Half in Ten Releases New Poverty Reduction Toolkit

Did you miss Half in Ten's webinar last week? Here's the scoop:

On the webinar, a distinguished panel of speakers, including Co-Chair of the Congressional Out of Poverty Caucus Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-9) discussed Half in Ten’s new report and accompanying advocacy tools to cut poverty in half over the next 10 years.

The report, “Restoring Shared Prosperity: Strategies to Cut Poverty and Expand Economic Growth,” is Half in Ten’s first inaugural report that will track progress toward our goal on a variety of indicators to help advance policies that create good jobs, strengthen families, and promote economic security.

This report will serve as a guide for our efforts to cut poverty and will help us hold elected officials accountable. But building the movement of advocates fighting poverty nationwide and creating the political will to end poverty is what will help us reach this achievable goal.

To that end, Half in Ten has developed resources and action steps advocates can take to educate their networks about the challenges facing families struggling with poverty and economic hardship and to engage their elected officials in the fight against poverty. Consult the resources below and take action today!

Resources:

• If you missed the webinar, you can download the complete recording and slides here. Contact info@halfinten.org with any questions.
• Check out Half in Ten’s new action toolkit to learn how to use the data in the report in action alerts, letters to the editor, social media posts, op-eds, and in other advocacy mediums.
• Curious about the “Restoring Shared Prosperity” report? Read the top 10 findings from the report or read the full report here.
• Want to see how your state fares on indicators like poverty, hunger, unemployment, and more? Explore our new interactive website and download a fact sheet with your state’s data here.

Action steps:

Despite the important role unemployment benefits play in the lives of millions of jobless Americans and in the nation’s economic health, unemployment benefits are set to expire at the end of this year. Stand up for families in need and our fragile economic recovery this holiday season and ask your members of Congress to continue jobless benefits for another year.
• We need your help! Join the movement to cut poverty in half in 10 years. Sign a pledge affirming the Half in Ten goal as an individual, organization, or elected official today.

Michigan League for Human Services publishes Food Assistance Facts

Did You Know?

• Food assistance recipients generally have to be working or participating in employment or training activities to receive assistance for more than three months.
• Almost 80% of food assistance dollars are re-deemed within two weeks and 97% within a month.
• Food assistance helps the economy grow. For every $1 spent in food assistance, $1.79 is generated in economic growth.
• Food assistance generates spending in the retail, agricultural and food production industries in Michigan.

Download MLHS' full fact sheet.

Capacity Building Grants for Microenterprise Development Organizations - Due Nov. 29th

From the Microenterprise Network of Michigan

Friedman Associates is offering capacity building grants, thanks to the SBA PRIME Program. Capacity building is often defined as "actions that improve nonprofit effectiveness," and nonprofits that help low- income individuals start and expand small businesses can apply for assistance to increase capacity and impact.

Note: these grants do not include a monetary award but instead offer pro bono consulting worth $15,000. Selected organizations must provide an in-kind match of staff time devoted to the project plus up to $1,000 to defray the cost of travel expenses for the consultant's site visit.

There are three specific RFP areas:

1. Consortium for Leaders in Women's Microenterprise Development

Women's Initiative is one of the largest organizations in the country helping low-income women build successful businesses. Four organizations that serve primarily low-income women entrepreneurs are eligible to receive capacity building assistance. This includes:
strategic planning; fund development training; board development training; volunteer program management; messaging and external communications strategies; and program assessment and design, among other services.

2. Academy for Green Microenterprise Development

ACE is an award-winning CDFI and microlender that has developed a statewide platform for green small business lending. Seeking to develop a green microenterprise development training or lending program? On a competitive basis, two Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) that serve low-income individuals will be selected to learn how to teach the "the
triple bottom line" to their clients. ACE will work with you to develop a strategic plan for your green program. We will also connect you to resources and program materials to help you create your initiative.

3. MicroBuilders Capacity Building Program

Little Dixie CAA is an award winning organization providing a broad range of economic and community development programs. Four organizations that serve primarily low-income entrepreneurs are eligible to receive capacity building assistance. This includes:
strategic planning; fund development training; board development training; volunteer program management; messaging and external communications strategies; and program assessment and design, among other services.

