NEWS RELEASE Contact: Brenda Kailing, PIO
Phone: 231-592-0130
Date: April 27, 2009 E-mail: bkailing@dhd10.org
Probable Swine Flu Case Reported in Michigan
The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) announced today that one probable swine flu case has been reported in Livingston County. State laboratory results showed that a 34-year-old woman has a probable case of the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus. The state laboratory results will be sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today to determine if the case is positive. The woman, who recently traveled to the Texas and Mexico border, is recovering at home.
“We are monitoring the situation here in Michigan and we are informing all health care providers on what to look for when they evaluate and treat sick patients,” said Dr. James Wilson, Medical Director for District Health Department #10. “This probable case is not a cause for alarm but we do want people to be cautious. It is important that people cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze and wash their hands frequently to help prevent the spread of germs. If people are sick, they should stay home from work or school.”
Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by a virus that may also infect humans. Symptoms are similar to regular seasonal influenza and include fever, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, headache and body aches, and fatigue. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting. As with any flu, there is a possibility of worsening of underlying medical conditions, severe illness, or death.
As of 1:00 PM today, there have been 40 confirmed cases of swine flu in the U.S. – 28 in New York City, 7 in California, 2 in Kansas, and 1 in Ohio, with a large outbreak in Mexico. U.S. cases have been mild with no deaths reported. Persons with symptoms of flu should contact their health care providers for possible testing and should report any recent travel. Persons traveling to affected areas should be aware of the risk of illness and take precautions to prevent infection.
Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food and people cannot catch it from eating pork products. Infection appears to spread from person to person, usually within 7 days after exposure to an ill person. There is currently no vaccine for swine flu, and the regular seasonal flu shot will not protect against it. Antiviral medications may help reduce illness if taken early.
The Health Department recommends the following:
As always, people with respiratory illness should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections, including influenza, to others in the community.
Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Wash your hands frequently, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
Contact your health care provider if you are sick.
“We are receiving frequent updates from MDCH and we will provide you with additional information when it becomes available,” said Dr. Wilson. The CDC posts regular updates to its website at www.cdc.gov/swineflu. Information is also available on the Health Department website at www.dhd10.org. You may call your local county office of District Health Department #10 if you have questions. ###
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
New Computer System at DHS - - Changes to be Expected
Dear Community Partner:
The Department of Human Services has been developing a new computer system that will assist caseworkers with determining eligibility for Income Support benefit programs such as cash assistance, Medicaid and food assistance. This system has been named Bridges as it connects and consolidates information from several legacy systems into one integrated eligibility system. Bridges utilizes many technological efficiencies which provide workload relief for our staff, while ensuring consistent eligibility determinations for clients.
The Benzie Manistee County DHS Office will begin using Bridges on May 19, 2009. The clients that we serve will likely notice some differences resulting from this system. For instance, the day of the month that clients receive their food or cash benefits may change. In addition, the notices that clients receive will be comprehensive and customized to the specific programs that they applied for or are receiving. These consolidated notices will reduce confusion that previously occurred due to clients receiving multiple notices each specific to only one program. Lastly, clients may notice that their interview appointments lasts longer as additional data will be collected and input into Bridges. This upfront work allows for ongoing efficiencies throughout the duration of the client’s case.
Although efforts have been made to reduce the impact of this new system on our staff and clients, there will undoubtedly be a learning curve as we assimilate to Bridges. This learning curve may impact client service as staff learn and become more proficient with the Bridges system. This Department remains committed to providing quality customer service to those we serve. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions regarding this new technology.
Sincerely,
Douglas Lapham, Director Benzie Manistee Department of Human Services
The Department of Human Services has been developing a new computer system that will assist caseworkers with determining eligibility for Income Support benefit programs such as cash assistance, Medicaid and food assistance. This system has been named Bridges as it connects and consolidates information from several legacy systems into one integrated eligibility system. Bridges utilizes many technological efficiencies which provide workload relief for our staff, while ensuring consistent eligibility determinations for clients.
