Dorsa Taylor, Area Supervisor for South Joplin and Seneca Head Start, was recently recognized for 30 years of service to the program. During their new school year "Kick Off" on Thursday, September 11th, Missouri State Representative Marilyn Ruestman recognized her and the many years of faithful service she has bestowed upon Head Start families and children in our program.
Jeff Goldammer, Head Start and Early Head Start Director, began the evening by welcoming all the parents and children who had come for the Kick Off. Jeff asked Joplin High School's Junior ROTC Honor Guard, under the direction of Sergeant Richard Banks, to post the colors and lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. He then introduced Representative Ruestman who read a Missouri House of Representatives Resolution.
Representative Ruestman asked Dorsa to stand with her as she began reading from the Resolution, which gave an overview of all the highlights of Dorsa's service to Head Start. Dorsa received recognition for her years of being a cook, teacher aide, bus driver, teacher and now Area Supervisor for the program.
Approximately 100 people were in attendance, including staff members and the families of children in the programs. Cake and refreshments were served and many photographs were taken to remember the event. South Joplin Head Start's "Kick Off" followed the reception.
We would like to thank the staff of South Joplin Head Start for working to plan such a memorable event. We would also like to once again thank Dorsa Taylor for her committment and dedication to the families we serve.
Flu shots available for ESC staff
ESC is pleased to announce that they will once again be offering flu shots to all ESC employees this year. The vaccine costs $12 plus staff time to administer; however, we will be providing the shots to staff members for only $5. There are a limited number of shots available, so be sure to sign up in advance in order to receive one.
We will start administering the shots on October 15th at the Women's Health Clinics in Joplin, Neosho and Carthage. The dates, times and days the sites are open are as follows:
Joplin:
Monday through Friday from 8-4:45 pm
Neosho:
2nd, 3rd and 4th Tuesdays from 9:30-6:15 pm
1st, 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 8-4:45 pm
Carthage:
2nd Tuesday from 8:30-4:30 pm
You may sign up by calling, faxing or emailing Becky Hopper at the main office. If you sign up to receive a vaccine and choose not to receive it, you will still be responsible to pay the $5 fee.
For more information, please contact Becky Hopper at 417-781-0352 ext. 205.
Home Rehab Services Available
ESC is currently seeking applicants for their home rehabilitation project in Jasper County. Through the HOME Repair Program (HERO), selected applicants will receive needed home improvements at no cost. Improvements could include, but are not limited to, roof repair or replacement, bathroom remodeling, window replacement and porch repairs.
Applicants for the project MUST meet eligibility criteria: Clients must live in Jasper county. Clients must meet income eligibility guidelines that are based on a sliding scale (Example: A single person household can have a gross income of no more than $26,800 annually. A three-person household can earn no more than $34,450). The client must live on less than 10 acres of land. Also, mobile homes must be on a concrete foundation with no hitch.
There are two priorities for this program:
In the city limits of Joplin, priority is given to residents residing in Junge neighborhood target areas.
For residents of Jasper County living outside of the city limits of Joplin, priority is given to elderly head of households, over the age of 65.
For an application, please visit the ESC outreach office in Jasper County (601 E 6th Street in Carthage) or the main office in Joplin (302 S Joplin). For more information about the program, please contact Debbie Markman at 781-0352.
The Home Rehabilitation Program (HERO) is sponsored by the Missouri Housing Development Commission.
Life Skills Classes Available...
ESC's Life Skills Training continues to be successful and the Community Development division is excited to offer several more opportunities to join the class this month.
These classes 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.
October 9th-
ANDERSON: Budgeting from 8:30-12:30
JOPLIN: Budgeting from 8:30-12:30
October 14th-
JOPLIN: Energy Conservation/Food Budget from 1:00-5:00
October 21st-
JOPLIN: Budgeting from 8:30-12:30
October 22nd-
NEOSHO: Budgeting from 8:30-12:30
October 23rd-
ANDERSON: Budgeting from 8:30-12:30
JOPLIN: Energy from 1:00-5:00
October 29th-
JOPLIN: Energy Conservation/Food Budget from 8:30-12:30
Winter Energy Assistance Begins!
On October 1st, the Community Development Division began providing Energy Assistance to low-income households in ESC's four county service area. October processing of applications is limited to those 60 years or older or households with a disabled head of household or spouse. All other applications will be processed beginning on November 3rd.
Energy Assistance benefits are based on income level, household size and the type of fuel used as the primary heat source. Community Development staff have 30 days to process these applications. Customers will receive a letter in the mail from the state regarding whether their application has been approved and if so, for how much.
Crisis assistance is also available for restoring services or utilities in shut-off status for primary or secondary energy sources. This year, the amount allocated for these emergency assistance payments was raised from $600 to $800 per household.
The winter season for Energy Assistance will run through March 31, 2009. Employees wishing to apply for either program should call one of the following at Joplin's main office (781-0352):
Robyn Walker Ext. 271
Tammy Walker Ext. 216
Carol Thomas Ext. 240
Along with an application, clients must provide social security cards and proof of income for everyone in the household, along with the utility bill for their primary heating source. Clients should indicate on the application if they have a shut-off notice, terminated service or no fuel.
Funding for this program is provided by the State of Missouri Department of Social Services, Family Support Division.
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.
Economic Security Corporation of Southwest Area (ESC) is a private non-profit Community Action Agency, which was created in October 1965 to serve the needs of low-income individuals and families. The mission of the agency is "to help families currently caught in poverty to find a way out, and to work in our communities to prevent the conditions of poverty from affecting future generations."
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