Social Service Agency Networking Luncheon, May 25, 2012

This social service agency networking/information sharing meeting, hosted by Inasmuch Ministry, takes place from noon to one o’clock pm on the last Friday of each month, January through October, and the first Friday in December, at Broadway Christian Church, 910 Broadway.  Lunch is provided and there is no cost to attend

Our next luncheon meeting will be on Friday, June 29, 2012, at noon.

Kim Harris, Home Ownership Director for Indiana Housing Community Development Authority, joined us from Indianapolis. The programs he made us aware of could be very helpful for clients who are becoming self-supporting, but think they can’t take the next step of home ownership.

The IHCDA administers programs to Indiana borrowers who need help in getting financing for home-buying. It is NOT a direct lender, but works with participating lenders, who contact borrowers who need such programs.

Mr. Harris began with a bit of background on the housing industry in Indiana: There’ve been many foreclosures…the subprime market was a problem, but there is also lower demand for housing because there are fewer jobs…a log jam of appropriate 1st-time homes which are not for sale faces 1st time home buyers who can’t find homes in their price range. There are no “non-conforming” loans any more, which is a good thing, but this adds to the  perceived inability of many first-time buyers to find an affordable house.

All of the IHCDA programs have maximum annual household income requirements, and also require a median credit score of 650+

1. Conventional First Time Home Buyer (one who hasn’t owned a home in 3 years): 3.5% interest rates, 30 year mortgages. Maximum of 1% origination fee, $600 lender fee. Downpayment set by bank/mortgage company.

2. Downpayment assistance program: It is a second mortgage with no interest, $7,500 maximum, which can’t be forgiven, but which is not repaid until the house is sold. This is funded by mortgage revenue bonds–interest is tax-free. No government funding is involved.

3. Mortgage Credit Certificate: individual can take 20 to 35% of mortgage as a mortgage tax credit, for as long as they own the property.

4. Next-Home: for borrowers who don’t have money for downpayment (sold house but made no profit)…two-year mortgage for up to 4% of the new home’s price for downpayment…is forgiven after two years.

Minutes for Social Service Agency Luncheon, March 30, 2012

Next month’s speaker is: Kim Harris from Indiana Comprehensive Housing in Indy.

Our speaker today is Melinda Zenk–technical expert for the Social Security Administration. She handles complicated cases which need to be resolved.

Melinda came to address how income affects SSI, since that is a question that many clients ask our agencies. She began by going over the rules for SSD and SSI qualification. Since this was such a complex subject, which was presented with ongoing questions from the audience, there were no updates from other attendees this month.

SSD/SSI Rules/Programs:

Social Security Disability (SSD) is based on wages earned and pays up to $718 per month to those who are over 65, blind or disabled.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is based on needs now (it factors in resources, income and current living situation) up to $698/mo minimum–or SSI will supplement qualified individuals who get SSD, up to their limit of $718

Resources that are counted in determining whether one qualifies for SSI include: real estate, bank accounts, cash, stocks and bonds. The SSI amount is calculated based on your resources on the 1st of the month.

Individual–resource limit of $2,000
Married couple–resource limit of $3,000
Child w/ 1 parent, $2,000 each (child under 18)
Child w/ 2 parents, $2,000 for child, $3,000 for parents.
(There are many other categories, such as full-time disabled student…see the various SSI brochures, the website or call the local office.)

Reources SSI does NOT count:
the home you live in and the land it is on;
life insurance poslices with a face value of $1,500 or less
one car;
burial plots for you and immediate family members
up to $1,500 in burial funds for you and up to the same amount for your spouse.

Living situation: various types all have a different affect on whether/how much SSI is paid, e.g.,
institution (if group home, paid by Medicare, SSI is $30/month. If paid by mental health org, full benefits)
jail (no eligibility)
own home
living w/ parents (counts parents’ income)
hospitalized ($30/month)

Income: different types of income are treated differently
Earned income (wages, self-employed)
Unearned income affects the check more directly than earned income: SSD, unemployment, pension, child support, TANF will affect SSI eligibility and amount of monthly payment;
These types of income typically do not count against SSI benefits:
HUD, food stamps, Township assistance, any other assistance from non-profits

SSI: If an individual (not blind) is able to earn $1,010 per month, he/she cannot be considered disabled. If blind, the maximum earned is higher.

The first $85 of monthly gross income is deducted, and then half of the remaining income is considered as the Substantial Gainful Amount, which is the figure used to determine eligibility. There are various work incentives which SSI uses to help individuals who are able to and desire to work, either to supplement their SSI income, or in order to become self-sufficient again and leave the system.