The Benzie Manistee County DHS Office will begin using Bridges on May 19, 2009. The clients that we serve will likely notice some differences resulting from this system. For instance, the day of the month that clients receive their food or cash benefits may change. In addition, the notices that clients receive will be comprehensive and customized to the specific programs that they applied for or are receiving. These consolidated notices will reduce confusion that previously occurred due to clients receiving multiple notices each specific to only one program. Lastly, clients may notice that their interview appointments lasts longer as additional data will be collected and input into Bridges. This upfront work allows for ongoing efficiencies throughout the duration of the client’s case.
Although efforts have been made to reduce the impact of this new system on our staff and clients, there will undoubtedly be a learning curve as we assimilate to Bridges. This learning curve may impact client service as staff learn and become more proficient with the Bridges system. This Department remains committed to providing quality customer service to those we serve. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions regarding this new technology.
Sincerely,
Douglas Lapham, Director Benzie Manistee Department of Human Services
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Governor in Manistee
http://tinyurl.com/dxlklo
See the article at the link above from the State about Governor Granholm's visit to Manistee.
See the article at the link above from the State about Governor Granholm's visit to Manistee.
MICH Conference on Affordable Housing Info
2009 Conference Information
Registration is now open for the Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing.
Early Bird Rates Expire May 11th
"New Solutions for New Times" is what the conference is all about and your input is more important now than ever before. Join in stimulating and frank conversations with dynamic panels of experts on the economy and policy issues relating to affordable housing, ending homelessness, homeownership, and the building of vibrant communities and neighborhoods both big and small throughout the state.
Breakout sessions are loaded with timely information and creative inspiration. Networking opportunities abound. Other events are in store for you, too, that will make the conference experience an entertaining one as well as an educational one. Now is the time for forward thinking - different thinking - when the work we do every day in our own communities is so essential. Michigan is indeed an exciting place to be right now and we have front-row seats. We just need to get up and step forward as the passionate champions that will make it so.
www.housingconference.org
Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing
3300 Washtenaw Avenue, Suite 220,
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
Phone: (734) 677-0503 - Fax: (734) 677-2407
E-mail: mailto:%22jennifer@housingconference.org%22,
Website: www.housingconference.org
Registration is now open for the Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing.
Early Bird Rates Expire May 11th
"New Solutions for New Times" is what the conference is all about and your input is more important now than ever before. Join in stimulating and frank conversations with dynamic panels of experts on the economy and policy issues relating to affordable housing, ending homelessness, homeownership, and the building of vibrant communities and neighborhoods both big and small throughout the state.
Breakout sessions are loaded with timely information and creative inspiration. Networking opportunities abound. Other events are in store for you, too, that will make the conference experience an entertaining one as well as an educational one. Now is the time for forward thinking - different thinking - when the work we do every day in our own communities is so essential. Michigan is indeed an exciting place to be right now and we have front-row seats. We just need to get up and step forward as the passionate champions that will make it so.
www.housingconference.org
Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing
3300 Washtenaw Avenue, Suite 220,
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
Phone: (734) 677-0503 - Fax: (734) 677-2407
E-mail: mailto:%22jennifer@housingconference.org%22,
Website: www.housingconference.org
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
CMH Offers Interviewing Skills Class
Manistee-Benzie Community Mental Health is offering Basic and Advanced Motivational Interviewing Skills class June 4 & 5, 2009 from 9 am - 4 pm at the CMH offices in Benzonia. Motivational Interviewing is a client-centered, directive method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. Continuing Education Credits are available. Advance registration is required by May 28, 2009. Contact Joy Pomeroy for more information (877) 398-2013 pomerj@mbcmh.org.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
April 15 House of Flavors Supports The Salvation Army
If you are in Manistee Wednesday night - April 15 - come celebrate Tax Day and eat at the House of Flavors. Twenty-five percent of all that is brought in between 5 and 8 p.m. will go to help The Salvatioin Army's young people go to our Youth Retreat this weekend and for Women to attend Women's Bible Camp in May. You can also put extra money in the kettles that will be on each table. For more information, give Maj. Jo Langham a call at The Salvation Army (231)690-4728. A very special THANK YOU to the folks at Manistee House of Flavors for supporting our local community and HSCB agencies. You are very much appreciated!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Childhood Poverty, Stress, and Working Memory
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/05/AR2009040501719.html?wpisrc=newsletter
Here's the study abstract:
The income–achievement gap is a formidable societal problem, but little is known about either neurocognitive or biological mechanisms that might account for income-related deficits in academic achievement. We show that childhood poverty is inversely related to working memory in young adults. Furthermore, this prospective relationship is mediated by elevated chronic stress during childhood.
