MaRCH 19, 2007 - Indiana County Department of Human …



August 1, 2011 E News [pic]

ATTENTION!!

The E News will be taking a vacation during the month of August and will return in September. Until then, please save all newsletter submissions!

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Human Services Council

Human Services Council Picnic

Member agencies and your staff…You Are Invited! Please see the attached flyer! The Community Education and Fellowship committee of the Indiana County Human Services Council will be sponsoring a picnic to be held on August 11th from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the Eagle’s Nest picnic pavilion at the White Township Recreational Complex. It is a free event for member agencies and their staff, including lunch and door prizes.  Agencies are urged to send new staff for purposes of networking. There will be an interactive/networking game with prizes.  Speaking of prizes, if your agency can contribute prizes, please drop them off to Patty Drew at Beacon Ridge. RSVP to Judy Sylvester at swpapc.planning@ by August 5, 2011.

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August Events

Red Cross Blood Drives

• Wednesday, August 3, 2011 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Indiana Eagles,

FOE 1468, 402 Philadelphia Street. All presenting donors will be entered into a drawing to win 1 of 3 gas grills! Walk-ins welcome.

• Thursday, August 18, 2011 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Holiday Inn

Banquet Room, 1395 Wayne Avenue. All presenting donors will be entered into a drawing to win 1 of 3 gas grills! Walk-ins welcome.

Marcellus Shale Entry-Level Training

There will be an Information Session on Thursday, August 4, 2011 at the Youngwood Campus, Founders Hall, located at 145 Pavilion Lane, Youngwood, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM or 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. The sessions will provide information on entry-level jobs, the training program, and the application process. The information sessions are for those who are interested in training for entry-level jobs in the natural gas drilling and production industry. For more information, contact WCCC, Michelle Hansel at 724-925-4109.

The Open Door Announcements

Reality Tour

The Indiana County Reality Tour is held the 2nd Wednesday of EVERY month starting at 6:00 PM at the new Indiana County Jail. The next tour will be held Wednesday, August 10, 2011. Register by visiting our website: ; stop by The Open Door (walk-in hours daily from 8AM to 9PM) or call the Reality Tour Registrar at: 724-465-2605 ext. 18. 

The Open Door Family Education Support Group

The Open Door Family Education Support Group is a FREE on-going support group scheduled EVERY THURSDAY FROM 6PM TO 7:30 PM at The Open Door (334 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA).  Participants should be 18 or older. Pre-registration is suggested by calling 724-465-2605.

Breathe Easy

Quit Tobacco for Love. Quit for you, your friends and your loved ones. Picture yourself spending more

years with your family and friends.  If you do, tobacco doesn’t belong in any of these pictures. “Breathe

Easy” is a series of six tobacco counseling sessions designed to help those who want to quit any

tobacco (smokes or chew). Quitting tobacco is part of the class; no need to quit beforehand. Our

coaches provide counseling, education, support and personal plans to help you quit and stay quit.

Must be 18 or older. Pregnant women welcome! **FREE NRT’s available for a limited time OR $50

voucher to receive others (*limited time, quantities, restrictions apply). Enroll TODAY, classes

fill quickly! Call The Open Door, 724-465-2605, press 7. 

Volunteers Needed!

Hopeful Hearts, Center for Grieving Children, Adolescents and Their Families is looking for volunteers to work with grieving families in our program.  If you are compassionate, enjoy working with children, and are at least 21 years of age, you may want to consider volunteering with Hopeful Hearts.  For more information please call 724-349-3888.  Informational meetings about volunteer opportunities will be held on August 18th and 31st.

Midday Rotary Rally

Midday Rotary is holding its first ever Rotary Rally on August 19, 2011.  Proceeds will support local non-profit organizations.  Please see the attached flyer for more information.

Back to School Bash

Indiana's 3rd Annual Back to School Bash, School Supply Drive for Low Income Families is August 20, 2011 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The location will be the block of Church Street between 6th and 7th Streets, Indiana. Enrolling children at the start of the school year is a stressful time. This program will help with clothing, notebooks, backpacks and many other incidentals. Pre-registration is required. Families can register by calling The Salvation Army at 724-465-2530, Monday, Thursday and Friday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM; Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.  The application is done by phone; please provide SSN, income, sizes of children along with address, phone number, etc.  The Bash Committee will then send a letter of instruction to the families for pick-up.