For example, any service or medical expense which the individual is required to pay for in order to work, may be deducted from the monthly income so that they are eligible for SSD/SSI (e.g., if a blind worker needs to take a taxi to work, the cost of the taxi can be deducted from his/her wages). Also, the SSI recipient who chooses to work is allowed to make as much money as they want for up to nine months over a 60-month period, without losing any SSI benefits. After they have made over $721 per month for nine months (NOT consecutive months) in this 60-month period, then there is a second period of time, 36 months long, during which, if in any month they make more than $1,010 per month, they return their SSD check. [Thus, loss of a job, recurring bad health, etc., are taken into account and the individual is not simply removed from the system permanently because they are able to work for a few months.] After 36 months, if the person is still gainfully employed, they are removed from the SSI payroll.

The Disability Office for Indiana is in Indianapolis, and all medical approvals are done there. There is a five-month waiting period after disability is determined, before payments begin. Payments for SSD are processed in a payment center on the east coast.

However, SSI payments are handled in the field offices (there is one in Fort Wayne). Compassionate allowance can get approval very quickly for certain severe disabilities. There is still a 5-month waiting period before SSD benefits can start. But SSI can pay in the meantime, up to the $698 maximum.

Minutes for Social Service Agency Luncheon, December 2, 2011

This social service agency networking/information sharing meeting, hosted by Inasmuch Ministry, takes place from noon to one o’clock pm on the last Friday of each month, January through October, and the first Friday in December, at Broadway Christian Church, 910 Broadway.  Lunch is provided and there is no cost to attend.   

Our next agency meeting will be Friday, January 27, 2012 at noon.

No featured speaker today.  Here are those who attended, along with any information/updates they chose to give:

Alyn Biddle, Inasmuch:  Our last day of service inside Broadway Christian Church will be Friday, December 16, 2011.  We’re hoping to open ASAP in January 2012 in our new space: The Edge (just south of the church, on the corner of Washington and Broadway).  (See our Facebook page–click the link–for information, photos and video.  Call 211 to find out the exact date of our reopening.  Thanks!)

Eldon Claasen, International House.  They have a brand new executive director:  Tara Rajasingam.

International House provides English tutoring in homes, a computer cafe, a Tuesday int’l women’s club…women from all over the world gather for fellowship, to practice language skills and share ideas.    “Women who attend Women’s Club and have obtained legal permission to work may enroll in this program that helps them begin their own small business making handbags, knitted items, or jewelry.” These items are sold through Glad Nations, and 100% of profits goes back to the individual craftswoman. 150 people are in ESL classes on Sundays at 1st Assembly of God on Washington Center Road.

Mary Morris, FWHA.   They have a new phone number. (260) 267-9300 will connect you to Public Housing and all other services.  They are open Monday and Wednesday ONLY for Section 8 updates, walk-ins. NO new Section 8 vouchers are available at this time.  Betty Anderson, Section 8 Director can be reached at  x7200.

Mary’s extension is x7500.   She is personally accepting appointments 5 days a week.  FWHA is taking new appointments for Public Housing.  Briefings will still be done,  and clients can use the entrance at the back of the building (clients should get a letter with instructions).

Joyce Even, Debra Freeman, Adams Township Trustees Office.  Their Christmas Family program distribution was this week. Adams Township is NOT yet partnered with CANI for energy assistance this winter.

Jan Labas, FamilyVoices Indiana.  Marilynn Hormann introduced us to Jan, a first-time attendee. Family Voices is a national organization which just arrived in Indiana in July.  They serve families with children who have disabilities or special healthcare needs.  They provide information and assistance in acquiring various pubic services, such as First Steps, Medicare and Medicaid.  They also help with special equipment needs and transitional issues.  Family Voices is state-funded, and all services are free.

Brian Brown, Archangel Institute

Thomas Smith, Richard Schafer, St. Vincent de Paul Society/Cathedral parish.  The society runs the store, other care programs, including financial (rent assistance, food pantry. They serve the parish neighborhood, which includes West Central.

Natasha Crouse, Women’s Bureau.  She works with the Promising Partnerships program: ” a collaboration of 5 agencies working to bring permanent supportive housing to the Allen County community.”

Jamie Martin, Vincent Village.  She oversees the Pathways to Success program, through which  homeless families with children transition out of the shelter into a home.  The program provides a case manager for 18 months after they are established in a house.

Carrie Heck, IMPACT/ResCare  (formerly ARBOR).  Carrie is Jeannie Martin’s associate.  ResCare is always looking for donations of yarn, fabric, sewing supplies (for quilts), plastic bags for homeless mats.  Call Carrie, she will come and pick up your donations if you can’t get to the Rudisill office!  [Oops--I've misplaced her business card. Carrie can be reached by email at carrie.heck@rescare.com]

The Homeless Task Force has been renamed “Hearts Helping the Homeless” (HHH)

John Zehendner, Hearts Helping the Homeless (HHH)

Kelsey Cottrell, YWCA/HHH. All previous community programs have been combined under on umbrella now, and are known as: Community Program Services.  They are no longer “advocates” but case managers. YWCA assists those who have come out of domestic violence situations.  Also they provide counseling to children who have witnessed domestic violence, and help them to get on with their lives.  They are also meeting with refugees, including some recent arrivals from Congo.  They offer ESL and other programs.

