|
|
Head Start Federal Review-
Mission Accomplished! A Federal Review Team visited the ESC Head Start and Early Head Start programs several weeks ago. The review occurred during the week of March 16-21. Ten reviewers from all over the US examined centers, files and staff during this week. During the review, the ten reviewers completed the following:
- Examined 34 Head Start Classrooms
- Went on 4 Early Head Start home visits
- Examined 4 contracted Early Head Start child care providers
- Interviewed the Board of Directors and the Policy Council
- Observed a bus route
- Reviewed approximately 100 personnel files
- Reviewed approximately 100 child files
- Reviewed financial records for our $6 million program
In all of these activities, the review team was required to determine if ESC's program is in compliance with over 1600 Federal Head Start Performance Standards.
The Review Team was very impressed with several components of the program, especially the Head Start classrooms and the EHS home visits. The team also commented on the program staff, citing their friendliness and professionalism.
Considering the number of regulations and the intensity of the review, it is common for programs to have multiple findings, particularily in the areas of financial reporting, program governance and program management. The review team found no issues with the Head Start program and no issues with ESC's Early Head Start program!
The Review Team did find several minor issues with two of our contracted child care providers. All of these issues were corrected when discovered. For example, at one site, a first aid kit had an expired tube of Neosporin. At the other site, the team wanted a piece of the building's vinyl siding replaced. Since all of these issues were immediately corrected, they may or may not end up as part of the final report. The team submits their report to the Office of Head Start in Washington, DC and the final decision on the review report will be made by federal officials.
A big "thank you" goes out to all the Head Start and Early Head Start staff for their hard work and extra effort. Many people worked for nearly a year making preparations for the federal review. According to Head Start Director Jeff Goldammer, "We know we have a great program and great staff! It is nice when an event like the review confirms our belief and validates our efforts for children and families."
|
|
Vaccination Program Continues
ESC will continue to offer the new cervical cancer vaccine, Gardasil, to females in Jasper, Newton, Barton and McDonald County through December 31st, 2008. This service will continue to be available due to a recent grant extension for the program.
The vaccine is available free of charge to women and teens, ages 19-26, who are uninsured, or who are unable to afford the copays required by their insurance. It is also offered to children and teens, ages 9-18, who are do not qualify for the state's Vaccinations for Children Program. The program provides a great service to the women in our area. Without insurance, Gardasil costs over $1000. Interested individuals can receive the vaccination by visiting one of ESC's three Women's Health Clinics.
This cervical cancer vaccination program is provided through a grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health. For more information about the vaccine or ESC's Women's Health Clinics, please contact our Joplin clinic at 781-4788.
|
|
Apply for Weatherization!
The waiting list is short... now is the time!
ESC is now accepting applications for their Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program waiting list. The program enables low-income families to permanently reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Applicants must meet low-income guidelines to be eligible, and preference is given to elderly and disabled individuals.
By reducing the energy bills of low-income families instead of offering aid, weatherization reduces dependence and liberates these funds for spending on more pressing family issues. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, weatherization reduces heating bills by an average of 31% and overall energy bills by $358 per year at current prices. This spending, in turn, spurs low-income communities toward job growth and economic development.
Some of the measures that are utilized include replacing incandescent bulbs with compact flourescent lighting, adding insulation, weather stripping doors and windows, air sealing duct work and repairing electric furnaces.
The Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program is supported by local and federal funds from the Department of Energy (DOE), Missouri Gas Energy (MGE), Empire Electric Company and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) when funds are available.
|
|
Project Help Funds Still Available
ESC would like to announce that there are still funds available for Project Help applicants. The program is an assistance program created to meet the emergency energy-related expenses of the elderly and/or disabled residents in Empire's electric service area. For many of these people, protection against extreme heat or cold can be a matter of life or death.
The program is totally funded through voluntary donations and it is simple to donate to the program. By adding exactly $1 to your electric bill every month, the money is automatically donated to the Project Help Program. If you would like to donate more than a dollar, just add that amount to your regular bill along with a note that those funds should be paid toward Project Help. All contributions received by Empire are given monthly to ESC to be used to help pay emergency costs of the truly needy. All contributions are tax deductible.
ESC determines when the emergency need exists and will administer the use of available funds to meet those needs. The program is not intended to provide ongoing support but to provide temporary assistance to those in a crisis situation.
To be eligible for Project Help, applicants must reside in Empire's electric service area, be 55 years of age or older, or be disabled to the extent that they cannot be economically self-sufficient and have no other resource available. Individuals wishing to apply for the program can contact ESC at 781-0352. Applications are also available online at www.escswa.org.
|
|
Picnic Time!
It is once again time for ESC's 4th Annual All-Staff Picnic! The event will be held May 16th at Landreth Park in Joplin. The event is a fun-filled day of recognition for our employees. It is mandatory for all staff to attend, so be sure to mark your calendar. Watch for more information in upcoming weeks. |
|
Homelessness on the Rise...
There are at least 409 homeless people in Jasper and Newton Counties, according to totals released a couple of weeks ago by the Jasper/Newton County Homeless Coalition. This count shows a significant increase from the count of 341 homeless conducted in 2007.