Chronic stress is measured by allostatic load, a biological marker of cumulative wear and tear on the body that is caused by the mobilization of multiple physiological systems in response to chronic environmental demands.
Janet
Janet R. Olsen
Program LeaderChildren, Youth, Families and Communities
Michigan State University Extension160 Agriculture Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824
Voice: 517/432-7630Fax: 517/355-6748
email: olsenj@msu.edu
Here's the study abstract:
The income–achievement gap is a formidable societal problem, but little is known about either neurocognitive or biological mechanisms that might account for income-related deficits in academic achievement. We show that childhood poverty is inversely related to working memory in young adults. Furthermore, this prospective relationship is mediated by elevated chronic stress during childhood.
Chronic stress is measured by allostatic load, a biological marker of cumulative wear and tear on the body that is caused by the mobilization of multiple physiological systems in response to chronic environmental demands.
Janet
Janet R. Olsen
Program LeaderChildren, Youth, Families and Communities
Michigan State University Extension160 Agriculture Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824
Voice: 517/432-7630Fax: 517/355-6748
email: olsenj@msu.edu
Get Connected to 2-1-1
Access to all community health and human service information is available 24 hours a day - seven days a week easily by calling 1-877-211-5253. Keep this phone number posted in a convenient place and call 2-1-1 whenever you need non-emergency information and referral for Manistee County Health and Human Services. It is free, confidential, and a live call specialist will assist you. 2-1-1 is a program of the United Way of Manistee County and Manistee County Human Services Collaborative Body. Get connected. Get Answers.
Links to State Offices
State of Michiganhttp://www.michigan.gov
Here you can find state departments and individual program information.
Michigan Legislaturehttp://www.legislature.mi.gov
With House and Senate bills on file and searchable by bill number or key word(s), this site is the place to go to find the status of any legislation. You can also search the MCL.
Michigan House of Representativeshttp://www.house.mi.gov
Michigan Senatehttp://www.senate.mi.gov
Michigan Judiciaryhttp://www.courts.michigan.gov/
Michigan Attorney General's Officehttp://www.michigan.gov/ag/
Michigan Secretary of State's Officehttp://www.michigan.gov/sos/
Michigan Governor's Office Addresshttp://www.michigan.gov/gov/
Here you can find state departments and individual program information.
Michigan Legislaturehttp://www.legislature.mi.gov
With House and Senate bills on file and searchable by bill number or key word(s), this site is the place to go to find the status of any legislation. You can also search the MCL.
Michigan House of Representativeshttp://www.house.mi.gov
Michigan Senatehttp://www.senate.mi.gov
Michigan Judiciaryhttp://www.courts.michigan.gov/
Michigan Attorney General's Officehttp://www.michigan.gov/ag/
Michigan Secretary of State's Officehttp://www.michigan.gov/sos/
Michigan Governor's Office Addresshttp://www.michigan.gov/gov/
WSCC Volunteer Fair April 21
West Shore Community College in coordination with the Mason/Oceana/Manistee 211 organizations are proud to announce the first annual Volunteer Fair. The Volunteer Fair will run from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on April 21, 2009.
