Hi. If you or someone you know have school age children and can’t afford to buy school supplies this year, there are a number of free back to school events and programs where kids can get free school supplies. You should also know that homeless students have rights to a free, appropriate public education. The back to school events are:
Tomorrow Aug. 21 from noon to 4pm the Atlantic Street Center - Rainier Beach Family Center is coordinating a resource fair where students receive backpacks with school supplies at 8825 Rainier Ave. S. in Seattle. Backpacks are first come-first served.
Thursday August 26th 3 - 6 pm the 2100 Building in partnership with Casey Family Programs and Children’s Administration invite you to start the school year at the Back to School Fair at 2100 24th Ave S in Seattle. This fair is for students in middle school, high school, getting their GED, or going to college up to age 25. Caregivers also welcome. There will be college representatives on site, workshops for youth and caregivers, free school supplies, free haircuts, a BBQ, Games and Prizes.
Also on Thursday the 26th, from 10:30am-2:30pm Lutheran Community Services Northwest - Angle Lake Family Resource Center is coordinating a back-to-school backpack giveaway for students in the Highline School District on at 4040 S. 188th St in SeaTac. Event includes food, games and prizes.
Saturday Aug. 28, from 1-4 the Center for Human Services is passing out school supplies at a one-day event that includes informational resources, school clothes and haircuts for Shoreline School District students, at North City Elementary School at 816 NE 190th Street. You need to register by today to attend this fair by calling 206-393-4916 or online at www.btsconsortium.org/
If you cannot get to one of these back to school fairs but need school supplies for your child, ask the family support worker or social worker at your child’s school for free school supplies, as most schools in King County get free school supplies for their students through a number of nonprofit school supply drives.
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act protects the educational rights of homeless students, which includes children living in shelters, transitional housing, motels, vehicles, on the street, doubled up with friends or family, unaccompanied youth, and youth awaiting foster care placement. A homeless child has the right to remain enrolled in and be transported to their school of origin or be promptly enrolled in their neighborhood school, be provided help with school supplies, receive free breakfast and lunch in schools that serve both, be provided full access to classes, not have to pay any school fees, and receive the same educational supports as all students. Each school district is required to have a homeless education liaison to help children and families access support and services. To find your school district's liaison, call 360-725-6050 or here is the complete list of homeless education liasons in Washington
For more info the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act read this flyer on homeless students' rights prepared by Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness (SKCCH) and/or visit the SKCCH website.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Appealing Disability Lifeline (GAU) Terminations
Do you or someone you know receive Disability Lifeline or GAU? Effective September 1st, 2010, thousands of Washington State residents will lose their Disability Lifeline (formerly called GAU or General Assistance-Unemployable) benefits from the state. Benefits are being terminated due to a 24-month time limit approved by the state legislature last session.
If you or someone you know has received a termination notice, you have the right to appeal! If your termination notice is dated in August 2010 you have only until August 31st to file your appeal and keep benefits until the hearing decision. You can still file an appeal later — up to 90 days after your notice — but you will not continue to receive benefits while you wait.
The best way to file an appeal is to go to your local DSHS office. Turn in a written hearing request. Keep a copy! Have DSHS stamp your copy with the date received. Keep this as your proof of submitting your appeal.
If you cannot go in to a DSHS office in person by August 31, call DSHS. Be sure to speak to a person, not just a voicemail box. Write notes about your conversation including the name of the person you are speaking to and the date and time of your call. Keep these notes as your proof of your appeal. Ask for a “fair hearing” for your benefit termination. Ask the DSHS worker on the phone to make the written request to the hearings office for you.
You can also file your appeal through a combination of faxing and mailing the original on the same date. Use the fax number and address listed on the hearing form. Keep a copy of the appeal request, and keep the proof of the fax transmittal. It is safer if you can mail the original via certified mail with a return receipt.
In order to win your hearing, you may need to collect and bring medical and other evidence showing that you qualify as disabled under the SSI disability standards.
If you lose your hearing, any benefits that have been continued will stop and you may have to repay up to two months worth of benefits.
After you file your appeal, seek legal help. Call Solid Ground’s Family Assistance attorneys at 206-694-6742 or email at evonnez@solid-ground.org or call 2-1-1.
In all other counties call CLEAR at 1.888.201.1014 to speak to an advocate.
Additional information is available online at Washington LawHelp.