Kelsey also mentioned Huntertown UMC.org–which runs Career Closet.  Sherry Myers is the ministry leader.  Check the link for phone number and email addresses, either to request or donate clothing.

Cherie Berris, HHH/Cedars Hope.  HHH is using Broadway House (which backs up to St. John Lutheran) to give homeless people a place to go to get warm.  There is now storage available at Archangel Institute.  A volunteer is giving haircuts every other Saturday.  Others are doing laundry for the homeless.  The annual Point in Time count will be1/24/12 PM -1/25/12 AM

If you call 911 about a homeless person who may be violent, ask for a CIT officer.  CIT (Crisis Intervention Training) officers are trained to deal with mental illness.

A Planning Counsel on Homelessness meeting will be held next Monday, 12/12, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM at Carriage House at United Way.  Marcy Yoder a good contact for that meeting.

CANI offers Small Business Conference at reduced rate

Community Action of Northeast Indiana (CANI) is hosting  a Small Business Conference on Tuesday, November 15, 2011. The intended audience is small business owners or anyone who wants to learn about business strategies. Please note the cost has been reduced to $20 to make it more accessible for everyone.  Click here for the registration form.

Small Business Conference November 15th 2011 – 11-2-11

Minutes from Agency Luncheon on October 28, 2011

This social service agency networking/information sharing meeting, hosted by Inasmuch Ministry, takes place from noon to one o’clock pm on the last Friday of each month, January through October, and the first Friday in December, at Broadway Christian Church, 910 Broadway.  Lunch is provided and there is no cost to attend.   Our thanks to Diane Melching, an Inasmuch volunteer from The Chapel, who provided the delicious lunch today.

The final luncheon of the year will be Friday, December 2, at noon.

There was no official “guest speaker” today, but Brent Wake from the Mayor’s Office did a brief presentation on a new program called Bank on Fort Wayne, which elicited much round-table discussion. Here, in a nutshell, is information on the program:

 Bank On Fort Wayne, which launched on Monday, October 24, is a local version of a national program designed to serve a population which either has no current bank account or is not making the best use of available banking services (especially the elderly, low to middle income households, and people with past financial difficulties). Working with eight education partners and 12 financial institutions in the area, Bank On Fort Wayne is one of only two programs nationally with a required financial education component.

The free workshops are offered at a variety of convenient times and locations–call 2-1-1 or go to their website, BankOnFortWayne.org, for a complete list. Once a workshop is completed, a BOFW Certificate of Completed is issued and this document is required in order to set up your bank account.

Opening a checking account also requires a valid photo ID and verification of current mailing address. The services being offered to BOFW certificate holders include: free or low-cost checking accounts; no minimum balance; and educational programs to help manage money wisely, including: Basic Banking, Basic Budgeting, Saving, and Account Management. Having a checking account prevents hefty fees from check cashing centers, allows direct deposit of pay checks, can positively affect credit score, allows for online bill paying, and is a safe place to protect funds from theft and natural disaster. ————————————–

Others attending the luncheon who provided updates included:

Dave Lawson, Northeast Christian Church. His church wants to be more involved in the community.

Bryan and Keith Brown, Archangel Institute on Webster Street. They are trying to determine how many homeless men are planning on wintering over outside. They think there may be 20 to 30. They want to provide resources, especially sleeping bags, but also want to make sure men don’t get 2 bags, because they will sell the extra.

Lisa Thatcher (currently with the Urban League’s Read and Rise) has accepted a position with Purdue Extension Office to do Family Nutrition Education.

Denise Porter-Ross of the Urban League passed out brochures on their annual gala, which will be held on November 5th at the Scottish Rite Center, entitled “A Night in Harlem.” For more information, call the League at (260) 745-3100 or go to their website.

Jamie Martin, Vincent Village Pathways to Success, a transitional program from shelter to permanent housing. They have the only shelter in the city which allows families to stay together. Vincent Village’s Open House to view their completed renovations was last Friday night, October 28. There is a new full time (40-hour) position (combining 2 part time jobs) available…It involves working with children/child development. A four-year degree in a related area, or equivalent experience, is required. Applicants must be willing to help with cleaning and food preparation.  (Note: Vincent Village’s website seems to be down, but they have a new Facebook page,which you can find here.