For questions, or to receive RFP's and application information contact Jason Friedman, Friedman Associates, at 319-341-3556 or jasonj@friedmanassociates.net. More information available at: http://friedmanassociates.net/SBAPRIME.aspx

Reminder! November 2 Poverty & Education Lecture by Researcher Richard Rothstein

Join us Next Wednesday! November 2, 2011  6:30 pm for a free evening lecture on Poverty & Education with Richard Rothstein Research Associate, Economic Policy Institute Dear Voices4Action, How can we break down barriers to success for Kalamazoo County's 15,000 children in poverty? The Poverty Reduction Initiative is pleased to invite you to a free lecture by  renowned author and educational researcher Richard Rothstein. 6:30 pm Wednesday, November 2, 2011 Dale Lake Auditorium KVCC Texas Township Campus 6767 W O Ave, Kalamazoo, Michigan  map free admission, free parking Seating is limited Rothstein will give us a glimpse into the complex issues that children and families living in poverty must overcome to achieve greater success in school and other learning environments. We hope you will join us for Rothstein’s lecture and participate in forums, discussions, and follow-up work to make his visit a meaningful change agent for our community. Share the warmth! Bring a new item of winter wear to donate for PROJECT CONNECT. Hats, gloves, mittens, scarves for all ages. This visit is supported and sponsored by Kalamazoo Public Schools, Western Michigan University’s Lewis Walker Institute, Kalamazoo Regional Educational Services Agency, The Learning Network of Greater Kalamazoo & ISAAC. Richard Rothstein is a research associate of the Economic Policy Institute in Washington, D.C., and a senior fellow of the Chief Justice Earl Warren Institute on Law and Social Policy at the University of California (Berkeley) Law School. From 1999 to 2002 he was the national education columnist of The New York Times. He is the author of Grading Education: Getting Accountability Right (Teachers College Press and EPI, 2008) and Class and Schools: Using Social, Economic and Educational Reform to Close the Black-White Achievement Gap (Teachers College Press 2004). He is also the author of The Way We Were? Myths and Realities of America’s Student Achievement (1998). Other recent books include The Charter School Dust-Up: Examining the Evidence on Enrollment and Achievement (co-authored in 2005); and All Else Equal: Are Public and Private Schools Different? (co-authored in 2003). Contact Richard Rothstein at riroth@epi.org. Click here to unsubscribe from PRI mailings.

Early Learning is Good Business - Oct 18 Summit on Early Childhood Education

From Calhoun Great Start Collaborative and Parent Coalition

 

Nicole Hamilton posted in Calhoun Great Start Collaborative and Parent Coalition. Nicole Hamilton 12:58pm Sep 29   Early Learning is Good Business - Summit on Early Childhood Education Tuesday, October 18 at 6:00pm View Post on Facebook ·

 

You're Invited! November 2 Poverty & Education Lecture by Researcher Richard Rothstein

Save the date! November 2, 2011  6:30 pm for a free evening lecture on Poverty & Education with Richard Rothstein Research Associate, Economic Policy Institute Dear Voices4Action, How can we break down barriers to success for Kalamazoo County's 15,000 children in poverty? The Poverty Reduction Initiative is pleased to invite you to a free lecture by  renowned author and educational researcher Richard Rothstein. 6:30 pm Wednesday, November 2, 2011 Dale Lake Auditorium KVCC Texas Township Campus 6767 W O Ave, Kalamazoo, Michigan  map free admission, free parking Rothstein will give us a glimpse into the complex issues that children and families living in poverty must overcome to achieve greater success in school and other learning environments. We hope you will join us for Rothstein’s lecture and participate in forums, discussions, and follow-up work to make his visit a meaningful change agent for our community. Share the warmth! Bring a new item of winter wear to donate for PROJECT CONNECT on November 16. Hats, gloves, mittens, scarves for all ages. This visit is supported and sponsored by Kalamazoo Public Schools, Western Michigan University’s Lewis Walker Institute, and other local partners. Richard Rothstein is a research associate of the Economic Policy Institute in Washington, D.C., and a senior fellow of the Chief Justice Earl Warren Institute on Law and Social Policy at the University of California (Berkeley) Law School. From 1999 to 2002 he was the national education columnist of The New York Times. He is the author of Grading Education: Getting Accountability Right (Teachers College Press and EPI, 2008) and Class and Schools: Using Social, Economic and Educational Reform to Close the Black-White Achievement Gap (Teachers College Press 2004). He is also the author of The Way We Were? Myths and Realities of America’s Student Achievement (1998). Other recent books include The Charter School Dust-Up: Examining the Evidence on Enrollment and Achievement (co-authored in 2005); and All Else Equal: Are Public and Private Schools Different? (co-authored in 2003). Contact Richard Rothstein at riroth@epi.org. Click here to unsubscribe from PRI mailings.

Join the Call - Michigan Advocates Discuss the "Super Committee" on October 12

Some months ago a number of Michigan leaders connected with Ruth Flower from
the Friends Committee on National Legislation on a call to discuss your work
around the federal budget. Now, the Budget Control Act (more commonly known
as the "deficit deal") has created a "super committee" charged with
producing a bill that specifies ways to reduce the deficit by $1.2 - $1.5
trillion over ten years by November 23rd. Representatives Dave Camp and Fred
Upton were both selected to participate on this "super committee".

