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Children who are being raised by their grandparents or other relatives are eligible for a special public assistance grant that is based solely on the child’s income and resources, not their caregiver’s.  These grants, called non-parent caregiver grants, average about $400 for the first child and $125 for each additional child.

Kinship caregivers do not need legal custody or guardianship to apply for these non-parent grants.

For more information visit http://www.ccwny.org

The New York State Kinship Navigator program offers help to residents and across the state.  Their website, www.nysnavigator.org has detailed information about how to apply for the non-parent grant, and by calling 1-877-4KinInfo, or 1-877-454-6463, one of their kincare specialists can provide help in filling out the grant application.

The site also has a link to the AARP Foundation’s Benefits QuickLink tool for kincare families.  This online tool helps to match grandparents raising grandchildren with public benefits, including the non-parent grant, and many others.

ACT Rochester

ACT (Achieving Community Targets) Rochester is a new community indicators program that was launched a few weeks ago. Orleans and Genesee Counties are part of their seven county service region.  The website has an incredible amount a valuable data about our area, very useful for grant writing, etc.

The mission of ACT Rochester, which stands for Achieving Community Targets, is to stimulate community solutions to our most critical challenges by changing the culture of public discussion and debate in the seven-county region (Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, Ontario, Wayne and Wyoming counties). This will be achieved through focused, independent and objective measurement of key community indicators, through diverse and timely dialogue and by promoting results-oriented actions.

  • http://www.actrochester.org/ hosts all of the data and details. It contains more than 170 text pages, several hundred charts and graphs, links to more than 300 local community resources, profiles of all seven counties, and 125 community indicators organized into 12 program categories. As new data is released, the site will be updated.
  • A focus on 12 program categories: Arts,Culture & Leisure; Children & Youth; Community Engagement; Economy; Education; Environment; Financial Self-Sufficiency; Health; Housing; Public Safety; Technology; and Transportation.

In the June 15, 2009, issue of Library Hotline on p.5, a new film that reaches out to foreign born patrons has been released.  The Greenville (SC) County Library System’s production “is meant for use by any English-language organization (including public libraries).  The film is 8 ½ minutes long and the final version will have English subtitles.  “The film focuses on how to get a library card…. It also explains the concepts of due dates, fines, and renewals.”

It can be purchased for $8.95 by contacting Beth Behrends at tbehrends@greenvillelibrary.org , 864.527.9235.  It can also be used off the (free) YouTube site athttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPzJoQb9D4A .

This announcement comes a bit late…

Last month, the Nioga Library System’s Board of Trustees presented the 2008 Annual Outreach Award at Nioga’s Annual Dinner.  This year’s award went to the Board of Trustees of the Friends of the North Tonawanda Public Library.  I wish all the nominations we received could have gotten an award, there are so many dedicated people passionate about libraries and library services, it’s difficult to select just one winner!

2008 Nioga Outreach Award

The Board of Trustees of the Friends of the North Tonawanda Public Library

  • Theresa McCabe, President
  • Maureen Quale, Vice President
  • Diane Stone, Secretary
  • Kristin Van Slyke, Corresponding Secretary
  • Monica Krawczyk, Treasurer
  • Wendy Berger
  • Melinda Ernie
  • Mickey Martin
  • Barbara Newman
  • Elaine Wagner

The nomination came from Peg Waite, North Tonawanda Public Library’s Director.  Her letter is below.

When the President of the Friends’ group received a request from her son-in-law stationed in Iraq for reading materials for the troops she went into action.  She read the letter to the Board at a meeting in late 2007.  By unanimous vote they decided to sort the Operation Paperback donations received at the library for books of high interest for our troops.  A few members come to the library on a regular basis to pack up boxes of books and magazines, often filling specific requests from individual soldiers.

Kristin Van Slyke of the Friends has undertaken the project as her own, teaming up with the organization, Operation Paperback.  The Board members have made it part of their mission to support our troops by assisting in building “tent libraries” on bases throughout Iraq and Afghanistan.

In addition to Operation Paperback, The Friends Board has for many years delivered books and cheer to our homebound patrons.  They have supported me in all my requests for help, both financially and with manpower, for 30 years.