If you or someone you know has received a termination notice, you have the right to appeal! If your termination notice is dated in August 2010 you have only until August 31st to file your appeal and keep benefits until the hearing decision. You can still file an appeal later — up to 90 days after your notice — but you will not continue to receive benefits while you wait.
The best way to file an appeal is to go to your local DSHS office. Turn in a written hearing request. Keep a copy! Have DSHS stamp your copy with the date received. Keep this as your proof of submitting your appeal.
If you cannot go in to a DSHS office in person by August 31, call DSHS. Be sure to speak to a person, not just a voicemail box. Write notes about your conversation including the name of the person you are speaking to and the date and time of your call. Keep these notes as your proof of your appeal. Ask for a “fair hearing” for your benefit termination. Ask the DSHS worker on the phone to make the written request to the hearings office for you.
You can also file your appeal through a combination of faxing and mailing the original on the same date. Use the fax number and address listed on the hearing form. Keep a copy of the appeal request, and keep the proof of the fax transmittal. It is safer if you can mail the original via certified mail with a return receipt.
In order to win your hearing, you may need to collect and bring medical and other evidence showing that you qualify as disabled under the SSI disability standards.
If you lose your hearing, any benefits that have been continued will stop and you may have to repay up to two months worth of benefits.
After you file your appeal, seek legal help. Call Solid Ground’s Family Assistance attorneys at 206-694-6742 or email at evonnez@solid-ground.org or call 2-1-1.
In all other counties call CLEAR at 1.888.201.1014 to speak to an advocate.
Additional information is available online at Washington LawHelp.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Health Center Week 8/8-14 Health Fairs
Next week, August 8-14 is National Health Center Week which recognizes the service and contributions of Community, Migrant, Homeless and Public Housing Health Centers in providing access to affordable, high quality, cost-effective health care to medically vulnerable and underserved people in the U.S. America's Health Centers now serve over 20 million people (including nearly 1 million people who are homeless) in 7,000 communities in all 50 states including King County.
Federally-funded health centers care for you, even if you have no health insurance. You pay what you can afford, based on your income. Health centers provide checkups when you're well, treatment when you're sick, complete care when you're pregnant, immunizations and checkups for your children, dental care and prescription drugs for your family, mental health and substance abuse care if you need it.
Next week there are 5 health fairs occurring in King County in Seattle, White Center and Burien.
Sea Mar Community Health Centers Seattle Medical Clinic at 8720 14th Ave. S will have a week-long health fair every day from Monday August 9th to Saturday the14th , from 9am-4pm. There will be a different information and services each day. Monday the 9th is Blood Pressure day w/ doctor consultation all day and Health Education in the afternoon. Tuesday the 10th is Behavioral Health and Chronic Care Day. Wednesday the 11th is Clinical Social Worker day and Managed Care Day including prescription assistance, and State Insurance info. Thurs the 12th is Lab, Health Education, Breast, Cervical and Colon Health Day. Friday the 13th is Getting Ready to go back to school day. And Saturday the 14th is Well-Child Checks and Immunizations Day. For more information contact Jim Arteaga at 206-370-4546.
On Sunday August 8, International Community Health Services is hosting a Back to School Fair from 11am-2pm at their ID Clinic at 720 8th Ave. S. The Back to School Fair will include free dental screening, meet ICHS "Tooth Fairy, " teaching children how to use 911, fingerprinting for children, games that promote healthy eating and physical activities, information on the latest low cost health insurance and meet Dr. Bear. They will host another Back to School Fair on Sunday August 15 from 11-2 at their Holly Park Clinic at 3815 South Othello St. For more information on Back to School Fairs contact Max Chan at 206.788.3672.
On Wednesday August 11th The Sea Mar Burien Clinic at 14434 Ambaum Blvd SW in Burien will host a health fair from 10:00 am to 3:00 PM. This fair will include Lab services - Cholesterol checks, Accu check, Clinical services - Blood pressure, BMI, Vision, Health Education and Services - substance abuse, mental health, MSS/WIC services, and Insurance information.
On Thursday August 12th The Sea Mar White Center Clinic at 9650 15th Ave SW #100 will host a health fair from 10 am to 4:00 pm. This health fair will include Dental services - Information Lab services - Accu check, Clinical services - Blood pressure, BMI, Vision, Health Education and Services - substance abuse, mental health, MSS/WIC services, Insurance information and DSHS information. For more information on Sea Mar health fairs in Burien and White Center, contact Brent Swartz at (206) 812-9182.