The Volunteer Fair will be held in the Atrium of the Technical Center Building. We will supply each of you with a table and chairs and assist you with a set-up display or information (if needed). You may arrive as early as 10:00 a.m. to set-up if you wish. Due to our limited space and lack of acoustical controls, we ask you not to use video systems. We will provide a brown bag lunch to each volunteer recruiter at the completion of the fair at 1:00 p.m.
We ask that you please R.S.V.P. either by phone or email by April 10, 2009. We need this information in order to plan for table space and for lunch. Please try to limit the number of people for your organization to two. I sincerely hope we will see you on April 21. Please feel free to arrive early and network with others. We will have coffee and tea available.
Vendors, to R.S.V.P., please contact Heidi Anderson, WSCC Human Resources Assistant Manager at (231) 843-5986 or hlanderson@westshore.edu . You may also contact Evelyn Szpliet, Director, Manistee County 2-1-1 at 231-398-0300 or Evelyn@manisteecounty211.org.
The Volunteer Fair will be held in the Atrium of the Technical Center Building. We will supply each of you with a table and chairs and assist you with a set-up display or information (if needed). You may arrive as early as 10:00 a.m. to set-up if you wish. Due to our limited space and lack of acoustical controls, we ask you not to use video systems. We will provide a brown bag lunch to each volunteer recruiter at the completion of the fair at 1:00 p.m.
We ask that you please R.S.V.P. either by phone or email by April 10, 2009. We need this information in order to plan for table space and for lunch. Please try to limit the number of people for your organization to two. I sincerely hope we will see you on April 21. Please feel free to arrive early and network with others. We will have coffee and tea available.
Vendors, to R.S.V.P., please contact Heidi Anderson, WSCC Human Resources Assistant Manager at (231) 843-5986 or hlanderson@westshore.edu . You may also contact Evelyn Szpliet, Director, Manistee County 2-1-1 at 231-398-0300 or Evelyn@manisteecounty211.org.
HUD Foreclosure Information
This is the HUD national homeownership center reference guide mailing list for real estate industry professionals that are interested in updates to HUD Mortgagee letters, notices and guidebooks, & FHA Housing Industry Training. Please visit our homepage at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hsgsingle.cfm Servicing lenders can visit HUD's National Servicing Center at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/nsc/nschome.cfm This list does not provide HudHome property listings.
Foreclosure scams are destructive, deceptive, and devastating to families who are fighting to survive. We have families on the edge of foreclosure that are being offered relief too good to be true, and we at HUD will take every possible measure to educate and protect consumers and homeowners, bring these scams to light, and prevent con artists from exploiting the housing crisis. There are legitimate people, places, and agencies that American families can turn to when they are facing foreclosure, and many of you are working on these efforts.
I would like to make the attached flyer available to you for distribution to your clients. It is a printable, easy-to-copy one pager detailing how consumers can access President Obama’s housing plan for FREE. We are distributing the flyer nationwide today to all of our housing partners—our HUD field offices and staff, housing authorities, state and local agencies, and non-profit organizations. This and other targeted outreach efforts will help us reach out directly to communities hard-hit by foreclosure about the legitimate foreclosure assistance available to them.
For the homeowners fighting hard to make their mortgage payments and stay in their homes, our housing plan—the Making Home Affordable Plan—will help up to 9 million Americans. Making Home Affordable will work in concert with the President’s Recovery Act and support a recovery in the housing market. Our plan is helping families in three ways. First, we are protecting housing opportunities for all Americans by taking action Administration-wide to reduce interest rates, which are now at historic lows. Second, we will assist 4 to 5 million homeowners who can’t otherwise take advantage of today’s historically low mortgage interest rates. Lastly, we have committed up to $75 billion to help an additional 3 to 4 million homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure modify their unaffordable mortgages into affordable ones. These three planks of our housing plan will keep American families in their homes and prevent the falling home prices that result from nearby foreclosures. These three planks of our housing plan will keep American families in their homes and prevent the falling home prices that result from nearby foreclosures.
