family self-sufficiency news - Community Development Corporation

FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY NEWS
Community Development Corporation of Long Island
Summer 2012
President & CEO
Marianne Garvin
NeighborWorks®
HomeOwnership Center
Staff
Senior Vice President
Eileen Anderson
FSS Program Coordinator
Debra Turner
Family Self-Sufficiency
Case Managers
Julia Melo-Orlik
Rachel Seiler
Susan Forman
Homeowner Services
Program Manager
Joan LaFemina
Pre-Purchase
Program Manager
Janice Bolen
Housing Educators
Arlene Ramirez
Emilia Pacheco
Donna Manvich
Trina Kokalis
Nick Campisi
Voucher Homeownership Information Sessions were held on
May 14th & 15th. Twenty families participated and came
away with a better understanding of how to attain the goal
of homeownership. Each session started with a listing of
concerns and questions
plus a review of the tasks
that must be
completed before a
Family Self-Sufficiency
participant may be referred to Voucher Homeownership.
Janice Bolen, Residential Lending Program Manager and
Debra Turner, Family Self-Sufficiency Program Coordinator
facilitated the lively sessions.
If you are interested in Voucher Homeownership, and an
active Family Self-Sufficiency participant, speak to your
Family Self-Sufficiency Case Manager about the next steps.
If you are a Family Self-Sufficiency graduate, contact Janice
at 631-471-1215 ext. 125 or by email at jbolen@cdcli.org.
Financial Fitness Health
& Wealth Instructor
Andre Boxwill
Administrative Assistant
Johanna Hernandez
We Invest in Your Dreams
www.cdcli.org
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
Your Personal Bill of Rights
* I have the right to be treated
with respect
* I have the right to express my
own opinion
* I have the right to show
feelings
* I have the right to have other
friends and outside interests
* I have the right to privacy and
time alone
* I have the right to say NO
* I have the right to refuse to go
out with someone and not feel
guilty
* I have the right to ask if I
want physical closeness
* I have the right to start a
relationship slowly
* I have a right to be myself’
* I have the right to change or
end a relationship
* I have the right to tell my
partner that violence will not be
tolerated
* I have the right not to be
dominated
* I have the right to spend time
with male and female friends
against my partners wishes
REFUSE TO BE ABUSED
If you need to reach out for support
for yourself and your children or for
legal advocacy in criminal and family
court contact
The Suffolk County Coalition
against Domestic Violence
Hotline
631-666-8833
Bilingual staff available
We Invest in Your Dreams
Whitney E. Johnson Foundation And YWRAP Young Women
Rising above Perception provides tutoring at Suffolk County
Community College in Brentwood on Saturdays 9-12 and
mentoring, Wednesdays from 6-8pm. A Young Women Rising Above
Perceptions group is held on Wednesdays for women ages 9-21.
Their target group is young people struggling academically and
behaviorally. Contact Mrs. Johnson at 631-220-9650.
Town of Huntington FSS Participant, Aretha Delk provides an
insider’s view of the program: “I interned with
YWRAP and co facilitated alongside Ms. Johnson.
WRAP is an inspirational and empowering
program. Youth are taught to value their gifts and
education and that failure is not an option.”
Veterans Discount Program Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces
are eligible for discounts at some Suffolk County businesses. Review
the many businesses participating in this program and offering
veterans special discounts on products and services by clicking here:
Veterans Services Agency website or call the Suffolk County
Veterans Services Agency at 631-853-8387
Air Conditioners for Income Eligible with Medical Condition
Click above link or call CDC of Long Island’s Weatherization
department at 631-471-1215 x 155 to find out more about NYS
Homes and Community Renewal (HCR)’s Annual Cooling Initiative
The Summer Food Service Program When school is
out this summer, look for food and fun at a site in your
community. The summer food service program provides
free meals to children 18 and under to make summertime a fun
time. To find a site near you call 631-789-9546, Nutrition Outreach
and Education Program or visit: ww.summermealsny.org
LIPA Recycling LIPA will pay you $50 to take away your old
refrigerator or freezer and recycle it safely at not cost to you. Plus
LIPA will also recycle up to three air conditioners or dehumidifiers
in conjunction with a scheduled refrigerator/freezer pick up. Call
866-761-2722 or visit www.lipower.org/recycling.