Butterfly Release

VNA Family Hospice and Palliative Care welcomes you to our second annual live butterfly release, Sunday, August 21, 2011 at 2:00 PM at the YMCA in Indiana. The donation for each butterfly is $25.00 with orders due by July 20, 2011. For more information, or to order a butterfly call 724-463-8711, online at , or by mail using the attached form.

Bulk Frozen Food Sale

The Indiana County 4-H program is sponsoring a bulk frozen food sale.  Items being sold include fruit, vegetables, meats, fish, beverages, appetizers, breads, and desserts. Orders are due to Penn State Extension by August 23.  Orders will be delivered on Friday, September 9, from 4 to 6 pm, at Tractor Supply in Indiana.  Contact the 4-H office at 724-465-3880 for an order form.

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September Events

5K Race Against Child Abuse

There will be a 5K race at the Hoodlebug Trail, beginning and ending at Divine Destiny Ministries’ parking lot on Saturday, September 3, 2011 at 9:00 AM. Race day registration is from 7:45 AM to 8:45 AM. The entry fee is $13 for pre-registration and $15 for same day registration. All proceeds will benefit Center for Family Life, Inc. and Children’s Advocacy Center. For more information, please contact Kristin Taylor-Porter at 724-463-8595 or info@.

“How to Connect to Customers and Co-Workers Not Like You”

Quota International of Indiana, Pa. Inc. presents Kelly McDonald, nationally recognized marketing expert and author of the bestselling “How to Market to People Not Like You”, will be coming to Indiana September 8, 2011 at the Indiana Country Club from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. A Meet and Greet will be from 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM and a book signing will follow the event. Cost is $45 per person. Price includes breakfast and a copy of her bestselling book, “How to Market to People Not Like You”. Contact Michelle Fryling for tickets at 412-309-1530 or email at michellefrying@. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Cents & Sensibility Consignments Kids' & Maternity Fall 2011 Consignment Event

Cents & Sensibility Consignments will be holding is semi-annual kids' and maternity consignment event September 16th-18th, 2011. Sale hours are September 16th- 9am-6pm, September 17th- 9am-4pm, and September 18th- 10am-2pm. Stop by to pick up great deals on new and gently used children's and infant's clothing, toys, baby equipment, maternity clothes, and much more. This event will be held at The Event Hall in Shelocta. Consignors are now being accepted. For more information please visit the website at or contact Kristen Conway at kristen@.

 

Fall 2011 Mommy Market

The fall 2011 Mommy Market will be October 8, 2011 from 9:00 AM to1:00 PM at the S&T Bank Arena. Please remember that tables for sellers are first come first serve. To register, please visit .

Table fees are $20 per table or 8ft space max 3 tables. Table fees are due by September 8, 2011.

Newman Used Book Sale

The Newman Used Book Sale is accepting book donations for this year’s sale.  Donations can be dropped off at St. Thomas More University Parish at 1200 Oakland Ave., Indiana PA.  If you need someone to pick up your books, please call the church office at 724-463-2277 with a name and phone number that our volunteers can call to schedule a time to pickup your donations.

Also, mark your calendar for this year’s sale to be held Friday, September 16th from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Saturday, September 17th from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, September 18th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Other News and Announcements

State’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program deadline is being extended from June 30 to December 31

Eligible participants can receive a rebate of up to $650 based on their rent or property taxes paid in 2010. The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 years or older, widows and widowers 50 years or older, and those 18 years or older with disabilities. Eligibility income limits for homeowners are set at the following levels, excluding 50 percent of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits: $0 to $8,000, maximum $650 rebate (homeowners and renters); $8,001 to $15,000, maximum $500 rebate (homeowners and renters); $15,001 to $18,000, maximum $300 rebate (homeowners only); and $18,001 to $35,000, maximum $250 rebate (homeowners only)

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is one of many initiatives supported by the Pennsylvania Lottery, which dedicates its proceeds to support programs for older Pennsylvanians. Since the program began in 1971, more than $4 billion has been paid to qualified applicants. Residents are reminded to provide all the necessary income, property tax or rental information required to process claims quickly and accurately. Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms are available here:

Federal Forclosure Help Available

Federal funds are available to assist homeowners at risk of imminent foreclosure in Indiana County.

The Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program (EHLP), administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, currently has nearly $80 million of an original $105 million program available for residents of Pennsylvania. The funds are intended to help families in danger of losing their homes due to involuntary unemployment, underemployment or for medical reasons.