To help social service providers, non-profit organizations and religious
leaders engage in this round of advocacy with the Federal budget and the
"super committee", the SAVE for All Campaign is coordinating a conference
call with advocacy leaders in Michigan - especially in Representative Upton
and Camp's districts. The call is scheduled for October 12th at 1:00pm EST.
The SAVE for All Campaign includes almost 1600 organizations and more than
45 Michigan groups that are committed to protecting programs for that
support low-income families, and finding more reasonable ways to spend
government funds and to collect the taxes that support what the nation
actually needs.

The call will last for less than one hour and will focus on the following:

* Update on the current situation at the federal level (the importance and
role of both Camp and Upton in the current budget negotiations, the Budget
Control Act, the Super Committee, a balanced budget amendment, and other
relevant pieces)
* What's at stake for Michigan in these negotiations and decisions?
* What kind of advocacy do you think would influence Rep. Camp or Upton?
Who has their attention?
* What has advocacy activities are already underway in Michigan, and what
capacities do Michigan groups have.
* How can national groups help?
* Q & A

Why should your organization be involved?

As stated above, Representatives Camp and Upton's positions on the "super
committee" makes them of particular importance in the federal budget debate.
Votes for a "deal" on the "super committee" only need to be supported by a
majority. That means a vote by either Upton or Camp to protect low-income
people, invest in jobs, etc. could tip the scales in our direction. That's
why the SAVE for All Campaign has been working with key states to identify
networks of leaders in key states, to get their advice on dealing with their
members of Congress, to hear about their in-state advocacy efforts, and to
see if our national coalitions can strengthen that work in any way. The
goal is to strengthen the resolve of key members of Congress to advocate for
and protect programs for low-income people and families.

Representatives Camp and Upton, like most of Congress, are very concerned
about the federal debt and how to create savings in our budget. It is
important that they hear from folks in Michigan that cutting major child
care, education, health care programs and other programs that serve the most
vulnerable is not an answer to the nation's budget problems. Representative
Upton is in a particularly interesting position to cross the aisle and do
that.

We in the SAVE for All Campaign believe that deficit spending can be brought
under control, with a combination of judicious spending cuts that protect
low-income programs, investments in job creation, and a fair revenue plan
that closes tax loopholes that currently favor wealthy individuals and
corporations. To get to that result, we need commitments from key members
of the "super committee" to protect low income families and individuals.
Let's see what we can make happen!

Register

Please register here for the call on October 12th at 1:00pm EST.
<https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHVNdHhVTUVTenpfakpYNm
RBb0FlTlE6MQ> We'll send a confirmation and call-in number to all
registrants. It is important that members of your organization in Michigan
be represented on this call. We hope you will be able to join us.

If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact Angie
Evans at Aevans@chn.org or 202-223-2532, ext 112. Thank you very much, and
we look forward to talking with you on October 12th at 1:00pm EST.

Ancora Imparo "Still I Learn" - Free Legal Aid Training for Lay Service Providers November 10

Free Legal Training for Social Service Workers, Community Advocates, and Medical Service Providers with Legal Aid of Western Michigan

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2011
8:00 AM - NOON
M-TEC AT KVCC

Please join LEGAL AID OF WESTERN MICHIGAN for its annual free legal training for social service workers, community advocates, and medical service providers who want to learn more about the legal issues affecting their clients, customers, and patients. Download the registration form.

We will also be hosting a food drive for Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes. Please consider bringing a donation with you to the training.

Workshop topics include:
•Welfare Reform 2011
•Elder Law
•Employment Law
•Housing
•Consumer
•Family
•Advanced Track: Subsidized Housing

Please submit your registration to our office via email (LAWM.TRAINING@gmail.com) by NOVEMBER 2, 2011. For additional information, please contact Mark Zolnoski at 1-800-819-0773, Ext. 228.

If you have registered and do not receive a confirmation email or materials by November 4, 2011, please contact Mark Zolnoski.

Register today! Voices for Action Region 6 - Oct 21 Roundtable on Workforce Development,Job Training & Education

Invitation for the Region 6 Roundtable - Workforce Develoment, Job Training & Education

On October 21 from 1:00pm-3:00pm the Region 6 Voices for Action network will be hosting a discussion roundtable on workforce development, education and job training.

You are invited to attend, share your insights, thoughts and any local programs or initiatives which may be of value to others in the Region. Feel free to forward this invitation to your colleagues!

Preliminary Agenda

• Introductions
• Presentation
• Discussion
• Voices for Action (update)
• State Voices for Action update
• Adjourn

The meeting will be held at:

The Lewis Walker Institute for Racial and Ethnic Studies
1140 Welborn Hall, WMU
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49008 Map

Register online today!