This dedicated Board does what it does without fanfare and often without acknowledgment.  Their enthusiasm for anything “library” amazes me at our meetings every month.  The NTPL is truly fortunate to have this core group of people enhancing our services every day without fanfare.  NIOGA’s Outreach Award would acknowledge these amazing people.

Congratulations  North Tonawanda Public Library!!

“MEDICARE 101”

Presented by: Eric Hausman

from NYC Department for the Aging

When: July 8, 2009

Where:14016 Route 31 W. Albion

Orleans County Administration Building

Conference Room C

Time:  9:00-11:00 am

Who:   Any professionals working with Medicare beneficiaries

Orleans County Office for the Aging is pleased to have Mr. Eric Hausman present a basic overview of Medicare. Mr. Hausman has been integral in Medicare trainings for both professionals and lay people across New York State for over 15 years.

He will be discussing Medicare Parts A, B, C (Medicare Advantage Plans) and D. He will also discuss the Medicare Savings Program and the Low Income Subsidy for Part D. Questions are welcome!

Please call Orleans County Office for the Aging at 589-3191 to pre-register for this event.

To print out a PDF flyer   MEDICARE 101flyer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2009

Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Jeannine Mjoseth, jmjoseth@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

IMLS Launches “Libraries to the Rescue” Podcast Series

Discussions Focus on What Libraries are Doing to Help Citizens Through the Economic Crisis

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the primary source of federal funding for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums, today announced the launch of the Libraries to the Rescue series of podcast episodes. Library use is on a steady rise and the economic downturn has resulted in even greater need for library services. IMLS introduced Libraries to the Rescue to share with libraries steps that other libraries have taken to help their communities.

“Libraries have emerged as one of the go-to place for people looking for work or filing for unemployment, starting new businesses, or learning how to use computers for the first time,” said Anne-Imelda Radice, IMLS Director. “Libraries are proving just how important they are to their communities. In these episodes, library leaders share their expertise so others don’t have to reinvent the wheel.”

Libraries to the Rescue provides valuable insights from:

  • Mary Boone, State Librarian of North Carolina
  • Bernard Margolis, State Librarian of New York
  • Sheryl Mase, Michigan Library’s Director of Statewide Services
  • Jan Walsh, State Librarian of Washington, and Randall Simmons, Program Manager for Library Development in Washington
  • Kendall Wiggin, State Librarian of Connecticut

The five episodes cover a range of topics, including how libraries are increasing access to key information through virtual libraries, the importance of broadband access, and new partnerships between libraries and state and federal agencies to help citizens access all types of assistance. The Libraries to the Rescue episodes are short (12-15 minute), digestible audio episodes designed to educate IMLS’s library audience.

Accompanying the series is a list of online resources for libraries that are still navigating the new terrain. To view the list of resources, click here. If you have additional online links to share, please email them to IMLS Public Affairs Officer Jeannine Mjoseth at jmjoseth@imls.gov.

Libraries to the Rescue can be accessed and enjoyed at the listener’s convenience. Audio can be accessed on the IMLS Web site or through iTunes.

United We Serve - Serve.govAnnouncement from United We Serve:

As you know, the Corporation for National and Community Service has been preparing for the launch of an exciting new summer service initiative in partnership with the White House. Today, in a video message <http://serve.gov/> , President Obama will officially announce the initiative, United We Serve, encouraging Americans to create meaningful change in their communities by engaging in service.

United We Serve will kick off on June 22 at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service and will run through the new National Day of Service and Remembrance on September 11.  All the tools for participating in this initiative can be found on the Corporation’s website, Serve.gov <http://www.serve.gov/> .  Please go there today, if you haven’t already, to post your own volunteer projects.

In addition, we encourage you to spread the word about United We Serve by:

Sending a message about United We Serve, including a link to the President’s video <http://www.serve.gov/> , to your distribution lists.

Putting a link on your homepage to Serve.gov – banners and logos are available at http://www.serve.gov/link.asp.

Issuing a press release about your participation in United We Serve – a sample release is available here:

http://www.serve.gov/assets/documents/09_0616_sample_release.doc.

