|
|
|
A Perspective on Poverty
by Curtis Scott, Asst. Housing & Development Director
I recently attended the Missouri Association for Community Action annual conference. The conference theme was "Piece By Piece... Moving People Out Of Poverty". During the conference we had the privilege of listening to Dr. Donna Beegle's Presentation, "See Poverty... Be The Difference".
This was the second time that I have had the pleasure of listening to a presentation by Dr. Beegle. Her message is powerful and the story of her life and how she has overcome generational poverty is very inspiring. Each time I have listened to Dr. Beegle speak, I have come away energized and ready to take on any challenge that the world of poverty might throw at me.
While listening to Dr. Beegle's presentation, it occurred to me that I could, and should be doing much more if I really want to work toward ending poverty. I realized that there are a lot of things that I could be doing differently that could help those in need to break free from the stranglehold of poverty. It also occurred to me that I am probably not alone, and that others involved in community action might also benefit from a little introspection.
It is easy during this time of government cutbacks, when we have all been asked to continue to provide the same amount of services with less money and fewer employees, to simply say we don't have the time. I personally believe that due in part to program requirements and other government regulations, I spend the majority of my time determining if a person or family is eligible for our services or gathering information and data in an effort to quantify the very need for our services. In short, sometimes I feel like nothing more than a paper pusher, when I should be striving to help those in need through all available resources. Times are tough, but we cannot use that as an excuse and we must remind ourselves that things are much tougher for those individuals who are caught up in poverty.....
|
|
Area Agency on Aging... Effective November 1st, Economic Security Corporation will begin the day-to-day administration of the Region X Area Agency on Aging.
This action comes after the letter of retirement of longtime Director Richard Russell. In announcing the selection, Board President Jerry Carter noted, "These folks (ESC) have experiences that are very similar and, ... they can hit the ground running."
The Region X Area Agency on Aging provides a number of programs that assist older persons in maintaining independence and dignity in their lives. Some of the programs they administer include: Family Caregiver, Respite Care, Homemaker Services, hot and cold meals, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, the Ombudsman Program, a transportation program, one-on-one computer training, Medicare Part D assistance, and many others.
Upon accepting the commissioners' invitation to administer the programs on a six month interim basis, ESC's Chief Executive Officer, John Joines, stated: "the Area Agency on Aging is known for its administration of quality programs for the area's seniors. We are excited about building upon the successes of the previous administration."
Joines announced the appointment of Stan Heater, ESC Director of Program Planning, to the position of Interim Director. |
ESC sponsors HPV vaccine clinic... ESC sponsored an HPV vaccination clinic with MSSU on September 26th and 27th. The clinic was the first of its kind in the nation. 148 students received vaccinations at the event which was held at the Student Health Center on the MSSU campus. Vaccinations were provided to any female student up to age 26 who did not have insurance, whose insurance does not cover the vaccine called Gardasil, or who could not otherwise afford the vaccine.
Did You Know?
Cervical Cancer was once the leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States.
By age 50, 80% of women will get the virus that causes cervical cancer.
Gardasil, the vaccination given at the clinic, can protect females between the ages of 9 and 26 from 70% of the strains of HPV that cause cervical cancer and 90% of the strains of HPV that cause genital warts.
ESC's Women's Health division is still providing the vaccine free of charge to women in Jasper, Newton, Barton and McDonald counties who qualify for the program. For more information, please call 417-781-0352.
|
|
Purchase a MACA shirt today!
Last January, over 100 MACA members converged on the capital to visit with their local legislators in order to educate them on the programs administered by the employees of the 19 Community Action Agencies. During the event, many attending wore shirts featuring the names of all the agencies, which presented a clear message about the barriers that our agencies work to break every day.
We are now taking orders for these shirts! ESC staff will be allowed to wear the shirts to work on Fridays and they are a great way to promote our message across the state.
Don't delay... orders and payment must be received by November 16th!!!
Questions? please contact Andrea Osiek at 417.781.0352
ext. 265 or by email at aosiek@escswa.org.
|
Support Transitional Housing...
Purchase a Handmade Pin!
 Linda Yates, a self-taught jewelry designer, was homeless for several years in the early 1980's. After getting back onto her feet, she began to make House PinsŪ and sold them to boutiques to raise money for the shelter that helped her during her struggles. She began her own business, Designs by Lucinda, in order to help non-profits create awareness and raise funds for homeless programs.
ESC sells these pins to raise additional funding for our Transitional Housing Program. The funds raised through sales are used to provide resources to the clients that are otherwise unavailable to them. This includes paying for copies of birth certificates, transportation costs and purchasing supplies for the apartments.
These pins are available for $12 each or 2 for $20... and no two are alike! If you would like to purchase one for yourself or as a gift for someone you love, please contact Carol Thomas or Tammie Walker (Community Development) at 781-0352.
|
|
Winter Heat Assistance Available...
By Caren Boshaw,
Emergency Assistance Coordinator
Community Development Staff members are well into their 5th year of providing Energy Assistance for low-income households in ESC's four county service area. Energy Assistance benefits are based on income level, household size and the type of fuel used as the primary heat source. The applicant must be responsible for home heating costs either directly, or costs may be included in the rent or be in the landlord's name.
October processing was available for those 60 or older or households with a disabled head of household or spouse. This provided an early start with energy assistance benefits to those households. November 1st started the season for all other households.
Crisis assistance is also available for restoring services or utilities in shut-off status for primary or secondary energy sources.
Many households are experiencing high electric bills due to winter bills from last year that did not get paid, a late, hot summer and an increase in electric rates earlier this year. There are also many households that choose to turn off their gas service in the summer, to save the monthly gas service charge, and need assistance restoring their service for winter heat. Propane costs are extremely high, tied to the cost of gasoline, essentially making a delivery of 200 gallons out of reach for most low-income households.
Last year, over 5600 families in ESC's service delivery area were assisted. Judging by the high volume of applications, CD staff expect a very busy season.
Funding for this program is provided by the State of Missouri Department of Social Services, Family Support Division.
|
|
Bus Drivers Show Their Stuff !
On the 19th and 26th of October, the Head Start bus drivers showed off their skills at the first annual Bus Rodeo. The rodeo featured six events which showcased the skills the drivers need in their everyday jobs, as well as those they mastered to become state certified bus drivers. Prizes included a Wal-Mart gift certificate for the top three drivers on each day of the event. The judging panel was composed of several ESC staff members, including John Joines, ESC's CEO.
On the 19th, Richard Dement from the Granby Center took first place. Second Place went to Mary Slatton from the Seneca Center. Third place was awarded to Valerie Harper from Sarcoxie.
On the 26th, first place went to Tierra Clark from the Carthage Center. Second place was awarded to Richard Edens from Carl Junction. Bill Goff from the Noel Center took third place.
The events were a huge success and staff are looking forward to participating or attending the rodeo again next year. Congratulations to all the winners and a special thanks to all the participants!
|
|
ESC to administer Project Help... ESC recently took over the administration of Project Help in a joint effort with Empire District Electric Company. 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 Economic Security Corporation to be used to help pay emergency costs of the truly needy. All contributions are tax deductible.
ESC will determine when the emergency needs exist 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. Any energy bill of the truly needy for heating or cooling may qualify for the program regardless of fuel source.
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 either contact ESC at 781-0352. Application are also available online at www.escswa.org. | |
| 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