Jeff Brown
Executive Director
Poverty Reduction Initiative

1140 Welborn Hall WMU
1903 W. Michigan Ave.
Kalamazoo, MI  49008-5236
269-615-1027
director@haltpoverty.org
www.haltpoverty.org

Open Doors To Host 2nd Annual Bountiful Breakfast

Kalamazoo, MI September 8, 2011 - Open Doors will host its 2nd Annual Bountiful Breakfast on Saturday, October 1st.

The event, to be held in South Westnedge Park from 9am-noon, will feature a breakfast of local cuisine and tour of Open Doors’ residences. Restaurants providing the breakfast include: Bagel Beanery, Biggby’s, Chocolatea, Cosmo’s Cucina, Full City Cafe, Millennium Restaurant Group, Mr. Thom Cooks, Oakwood Bistro, The Ample Pantry and Victorian Bakery. Additionally, D&W Marketplace, Meijer and Gordon Water are also donating items.

“The Bountiful Breakfast was such a huge success last year, we decided to make it an annual event,” states Rick Stravers, Executive Director of Open Doors. “The food is delicious and people are able to tour our residences and learn more about what we do in the community.”

Open Doors has been partnering with homeless women and men and low-wage workers since 1970 to empower them to support themselves and secure housing. At the Open Door and the Next Door, homeless women and men seek and find employment, save for future housing and address personal obstacles to stability. The Residence Community for Working People provides low-wage workers with housing at affordable rates and personal support for maintaining health and stability.

The tour will include four Open Doors’ residences around South Westnedge Park, formerly known as Pioneer Park, located at the intersection of South Westnedge Avenue and Park Place. Also on the tour this year is Open Doors’ new office at 810 S. Westnedge Avenue.

“The business and restaurant community has been especially supportive of Open Doors and the Bountiful Breakfast. We are grateful for their commitment to helping men and women secure the housing they need,” states Stravers.

Sponsoring businesses include Approved Fire Protection Co., Boot Haan Insurance, Clifford Mulder of Raymond James, Gergely Law Offices, P.C., Parrish Consulting, Rathco Safety & Supply Co. Redmond, Streed and Yokom, Rose Pest Solutions, Sherriff-Goslin Roofing Co., and Yeo & Yeo. P.C.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for children under 10 and are available online at www.OpenDoorsKalamazoo.org or by calling the Open Doors offices at 343-6064. A limited number of tickets will also be available at the event.

For further information, please contact Sarah Bricknell, Development Director, at 269.343.6064 or at sbricknell@opendoorskalamazoo.org.

Welfare bills harmful - from Michigan League for Human Services

League statement on the passage of bills to enact a 48-month lifetime, retroactive limit on cash assistance.

“The passage of House Bills 4409 and 4410 will negatively affect children across the state. As Michigan recovers from a deep, deep recession and jobs remain in short supply, this is the wrong time to implement this policy.... "

See full statement.

Speak up! Although the bills are finalized and Gov. Snyder is expected to sign them, it's important to let lawmakers and the governor know that this legislation to be the wrong priority for Michigan, especially in this era of high unemployment.

Click here to contact Gov. Snyder.

Click here to contact your state representative.

Click here to contact your state senator.

Summer Car Wash For the Homeless - Date Change to 8-27

When: August 27, 2011 10:00am-3:00pm

Where: At the Seven Eleven on 5034 W Kl Ave and Drake Rd Kalamazoo, MI 49009 Donations will go to support the work of The Homeless Relief Campaign Initiative

Volunteers needed from 9am-4pm

For more information contact LaShana Jones at (269) 779-5572 Or email hrci.inc@gmail.com

Homeless Relief Campaign Initiative | 5805 Oakland Drive | Portage, MI 49024

Michigan Welfare Rights Organization News

Republished from the Michigan Welfare Rights Organization

National Poverty Tour Comes to Detroit

Posted: 02 Aug 2011 04:51 PM PDT

On Monday, August 8th, 2011, something very critical is happening in Detroit.

The 15-city POVERTY TOUR: A CALL TO CONSCIENCE is making a stop at City Hall.
PBS talk show host Tavis Smiley and Princeton Professor Cornell West have coordinated this national effort to shine a light on the plight of the American poor.

MI Welfare Rights has been invited to attend and, we in turn, invite you to come and share your thoughts about the rising poverty that we all see happening in Detroit. With the threat of 12,600 welfare families being cut off of benefits effective October, 2011, we are in the front seat as we see our meager standard of living being driven down.

Read Poverty Tour statistics on U.S. poverty.

Meet us at the Detroit Coleman A. Young Municipal Center (aka City County Bldg) in the Auditorium on Monday, August 8th at noon sharp until 2pm. This Tour has made appearances all over the country as they document everywhere else what is happening here.

See you there!

Video: "Tavis tells the Truth about Poverty in America," CBS commentary can be found on Poverty Tour website.