Indiana County residents can dial 2-1-1 or 800-552-4171 for details on how to apply for the funding. If you think you may be eligible and would like to schedule an appointment please call the Indiana County Community Action Program (ICCAP) mortgage counselor at 724-465-2657. All applications must be submitted and approved by Sept. 30, 2011.

The EHLP will offer homeowners who meet certain criteria a declining balance, deferred payment “bridge loan” for up to $50,000 for payment of past due amounts, plus up to 24 months of monthly payments on their mortgage principal, interest, mortgage insurance premiums, taxes, and hazard insurance.

If the homeowner stays in the home for at least five years, each year 20 percent of the amount used to stop the foreclosure is forgiven. After five years, no repayment is required.

To qualify for a loan, homeowners need to meet HUD requirements, including: current gross income must be at least 15 percent lower than prior to unemployment, underemployment or medical emergency; must be at least three payments delinquent on their mortgage; property must be owner-occupied and the homeowner’s primary residence; and property must be a single-family residence – either a one-to-four unit structure or a condominium.

Call 2-1-1 or 800-552-4171 or ICCAP mortgage counselor at 724-465-2657 for more information.

Indiana County Emergency Management Agency’s SPIN Program

Indiana County residents with special needs now have the opportunity to register on a website to be notified if there is a disaster or emergency in their area. “SPIN” (Special Populations Information Registry) is a database in which people may voluntarily enter information about their special needs. Our county’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA) will have access to it, so that if an area needs to be evacuated or notices given to the residents, they will be aware of someone’s individual disabilities. For example, if a person who is deaf registers and an evacuation of their street is necessary, EMA will take special care to make sure the person is helped out of the house or not in the house.

 Or, if a person can’t ambulate and there is a disaster affecting their area, EMA will know this information (if they’ve registered) and provide assistance to them.

 

Individuals who don’t have access to a computer or the Internet can get help in registering. Staff of the Indiana County’s Community Emergency Planning Committee’s Health and Human Services Subcommittee will gather whatever information the residents would like to provide and input it into the website. Agencies are being asked to help register their clients too.

 

After the detrimental impact of events such as Hurricane Katrina, the tornadic activity in Joplin, Missouri, and current widespread flooding across the Midwest, county officials have realized that a product such as this will be helpful in planning and response for members of vulnerable populations.

 

Anyone wanting to register may access the Indiana County SPIN page at ). If you would like to be registered and need assistance, call 724-463-8200 extension 13. You can also call this number for information to questions about the program.

AmeriCorps Member Wanted

The Indiana County Department of Human Services is looking for a special individual to serve as a part-time AmeriCorps member.  The position is part of the PA Mountain Service Corps program () and will start on August 22nd and end on June 22, 2012.  AmeriCorps members received a stipend (not an hourly wage), and an educational award at the end of their time of service ().  Health Insurance is not provided. The member in the Human Services office will work with the Health and Human Services Subcommittee of the Indiana County Community Disaster Planning Committee; responsibilities will include outreach about the special needs database and volunteer registration database.  The member will also be responsible for coordinating countywide community service days. 

Resumes are being accepted until August 11th; please send to icdhsdir@.

Personal Care Home Substitute Staff Wanted!

• No lifting or hands-on personal care – all residents are independent and mobile

• $9.00 per hour with potential for part-time or full-time openings

• Must be 21 years of age and have some experience working with Mental Health

• Valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation necessary

• Act 34 Criminal Record Check and pre-employment physical required

• Our small homes are a short drive from any part of Indiana!

Contact Tracy Dawson at I & A Residential Services, Inc. for more information: 724-463-7830.

Calvary Baptist Academy

Calvary Baptist Academy, located at 11394 Route 286 East, Clymer, is now enrolling Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and grades 1st -12th for the 2011-2012 school year. The Calvary Baptist Academy provides excellence in academics and strong spiritual values. For more information, contact the school office at 724-254-9411 or email at to receive an enrollment packet.



This is a FREE service to list and find affordable homes and apartments across Pennsylvania. is powered by , which is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit and national leading provider of housing locator services. This service is sponsored by Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, Pennsylvania Office of Long-Term Living, and Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development.