Laurisa Roper, CANI, HPRP program, EAP funding was cut quite a bit. No new client appointments are being made unless it’s a crisis (disconnect status)–clients can call for an appointment in that case. She also mentioned Hopewell Point, which is a group of CANI rent-to-own houses being built off Bluffton Road just north of the Social Security office. 2-, 3- and 4- bedroom homes are being built. Call to check eligibility. A link on this website provides many details of the program (under FAQs).

Joe Merchich, WorkOne. Unemployment rates are still high. Joe brought new job workshop list for November.

Kelsey Cottrell, YWCA, HHH (Hearts Helping the Homeless–formerly the Homeless Task Force): The YWCA has a desperate need for diapers, especially larger sizes. They are doing fundraisers to cover this need. Domestic Violence Awareness month was October.

John Zehendner, HHH: helps the homeless on the street, gives food and clothing, etc.

Cheri Berris, Cedars Hope, HHH. Taking donations of warm clothing, food and water, sleeping bags. HHH is going to come under the Mission Church’s 501(c)3. The Silence of Mary program (which originated in a Pennsylvania diocese) is buying homes around Sacred Heart to provide family atmosphere in a family shelter. They are holding a November 4th fundraiser to help with that program.

Alyn Biddle, Inasmuch Ministry: Annual Christmas Outreach (Christmas Baskets) sign up is Tuesday and Thursday November 1st and 3rd only. They will serve up to 100 families. Family can only be on ONE list. Must have valid Indiana State ID.

Lauren Nichols, all for One productions, invited all to attend their current production, The Ransom of Red Chief, which runs from October 28 through November 6 at the Allen County Public Library auditorium.  It is a very family-friendly, all-ages comedy.  For tickets and information call (260) 622-4610.

Also attending:

Marilyn Hormann, community volunteer

Nancy Hormann, White’s Family Services

Andrew Hoffman, Neighborlink

Judy Meiklejohn, Healthier Moms & Babies

Gina Dodson, job-shadowing at Vincent Village

Darlene Richards and Dave Brittenham, Inasmuch

Pat Neil and Ruth Johnson, St. Vincent de Paul/Queen of Angels

Minutes from luncheon, September 30, 2011

This social service agency networking/information sharing meeting, hosted by Inasmuch Ministry, takes place from noon to one o’clock pm on the last Friday of each month, January through October, and the first Friday in December, at Broadway Christian Church, 910 Broadway.  Lunch is provided and there is no cost to attend.   Our thanks to ladies from First Missionary Church who provided the delicious lunch today.

Next month’s luncheon will be Friday, October 28, 2011.  The final meeting of the year will be Friday, December 2, 2011.

Our speaker for today was Becky Weimerskirch, Executive Director of Community Transportation Network (CTN)

Barb gave us a very informative presentation today. (I personally recognized the CTN logo from having seen it on a variety of vehicles, but I had never known what this company does.)

CTN’s unique mission is “to provide dependable and efficient transportation so no one is left behind.” They are the only private nonprofit agency whose sole focus is providing rides to a variety of “transport-dependent groups”, e.g., seniors, the disabled, low-income families, children and youth. CTN works with over 50 local organizations and groups, providing “35,000 to 40,000 trips annually for over 2,000 riders.” Over 20 local foundations support CTN, which is not dependent on government funds.

Their services fall into four categories:

Medical Transportation: This is their priority. The service is “door-through-door” (not “curb to curb” as a bus or taxi would be), and can be for regularly scheduled doctor’s visits, hospital stays, etc., one-time or recurring, one-way or round trip.

Individuals/Groups: special events, grocery shopping for seniors and disabled (these trips are usually scheduled through a senior center, church or nursing facility)

Senior Keys: seniors who give up driving turn in their cars for credit to receive transportation for any purpose local trip.

Subscription: groups charged on affordable hourly basis (for instance: the Dine and Ride program with the Embassy Theater)

CTN is looking to expand, as they acquire more vehicles and funding. One area of need they notice is helping employees without cars to get to 2nd and 3rd shift jobs (times when buses do not run).

[Barb compared their services with Citilink's, which is curb to curb , with no passenger assistance, in urban areas only. Even Citilink's Access program is limited, must be a permanent situation--not temporary--and takes 30 days to apply.]

You can get further information by calling (260) 420-3280 or visiting their website, http://www.ridectn.org

——————————————————————-

Other friends who gave updates today include:

Cheri Berris, Cedars Hope, and Homeless Task Force. Reports that the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese “Silence of Mary” program is buying houses around Sacred Heart Church (where the Franciscan center is located) to create a community to house chronically homeless individuals and families.