Why We March: Announcing the Workers March On Washington

Posted: 01 Aug 2011 03:00 PM PDT

Beginning today, August 1, 2011, we will begin the first of many posts about preparation for the national Workers March On Washington, June 30, 2012. As a proud member of the Assembly to End Poverty, MWRO is actively organizing thousands of workers and low-income people to speak out and demand an end to poverty!

For the next several months, we will keep you posted with regular reports, analyses and commentary on why we must march. While we gather momentum toward this great march, we know that the heart of this work lies in the stories, testimonials and experiences of poverty from every person in the U.S. that we meet along the way.

We know that the foundation on which society rests has changed forever. Science has advanced technology very fast, making workers more productive than ever before. Fewer human beings are needed to produce. In Michigan, we live in a State that's been hit very hard by this new world order. Yet, political operatives have suggested that mothers on welfare with children be
separated from their benefits and forced into the work market. The first 12,600 public assistance families will be eliminated effective Oct. 1st, 2011.

In the worst job market, in the worst housing market, with family violence spiraling out of control, the answer is to push women and children into deeper poverty? The State will save $64 million by eliminating payments to this group. What is the worth of a human being?

The Assembly To End Poverty is calling for a Workers March On Washington, June 30, 2012. We march on D.C. because we want to eliminate poverty, and not the poor. We can and we will do this!

Get involved, contact: EndPoverty2012@gmail.com. You have 335 days left.

Online Map Hopes to Ease Michigan Summer Hunger Challenges for Youths

republished from the State of Michigan Department of Education website

LANSING – Summer in Michigan is lots of fun. However, for thousands of children, summer may mean going without the healthy breakfast and lunch normally offered at their local school.

There are free meals available to children across Michigan through the Summer Food Service Program. Yet, despite serving more than 144 million free and affordable lunches during the 2010 school year, only 2.6 million meals were served through this program last summer.

In an effort to provide these free meals to more children, the Michigan Department of Education has created a SFSP Site Locator Map. This online map allows parents, youth, and food assistance organizations to find the nearest meal sites across the state.

"The free Summer Food Service meal sites are in most communities, we just need families to be aware and able to find them,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan. “This online tool is designed to provide greater information and access to nutritional meals for kids during the summer.”

The map is simple to use – just go to the Map webpage, click on the site nearest you and a pop up window with hours of operation and meals served appears. The map is updated weekly throughout the summer as additional sites begin operation. The public is encouraged to check the website throughout the summer for Summer Food sites nearest them.

The Summer Food Service Program was established to ensure that children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. Free meals, that meet federal nutrition guidelines, are provided to all children 18 years and younger at approved SFSP sites in areas with significant concentrations of low income children. SFSP operators include public and private nonprofit schools, residential camps, colleges or universities, government agencies, and other private non-profit organizations.

The SFSP Site Locator Map can be found at www.mcgi.state.mi.us/schoolnutrition or at the Summer Food Service Program website at www.michigan.gov/sfsp

The Summer Food Service Program, administered by MDE through funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is available to children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

MI Farm to School Grant Program Grantees

Farm to school friends and partners,

With funding from the WK Kellogg Foundation, the C.S. Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems at Michigan State University will award up to $2,000 for schools/districts around the state to plan for or implement farm to school programs. We are excited to announce that EIGHT school/district applicants have been selected to participate in the first grant year!

The grantees for the new Michigan Farm to School Grant Program 2011 - 2012 grant year are:

School/District County Type of Grant
Bear Lake School District Manistee Implementation
Clare Public Schools Clare Planning
Gladwin Community School Gladwin Implementation
Kaleva Norman Dickson School District Manistee Implementation
Montrose Community Schools Genesee Implementation
Reed City Area Public Schools Osceola Planning
South Haven Public Schools Van Buren Planning
Traverse City College Preparatory Academy Grand Traverse Planning

Each grantee is unique, with exciting and innovative ideas for planning for or implementing farm to school programs. Since a goal of this grant program is to help vulnerable children find more healthy and local food choices in school meals programs, each school/district selected to participate has at least 50% free and reduced-price meal enrollment (as of application date).

This grant program is a direct way to help food service directors across the state overcome some of the many challenges they face when working to initiate and expand farm to school programs. Not only will grantees be awarded up to $2,000 dollars in funding, they will also be provided with technical assistance and training opportunities to help develop, support and enhance of their farm to school activities and programs.

From the: CS Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems
Michigan State University
via Gordie Moeller

Grand Rapids Rally TOMORROW from Michgan League for Human Services

Dear friends and MILHS members,

Please join a Tuesday July 19 rally in Grand Rapids that will call for protection of seniors, children, people with disabilities and middle-class families in the current national debate on the federal debt ceiling.