Homeowners NEVER have to pay to participate in the President’s Making Home Affordable program. I encourage anyone trying to modify or refinance their loans to a monthly mortgage payment that is affordable to visit the Making Home Affordable website at makinghomeaffordable.gov. Homeowners can also call the Homeowner’s HOPE Hotline at 1-888-995-HOPE for free foreclosure counseling assistance.
April is National Fair Housing Month. It’s important, in that context, to recognize that the economic and housing crises, including foreclosure scams, have disproportionately impacted minority populations across the country. Unscrupulous financial institutions, brokers, and others have broken their trust as lenders, cheating and lying to families fighting to make their way through this crisis. I will renew our commitment at HUD to fair housing enforcement, particularly for lending violations that target minority communities. As part of our broader effort to combat abuse and fraud, HUD is using new tools, including the SAFE Act and RESPA, to protect American families. We at HUD will ensure that all Americans, particularly those in areas previously victimized by unscrupulous practices, are protected and will enforce our laws against those who prey upon them.
I hope that you will find the attached flyer useful in your outreach to consumers about the President’s Making Home Affordable plan.
Signed – Shaun Donovan, Secretary
Brochure text: Alert - Don’t Become a Victim of Mortgage Scams Affordable
The Obama Administration recently announced the Making Home Affordable Program, designed to assist up to nine million American families refinance or modify their loans to a monthly mortgage payment that is more affordable. Due to the overwhelming interest in the plan, homeowners are increasingly becoming the target of scammers trying to take advantage of families with false promises and steep fees to provide foreclosure assistance. With President Obama’s plan, a homeowner NEVER has to pay to participate in the program. If you wish to obtain counseling assistance, HUD urges you to contact a local HUD-approved housing counseling agency to ensure they are receiving legitimate information.
D Counseling Agencies
HUD counseling agencies are designed to provide advice to consumers on:
• Buying a home
• Renting a home
• Loan defaults
• Foreclosures
• Credit Issues
• Reverse mortgages
Where to Turn
Making Home Affordable
www.makinghomeaffordable.gov <http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/>
HUD Approved Counselor
www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/ hcs.cfm
HUD
www.hud.gov <http://www.hud.gov/>
HUD Housing Counseling
800-569-4287
Hope Now
888-995-4673
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. If you feel you have been a victim of a foreclosure scam, to file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, contact: www. ftc.gov or 877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382- 4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261
Foreclosure scams are destructive, deceptive, and devastating to families who are fighting to survive. We have families on the edge of foreclosure that are being offered relief too good to be true, and we at HUD will take every possible measure to educate and protect consumers and homeowners, bring these scams to light, and prevent con artists from exploiting the housing crisis. There are legitimate people, places, and agencies that American families can turn to when they are facing foreclosure, and many of you are working on these efforts.
I would like to make the attached flyer available to you for distribution to your clients. It is a printable, easy-to-copy one pager detailing how consumers can access President Obama’s housing plan for FREE. We are distributing the flyer nationwide today to all of our housing partners—our HUD field offices and staff, housing authorities, state and local agencies, and non-profit organizations. This and other targeted outreach efforts will help us reach out directly to communities hard-hit by foreclosure about the legitimate foreclosure assistance available to them.
For the homeowners fighting hard to make their mortgage payments and stay in their homes, our housing plan—the Making Home Affordable Plan—will help up to 9 million Americans. Making Home Affordable will work in concert with the President’s Recovery Act and support a recovery in the housing market. Our plan is helping families in three ways. First, we are protecting housing opportunities for all Americans by taking action Administration-wide to reduce interest rates, which are now at historic lows. Second, we will assist 4 to 5 million homeowners who can’t otherwise take advantage of today’s historically low mortgage interest rates. Lastly, we have committed up to $75 billion to help an additional 3 to 4 million homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure modify their unaffordable mortgages into affordable ones. These three planks of our housing plan will keep American families in their homes and prevent the falling home prices that result from nearby foreclosures. These three planks of our housing plan will keep American families in their homes and prevent the falling home prices that result from nearby foreclosures.