Alyn Biddle, Inasmuch Ministry, reminded us that Ken has started his 1, 700 mile bicycle ride to raise the last of our funds for The Edge renovation project. (Drywalling is done, painting starts soon, and we hope to see the job completed by year’s end.) Ken is financing this trip himself, so that every dollar pledged goes to the renovation (“Every Dollar Goes to the Edge”!) go to http://EdgeRide2011.com to donate or check on his progress.

Joe Merchich, WorkOne. Brought jobs posting for past 7 days. He reported that Frontier has 30 slots to fill, and is holding a jobs fair Thursday, October 6th.

Ann Helmke, Vincent Village, reports that they have completed renovation of their primary shelter (for homeless families with children). There will be an open house in October.

Loretta Inman, Unto Others, announced their first annual fundraiser: Harvest Gathering, Thursday evening, November 3, 2011, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. It will be held at Dupont Downs, 538 Dupont Road. Tickets for this event are $25 per person or $45 per couple, and will include hors d’oeuvres, special entertainment, silent auction, live auction, desserts and time of sharing . Contact Loretta at (260) 422-9934 or email director7@frontier.com

Richard Schafer, St. Vincent de Paul/Cathedral, reported that they have a van available for taking people to medical appointments. They ask for a $5 donation, but will transport even if the passenger can’t afford to pay anything. Call St. Vincent. de Paul’s store to make arrangement.

Natasha Crouse, Promising Partnership/ Women’s Bureau. 20 houses opening up soon, though there is a waiting list. Genesis Outreach is the agency taking applications.

Also in attendance today were:

John Schendner, Homeless Task Force

Bryan Brown, ArchAngel Institute

Judy Meiklejohn, (Healthier Moms & Babies)

Laurisa Roper, CANI

Pam Sullivan, Shepherd’s House. Recovering drug abusers, veterans and others.

Patrica Engle, Gone Fishing Ministries, works with the homeless.

Stephen King, Ave Maria House, social work, counselling

Carl Jylland Halverson, Saints on the Street (SOS) and University of St. Francis. Homeless ministries

Denese and LaToya McKinney, Delilah’s House

Joyce Even, Adams Township

Nancy Hormann. White’s Family Services

Tom Smith, St.Vincent de Paul/Cathedral

MInutes from Agency Luncheon August 26, 2011

This social service agency networking/information sharing meeting, hosted by Inasmuch Ministry, takes place from noon to one o’clock pm on the last Friday of each month, January through October, and the first Friday in December, at Broadway Christian Church, 910 Broadway.  Lunch is provided and there is no cost to attend.   Our thanks to Anne Graham  who provided a delicious lunch today.

Our next agency meeting will be Friday, September 30, 2011.

Fall is approaching, our numbers are swelling again. We enjoyed very informative round-table discussion today. Here are some agency updates which were shared:

Alyn Biddle, Inasmuch, reported that The Edge has passed its most recent inspection, and we’re ready to drywall!  If you haven’t seen it yet, please check out our fundraiser, EdgeRide2011, which has the goal of raising the remaining $170,00 needed for completing this project.  The Edge is scheduled to be finished by year’s end.  Would you like a tour?  Just contact Alyn at ambiddle@gobroadway.org.

Sue Walstra, Clinica Madre di Dios: a very nice bi-lingual (English/Spanish) brochure is now available.

Loretta Inman, Unto Others. Is working on a fall fundraiser, tentatively set for October 20. It will be a dessert/hors d’oeuvres fellowship, with testimonies and an auction. She envisions a fun, interactive event. Unto Others clients are excited to share their testimonies..

Tim Smith, Salvation Army: (Tim brought his mom, Alice, who is a Lutheran pastor.)
Funds are very limited right now for anything other than rent or water bills; they’re out of A/C units, but still have electric fans for those who need one.

Eldon Claasen, International House (serves refugees)–one fall program is a Monday night computer cafe, where adults will be taught to use school websites, e-mail, Facebook, etc., so they’re more in touch with their kids,who are generally more Americanized than they.

Naomi NiCastro–Homeless Coord/VA. HUD-VASH activated 25 more vouchers on 8/1. Please refer homeless vets to the Homelesss Team at the VA (5th floor Social Work office). No appt needed. There is also a social worker on call 24/7 if it’s an emergency.

There is now a per diem facility on S. Calhoun–40 beds, male and female homeless vets accepted. This facility is run by Volunteers of America.

A public hearing was held on the BURR initiative, which allows the community to build housing for homeless vets and others on VA property wherever there is open land. The VA is taking bids now for contractors.

Although HUD-VASH vouchers pay for rent, they are still unable to fund deposits for rent or utilities.