YMCA Free Teen and Pre-teen Programs There are no
residency or income requirements for the free programs at the
Great South Bay YMCA in Bay Shore. Activities include use of the
gymnasium, swimming, cooking, arts and crafts, woodworking,
movie, game room, hip hop dance, lounge, computers and game
room. Ask about the TGIF Preteen and 13’s Recreation Program,
Saturday Night Teen Center and the Weekday Recreation Teen
Center. Registration is in the fall. Call 631-665-4255 or visit
www.ymcali.org
www.cdcli.org
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
“Wow! I did it. The FSS Program
has helped me and my family
achieve certain goals. It took time
and effort on my part but with the
support of my caseworker and the
FSS Program, it was well worth it.
I now have full-time work, I have learned to balance
a checkbook and make and stick to a budget. I’ve
done well with paying my bills on time; this will
help me to boost my credit score even more so. One
day I will greatly use that to my advantage and
hope to own my own home. Again I greatly
appreciate from the bottom of my heart the entire
staff at FSS.”
FSS Graduate May 2012
“I would like to thank the FSS
Program for helping me
accomplish all my goals. Also,
my case manager for supporting
and motivating me and helping
me through the process to
graduate the program. The FSS Program taught
me a lot. Thank you very much.
FSS Graduate June 2012
We Invest in Your Dreams
I am extremely grateful to
CDC for having a program
like FSS. I am now debt free
with a great credit score
which allowed me to purchase
a brand new car! I will use
everything the Financial
Fitness instructor taught me and I will pass
on the information as well. I can’t thank my
FSS case manager enough for being there for
me through the good and the bad times I’ve
had in the past 5 years. Thank you for pushing
me and just listening.”
FSS Graduate May 2012
“What the FSS Program has meant to me. It is
very easy to express that; it has meant a great
deal. It simply has offered and given me a
significant amount of hope that someday my
kids, myself, as well as whom I choose to spend
my life with have a legitimate shot at what I
view as the American Dream; a home to call
our own! Respectfully,
FSS Graduate July 2012
www.cdcli.org
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
FSS
Participant
Julie Rainey
obtained her GED then
went on to graduate with
her AA degree in Human
Service from Suffolk
County Community College
on May 20, 2012! Julie
advises, “pursue your
dreams and never give up
even if you’re scared. By
believing in yourself you
can reach your goal.”
“Never Give Up Your Dreams!
Even though the
odds were against
me I never gave
up and came back
17 years later to
Stony Brook University to
complete my education in June
2012. Now at 56 years old I
have my BA and look forward
to Law School. I believe in all
the Angels who have helped
me and believed in me. ”
Town of Huntington
participant, Edna Francis
was honored at the Women’s
Economic Developers of Long
Island (WEDLI) Installation
Dinner on June 13th, 2012.
She received the Madelyn
Orsini Scholarship for her
work towards a BA in
Occupational Therapy.
WEDLI member and Green
Initiatives Director at CDC of
Long Island, Rosemary Olsen
submitted the
recommendation for Edna to
receive the scholarship in
collaboration with her FSS
Case Manager, Julia Orlik.
Pictured
left to right
Rosemary
Olsen, Edna
Francis, and
Julia Orlik
FSS Participant
Donna Dixon
FSS Participant, Melvina Hilliard is a single mom whose
hard work lead to her employment as a Certified
ABA Therapist. She was seen on CBS News
discussing helping children who have autism.
Click here to view the segment on education and
detection of autism aired on April 2 2012, World
Autism Awareness Day.
We Invest in Your Dreams
“I’m a single mother of 2
who has been working
toward a degree in nursing.
I have completed all prerequisites and graduated
this June with an
Associates. My plans are to
continue through my
educational goals and
continue working on
accomplishing my goals for
the Family Self-Sufficiency
Program. There is no
obstacle I cannot
overcome.”