Homeowners NEVER have to pay to participate in the President’s Making Home Affordable program. I encourage anyone trying to modify or refinance their loans to a monthly mortgage payment that is affordable to visit the Making Home Affordable website at makinghomeaffordable.gov. Homeowners can also call the Homeowner’s HOPE Hotline at 1-888-995-HOPE for free foreclosure counseling assistance.
April is National Fair Housing Month. It’s important, in that context, to recognize that the economic and housing crises, including foreclosure scams, have disproportionately impacted minority populations across the country. Unscrupulous financial institutions, brokers, and others have broken their trust as lenders, cheating and lying to families fighting to make their way through this crisis. I will renew our commitment at HUD to fair housing enforcement, particularly for lending violations that target minority communities. As part of our broader effort to combat abuse and fraud, HUD is using new tools, including the SAFE Act and RESPA, to protect American families. We at HUD will ensure that all Americans, particularly those in areas previously victimized by unscrupulous practices, are protected and will enforce our laws against those who prey upon them.
I hope that you will find the attached flyer useful in your outreach to consumers about the President’s Making Home Affordable plan.
Signed – Shaun Donovan, Secretary
Brochure text: Alert - Don’t Become a Victim of Mortgage Scams Affordable
The Obama Administration recently announced the Making Home Affordable Program, designed to assist up to nine million American families refinance or modify their loans to a monthly mortgage payment that is more affordable. Due to the overwhelming interest in the plan, homeowners are increasingly becoming the target of scammers trying to take advantage of families with false promises and steep fees to provide foreclosure assistance. With President Obama’s plan, a homeowner NEVER has to pay to participate in the program. If you wish to obtain counseling assistance, HUD urges you to contact a local HUD-approved housing counseling agency to ensure they are receiving legitimate information.
D Counseling Agencies
HUD counseling agencies are designed to provide advice to consumers on:
• Buying a home
• Renting a home
• Loan defaults
• Foreclosures
• Credit Issues
• Reverse mortgages
Where to Turn
Making Home Affordable
www.makinghomeaffordable.gov <http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/>
HUD Approved Counselor
www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/ hcs.cfm
HUD
www.hud.gov <http://www.hud.gov/>
HUD Housing Counseling
800-569-4287
Hope Now
888-995-4673
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. If you feel you have been a victim of a foreclosure scam, to file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, contact: www. ftc.gov or 877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382- 4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261
DHS E-News
The DHS and two partners -- Michigan League for Human Services and the Food Bank Council of Michigan -- announced a 13.6 percent increase in food assistance benefits to qualifying families in March. The increased benefits are a direct result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Do you mentor a child? Have you ever considered being a mentor? This is a cost- and time-effective way to make an impact in one person's life. Mentors are desperately needed around Michigan. Children of all ages benefit from the wisdom and experience an older person can provide. Find out more from Mentor Michigan. http://www.michigan.gov/mentormichigan
One of DHS's biggest programs, the child day care program that supports thousands of parents making efforts to become self-sufficient, is undergoing changes beginning in April. Day care providers and parents will both be reporting time to DHS starting in May. This is part of the DHS Child Care Integrity Project aimed at better service, payment accuracy and improved safety for children. For more on the changes see the DHS child care page. Michigan's child welfare reform program continues to make progress for families experiencing abuse and neglect. The DHS has expanded its staffing and is administering an expanded program. Are you interested in a career in child welfare? Jobs for children's services specialists are available in some counties. See the information about this at the DHS child welfare reform site. http://www.michigan.gov/dhs
To streamline service and improve technology, the DHS is rolling out the Bridges online eligibility system. The Web-based application integrates eligibility into one system when it formerly took three. For more information including the statewide county rollout schedule, see the "Crossing the Bridges" page . http://www.michigan.gov/dhs
To see updated videos about Bridges, and to view video of recent DHS-sponsored events, check out the DHS You Tube page.