The rally, by Michigan Citizen Action, Michigan Consumers for Healthcare Advancement  and other organizations, will be at the Ottawa side of the Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, 110 Michigan St. NW, Grand Rapids from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. with a 4:30 p.m. press conference.

The goal is let U.S. Rep. Justin Amash know that we need a reasonable plan for deficit reduction that reflects our values, protects our families and neighbors and that doesn't shift more burden onto the states and middle-class families.

On a related issue, the League Monday sent a letter to the Michigan congressional delegation urging the rejection of a Balanced Budget Amendment that could hinder an economic recovery.

 The League has also released a new paper on how to create an ideal P-20 data tracking system. The report, The Key Ingredient: Good Data is Crucial to Building Michigan's Workforce System, examines best practices for including information on adult learners.

Additionally, the League has posted a new chart that estimates how many Family Independence Program cases will be closed by county under House Bills 4409 and 4410, which would enact stricter 48-month time limits on families receiving cash assistance. The bills will hurt vulnerable children and their families in Michigan.
For more information on this public policy discussion, please see an outstanding editorial in the Detroit Free Press .

The Right Start in Michigan and Its Counties - 2011

Michigan Mothers and Their Babies: Overview and Trends 2000-2009 The Right Start in Michigan is the Kids Count annual review of mothers' and babies' well-being.  Over the decade between 2000 and 2009, Michigan improved on three of the five indicators where a trend could be calculated. The biggest improvement was the 13 percent decline in teen mothers who were having another baby - dropping from 21 percent to 18 percent of teen births. Teen births and preterm births also dropped over the decade. The most dramatic worsening was the 20 percent increase in births to unmarried women. The percentage of low-birthweight babies weighing less than 5.5 pounds rose slightly. In 2009 more Michigan babies were born to mothers in economically insecure circumstances than in 2000. Roughly half of Michigan infants were born to low-income mothers eligible for Medicaid, and births to unmarried mothers represented roughly 40 percent of all births in 2009. Women unmarried at the birth of their child are likely to remain single parents with the heightened risk of poverty. The full Right Start in Michigan and its Counties - 2011 report is available on the Michigan League for Human Services website.

Go to the Voices for Michigan's Children site...

Region 3 Success Story: Engaging Local Farmers Markets for Bridge Card Accessibility

Creating a Legacy of Food Security & Supporting the Local Economy

Each year around 200 million dollars enter Kent County through the federal Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), known as the Food Assistance Program (FAP) in Michigan.  In 2009 less than 1/10 of 1% of that money went to local agricultural producers. Gordie Moeller, a retired social worker, is on a mission to change that by increasing Bridge Card Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) participation at farmers markets across his region. 

For the past year Moeller has been working to bring access to healthy foods to SNAP/FAP recipients through local farmers’ markets and farm stands.

“Without the ability to use their Bridge Card at farmers’ markets, about 25% of area families are denied the opportunity to purchase healthy locally grown farm fresh fruits and vegetables,” says Moeller.

Moeller and his wife created the Food Security Fund at the Grand Rapids Foundation for programs and organizations that prevent and alleviate hunger and address critical nutrition issues.

Moeller located markets, visited farmers and explained his win-win strategy: “People eat healthier food, get fresh air and gain nutritional knowledge,” says Moeller. “In turn, the increased sales help local farmers, which benefits other local businesses.  In comparison, 70% of money spent at supermarket chains leaves town.”

Moeller’s work is beginning to pay off.  In 2010 only six farmers and markets accepted Bridge Cards in the region. In 2011, the number is up 750% to 46. Moeller recently received a letter of recognition from the State of Michigan Department of Human Services Director Maura Corrigan, excerpted here:

Two organizations were instrumental in supporting Moeller’s outreach: the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service and the Michigan Farmers Market Association.

The USDA offers free EBT equipment for farmers and markets with electricity and phone service.

The MIFMA works with farmers’ markets and legislators on relevant issues. They publish a Bridge Card manual that can help farmers get started.
Of note to farmers and markets:

• Large markets can accept Bridge Cards for individual farmers.
• Farmers and markets who already accept credit and debit can easily add Bridge Card EBT.

This summer the Double Up Food Bucks program offers a bonus incentive for Bridge Card holders when they buy from participating community farmers markets— they receive extra SNAP credit to buy double the produce for the regular price.

Farmers markets that accept Bridge Cards:
www.mifma.org/find-a-farmers-market/

Double Up Food Bucks:
www.doubleupfoodbucks.org

Gordie Moeller can be reached at 616.293.4727 or gordiemoeller@comcast.net.

Fueling Young Bodies to Fulfill Growing Needs

Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes Aims to Feed 10,000+ Hungry Kids this Summer
Kimberly Schoetzow, Communications Coordinator, Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes

 
Requests for emergency food assistance skyrocket during the summer months. To meet this year’s demand, Loaves & Fishes is kicking off their Food is Fuel Kids Campaign, with a target goal of $50,000 and 50,000 pounds of food by the end of August. 

