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THE ADVOCATE
The Newsletter of the Greater Taunton Health & Human Service Coalition (GTHHSC) and the Greater Attleboro Taunton Health & Education Response (GATHER)
Volume XII, No.2 February 2002
HEADSTART NEEDS YOUR HELP
(From Julia Wood, Head Start)
Head Start is asking your help in informing low-income families in Taunton & Raynham about Head Start. At the present time, we are accepting applications for the upcoming program year. In case you are not familiar with our program, here is some information we hope you will share with others.
Head Start is a comprehensive federally funded pre-school serving 200 children and their families with a wide range of educational, health, social service and parent involvement activities. Head Start operates different educational models:
1. Center Based, 5 days - 4 hours per day, school year morning program
2. Center Based, Full Day - year round for working parents. (Full day programs have a sliding scale fee)
3. Combo/Home Based – 1-2 days, 4 hours, with one home visit per week or
4. Full Day Family Child Care – with home visit (sliding fee scale)
Transportation (limited), breakfast and lunch are provided. There is no fee for the morning only or home base program.
Head Start offers several extended day options based on a sliding fee scale (see above).
Head Start enrolls 10% handicapped children and obtains or provides all necessary supportive services. All Head Start children are screened under Massachusetts Chapter 766 in conjunction with the Taunton School Department and are involved in an extensive medical/dental program.
All applications are reviewed by a Selection Committee and are accepted on the basis of need, income and availability of space. Federal guidelines stipulate that 90% of all enrolled children must be from low-income families. In May, 75% of all vacancies will be filled with the remaining 25% filled in August or throughout the summer.
All Head Start children must be 3 or 4 years old by September 1, and must reside in Taunton or Raynham. Income eligible children not accepted in May will automatically be reconsidered in August. Anyone interested in applying can call 508-822-5388 between 8:30 and 4:30, or drop in a 100 Gordon Owen Riverway (by Taunton High School).
Thank you for your support of our recruitment efforts. ¨
GTHHSC Monthly Meeting will be held
February 19, 2002, 9:00
Associates for Human Services (A.H.S.)
29 Broadway, Taunton
NO-COST TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM BENEFITS
LOW-MODERATE INCOME FAMILIES
Due to the generosity of Bay State Gas Company, the Department of Human Services in conjunction with
GATRA is able to provide a no-cost transportation program to low-moderate income families. The Program, the
first of its kind in this area, based on funding availability, will provide public transportation passes (does not include
Dial-A-Ride/cab fares) to eligible individuals, elders and families. The Transportation Assistance Program hopes to
alleviate the transportation costs of those who are eligible, thus easing the devastating choices families are forced
into making.
The Department of Human Services is taking application for the program. The office is open from 8:30-4:30,
Monday through Friday, and appointments are necessary to apply for the program. A short application is required
as well as income verification and a positive ID. The number of passes provided will be based on current
individual/family usage of public transportation. The income eligibility (based on yearly earnings) is as follows:
1 Person
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Up to $17,180
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2 Persons
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Up to $23,220
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3 Persons
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Up to $29,260
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4 Persons
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Up to $35,300
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5 Persons
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Up to $41,340
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6 Persons
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Up to $47,380
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7 Persons
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Up to $53,420
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8 Persons
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Up to $59,358
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For more information, please call Charlene at the Department of Human Services,508-821-1420. ª
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT’S
DEFINITION OF HOMELESSNESS
(Greater Attleboro/Taunton Coalition on Homelessness)
A person is considered to be homeless only when he/she resides in one of the places described below:
· In places not meant for human habitation, such as cars, parks, sidewalks, and abandoned buildings
· In an emergency shelter
· In transitional or supportive housing (for homeless persons who originally came from the streets or emergency
shelters).
· In any of the above places but is spending a short time (up to 30 consecutive days) in a hospital or other
institution.
· Is being evicted within a week from private dwelling units and no subsequent residence has been identified and
the person lacks the resources and support networks needed to obtain housing.