FSS Participant
Adebola Ayinde
“I attended Branford Hall
Career Institute and
completed a Medical
Assistant program in June
2012. I’ve learned so much.
I was trained in
Administrative skills, EKG,
Clinical and Urinalysis, and
phlebotomy to list a few of
the classes. Upon
completion of the classes, I
participated in 160 hours as
an intern in a Physical
Therapy office. I loved
training there. I would
encourage anyone with a
goal to further their
education and pursue their
dreams.”
FSS Participant
Barbara Seraphin
www.cdcli.org
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
For those fortunate enough to be receiving a Housing Choice Voucher, the thought of losing your
housing subsidy is unthinkable, however it happens more often than you may realize. So that YOU are
not placed in this position, follow these simple rules:
1. All changes in income and family composition need to be reported in writing to your housing
specialist. This must be done within two weeks of the change. Be sure to keep a copy for your records.
2. Pay your rent on time, make sure to get a rent receipt, this is your ONLY proof.
3. Pay your utility bills on time.
4. Maintain your property.
5. At annual recertification time submit all appropriate paperwork. Keep a copy of everything for
your file.
A new Financial coaching model which empowers you to meet your financial goals is now being
implemented! Map out a path to reach your financial goals with Andre Boxwill, our Financial Fitness
Instructor. Learn more by signing up for classes today!!
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.“~Martin Luther King, Jr
For resources and free e-mail updates on helping your family cope with financial challenges,
check out Help for Difficult Financial Times or go to www.usa.gov
We Invest in Your Dreams
www.cdcli.org
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
Rachel Seiler, FSS Case Manager
Long Island Farmer’s Markets are great places to buy fresh, local produce and other foods like baked goods, deli
items, seafood, and much more! Plus, many of them now accept food stamps ; ALL markets accept WIC coupons!
Below, you’ll find a list of Suffolk County L.I. Farmer’s Markets listed alphabetically by town. For more
information, visit Long Island Grower’s Market, or Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County.
Please note: * Market is known to accept EBT cards, click here to find others accepting EBT
* Amityville: 9/11 Memorial Park in Amityville Village on Broadway. Fridays, 12:30- 6pm; June 1– October 26
* Babylon: Babylon Train Station. Sundays, 8am –1 pm; July 1 – November 18
Deer Park: Tanger Outlets Farmers’ Market, Arches Circle to Parking Lot 1A, Bldg. 525 next to Starbucks.
Saturdays & Sundays, 11:00 am -3:00 pm; June – November
* East Hampton: Nick & Toni’s parking lot, 136 North Main Street. Fridays, 9 am-1 pm; May 25-September 28
*Flanders Farm Fresh Food Project: Flanders Crohan Community Center, 655 Flanders Road/Rt. 24.
Saturdays, 10am- 2 pm; June 30 – October 13
*Greater Bellport: 685 Station Rd., by corner of Brookhaven Ave. Saturdays, 11:00 am -4:00 pm; July 7-Oct.