 “No one can be successful or fully participate in the world around them without regular access to food,” says Anne Wend Lipsey, Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes’ executive director. “It’s that simple.”

It’s even more important for growing children to have a nourishing diet.Without the proper ‘fuel’ in a child’s diet, they aren’t the best students, athletes, or community members.

Food is the link to ensure kids have the chance to fulfill their ultimate potential. A diet lacking in nutrients can cause irrevocable damage to a child’s health, and their future.

In summertime children don’t have the same access to the free and reduced meals available during the school year.

Last summer 10,910 of the 24,805 food orders distributed by Loaves & Fishers went to children.

“Everyone can make a difference this summer by contributing and connecting hungry kids to food resources,” says Lipsey.

How to help:

• Join local businesses, organizations, and faith groups to collect food and raise funds for hungry local kids.
• Let your clients and community members know about the program.
• Be a part of the Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes’ Shop-n-Drop Food Drive on July 16 at the Portage D&W Fresh Market.

Visit www.kzoolf.org for food drop-off locations and to donate.

If you’d like to start your own collection or participate in the Shop-n-Drop Food Drive, contact Kimberly Schoetzow, Communications Coordinator, at 269.488.2617 x218 or kimberly@kzoolf.org.

Bundling Benefits to Improve Families’ Financial State

Goodwill of SWMI’s Family Opportunity Center Starts Strong

Moving from poverty into prosperity is not easy.  It requires self-awareness, willingness to learn, a strong support system, behavioral changes, and a lot of hard work. For area residents ready to change their lives, staff members of the new Family Opportunity Center at Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan are ready to provide the support.

The Family Opportunity Center (FOC) is based on the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Center for Working Families® (CWF) framework for neighborhood service delivery.  This model has shown that bundling and sequencing services and ongoing support has much more success that providing a person or family a singular service.

A Human Service Campus Approach 

“We’re bundling services together for more impact,” says Wilma Wilder, Goodwill’s FOC Coordinator and Employment Coach. “We offer workforce development, financial coaching, and assistance accessing benefits and income supports. All of this happens at Goodwill’s Human Service Campus which also houses several other organizations that can offer services to the participants as well.”

Wilder and colleague Sharilyn Parsons, the FOC’s Financial Coach—on contract from Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services (KNHS)—studied other communities’ programs for best practices and did site visits to two other programs in Detroit.

Employment coach Wilma Wilder works with an
FOC client to identify her transferable skills.

“We are passionate about the work and want to make sure we bring in the best possible format for delivering these services to the residents of Kalamazoo,” says Wilder.

Once enrolled, clients are required to take a four-week financial literacy course with Parsons, to help them with budgeting, improving their credit score, and financial planning.

Wilder teaches an optional six-week Career Discovery / Career Opportunities course and provides one-on-one employment coaching. A regular job club meeting will help keep clients motivated to improve their careers. 

While they have distinct roles, Wilder and Parsons are creating the program with a holistic approach that will take into account each individual’s needs, goals, and life vision.

Family Opportunity Center staff will track participants’ progress through the “Efforts to Outcomes” software that is being used nationally by all of the Family Opportunity and Center for Working Family programs.

Past Present and Future

The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) asked Goodwill to take on the project in late 2010. The W. K. Kellogg Foundation is funding the Kalamazoo FOC along with sister projects in Battle Creek and Grand Rapids.

The Family Opportunity Center held its first orientation session in early June. Referrals into the program have come from a variety of sources including Goodwill’s other programs such as the GED / ABE program, HIRE; and the Kalamazoo Tax Counseling Initiative. Other organizations have also referred participants including KNHS; the Hispanic American Council; MIWorks!; and Advocacy Services for Kids.

Wilder does outreach at various local career-related events. Local service providers are welcome to refer individuals they believe are suited for the program.

“This is intensive work,” says Wilder. “We’re looking for people who really want to make a change and are willing to commit to a partnership with the FOC coaches.”

A grand opening will occur in late summer or early fall, with a program expansion.

Download an informational flyer here.

Find Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan on the web: 

Double Up Food Bucks Offers Healthy Food Incentives

"The Fair Food Network’s Double Up Food Bucks program provides families receiving food assistance benefits -- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) -- with the means to purchase more Michigan-grown fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets. The program aims to increase the consumption of healthy food in low-income communities while also creating new sales opportunities for Michigan growers."

Learn how it works for Bridge Card holders.