· Is being discharged within a week from an institution in which the person has been a resident for more than 30
consecutive days and no subsequent residence has been identified and he/she lacks the resources and support
networks needed to obtain housing. ¨
This month’s Advocate was published by Lorraine Rosa, Coordinator, with funds from GATHER, CFC, Dues and School-Linked Services. To submit an article, announcement or other information, please call (508) 823-4822, fax 823-8584, or write to GTHHSC, P.O.Box 2894, Taunton, MA. 02780, by February 25th. H
COALITION/COMMITTEE MINUTES
GATHER Domestic Relationship Violence Committee. 1/16, 9:30, CCBC
Discussion Highlights:
Mentors in Violence Prevention – Over 25 youth have signed up for the 15 hours of training, in school, after school or on Saturdays. The Taunton Youth Council is involved in this program which addresses the role of the bystander, among other things.
Holiday Awareness – TMLP flyers will be sent out in September. Several ideas were shared which link electricity to safety.
Retail Project – Plexiglass covered posters and business cards will be placed in women’s rest rooms. Suggested venues are fitness centers, Walmart, Target, and Home Depot.
White Ribbon Campaign – This successful initiative can be revisited in April, Violence Prevention month.
Safe Store – This safety initiative asks retailers for access to a phone and a place where an individual might wait for the arrival of the police.
DV Packets – Packets for professionals, victims and their children which include resource cards, safety plans, cell phones and a gift for children, could be helpful to police.
Firemen’s Training – A short survey with follow-up phone calls would explore interest in trainings of Deputy Chiefs and First Responders.
Hairdressers Project – A video could be made at hairdressers’ academies, which could provide information about clients’ domestic violence experiences to hairdressers. The video would also be promotional for the participating academy. Small baskets with New Hope cards will be delivered to the hairdressing establishments in the Greater Attleboro/Taunton area.
Next Steps:
To draft a letter about the Retail Project to area businesses.
To design a flyer.
To call B-R about the White Ribbon Campaign.
To speak to SNI about the Safe Store plan.
To contact MVPTF for suggestions on funding sources.
To get New Hope input on victims’ packets.
Contact Persons:
Anne Kotch, 508-252-5080
Deb Brown, 508-821-1129
Next Meeting: 2/13, 10:15, New Hope.
GATHER/GTHHSC Substance Abuse/Addictions Committee. 1/23, 3:00, T.H.S.
Discussion Highlights:
SARTVII – The next meeting will be held 3/8/02, 2:30, at 18 Broadway. SARTVII attendance will be by
invitation only.
Women and Additions – Information packets including the new TRY Youth Guide, will be distributed at T.H.S.,
Attleboro High School, Taunton Public Library and Attleboro public library, from March 4-9. Anyone with
information for the packets should contact Alan at 508-223-4691.
Environmental Strategy Subcommittee – This group is developing a plan that will impact underage access to
alcohol. It is currently discussing compliance checks on establishments that serve/sell alcohol in the GATHER
area, and the development of a survey tool.
Safe Store – This initiative, from the Nicole Brown Foundation, involves a network of businesses that display
decals to alert stalking victims that they may use the phone and wait for the police to arrive. The issue of liability
needs to be investigated.
BarCode: Serving Alcohol Responsibly – Five establishments, including 11 individuals, participated in a training
n November. These trainings are offered to establishments in the GATHER area, with a lifetime certification to
participants and a reduction in liability insurance. The next training is planned for February.
MassCall – Eighteen students have signed up thus far at the Mulcahey School location. Collected data is
calculated on a national level.
Drug Testing – Probation announced that the state budget has affected the number of drug testing cups. A
color-coded system gives individuals 24 hours to report to court for testing.
Drug Policy – The Department of Education (DOE) lists 4 data points: United Crime Reports, School Discipline
records, Nurses’ office records and the Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Previous DOE funding was based on the
number of students in a school, but is currently need based.
Next Steps:
To look into funding that may assist probation in purchasing additional drug testing cups.
Next Meeting:
2/27, 3:00, T.H.S. Library.