* Greenport: United Methodist Church, First St. Saturdays, 9 am-1 pm; May 19–October 15
Hayground School Farmers’ Market: 151 Mitchell Lane, Bridgehampton. Fridays, 3 -6:30 pm; May 25-Aug 31
Huntington: Rt. 25A, Main St., Downtown Huntington Village, east of Rt.110 N. Sundays, 7am-12pm; May 27 –
Nov 18
Islip: Rt. 27A, Montauk Hwy. Islip Town Hall parking lot, west of Rt. 111. Saturdays, 7am-12pm; May 26–Nov.18
* Kings Park: Municipal Lot near Library, Main St. & Church. Sundays, 9 am -2 pm; June 24 – November 18
Montauk: Montauk Village Green, center of town. Thursdays, 9 am-1 pm; June 14 – October 11
* Nesconset: Shopping center on Smithtown Rd. opposite public library. Saturdays, 9am-1pm; July 7–Nov. 17
* Patchogue: 225 E. Main St., 7-Eleven parking lot, west of Route 112. Fridays, 8 am-1 pm; June 6 –November 9
Port Jefferson: Steam Room parking lot-Rt. 25 & 112; Sundays, 10 am-4:30 pm; July 12 –October 25
* Sag Harbor: Behind the Breakwater Yacht Club, Bay Street and Burke. Saturdays, 9am-1 pm; May 19–Oct. 27
Shelter Island: 1743 James Havens Homestead, 16 S. Ferry Road. Saturdays, 9am -12pm; June 16–Sept. 22
* Riverhead: Village lot on river behind Main Street, west of Aquarium. Thursdays, 11am -4pm; July 12-Oct. 25
* Shiloh Community Farmers’ Market: 221 Merritt Ave, Wyandanch. Saturdays 1-4 pm; July 14 –October 27
* Westhampton Beach: 85 Mill Road (next to Historical Society). Saturdays, 9am-1 pm; May 5 – November 17
We Invest in Your Dreams
www.cdcli.org
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
Back to
School List
Long Island Cares: Has a listing of food pantries throughout Nassau and Suffolk County. Also helps with
school supplies. A one time visit can be made to their Hauppauge location. Call 631-582-FOOD or visit
www.licares.org .
The Ministries Emergency Food Pantry: 3680 Route 112, Coram. Open Mondays -Thursdays from
1-4:30pm. Photo id required. Assists with school supplies, diapers, and baby food. Call 631-736-4800.
Lighthouse Mission: The Lighthouse mission has a mobile food pantry and school supplies. Call for locations
at 631-758-7584 or visit www.lighthousemission.net Photo id required.
Colonial Youth: Has a food pantry and school supplies for those in the William Floyd School District.
Call 631-281-4461.
Family Service League: Sites in Huntington (631-425-9694), Bay Shore ( 631-647-3100 ),
Riverhead ( 631- 369-0104), and E. Yaphank (631-924-3741) assist with school supplies. Eligibility based on
school district location. The Huntington and E. Yaphank sites have emergency food pantries.
Business Boutique: Provides food, clothing and school supplies to Town of Huntington residents.
Call 631-427-1752 x 22.
God’s Provision, Inc: Provides food, clothing, and school supplies to those in need. There are 15 locations. The
locations are in Brentwood, Central Islip, Bayshore,Wyandanch, W. Babylon, Uniondale, Amityville,
Farmingdale, Center Moriches, and Patchogue. For addresses and times visit http://godsprovisioninc.org/
Call 631-730-3855.
Town of Brookhaven Interface Program: Assists Town of Brookhaven residents with school supplies, prom
gowns and referrals to food pantries. Call 631-451-8014.
Eat a healthy breakfast; this will help you to stay alert and get off to a good start; stay away from sugary, high
carbohydrate foods - they make you feel energized quickly, but you will feel hungry sooner
Don’t skip meals as it leads to unhealthy snacking or over-eating at the next meal
Drink water during the day instead of sugary fruit juices and sodas - especially on hot days; it is important to
keep hydrated
Make small changes to the foods you eat each day – do not change everything at once; i.e. add a salad with
dinner or use olive oil for cooking instead of butter
Eat in moderation so that you can eat all types of foods, including sweets and starches; don’t eliminate a food
you enjoy that is high in fat, salt or sugar; if you eat this in moderation you won’t feel as if you’re missing out;
keep in mind- each food you eat should not take up the major portion of the plate
Be mindful to take time to chew your food instead of gulping it down quickly; Do not eat in front of the
computer or TV as it leads to “mindless” overeating-- especially of junk foods; instead eat with others especially
with your children as a “family” event
Try to eat fresh fruits and vegetables instead of canned because canned vegetables are loaded with salt as are
processed meats
We Invest in Your Dreams
www.cdcli.org
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
Alive After Five Friday
Night FREE Summer
Street Fair Concerts will be
on Fridays, July 29th and
August 26th
at Main Street in
Patchogue from 5-9pm;
e-mail:
info@PatchogueChamber.com
FREE live performances will
be given at the Chapin
Rainbow Stage, Huntington
village (Heckscher Park). For
a schedule of performances
visit www.huntingtonarts.org
(click on the programs link)
or call 631-271-8423 x 5.