Anne Helmke, Vincent Village (homeless families with children)–they are continuing with gutting and renovating the inside of the transitional shelter. The kitchen is finished now. The Gingerbread House–which is the only licensed Early Learning and Day Care Center in that neighborhood–has moved into St. Hyacinth Center, in the former Children’s Cottage Day Care Center. A computer lab has also been added at St. Hyacinth’s, which is available to all Vincent Village residents whenever GED classes are not being held there.

For more information and for the history of Vincent Village, go to their website.

LaToya McKinney, Delilah’s House: is opening a temporary shelter for teen and adult girls with children on Laverne (between State and Lake). She can house seven women at this time. Her goal is to teach parenting skills, help with completing high school., getting jobs or further education. There is a monthly cost to live there. Ms. McKinney is working on getting sanctioned by area Townships. (The facility is located in St. Joe Township.)

Peggy Coburn, Cedars Hope: 16 women live here in their West Central facility; right now the staff is re-evaluating case management boundaries as they seek to fairly and effectively house and care for homeless, mentally-ill women.

Karen Walker, Wayne Township: is raising money to buy school supplies for clients. At the Waynedale picnic they passing out supplies, held a drawing for a backpack, etc.

Natasha Crouse, Women’s Bureau: mentioned Promising Partnerships, their Supportive Housing Program, which serves people who are homeless, or at-risk.Significant barriers to independence must exist in order to qualify.  Genesis Outreach is the entity to inquire with regarding open housing.

Laurisa Roper, CANI: Community Economic. Development is offering 8-week classes for any individual seeking to start a new small businesses. Go to their website for more info.

Denise Porter-Ross, Fort Wayne Urban League. The Orientation and Workshop Schedule for September 2011 was passed out. HPRP is taking no new clients. The Urban Run/Walk will be held on 9/17–info is on their website. An excellent job fair was held August 25th.  They recently received a $40,000 award from Wal-Mart to help with their employment services. 178 clients came to look for jobs, even though the event was not promoted much in advance. Thanks to GE, the Urban League was a Day of Caring site this year, and many needed improvements were made.

Welcome to first-time attendee, Shannon Garrett, student, who is studying for her bachelor’s in nursing. She came because she is studying homelessness as it relates to health care.

Joe Merchich, Work One. Brought September Sept 2011 Work One Workshops (PDF). Work One always posts area job fairs, to expose clients to potential jobs and give them additional practice in the application/interviewing process.

And Lauren Nichols, Artistic Director of all for One productions, gave an overview of their theatre company’s work in the community, producing a season of excellent, thought-provoking and values-rich entertainment through their Home Stage Productions, inculcating good character through their Character Counts program, and encouraging young writers through their 4th annual Young Playwright’s Festival.  For more information, see their website.

EDGE RIDE 2011 in support of Inasmuch Ministry

We at Inasmuch are so excited by this wonderful fundraising endeavor by Ken Sanders, who will ride 1,700 miles in support of the Edge renovation project.  To find out more about avid cyclist Ken Sanders, and how YOU can get involved, check out the Edge Ride 2011 website (be sure to watch Ken’s video!).

Social Service Agency Luncheon for July 29, 2011

This social service agency networking/information sharing meeting, hosted by Inasmuch Ministry, takes place from noon to one o’clock pm on the last Friday of each month, January through October, and the first Friday in December, at Broadway Christian Church, 910 Broadway.  Lunch is provided and there is no cost to attend.   Our thanks to Lori Shewman who provided a delicious lunch at short notice. We were few in number, but we enjoyed a great time of fellowship and round-table discussion today. There was no guest speaker.

Next month’s luncheon will be Friday, August 26, 2011

Alyn Biddle, Inasmuch–talked about our dilemma regarding utility bills assistance: is it wiser to work with the “past due” amount, or “total” balance due? This question prompted good discussion on enabling vs. empowering. We learned that Wayne Township encourages volunteerism, community service, and restricts the number of times a client can be seen. It seems that more and more agencies are becoming pro-active about working to get clients out of the welfare system. Join us for these stimulating monthly meetings to share what your organization is doing to give not only a hand out, but a hand up.

Alyn also initiated discussion of security in the buildings, since Inasmuch is currently planning its move to The Edge building by year’s end. We talked about traffic flow between common areas and counseling rooms. Both Townships who were present told us they have security guards. Wayne has cameras. (The Edge will have many security cameras.) Wayne/Adams have panic buttons at the counselors’ desks. Catholic Charities has locked the lobby.

Sue Walstra, Clinica Madre de Dios–The clinic has a new phone number now.  (260)755-3897.  Please make a note of it.