Contact Person:
Phil Shea, 508-824-7224
GTHHSC General Meeting. 1/15, 9:00, A.H.S. (Associates for Human Services)
Discussion Highlights:
Southeastern Regional Pilot Project Report – The DPH Regional Office has brought together Community
Health Network Areas (CHNA’s) such as GATHER, the Massachusetts Prevention Center and Boards of Health,
to look into greater collaboration and communication. A large planning meeting is planned for fall of 2002.
GATHER is a unique CHNA in this area, due to its inclusion of two hubs: Attleboro and Taunton.
Sustainability – The budget currently stands around $4,000. GTHHSC will apply for a Haymarket grant.
Chairpersonship – Many thanks to Richard McMahon for his chairpersonship this past year.
Housing – This issue continues to grow as affordable units are a need, and there is currently no “big picture”. The
Social Services Advisory Committee hopes to address resources and gaps, and a strategic plan in the community.
AIDS Consortium – The group requests agencies contact them regarding services of which HIV/AIDS clients
are in need, and how each agency addresses the needs of this population. AIDS is not in the forefront of the press,
but is still fatal, with awareness and education still a need. CCBC has informational flyers, educational materials and
presenters to share with area agencies. There are over 100 HIV+ clients who access services, for an estimated
total of 300-400 in the Greater Taunton Area. With budget cuts, more community agency support is needed. The
next meeting of the AIDS Consortium is 2/13, 9:00 at the Morton Café Annex. The Fall River Health and Human
Services Coalition and PACA will hold an HIV/AIDS Awareness Conference on 5/15, 9-2. More information will
follow.
Announcements – 1. A.H.S. is hosting a group for fathers of children 0-3 years old. 2. Headstart was reviewed
as a program of excellence. 3. Paul Dooley, Taunton High School, is the contact for English as a Second
Language (ESL). 4. TRY’s Youth Connection Guide can be obtained through their office or on
www.tauntonreachingyouth.org.
Next Steps:
To set up a subcommittee to apply for a Haymarket grant for coalition sustainability.
To set up a nominations committee for selection of this year’s chairperson.
Next Meeting:
2/19/02, 9:00, A.H.S.
Contact Person: Lorraine Rosa, 508-823-4822.
Discussion Highlights:
MA Family Network – Successful community centers, funded by RFR’s such as this, often have libraries, parent
programs, presentations, computers, youth centers, health centers and are multilingual.
Funneling of Information – Information on time sensitive workshops and other events has been trickling in.
Next Steps:
To request an Infoline update in April.
To compile a list of presenters of topics of interest.
Next Meeting:
2/19, 10:15, A.H.S.
Contact Person: Lorraine Rosa, 508-823-4822.
Discussion Highlights:
Dental Benefit Cuts - The Governor intends to cut benefits for adults covered by MassHealth effective 3/15/02.
Past Focus Areas included access to oral health, cardiovascular disease and breast cancer.
Current Projects include getting Taunton designated as a medically underserved area / health professional
shortage area.
New Focus Areas – The United Way needs assessment and the Health Status indicators of Greater Taunton
were consulted to identify priority problems in it’s health section. Included are health cost, access, uninsured, elder
issues, mental health, substance abuse, sex education, cardiovascular disease and lung cancer.
Cardiovascular Projects implemented across the country could be reviewed and possibly adapted for use in the
Taunton area.
Next Steps:
To call legislators about the proposed cuts in dental benefits.
To contact the THS health advisory committee.
To research prevention-oriented cardiovascular initiatives.
Next Meetings:
“Best Practices” Subcommittee: 3/27, 8:00, Cafeteria Annex.
Community Health & Wellness Committee: 4/24, 9:00, Cafeteria Annex.
Contact Person:
Dori Bingham, 508-828-7016
Discussion Highlights:
Mission Statement – “To create
an atmosphere that fosters unity, improves communication among community members and providers while
celebrating our individual differences and similarities. We embrace, celebrate and respect diversity and advocate
for equality in our communities.”
Communities Covered – GTHHSC covers Berkley, Dighton, Lakeville, Middleboro, Raynham, Rehoboth and
Taunton. Can we collaborate with GATHER to include the Greater Attleboro communities?