Or call 631-207-1000
FREE concert series held
at the Main Street
Bandshell in Bay Shore
every week throughout
July and August. Call
631-665-7003 or visit
Located at 4600
Yaphank Avenue,
Yaphank. Enjoy
visiting the farm
animals at no cost.
Call 631-852-4600
bayshorecommerce.com;
click on Events
Call 631-451-8011 for
Brookhaven National
Laboratory will welcome
visitors July 15-August 5.
Speak with researchers and see
a different science show each
week- all for FREE!! No
reservations needed.
Gates open 10-3.
Ages 16 + bring photo ID.
Call 631-344-2651
Dates and Times
or click here.
provides a fun , drug and
alcohol free area for teens to
socialize, July – August.
Program sites: Cedar Beach
in Mount Sinai, Mastic
Athletic Center, Martha
Avenue Park in Bellport.
We Invest in Your Dreams
The Town of Islip sponsors
a FREE concert series
from July 1st to September
10th and will be held at a
variety of locations,
featuring all types of
music. Click here for more
information or
call at 631-224-5420.
Located at 249 Buckley
Road, Holtsville. Zoo
admission, greenhouses,
playground, picnic areas,
and compost are FREE. Zoo
open, 9-4, 7 days. Park
opens at 8am and closes at
dusk. Call 631-758-9664
www.cdcli.org
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
One of our Town of Huntington FSS Participants came across FREE/low cost entertainment options while
searching for things to do with her children. She wrote the following to be passed along:
Larkfield Lanes is offering 2 free bowling games a day for the summer; shoe rentals are not included but they
offer a shoe rental pass for $15. The site is http://www.kidsbowlfree.com
AMF bowling lanes has a program just like this.
Clearview Cinemas Movies screen at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning July 11.
For more information click here
National Amusements "Bookworm Wednesdays" reading program at participating Cinema de Lux,
Multiplex and Showcase theaters requires kids 6 and over to submit book reports. At the Farmingdale Multiplex,
movies screen at 10 a.m. Wednesdays from July 6 to Aug. 10 (The accompanying adult and any children under
age 6 get in free, too).
Regal Entertainment Group Beginning June 5, participating Regal, United Artists and Edwards theaters will
show nine weeks' worth of films at 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Admission is $1, a portion of which will be
donated to the Will Rogers Institute.
1. Don't just drop off your kids. The Harkins chain specifies that a child must be accompanied by an adult. Even
if there's no posted policy, don’t leave children on their own.
2. If you're worried about the concession stand busting your budget, try this: Have a really substantial breakfast
on movie morning, then give each kid a snack to eat on the way to the theater. Or you could look at it
another way: Since the movie was free, you'll spring for a small treat.
Enjoy a FREE movie night with your family at Smith’s Point’s Beach Hut!
Legislator Kate Browning, the Suffolk County Parks Department and the Shirley Advocates are hosting the first
annual free movie on the ocean, Tuesday, August 14, 2012 @ 9pm. “Rio”(Rated: G) will be showing on a 20’
outdoor inflatable movie screen. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the show. *Parking is free after 8pm and Xbox
Kinect will be available one hour before the show.
Long Island Live Steamers, at Southaven Park in Brookhaven, is a not for profit organization, which operates for
the education and enjoyment of the public as well as to preserve the history of railroading. Twice monthly
Sunday (usually the second and last Sundays of the month from May-October, weather permitting) public run
days provide the opportunity and excitement of “Live Steam Railroading”!
Call 631-345-0499 for more information. View the Public Run Days of 2012!
We Invest in Your Dreams
www.cdcli.org
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
By: Rosemary Olsen, Green Initiatives Director
at CDC of Long Island
Too much moisture in the home contributes to numerous health impacts, health hazards,
and structural home damage. Asthma, allergies, and other respiratory illness are the
main health impacts to children and other residents of homes with excessive moisture.