Here are currently participating  markets:

Southwest Michigan

100-Mile Market
507 Harrison Street Kalamazoo
Wednesdays 3pm – 7pm

Battle Creek Farmers Market
Festival Market Square at the corner of Jackson and McCamly, Battle Creek, MI
Wednesdays and Saturdays 9am – 1pm

Bellevue Farmers Market
Washington Park at the corner of West Mill and Main, Bellevue, MI
Thursdays 4 – 7pm

City of Springfield Farmers’ Market
503 Military Avenue, Springfield, MI
Wednesdays 12 – 5pm; Saturdays 8am – 1pm

Douglass Farmers’ Market
1000 W. Paterson St., Kalamazoo, MI
Fourth Tuesdays (June 28, July 26, and August 23), 3-7pm

Kalamazoo Farmers’ Market
1204 Bank Street, Kalamazoo, MI
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays 7am – 1pm
(Bridge Cards accepted Saturdays ONLY)

VA Medical Center Farmers Market
Veteran’s Administration Hospital
5500 Armstrong Road, Battle Creek, MI
Mondays 11am – 1pm (ends Sept 26)

Find all participating markets here. 

Building Bridges to Prosperity

Participants at the April 29 Roundtable discuss MBAI's MiBridges enhancements.

Michigan Benefits Access Initiative Brings Online Efficiency to MiBridges in 2012

Do you help your clients apply for and access state benefit programs? Are they overwhelmed, tired of trying to be in the right place at the right time with the right paperwork to find the window of opportunity to obtain income support?

Imagine how much easier it would be for all of us if clients could complete one application, one time, and have their eligibility verified for all of the state administered programs: Medicaid; Cash Assistance, Child Development and Care; State Emergency Relief; as well as Food and Energy Assistance.

What if they had access anytime to a single source online portal where they could check their enrollment status, upload documents, exchange electronic correspondence with case workers, and have their continued eligibility determined online—in English, Spanish or Arabic.

This is what MiBridges www.michigan.gov/mibridges will bring to your clients in 2012, thanks to the work of the Michigan Benefits Access Initiative (MBAI) task force, a forty member group that has been working since 2008 to bring close to $1 billion unclaimed benefits back into circulation.

MiBridges Creates One Platform

“Research shows more than 50% of the reason for program failure or dropping out is that people just didn’t know what they were supposed to do,” says Linda Schmidt, Poverty Policy Director at the Michigan Department of Human Services.

“As this system is built out, you will be able to help [clients] figure out exactly what’s going on, report changes, and do whatever they need to do to recertify and maintain their eligibility for the programs that they already have—and to apply directly for all of the DHS programs online.”

The electronic upgrades to the MiBridges system are scheduled for completion from December 2011 through March 2012. The work is being done by Deloitte with funding from the Michigan Association of United Ways.

Getting to the Other Side

“The vision is to get us all on the same page with the same piece of technology...to get the income supports into families so that they can complete their training, get that better job, and really make progress against poverty,” explains Nancy Lindman, Director of Public Policy & Partnerships at Michigan Association of United Ways.

“This doesn’t replace the social work,” emphasizes Lindman. “But we need to move people into financial stability.”

Getting Ready for the Change

Currently MBAI is working to bring together two groups of people: those who help people with the paper booklet applications; and those who have experience with online applications. The goal is that when the system rolls out within a year, everyone who works on benefits access will be ready.

MBAI is forming strong partnerships with a growing number of nonprofit networks, such as Voices for Action, to integrate into community initiatives.

The MBAI three-phase outreach plan will help local community-based organizations prepare for the new technology.

1. Recruit non-profit networks that work with clients on a daily basis as benefits access sites.
2. Train staff and volunteers so they feel comfortable with the MiBridges system and assisting people with benefits.
3. Bring in additional funding to clear away barriers for these networks.

The Intended Benefits

Nancy Lindman presents MBAI's
MIBridges enhancements
in Grand Rapids.

Once the system is up and running DHS expects to see increased benefits enrollment, reduced workload, less recertification errors, and fewer re-applications.

With the MiBridges technology update creating more stable income supports, the “real” work can succeed—helping those who are truly in need cross over from poverty to prosperity.

For information about MBAI or MiBridges benefits access training, contact Nancy Lindman, Michigan Association of United Ways (shown at right) nlindman@uwmich.org or 517.371.4360.♦

Download a 2011 MBAI fact sheet.
Download the 2009 MBAI Executive Summary Report.
Download the April 2011 MBAI presentation.

 Michigan Benefits Access Initiative (MBAI) Partners

• Community Economic Development Association
• Department of Corrections - Michigan Prisoner Reentry Initiative
• Department of Human Services - Voices for Action
• Elder Law of Michigan
• Food Bank Council of Michigan
• Michigan 2-1-1
• Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness
• Michigan Community Action Agency Association
• Michigan Community College Association
• Michigan Head Start Association
• Michigan Primary Care Association
• United Way for Southeastern Michigan