Past Accomplishments – This Committee has recently:
· Made multicultural resources available to the community through the Taunton Public Library reference area.
· Provided interpreters’ training to community members, cost free, through the sponsorship of Morton Hospital
and Bristol Community College.
United Way Needs Assessment – The following categories and committees were identified for the Attleboro/
Taunton area: Education (Multicultural Committee), Housing (Homelessness Committees), Crime/Safety/Violence
(SNI), Youth Issues (TRY), Healthcare (GTHHSC Community Health and Wellness) and Childcare (Community
Partnerships for Children).
Healthy People 2010 indicates the following needs for our area: Physical Activity, Overweight and Obesity,
Tobacco Use, Substance Abuse, Responsible Sexual Behavior, Mental Health, Injury & Violence, Environmental
Quality, Immunization and Access to Healthcare.
Suggested Initiatives – Two possible foci were chosen, as follows:
1.Creation of a Booklet to increase cultural awareness and sensitivity to differences through a publication based
on the Durfee Project, in which youth were asked “What would like others to know about your group?” and “What
do you find offensive?” A series of articles could follow, targeting newspapers, schools and agencies. Possible
collaborators would include the GATHER Domestic Violence Committee, United Way, area newspapers, TRY,
Hispanic Organization, Interschool Diversity and the Interfaith Council.
2. Housing Issues for large families in multicultural settings who, because of a large family size, often find it
difficult to find suitable housing. Possible collaborators would include the Homelessness Committee and the United
Way.
Evaluations - Of the five in attendance, 4 were in a position to attend monthly meetings regularly or most of the
time, all were willing to participate in tasks and activities, 4 were willing to participate in grant writing to support this
year’s initiative, and Lucy Jackson and Mat Rodrigues were willing to co-chair the committee
Next Meeting:
2/13, 12:30, One Taunton Green (TRY).
Contact Person:
Lorraine Rosa, 508-823-4822.
Youth Connection Guides – TRY has printed 5,000 Youth Connection Guides to opportunities and services for youth in Taunton. For a free copy, please call Karen Lee or download your copy at www.tauntonreachingyouth.org.
Next Meetings:
Steering Committee – 2/13, 3/13, 3:00, CFC, One Taunton Green.
Community Awareness Task Force – 3/7, CFC, 1 Taunton Gr.
Youth Action Task Force – Call office for March meeting date.
Contact Person: Karen Lee, 508-823-6346, x210.
Discussion Highlights:
ProHome services include tenant landlord counseling, rehabilitation of abandoned properties, tenant education, pre and post purchase counseling and first time home buyer seminars. They are exploring the impediments to housing and a Taunton housing court.
Taunton Housing Authority – The Section 8 waiting list, MRVP is closed, but open for main stream section 8 list for disabled and conventional unit housing. Their new program (along with ProHome) helps section 8 renters become home buyers and owners of properties.
Area needs include a family homeless shelter, more section 8 certificates, more affordable units, and assistance with first, last and security deposits.
United Way Strategic Planning stressed the need for transitional housing for families and the need to help people develop equity to own their own homes. Identified needs in this area include basic needs, youth and health care access.
Next Steps:
To communicate and collaborate further with the United Way, the Homelessness Coalition, Emergency Task Force, Catholic Social Services, and others.
Contact Persons:
Homelessness Coalition: Kim Levine, 508-823-6308.
Fair Housing: Mary Ellen, 508-821-1092
United Way Needs Assessment: Marilyn Godfrey, 508-576-6806.
Did You Know That…?
Mobilizing Our Communities to Reduce Obesity, this year’s Hinton Lecture, will be held on Wednesday, 2/27, 2:00, at the
Snyder Auditorium, 677 Huntington Ave, in Boston.
Shaping the Future: Children, Youth and Care Providers on the Front Lines, the New England Network’s 36th annual winter
conference, will be held March 12 & 13, at the Sheraton Nashua Hotel in New Hampshire. For information, please call Kim at
978-266-1998.
