 2:1 (education and business) ratio. Maximum savings amount to be matched is $1,000.
The Family Self-Sufficiency Program provides case management to participating families through a coordination of local, community-based resources that promote economic independence. The program goals are to help families maintain employment, become self-sufficient, move off assistance and move into home ownership. Through this process, participants work to increase their family income and lead to higher rent payments. In turn, the difference between rent amounts is deposited into an escrow account. Upon successful completion of the program, participants can use their escrow account funds for homeownership down payment assistance, debt relief, vehicle purchase or educational expenses.
NEMCSA operates the FSS program in conjunction with MSHDA for up to 70 eligible Housing Choice Rental Voucher holders in the following ten counties: Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Crawford, Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle.
The Supportive Housing Program is designed, as part of the Continuum of Care strategy, and provides assistance and supportive services to homeless persons who are transitioning from streets and shelters to permanent housing and maximum self-sufficiency.
Services can include, but are not limited to: first month’s rent, security deposit, and household goods, as well as individual or family case management to ensure long-term success. Eligibility is based on individual or family living situations. The program is available throughout the NEMCSA basic service area.
Program specific information can be obtained by calling our intake line at (989) 358-4678 or (866) 484-7077 ext. 278.
Michigan Works! is recognized nationally as the largest and most progressive workforce development association in the country. It was established in 1987 to foster high-quality employment and training programs providing a forum for information exchange and support activities for Michigan's workforce development system. Michigan Works! programs include a comprehensive array of services designed to provide individuals with the skills and training needed to acquire and retain employment. NEMCSA's Michigan Works! programs include Workforce Investment Act (WIA), and Welfare-to-Work. No enrollment is required to utilize our resource centers, and our services are free to everyone.
Talent Bank/Job Bank computerized labor exchange system, www.michworks.org.
All NEMCSA Michigan Works! offices can provide any job seeker and/or employer access to and direction on how to use this system. Computers are set up at all locations for public use and staff are available to assist if and when necessary. A listing of local alternate sites having public Internet access can also be obtained at all NEMCSA Michigan Works! offices.
Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Adult and Dislocated Workers programs are for individuals 18 years and older. The program's mission is to provide information, support and resources that enable individuals to make a successful adjustment and quick transition for entry or reentry into the workforce.
- Core Services: Self-help services available to job seekers who require assistance, with no eligibility requirements. Services may include: local and statewide employment opportunities, labor market information, resume writing information, skill assessment, job search and placement assistance and career counseling.
- Intensive Services: Services designed for those who meet eligibility requirements and are unable to obtain employment through core services, and have been determined to be in need of more intensive services in order to obtain employment. Services may include: comprehensive and specialized assessments of skill levels, individual and group career counseling and planning and assistance in sharpening learning, communications, and interviewing skills.
- Training Services: Services may be available to individuals who meet eligibility requirements and are unable to obtain employment through intensive services. Training services may include: classroom or occupational skills and on-the-job.
The Welfare Reform Program system assists adult benefit recipients (e.g. TANF, food stamps, child care, medicaid) and non-custodial parents in the transition to self-sufficiency through employment. Services available include: Joint agency orientation, individual opportunities analysis and goal exploration, employability training, case management, job search and placement assistance, supportive services and financial assistance with education.
The Senior Community Service Employment Program is a work training program designed to provide and promote useful part-time opportunities in community service employment for low income persons age 55 and older and assist them in receiving the training that may be required for employment in private or other unsubsidized employment. For more information, call (989) 356-3339 or email Dawn Stone.
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