Note that these services are primarily for uninsured patients without insurance and/or insured through DSHS (Medicaid) and/or Medicare. If you have Private Insurance and are currently established with a Primary Care Provider some where else, you are encouraged to continue seeking Health Care services there.
For more information on National Health Center Week visit http://www.healthcenterweek.org/index.html. For a list of all the Health Center Week healthfairs and events in Washington click here http://www.healthcenterweek.org/join_list.asp?region=wa.
Stay healthy and have a great day!
Federally-funded health centers care for you, even if you have no health insurance. You pay what you can afford, based on your income. Health centers provide checkups when you're well, treatment when you're sick, complete care when you're pregnant, immunizations and checkups for your children, dental care and prescription drugs for your family, mental health and substance abuse care if you need it.
Next week there are 5 health fairs occurring in King County in Seattle, White Center and Burien.
Sea Mar Community Health Centers Seattle Medical Clinic at 8720 14th Ave. S will have a week-long health fair every day from Monday August 9th to Saturday the14th , from 9am-4pm. There will be a different information and services each day. Monday the 9th is Blood Pressure day w/ doctor consultation all day and Health Education in the afternoon. Tuesday the 10th is Behavioral Health and Chronic Care Day. Wednesday the 11th is Clinical Social Worker day and Managed Care Day including prescription assistance, and State Insurance info. Thurs the 12th is Lab, Health Education, Breast, Cervical and Colon Health Day. Friday the 13th is Getting Ready to go back to school day. And Saturday the 14th is Well-Child Checks and Immunizations Day. For more information contact Jim Arteaga at 206-370-4546.
On Sunday August 8, International Community Health Services is hosting a Back to School Fair from 11am-2pm at their ID Clinic at 720 8th Ave. S. The Back to School Fair will include free dental screening, meet ICHS "Tooth Fairy, " teaching children how to use 911, fingerprinting for children, games that promote healthy eating and physical activities, information on the latest low cost health insurance and meet Dr. Bear. They will host another Back to School Fair on Sunday August 15 from 11-2 at their Holly Park Clinic at 3815 South Othello St. For more information on Back to School Fairs contact Max Chan at 206.788.3672.
On Wednesday August 11th The Sea Mar Burien Clinic at 14434 Ambaum Blvd SW in Burien will host a health fair from 10:00 am to 3:00 PM. This fair will include Lab services - Cholesterol checks, Accu check, Clinical services - Blood pressure, BMI, Vision, Health Education and Services - substance abuse, mental health, MSS/WIC services, and Insurance information.
On Thursday August 12th The Sea Mar White Center Clinic at 9650 15th Ave SW #100 will host a health fair from 10 am to 4:00 pm. This health fair will include Dental services - Information Lab services - Accu check, Clinical services - Blood pressure, BMI, Vision, Health Education and Services - substance abuse, mental health, MSS/WIC services, Insurance information and DSHS information. For more information on Sea Mar health fairs in Burien and White Center, contact Brent Swartz at (206) 812-9182.
Note that these services are primarily for uninsured patients without insurance and/or insured through DSHS (Medicaid) and/or Medicare. If you have Private Insurance and are currently established with a Primary Care Provider some where else, you are encouraged to continue seeking Health Care services there.
For more information on National Health Center Week visit http://www.healthcenterweek.org/index.html. For a list of all the Health Center Week healthfairs and events in Washington click here http://www.healthcenterweek.org/join_list.asp?region=wa.
Stay healthy and have a great day!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Job Search Classes at Seattle Libraries
Hi, If you or someone you know is looking for work, I want to let you know about some free job search classes at Seattle Public Libraries next week. Job Interview Basics is being offered at the Greenwood Library at 8016 Greenwood Ave. N. on Mon Aug 2 from 430 to 6 pm. Do you have an upcoming job interview? Do you want to know how to stand out as the best job candidate? In this workshop you will learn how to successfully prepare for a job interview. They will discuss common interview questions, body language, steps you can take to improve your interview success. For more info call 206-684-4086 or Ask a Librarian
On Tuesday August 3rd, is Resume Basics at the Rainier Beach Library at 9125 Rainier Ave. S. at from 430 to 6. Come to this workshop if you want to learn what employers are looking for in a résumé. This workshop focuses on developing a résumé that will get past the 10-second screen. A résumé template will be distributed that can be used in paper or electronic form. For more info call 206-386-1906.