Sharing stories about how your volunteers are making a difference at http://www.serve.gov/share.asp. We will highlight examples of exemplary service throughout this summer.

Capacity is strained in community organizations across the country, so today we are also calling on Americans to take a leadership role in recruiting and organizing their friends, family, and neighbors to develop their own service projects that address pressing community needs in partnership with local organizations.  To assist you, Serve.gov <http://serve.gov/>  features toolkits for developing projects in education, health, energy and the environment, and community renewal.

To encourage participation in service this summer and beyond, the Serve.gov <http://www.serve.gov/>  website features a volunteer matching platform called All For Good that allows people to search for volunteer opportunities based on location and interests.  The site also allows users to sign in with their primary social network and includes social media tools to share volunteer opportunities with friends and see what activities they are participating in.

This will be a very exciting 81 days.  But, of course, the call to service will not end on September 11.  We hope that Americans who serve this summer will stay engaged in the ongoing work of strengthening our communities. America’s new foundation will be built through an ethic of service and the personal commitment of individuals willing to give of themselves to create a better future.

AARP is offering a free webinar this Thursday June 11th from 2-3pm entitled, Navigating Your Way Through Job Loss that is for people 45 and over who have experienced job loss.

This is open to anyone, AARP membership is not required.  For more information and to register, go to:  http://www.aarp.org/money/work/articles/webinar_navigating_job_loss.html

Summer is almost here and the reservations for Guitar Hero, DDR and Wii are filling up quickly for July & August–if you’d like to reserve any of our gaming equipment please contact me asap!.  I finally posted a link to my Google calendar on the Gaming page (click on the Gaming tab at the top of this blog) with all the library reservation dates-please take a look and let me know if I need to make any corrections or changes (I know it looks a little crazy!).

The Flip Video Camera is available to document all the fun “Be Creative” programs at your library too.  It’s super easy to use…I think if I can use it, anyone can ;-) .

The National Institute on Aging/NIH is collaborating with HBO Documentary Films in presenting THE ALZHEIMER’S PROJECT, a multi-platform (television, web, DVD, and print) public health series which takes a look at groundbreaking scientific discoveries and seeks to bring a wider public understanding of Alzheimer’s disease research and care.

THE ALZHEIMER’S PROJECT is centered on a four-part documentary film series — on science and research, children touched by Alzheimer’s, and two films focused on people with the disease and their caregivers. The series debuts May 10-12 on HBO. All films will stream free of charge on www.hbo.com/alzheimers and will be offered for free on multiple platforms by participating television service providers.

HBO air dates and times

Sunday, May 10 at 9 p.m. ET
THE ALZHEIMER’S PROJECT: THE MEMORY LOSS TAPES

Monday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. ET
THE ALZHEIMER’S PROJECT: ‘GRANDPA, DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?’ WITH MARIA SHRIVER
THE ALZHEIMER’S PROJECT: MOMENTUM IN SCIENCE (Part 1)

Tuesday, May 12 at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. ET
THE ALZHEIMER’S PROJECT: CAREGIVERS
THE ALZHEIMER’S PROJECT: MOMENTUM IN SCIENCE (Part 2)

For more information on The Alzheimer’s Project, go to www.nia.nih.gov/hbo.

2009-dd-awareness-day-registration-form_page_1

The Twenty-first Annual Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day will be held on Thursday, May 21st from 8:00 am-3:30 pm at the Buffalo Convention Center.

Registration form and complete schedule 2009-dd-awareness-day-registration-form

Registration deadline is Friday May 8th.  The cost of the workshops/fair only is $10, lunch only is $20 and workshops/fair & lunch is$30.  Scholarships are available for workshops/fair only for individuals with a disability and family members.  Requests must be submitted by Friday May 8th.

The Girl’s Initiative of
The Women’s Foundation of Genesee Valley & YWCA Genesee Presents:

Voices of Experience 2009

April 29, 2009

Homestead Event Centre

60 Main Street

Batavia, NewYork

Doors open at 6:30 pm Program 7:00 pm– 9:00 pm
Ticket prices are $5 each, or five for $20

PDF Flyer and registration form:  voices-batavia3

Voices of Experience focuses on “life experience” for girls. Through this program, the Women’s Foundation of Genesee Valley emphasizes the importance of a woman having an education and/or the skills to take care of herself financially. Since 1997, more than 2500 girls and women have attended this event.