You Don’t Have to Deal with a Layoff or Closing Alone

Having to close a location or let employees go is among the most challenging situations that employers or families can ever face. To make employers more aware of the benefits, the Indiana County Department of Human Services has partnered with the Department of Labor & Industry’s Rapid Response Coordination Services (RRCS) to share information available to employers, labor organizations and the workforce which can help your business and help workers find new jobs or receive training for new careers. There is no fee for these services. Contact a Regional RRCS Field Representative with the PA Department of Labor & Industry’s Bureau of Workforce Development Partnership. Contact Carol Hull at 724-434-5627 ext. 148 or email at chull@state.pa.us

Temporary Address

Due to significant facility issues (leaking roof, damaged walls, ceilings and carpets, etc.), the Office of Planning & Development will be temporarily relocating to Townplace Victoria, 699 Philadelphia Street, Suite 200-A, Indiana.  The best way to access the temporary offices is to enter the building through the Atrium, either use the steps or elevator to the second floor, proceed up the ramp (technically above the Finery), first door on the left.  If you find anyone looking for us, please send them our way!  We will have the same phone and fax numbers, although we will have access to less than half of the actual phones that we have now, so when calling, it may go to voice mail more often.

Welfare to Work Transportation Program

ICCAP has funds available to help individuals obtain reliable transportation in order to get back and forth to employment.  The Welfare to Work Transportation Program can help individuals who are employed, have a child under age 18 and income qualify (for example, a family of four may have an income no greater than $4,377 a month).  It can help financially with vehicle repairs or auto insurance payments.   Please contact Mary Ann Buterbaugh at ICCAP at 724-465-2657.   Program hours are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Housing Authority of Indiana County

SPREAD THE WORD!! Apartments are currently available at Schoolhouse Square in Saltsburg for anyone 55 & over!! Rents are $390 & $435. Income limits apply. We also have family communities in Blairsville, Robinson, Saltsburg, Indiana, Clymer and Commodore.

With locations throughout Indiana County we are sure to have an apartment that’s right for you! Apply now even if you’re not quite ready to move -be assured that quality housing will be there when you need it!! For more information, please call 724-463-4730 x120.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Do you have some free time throughout the month to help Indiana County residents who are new to Medicare make the best healthcare choices?

If you do, then the APPRISE Program needs you! The APPRISE Program provides assistance with Medicare benefits, PACE/PACENET Applications, Property Tax/Rent Rebate forms as well as program that are available to people with limited incomes. Join us at Aging Services APPRISE Program by contacting Lisa Gazda at 724-349-4500 or 1-800-442-8016.

VNA Grief Support Group

The VNA Family Hospice and Palliative Care Grief Support Group meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 6:00 PM at the Robinson Lytle’s Funeral Home. For more information, please contact Rev. Horace Derr at goodgrief1160@

Volunteer Blurb of the Month

In 1980, the average hour of volunteer time was worth $7.46; this wage is $0.21 more than today’s minimum wage. By 2009, the value of one hour of volunteer time has jumped to $20.85!

Information from

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For more information on volunteers and volunteering please contact the Indiana County Department of Human services, at 7244638200 or by e-mail at ICDHSinfo@.

Indiana County Department of Human Services

& Volunteer Center

Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

TELEPHONE DIRECTORY

Main office numbers: 724-463-8200 or 724-463-8207

Information & Referral (I&R): 724-349-0500

Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP):

724-463-3235 or toll-free at 888-526-6060

INDIVIDUAL EXTENSIONS AND VOICE MAIL

10—Laurie Bowser, Secretary 16— MATP

11—Bonni Dunlap, Director 17— Maureen Pounds, I&R

12—Denise Remy, Asst. Director 18— Kathy Abbey-Baker, CAC

13—Health & Human Services 19— Linda Myers, MATP

15—Attire to Aspire 20— Marlo Carney, MATP

SHORTCUT EXTENSIONS

0 — Secretary 6 — Attire to Aspire PA WORKWEAR

3 — Human Services Info 7 — Health & Human Services Disaster

4 — Volunteer Opportunities Preparedness & Emergency Planning

5 — MATP 8 — Children’s Advisory Commission

Note: You may choose the extension wanted as soon as your call is answered

Lost your e-mail with the E News and want to refer to a date

or the information in it?  Go to humanservices- and click on Human Services Information.  You'll see a folder titled "E News" and all the past copies are archived there!

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For more Events and Announcements, visit our website at

humanservices-

* If your agency would like to place an announcement, event, or information,

you may send it to the Indiana County Department of Human Services & Volunteer Center

by fax (724) 465-3159 or e-mail to icdhssec@.

Laurie Bowser is the staff member at ICDHS & Volunteer Center who compiles the news.

The E-Newsletter will be sent out on Mondays and the deadline for articles will be due the Thursday the week prior. Human Services reserves the right to accept, reject, and/or edit all material submitted for publication.

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