Did you attend the poverty summit last November? The promise we left with was development of anti-poverty plans in the eight regions that sponsored workshops for up to 1,500 people. Anti-poverty programming got a boost recently from a $120,000 grant from the Kellogg Foundation. Read more about it on the poverty Web site. http://www.michigan.gov/poverty
Did you know 38,567 three-year-old children were in families that received Food Assistance in February? Do you use DHS caseload statistics or have a need to know about them? The two longest-lasting statistical reports -- the Green Book and Trend Report of assistance payments statistics -- have both been reinvented. They now carry more information than ever before and have tabs so you can review county-specific information. Check out the updated reports at the DHS Statistics page.
Do you mentor a child? Have you ever considered being a mentor? This is a cost- and time-effective way to make an impact in one person's life. Mentors are desperately needed around Michigan. Children of all ages benefit from the wisdom and experience an older person can provide. Find out more from Mentor Michigan. http://www.michigan.gov/mentormichigan
One of DHS's biggest programs, the child day care program that supports thousands of parents making efforts to become self-sufficient, is undergoing changes beginning in April. Day care providers and parents will both be reporting time to DHS starting in May. This is part of the DHS Child Care Integrity Project aimed at better service, payment accuracy and improved safety for children. For more on the changes see the DHS child care page. Michigan's child welfare reform program continues to make progress for families experiencing abuse and neglect. The DHS has expanded its staffing and is administering an expanded program. Are you interested in a career in child welfare? Jobs for children's services specialists are available in some counties. See the information about this at the DHS child welfare reform site. http://www.michigan.gov/dhs
To streamline service and improve technology, the DHS is rolling out the Bridges online eligibility system. The Web-based application integrates eligibility into one system when it formerly took three. For more information including the statewide county rollout schedule, see the "Crossing the Bridges" page . http://www.michigan.gov/dhs
To see updated videos about Bridges, and to view video of recent DHS-sponsored events, check out the DHS You Tube page.
Did you attend the poverty summit last November? The promise we left with was development of anti-poverty plans in the eight regions that sponsored workshops for up to 1,500 people. Anti-poverty programming got a boost recently from a $120,000 grant from the Kellogg Foundation. Read more about it on the poverty Web site. http://www.michigan.gov/poverty
Did you know 38,567 three-year-old children were in families that received Food Assistance in February? Do you use DHS caseload statistics or have a need to know about them? The two longest-lasting statistical reports -- the Green Book and Trend Report of assistance payments statistics -- have both been reinvented. They now carry more information than ever before and have tabs so you can review county-specific information. Check out the updated reports at the DHS Statistics page.
Free Women's Cancer Screening
Is the cost of cancer screening keeping you from getting the tests you need?
Manistee's District Health Department #10 is offering FREE Women's Cancer Screening - Breast and Cervical Cancer for Manistee County Women who meet guidelines...1) You are between the ages of 40-65 2) You have limited or no insurance 3) Your ANNUAL income is limited. 1 person in family: $27,0752 people in family: $36, 4253 people in family: $45,7774 people in family: $55,125
Call the health department for details and to schedule an appointment: Early Detection is your BEST Protection. Call 231- 723- 3595. Share this information. District Health Department #10 is a member of the Manistee County HSCB
Foundation Scholarship Dollars
With several scholarship deadlines quickly approaching, MCCF wanted to send a reminder out about scholarships awarded through the Manistee County Community Foundation. Disabled American Veterans Scholarship – Deadline April 15Applicant must be a veteran or descendent of veteran. Preference given to disabled American veterans, their descendents, of descendents of members of a veteran’s organization. Eva Seng Memorial Good Works Scholarship – Deadline April 15Applicants must have volunteer community service experience.GPA is NOT considered. Ogilvie Memorial Scholarship – Manistee High School Only – Deadline April 30Applicant must be Manistee High School SeniorMinimum 3.0 GPA. Mason Oceana Manistee (MOM) Board of Realtors Scholarship – Deadline Extended through April 30Apply online at www.cffmc.org. Disregard deadline dates. Applications will be accepted through April 30.GPA in range of 3.00-3.75 Please let Laura know if you have any questions or if there is anything I can do to assist you in recruiting students for these valuable scholarship opportunities.