Excessive moisture also causes or contributes to other hazards to human health such
as mold, cockroaches, dust mites, and peeling lead paint.
Common Signs and Locations:
Several common signs that conditions of excessive moisture exist in the home environment include:
rusting metal, condensation on piping and/or windows, rotting wood, deterioration of other structural
items, visible water leaks and/or stains, discoloration of various surfaces, musty odors and standing
water.
These signs may be clearly visible or they may be hidden in places such as behind walls, under
furniture and carpets, and in crawlspaces or attics. In assessing moisture problems in the home
environment, it is important to know such potential hiding places and visually inspect all areas that
are reasonably accessible.
Prevention:
Moisture problems inside the home can originate from problems both indoors and out. In
general, preventing and eliminating moisture control problems involves removing, diverting,
blocking, or otherwise controlling the source of moisture while also providing adequate
ventilation.
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Some specific tips to prevent and eliminate excessive moisture in the home include:
Regularly clean and maintain gutters, and ensure that they drain away from the foundation of the
building structure.
Run exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen or open windows for adequate ventilation.
Make sure that all fans and appliances vent to the outside of the home.
If possible, keep humidity in your house below 50% by using an air conditioner or dehumidifier.
Avoid using carpeting in areas of the home that may become wet, such as kitchens, bathrooms and
basements.
Dry floor mats regularly.
Do not arrange or store items (furniture, storage boxes, etc.) so that they touch the interior side of
exterior walls.
Dry all clothes in a dryer that vents to the outside or use a clothesline outside.
Cover dirt floors in basements and/or crawlspaces with plastic or other type of vapor barrier.
Repair all plumbing leaks, roof leaks or problems, and cracks in foundation walls as soon as possible.
Ensure that soil and landscaping near the structure’s foundation are graded away from the
structure.
Keep the temperature inside the home comfortable—not excessively hot in the winter or cool in the
summer. Drastic changes between indoor and outdoor temperatures can contribute greatly to
moisture problems.
To learn more, visit HUD’s Office of Healthy Homes www.hud.gov/healthyhomes or the
National Center for Healthy Housing www.nchh.org.
We Invest in Your Dreams
www.cdcli.org
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
CDC’s Home Maintenance Training Program is an 7 week
“hands-on” home maintenance course sponsored by
New York Community Bank Foundation.
Projects include:
*Sheetrock replacement/repair
*Taping & spackling
*Plumbing repair
*Electrical safety
*Ceramic tile layout and installation
*Going Green
There is a sliding scale materials fee for this multi-session class
based on family size and income.
Classes on going throughout the year, sign up today and learn
how to maintain your home and build confidence in your skills!
To register online at www.cdcli.org,
click on the classes link.
Location:
2100 Middle Country Road
Centereach, NY 11720
(631) 471-1215 x151
7:00pm-9:00pm
We Invest in Your Dreams
www.cdcli.org
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
Have you been dreaming of owning your own business?
The CDC CORE FOUR ® Business Planning Course is a four session,
12-hour educational course that will guide you though the business planning
process and provide you with the tools you need to start
or grow your own business.
There is a $40 fee which will be refunded upon graduation, so the course is really
FREE! Please bring your check or money order with you to the first class.
Registration is required
Call: 631-471-1215 x 111 or email: corefour@cdcli.org
Register online at www.cdcli.org Click on classes link
Upcoming Classes are in both Suffolk and Nassau County
Suffolk Classes
Nassau Classes
Middle Country Public Library
575 Middle Country Road
Selden, NY 11784
5:30pm-8:30pm
Freeport Memorial Library
144 West Merrick Road
Freeport, NY 11520
6:00pm-9:00pm
August 7, 14, 21 & 28
September 4, 11, 18 & 25
October 2, 3, 9 & 10
November 6, 13, 20 & 27
December 4, 5, 11 & 12
August 2, 9, 16 & 23
October 4, 11, 18 & 25
December 6, 13, 20 7 27
Funded in part through a grant award with the U.S. Small Business Administration
We Invest in Your Dreams
www.cdcli.org