On Wednesday 8/4 from 430-6 Job Interview Basics will be offered again at the Southwest Library at 9010 35th Ave. S.W. For more info call 206-684-7455.
On Thursday, August 5, 5 – 6:30pm is Online Job Searching Basics at the Northeast Branch at 6801 35th Ave. N.E. Are you new to online job searching? Learn about submitting online résumés and completing Web-based job applications. This class requires the ability to navigate a Web page and Résumé Basics or an existing résumé. For more info call 206-684-7539.
The Seattle Public Library is partnering with WorkSource at South Seattle Community College to offer resume and job search workshops. Library events and programs are free and everyone is welcome. These classes are offered regularly at Seattle Public Libraries so if you can’t make a class this week, ask your local library when and where the class will be offered next or visit the Seattle Public Libraries calendar of events and classes.
Good Luck!
On Tuesday August 3rd, is Resume Basics at the Rainier Beach Library at 9125 Rainier Ave. S. at from 430 to 6. Come to this workshop if you want to learn what employers are looking for in a résumé. This workshop focuses on developing a résumé that will get past the 10-second screen. A résumé template will be distributed that can be used in paper or electronic form. For more info call 206-386-1906.
On Wednesday 8/4 from 430-6 Job Interview Basics will be offered again at the Southwest Library at 9010 35th Ave. S.W. For more info call 206-684-7455.
On Thursday, August 5, 5 – 6:30pm is Online Job Searching Basics at the Northeast Branch at 6801 35th Ave. N.E. Are you new to online job searching? Learn about submitting online résumés and completing Web-based job applications. This class requires the ability to navigate a Web page and Résumé Basics or an existing résumé. For more info call 206-684-7539.
The Seattle Public Library is partnering with WorkSource at South Seattle Community College to offer resume and job search workshops. Library events and programs are free and everyone is welcome. These classes are offered regularly at Seattle Public Libraries so if you can’t make a class this week, ask your local library when and where the class will be offered next or visit the Seattle Public Libraries calendar of events and classes.
Good Luck!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Family Health Hotline & DSHS Health Programs
Hi, if you, your family or someone you know is in need of assistance with healthcare, I want to let you know about the many medical assistance programs available in Washington and the Within Reach Family Health Hotline, which provides up-to-date information about state-sponsored health insurance programs. If you call the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588, they can screen and assist you in applying for many State programs including:
Washington Apple Health for Kids— free or low cost medical, dental, vision and mental health benefits to children under age 19.
Washington Basic Health: a low cost health insurance program for low-income Washington State residents, which currently has a waiting list.
The Washington Health Program a new non-subsidized version of the Basic Health program, which offers affordable and reliable health insurance with fewer restrictions and low costs.
Family Medical: free medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage to very limited income families with dependent children under the age of 18 and living in the home.
The First Steps Program, which provides free health insurance, including medical, dental and vision benefits for pregnant women.
Take Charge, the family planning and free birth control program
The Premium Payment Program which helps families keep private insurance while on Medicaid
The Washington Prescription Drug Program Discount Card which gives discounts on all medications to all Washington state residents regardless of age or income
Rx Help for WA which helps low-income, uninsured Washington residents get free or discounted medicines
The Family Health Hotline can also help you locate Community Health clinics in your area that provide reduced cost or free medical care to people without health insurance.
You should also be aware that DSHS has changed to a new payment system called Provider One, where instead of paper medical coupons recipients of Medicaid programs and GAU medical receive a free permanent Services Card, a plastic card which works like any other insurance card.
The Family Health Hotline can explain program eligibility guidelines, help you understand how and where you can access these services, screen for eligibility for various programs, start a benefits application and help you apply online. Staff are available Monday through Thursday 8:00-5:30 and Friday 8:00-5:00. The Family Health Hotline number is 1-800-322-2588 or visit http://www.parenthelp123.org/resources/health-insurance.
Washington Apple Health for Kids— free or low cost medical, dental, vision and mental health benefits to children under age 19.
Washington Basic Health: a low cost health insurance program for low-income Washington State residents, which currently has a waiting list.