Joyce (Holderman) Even, and Debra Freeman, Adams Township–talked about the challenges of housing those who have been barred from staying at the Rescue Mission. She has successfully negotiated with a local motel for a reduced extended stay rate

Karen Walker, Wayne Township, reported that they received 1,086 requests for assistance in June. On average, 113 clients were served each day. 142 are currently enrolled in the employment training center. 2,128 community service hours were worked by clients in June. The Township is now collecting professional clothing (donations from staff, etc.) and school supplies for clients. They will be out and about at community outreach events several weekends in August: 8/13 South Side Festival; 8/20 1st annual “Amnesty and Independence” Community Festival; 8/27 Waynedale picnic.

Cheri Berris, Cedars Hope–They have 15 beds for mentally-ill homeless women–and now for the first time they are not only full, but have a waiting list. Online application is required, with a referral. Residents need to “work” 3 hours/day. Most go to Carriage House or Wellspring. Cedars Hope provides one meal a day. The women are asked to provide their own food for their other meals. They are helped in getting food stamps, and/or going to food banks, as well as in signing up for Medicaid, etc. (Cedars Hope has used volunteers from the Township community service program for deep cleaning at the Home, although residents often do daily chores and light cleaning.)

Laurisa Roper, Family Development for CANI–discussed removing causes of poverty. She sees more and more clients who are angry because they don’t want to be self-sufficient. CANI is geared to move people in the direction of self-sufficiency. Adult education/income and employment are their biggest focus. Sets goals based on 12 life areas, re-assess every three months. We have asked Laurisa to be our guest speaker at a luncheon this fall. She is also very interested in meeting with individual organizations to talk about CANI’s programs. You can contact her at LaurisaRoper@canihelp.org

Lauren Nichols, Inasmuch (Friday secretary), all for One productions (Artistic Director)–afO has launched its 2011-2012 Home Stage Production season ticket campaign. From now until August 31, for every full-priced season ticket you buy (already a 25% savings over at-the-door prices!), you can buy a second ticket HALF PRICE. If you’ve already purchased a ticket, you can still call the office at 622-4610 and buy your half price ticket! Go to the theater company’s website for more information about the coming season of exciting, thought-provoking and values-rich entertainment!

Pat Arnold, Catholic Charities–due to budget cuts she is acting as receptionist as well as seeing clients–this is challenging!

Joe Merchich, Work One. Gave us the schedule for August’s monthly free workshops–it is an impressive list. Most classes are on a “drop-in” basis, but the all-day workshops on Excel or Word fill up quickly, so clients are urged to pre-register. There are usually several different classes offered each day, Monday thru Friday (NO CLASSES on 8/12 and 8/15). Classes include: GED prep, resume writing, interviewing. The schedule changes monthly. All classes are free.

also present:

Leesa Ackerman, IAM

Terry Rutan, Inasmuch

Marilyn Hormann, community volunteer

Minutes from Agency Meeting on June 24, 2011

This social service agency networking/information sharing meeting, hosted by Inasmuch Ministry, takes place on the last Friday of each month, January through October, and the first Friday in December, at Broadway Christian Church, 910 Broadway.  Lunch is provided and there is no cost to attend.  (Thanks to members of First Missionary Church for supplying our lunch today!)  Please feel free to invite others whom you think would benefit from these hour-long, casual and informative luncheon meetings.

Our next meeting will be Friday, July 29, 2011

There was no special speaker today.  Instead, our attendees shared updates about their respective agencies and ministries.   (If you have a recommendation for us of a speaker for an upcoming meeting, please don’t hesitate to contact Alyn Biddle at Inasmuch.)

Mike Nelson, Inasmuch

We’re still seeing many new faces each week, due to the economy. We are blessed with funding, through donors, 21 churches, grants (e.g. Lutheran Foundation). We still need to raise about $100,000 for the Edge project (the rough electrical is done now–what remains is drywalling, flooring, ceilings, furnishings, plumbing and finish work).

Sue Walstra, Clinica Madre de Dios

They have added a walk-in clinic, on the 4th Tuesday of each month from 1 – 5 pm. Fully staffed. A second diabetic clinic has also been added: 1st Tuesday is for non-Spanish speakers. In even-numbered months, the 3rd Tuesday of month for Hispanics (translator povided). Gynecology clinic is every 4th Thursday of the month. Blood pressure/cardio care clinic is offered once every 3 months–the next is in July. (260) 420-1433 is Sue’s own number, but is the only contact number for the clinic right now.

Sue Ringle, VA Homeless Program

4 more beds at Project Impact already filled. 25 more vouchers for HUD/VASH have been added.

Debra Freeman, Joyce Holderman, Adams Township

East Allen Family Resource Center is hosting an August 4th golf outing fundraiser at Coyote Creek Golf Course. E-mail dfreemanadamstwp@frontier.com for more info.