The totals include "unsheltered" homeless who live on the streets, under bridges, in vacant buildings and at makeshift camps. It also counts "sheltered" homeless who are staying at relief agencies or shelters.
Carol Thomas, chairwoman of the coalition, and ESC's Assistant Community Development Director, feels the total most likely represents a minimum number. More accurate numbers are elusive because some people are part of the "hidden homeless" who live in cars or other places not readily visible to observers.
These numbers reflect several increases in the homeless population, including:
- Children, who this year accounted for 21% of the total
- Veterans, who accounted for 29%
- Victims of domestic violence, who accounted for 12%
The homeless counts were conducted on January 30th, 2008 and are used by the organization when applying for grants. |
|
Tax Preparation Available!
Tax preparation is in full swing at our Neosho Outreach Site. The Newton County Volunteer Tax Assistance Site is being operated out of the Neosho office which is located at 116 N. Jefferson. This is a free service for income eligible persons and free electronic tax filing is available. For more information or to make an appointment, please call 417-451-2206.
|
|
Sign Up for Life Skills Training!
ESC is currently offering life skills training classes to help clients with skills such as budgeting, conserving energy and finding employment. Anyone can attend the trainings, but those wishing to attend must enroll in advance by contacting one of the following staff members:
Joanna Watson, 417-781-0352
Sally McAffrey, 417-781-0352
Marcia Denny, 417-845-6011
Sharon Havens, 417-451-2206
April 9th-
JOPLIN: Energy Saving Tips from 8:30-10:30 and Meal Planning & Prep from 10:30-12:30
NEOSHO: Energy Saving Tips from 8:30-10:30 and Meal Planning & Prep from 10:30-12:30
April 10th-
ANDERSON: Budgeting / Energy Saving Tips from 9:00-1:00
April 15th-
JOPLIN: Budgeting from 8:30-12:30
April 17th-
JOPLIN: Job Seeking from 8:30-12:30
April 23rd-
JOPLIN: Budgeting / Energy Saving Tips from 8:30-12:30
NEOSHO: Job Seeking from 8:30-12:30
April 24th-
ANDERSON: Budgeting / Energy Saving Tips from 9:00-1:00
April 25th-
JOPLIN: Budgeting from 8:30-12:30
April 29th-
JOPLIN: Food Budgeting / Energy Saving Tips from 8:30-12:30 |
|
Rental Units Available!
ESC is still taking applications for their rental housing units in Carl Junction and Noel. Applicants must meet income qualifications (an extended family of 4 can earn a maximum of $28,740 gross income).
The Carl Junction rental is located in Schoolview Estate. The single level home has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a 2 car garage and rents for $400 per month. All utilities are included and it is less than 4 years old!
The Noel duplex is currently under construction but is due to be completed and ready to move into soon. Each unit has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms a garage and all new appliances. Rent will be $425 per month. The photos below show an update on construction progress.
For more information or to apply, please call 417-781-0352 ext. 222 |
|
Carol Elected to MACA Board
The Missouri Association for Community Action (MACA) has seated 5 brand new board members from local community action agencies across the state for a two year term. In addition, 6 board members are returning to the MACA executive board to continue their efforts in leading transformational change in Missouri.
MACA is a statewide membership association representing all 19 Missouri Community Action agencies which envision a state where there is economic opportunity for all citizens and where all families and communities thrive.
Carol Thomas, ESC's Assistant Director of Community Development, sees this as an opportunity to serve not only our communities but to help our agencies. Carol's work with ESC has given her great insight into the daily needs of families in her area.
MACA values the willingness of their board members to volunteer their time to help lead statewide change in policies and programs that impact low-income and at risk families throughout Missouri.
|
|
IDA Participant Closes on Home
A participant in the Missourians Building Assets program, closed on her first home March 27th. Sara Heistand was able to save a down payment for the home through the program, which provides matching funds to low-income clients attempting to increase self-sufficiency. ESC recently celebrated her achievement, while recognizing the partners who supported her efforts over the past several years.
Sara has been a participant in ESC's Beyond Tomorrow and Missourians Building Assets programs since October 2002. She also participated in ESC's Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
Sara achieved her goal of becoming an RN last summer and has now realized her dream of becoming a homeowner. There were many challenges along the path to Sara's self sufficiency, but the realization of her goals was worth the hard work, time and commitment.
The Missourians Building Assets Project is designed to allow low-income wage earners to save money in an account that is matched on a 2:1 basis toward a specific saving goal. That means that for every dollar a participant saves, they earn two dollars in matching funds. Participants can save up to $2,000 to be matched with funds from state, local and federal funding sources. A key aspect to the project is that participants are required to attend economic self-sufficiency workshops. Participants are then able to use their matched funds to buy a home.
For more information about the Missourians Building Assets Program, please contact Suzanne Becker at 417-451-2206 Ext. 101. | |
| Is there anything interesting going on in your department that you would like to share with our staff, board members and supporters? To have your information included in an upcoming issue of News from ESC, please contact Andrea Osiek at aosiek@escswa.org. |
|
|
Home