The Washington Health Program a new non-subsidized version of the Basic Health program, which offers affordable and reliable health insurance with fewer restrictions and low costs.
Family Medical: free medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage to very limited income families with dependent children under the age of 18 and living in the home.
The First Steps Program, which provides free health insurance, including medical, dental and vision benefits for pregnant women.
Take Charge, the family planning and free birth control program
The Premium Payment Program which helps families keep private insurance while on Medicaid
The Washington Prescription Drug Program Discount Card which gives discounts on all medications to all Washington state residents regardless of age or income
Rx Help for WA which helps low-income, uninsured Washington residents get free or discounted medicines
The Family Health Hotline can also help you locate Community Health clinics in your area that provide reduced cost or free medical care to people without health insurance.
You should also be aware that DSHS has changed to a new payment system called Provider One, where instead of paper medical coupons recipients of Medicaid programs and GAU medical receive a free permanent Services Card, a plastic card which works like any other insurance card.
The Family Health Hotline can explain program eligibility guidelines, help you understand how and where you can access these services, screen for eligibility for various programs, start a benefits application and help you apply online. Staff are available Monday through Thursday 8:00-5:30 and Friday 8:00-5:00. The Family Health Hotline number is 1-800-322-2588 or visit http://www.parenthelp123.org/resources/health-insurance.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Greater Seattle Job Fair 7/21/10
Hi, if you or someone you know is looking for work, I want to let you know about the upcoming Greater Seattle Job Fair at Qwest Field on Wednesday July 21st from 11 AM to 3 PM. This job fair, presented by Jobbernaut, is the Northwest's Largest Hiring Event, featuring over 30 companies from the Puget Sound Region! It’s free to the public and all levels of employment are available. You can meet with dozens of hiring managers all in a single afternoon. Companies participating in this Job Fair are generally looking to fill positions from the following broad categories; Sales, Retail, Management, Financial, Healthcare, Restaurant, Accounting, Banking, Clerical, Computers, IT, Customer Service, Engineers, General Office, Secretarial, Security, and more! All levels of experience – from part-time hourly positions, entry level, management trainee positions all the way to technical and professional full-time positions! It is recommended that you dress professionally and bring copies of your resume. That’s at the Seahawks' Qwest Field inside the "West V.I.P. Club Level" at 800 Occidental Avenue South in Seattle, next Wednesday the 21st from 11 to 3. Enter through the Northwest V.I.P. Entrance at the North end of the Stadium. For more information, directions and a complete list of attending companies call (425) 397-7114 or visit www.jobbernaut.com. Good Luck!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Seattle Conservation Corps interviewing 7/13
Hi. If you or someone you know are homeless and looking for work you should consider the Seattle Conservation Corps: A 1 year work experience training program through Seattle Parks and Recreation. They will be holding phone interviews on Tuesday, July 13 at 8 AM, at (206) 684-0190. The program requires that workers be a minimum 18 years of age, be able to lift 50 pounds, have a Washington ID and Social Security Card and be able to document their homelessness, such as living in shelters, transitional housing, or in-patient treatment. Seattle Conservation Corps members build streams, lay concrete, paint, plant trees, move furniture, and do other physically taxing activities throughout the year regardless of the weather. So, it is important that you feel that you are physically capable of handling the work, and you must be able to lift 50 pounds. Seattle Conservation Corps also provides enrollees assistance with drug and alcohol recovery, case management, a learning center (with opportunities to study for the GED, learn computer skills, math or English), assistance with food, shelter, transportation, mental health counseling, and assistance with job placement. Enrollees work 40 hours per week, and the Initial Compensation including Premium Pay is $8.55 + 5% premium per hour. To apply you must call (206) 684-0190 at 8:00 AM on Tuesday July 13th for a phone screening. If you receive a busy signal continue to call. Don’t leave a message and prepare to be on hold for a while. You can increase your chances of being screened by calling on a phone that has a redial button. They ask that you be honest with them about substance abuse, mental illness, and/or criminal history. Those candidates chosen will be asked to come in for a face-to-face interview. If both interviews are successful, you will become a Candidate-For-Enrollment and will be given a date for a physical, academic testing, and a first day of enrollment, or be placed in a pool with other candidates that will be given an enrollment date in the near future. For more information on Seattle Conservation Corps call (206) 684-0190 and don’t forget that you have to call at 8AM next Tuesday July 13th in order to apply. Good Luck!
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