Debbie Smith, Barb Hering, Homeless Task Force

The new resource pamphlets for homeless are done. She’s taken 800 to the Rescue Mission already. In addition to their monthly meetings after our agency luncheon (note that their July meeting has been cancelled), they also have meetings on the 2nd Tuesday of month at Trinity English Lutheran.

The Homeless Task Force is currently updating their data base of agencies, and would like to be able to share information with our community about other social service organizations, for example:

1) your mission

2) ways people can volunteer with your agency

3) your needs, whether financial, tangible goods, or services.

They also want to provide a direct link from their website to yours. Go to their website to see if your information is accurate. If you want to be added, or to update your information, contact Debbie at hope4homeless.fw@gmail.com

At their last meeting they talked about new laws being passsed in our state legislature. Main new law is: as of July 1, if your agency/business takes more than $1,000 of state government funds, you must use “e-verify” when hiring (ensures the prospective employee’s name and social security number match). One employee is responsible (usually the HR director). E-Verify is a web-based program, connected with I-9. There is a required tutorial and exam that the responsible employee must pass. Get a copy of the ppt presentation on these new laws from Lucinda Nord, ICHS Board member & govt’ affairs co-chair, VP Public Policy: Lucinda.nord@iauw.org; see also their website: http://www.iauw.org

The next Homeless Task Force Friday meeting will be August 26th, after this agency luncheon.

Tuesday evening meetings are ongoing.

Laura Pflueger, Healthier Moms and Babies–They are looking to hire a nurse, and are still interviewing candidates.  Please read this job description, and feel free to pass the information on to any qualified candidate you know:

Healthier Moms and Babies has an opening for a Project Nurse to provide in-home health education and case management services to low-income, high risk pregnant women, following them through the first year of the babies’ lives.  The successful candidate will be an RN with experience in obstetrics, infants, pediatrics, home health, or case management.  A BSN with multiple experiences is preferred.  The ability to create trusting relationships is critical.   The successful candidate will have reliable transportation and computer skills in Microsoft Office.  The ability to speak Spanish or Burmese is helpful.  The position is part-time, 20-24 hours a week.  Interested candidates should send their resumes to sedington@fwmep.edu.

How would you like to walk or run and support Healthier Moms and Babies at the same time? Jason Siegal, a medical student at IU School of Medicine Fort Wayne, had the great idea to support Healthier Moms and Babies by running in the Fort4Fitness event on September 24. He is recruiting his fellow medical students to join him and inviting sponsors to support the effort.  In turn, we will join him and invite you to do the same!

To participate, just register at the Fort4Fitness website. The fee  for the 4 mile walk or run is $25 (until July 14; it increases after that).  Next contact us at  info@healthiermomsandbabies.org or 260-425-3348 or watch our Facebook page for a pledge form.  Ask your friends and family to sponsor your effort. Those who turn in their pledge forms with a minimum of $10 in pledges by August 1 will receive a Healthier Moms and Babies Tshirt to wear in the race.  Businesses can sponsor the Healthier Moms and Babies runners, and those logos will be featured on the Tshirts. Please contact our office if you’d like to sponsor our runners.  A mini-marathon and 10 K race are available for the more seasoned athletes. The complete list of races and the fees for each is posted at the Fort4Fitness website. There is also an option to push a stroller!  All proceeds from the sponsorships and pledges (minus the cost of the Tshirts) will benefit Healthier Moms and Babies!

Jamie Martin, Vincent Village–They are under reconstruction in the shelter right now. The dining room is being opened up, and will be much nicer when done. There is one more opening in the permanent housing program. (7 were filled just recently). 33 houses total are available. Half are rented to case-management families, the others just to qualified low-income renters. All the houses are full or spoken for at the moment.

Mary Morris, FWHA

Those who’ve been kicked out of the program because of poor housekeeping are now required to take classes in order to requalify. These classes are ongoing. Some who are in the program are taking classes if they’re in danger of being kicked out. A new coordinator position is open now because funding has become available to pay another staff person. FWHA is controlled by Indianapolis HUD office, which regulates much of their programming and funding.  HUD budget cuts may impact their  counselling and education programs; however, the state may have some moneys they can use.  They’ll apply for access to state money for the coming fiscal year.

Kelsey Cottrell, Steps to Success Case Mgr at YWCA

She is brand-new, replacing Mollie Cripe.  Welcome!

A “Diversity Dialogue” takes place the 4th Wednesday of the month, from noon to 1:30 PM, at the YWCA on Spy Run. This past month’s talk was on “Islamaphobia”. Steps to Success is looking for a volunteer on Fridays from 9:30 to 10:30 to work with the Burmese computer skills class.

Nancy Hormann, White’s Family Services

They are always seeking Christian foster homes to add to their program.

Jaclyn Jakacki, CANI

She is taking Laurisa Roper’s place at this month’s meeting. Welcome!