Thank you! Laura Heintzelman, Executive DirectorManistee County Community Foundation, 332 First Street, Suite 104Manistee, MI 49660 Tel 231.723.7269 Fax 231.723.4983
Thank you! Laura Heintzelman, Executive DirectorManistee County Community Foundation, 332 First Street, Suite 104Manistee, MI 49660 Tel 231.723.7269 Fax 231.723.4983
Accessing Federal Stimulus Money Information
You may be interested in the article on the Federal Stimulus Money along with a variety of websites to link to.... http://www.fieldstonealliance.org/client/tools_you_can_use/04-08-09_access_stimulus_money.cfm?disccode=TOOL040809&repvendid=335
Lighthouse Rummage Sale Coming Soon
Lighthouse Pregnancy Care Center
2nd Annual Rummage Sale Coming early summer! As you are doing your spring cleaning and clearing out your house, garage, basement and attic, we would LOVE to turn your old treasures into cash for the good of our community! Date and location are being determined. Call Lighthouse Pregnancy Care Center for information on drop off dates.398-7984 For better resale value please be kind and donate items that are in good or gently used condition.
2nd Annual Rummage Sale Coming early summer! As you are doing your spring cleaning and clearing out your house, garage, basement and attic, we would LOVE to turn your old treasures into cash for the good of our community! Date and location are being determined. Call Lighthouse Pregnancy Care Center for information on drop off dates.398-7984 For better resale value please be kind and donate items that are in good or gently used condition.
Poverty Reduction Movement Steering Committee
MANISTEE - - - - It's time to form a steering committee to set the stage for addressing poverty issues in Manistee County. Our first steering committee meeting will be Tuesday April 14 at 8:30 am at the United Way building. Then, members of the steering committee will have the opportunity to attend the poverty event May 5-6 in Traverse City...up to 18 people from Manistee County will be able to attend the two-day event. I have attached the registration form for the May 5-6 event. You will need to get the registration page - -page 2 - to me, Judy. I will then send in a form with all the Manistee County participants. Please bring the completed form with you to the meeting tomorrow. Thank you for considering serving on the Poverty Reduction Movement Committee in Manistee County. We hope to enlist a wide range of community members from throughout the county...consumers, educators, city, township, and county officials, health and human service providers, law enforcement, judicial system, businesses, etc.
Free Kids Day Health Fair
MANISTEE - - - Family Advocates invites all families with children through the age of six to attend the annual free health fair Saturday April 18 at the Manistee Catholic Central School cafeteria from 10:30 am until 12:30 pm.
Families will have the opportunity to participate in free children's games, win great prizes, learn about healthy food choices, receive prenatal information, and receive immunization schedules.
Expected to be on hand is the local police canine unit and kids can meet the police dog as well as receive free fire and safety information.
Young children will also have the opportunity to participate in free developmental screening including motor skill and communication skill development screening.
The annual Kids Day Health Fair is free and is sponsored by the Manistee Family Advocates, a member of the Manistee County Human Services Collaborative Body. For more information contact Cindy Rozmarek at 398-2519.
Families will have the opportunity to participate in free children's games, win great prizes, learn about healthy food choices, receive prenatal information, and receive immunization schedules.
Expected to be on hand is the local police canine unit and kids can meet the police dog as well as receive free fire and safety information.
Young children will also have the opportunity to participate in free developmental screening including motor skill and communication skill development screening.
The annual Kids Day Health Fair is free and is sponsored by the Manistee Family Advocates, a member of the Manistee County Human Services Collaborative Body. For more information contact Cindy Rozmarek at 398-2519.
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