In 2001, the Board of Directors of the Women’s Foundation directed all income from Voices of Experience to grants for girls’ programs. They also established a Girls’ Grantmaking Committee with a membership of girls ages 15–18. The girls on the committee select the agencies that will receive grants.

For more information visit http://womensfoundation.org/

transition-to-work-conference1

PDF Flyer     transition-to-work-conference1

Niagara County Department of Health
Emergency Preparedness Conference

April 28, 2009, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

The Summit Event Center
(located in the Summit Park Mall)

6929 Williams Rd.

Niagara Falls, NY 14304

 

This is a free event, participants will receive a gift bag, lunch and

refreshments.

**Complete the registration form and return by April 8, 2009. Space is limited.**

Flyer

Invitation

Agenda

Regform



 

SAVE THE DATE FOR:

GANG PREVENTION CONFERENCE – 2009

Presented by:

THE EAST COAST GANG INVESTIGATOR’S ASSOCIATION &

ETR: IROQUOIS JOB CORPS

May 28th & 29th, 2009

The Niagara Falls Conference Center

101 Old Falls Street

Niagara Falls, NY 14303

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Law Enforcement Agencies, School Districts, Healthcare Professionals, and Community Stakeholders Additionally, the training will encompass the following topics:

  • Introduction to Street Gangs
  • Rap Music and its impact on Gang Recruitment
  • Western New York Region Gangs/ National Information
  • Gangs in Schools and in our Neighborhoods
  • Dealing with the At-Risk and Gang Involved Youth
  • Graffiti: What does the writing on the wall really mean?
  • Contemporary Gang Trends
  • Gang Identifiers
  • Intervention & Prevention Strategies

Please Contact: Jeannie M. Beeby-McNeil (585) 798-7092 McNeil.Jeannie@jobcorps.org or Laura Stuber (585) 798-7001 Stuber.Laura@jobcorps.org or Diane Krenning (585) 798-7030 Krennig.Diane@jobcorps.org

Registration and Conference Fee: $130.000 (includes: Two full days of dynamic training, continental breakfast, a buffet lunch)

Crowne Plaza Hotel (877) 348-2424 (recommended hotel & directly across the street from the conference). Government & Special Conference Rate Available

Remember: space is limited, so call today!

Niagara County Employment & Training Department is accepting applications for worksites and workers for this summer. They have received additional stimulus funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, so take advantage of this great opportunity!

Highlights include:

  • Program will serve individuals ages 14-24 
  • Workers must meet WIA income eligibility (low income)
  • Workers can work any time from May 1, 2009 through September 30, 2009

Flyer

putustoworkflyer2

Letter to Worksites

ltrtoworksites

Worksite Requisition

worksiterequisition

Youth Application

summeryouthapp2009

kids-on-the-blockwny

I spotted the Kids on the Block  of Western New York  minivan on my drive to work this morning and just checked out their website and gave them a call about programming (which is FREE!) .  They travel throughout the 7 counties in WNY promoting disability awareness.  You can book a performance  on their website   http://kidsontheblockwny.org/

A little more about them from their website:

The Kids on the Block program sponsored by the Museum of disABILITY History http://www.museumofdisability.org focuses on disability awareness and respect for differences. The program is geared for a younger audience, and is generally performed for third and fourth grade students. Performances are best suited for an audience of no more than 150 at a time. More than one performance may be scheduled for schools with a large number of students. Each performance runs approximately 60 minutes in length. Due to generous grants and donations from local organizations, the Kids on the Block program is offered free of charge.

Good News!

This isn’t outreach related I know, but was listening to this story from NPR’s All Things Considered yesterday and thought everyone could use some good news for a change…

NPR’s All Things Considered Good News Network: No Gloom, No Doom http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102015908#commentBlock

The story featured the founder of the Good News Network, a good news only website  http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/

Also mentioned antother good news website http://www.goodnewsdaily.com/

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