This Year’s Peer Appreciation Event will take place on the evening of Friday, 5/3/02, time and location TBA. For more
information, please call Katie or Amanda, at 508-824-8882, x1916.
Volunteer Opportunities at New Hope applications and information are available. Please call Paula Toland,
508-226-4588, x106.
The Southeast Improvisational Drama Group designs scenarios around such themes as diversity / women’s issues, domestic
violence, sexual harassment, substance abuse, AIDS, parenting, curriculum, family literacy, gender equality, classroom
management/teaching, technology, the workplace, and others. For information, please call Jan Warren, 508-678-2811, x2750.
Grant Writing Seminar for Hispanic Health Professionals will be held 3/1/02, 9-4, at Massachusetts General Hospital,
Boston. For more information or questions, please email oananehfirempong@partners.org
Immigrants and Public Benefits: Unlocking the Basics, will be held Friday, 3/1/02, 9:30-12:15, at MA Continuing legal
education, 10 Winter Place, Boston. For information and fee, please call Gale at 617-357-0700, x332.
The 6th Family Support Institute will be held 4/8 and 4/9, at the Royal Plaza Hotel, Marlborough, MA. For information, please
log on to www.mctf.org, or call Anne at 617-727-8957, x307.
Ninth Annual Ounce of Prevention Conference, Caring People Building Whole Communities, will be held Tuesday, 3/5/02,
Best Western Royal Plaza Conference Center, Marlboro, MA. $40. For information, please call 508-752-7313.
CitizensHealth Presentations may be provided to your group, by Laura Weit, 508-981-0604.
Red Cross Position Vacancy, Staff Instructor, 35 hours per week, $12 per hour with benefits. Please call 508-586-4790 for more
information.
Morton Hospital & Medical Center 9th Annual Health Fair, Partners in Health, will take place 3/23/02, 12-3:00, at the Silver
City Galleria. For more information, please call Lisa Bronstein, 508-238-0376.
FUNDING RESOURCES
(*All amounts are approximate and may be based on past giving records.)
Agency/Program: Children and Youth Kellogg’s Hannah Neil World of Children Award
ADA Health Foundation Grants
Handspring Foundation |
$ Available*:
$100,000
Up to $5,000
$1,000-$25,000 |
Deadline:
5/1/02
7/31/02
5/1/02, 8/1/02, 11/1/02
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Contact:
614-491-3633
312-440-2547
www.handspring.com/company/foundation |
Corporate Support Best Buy Children’s Foundation |
$2,000-$10,000 |
5/15/02, 8/15/02, 11/15/02 |
952-947-2650 |
Education ED Cognition and Student Learning Research Grants
|
$75,000-$500,000 |
4/15/02 |
202-219-1385 |
Health HRSA Early Intervention Services: Planning and Capacity Building Grants
HRSA Ryan White Title IV Grants
|
Up to $150,000
$700,000 |
5/31/02
4/01/02 |
301-443-0759
301-443-9051 |
February 13, 9:00 Greater Taunton Mayor’s AIDS Consortium. Morton Hospital Café Annex.
February 13, 10:15 GATHER Domestic Violence Committee. Taunton New Hope Office.
February 13, 12:30 GTHHSC Multicultural Committee. CFC, 1 Taunton Green.
February 13, 3:00 TRY Steering Committee. CFC Conference Room, 1 Taunton Green.
February 14, 1:00 Greater Attleboro/Taunton Coalition on Homelessness. United Way
February 19, 9:00 GTHHSC Monthly Meeting. A.H.S., Broadway, Taunton
February 19, 10:15 GTHHSC Child & Family Focused Committee. A.H.S., Broadway, Taunton
February 27, 8:00 Safe Neighborhood Initiative Annual Meeting. T.H.S. Cafeteria.
February 27, 3:00 GTHHSC/GATHER Substance Abuse/Addictions Committee. T.H.S. Access
Center.
March 5, 9:30 Emergency Task Force. TEMA Office.
March 7, 12:00 GATHER Steering Committee. New Hope, One Taunton Green.
March 7, 3:00 TRY Community Awareness Task Force. CFC Conference Room, 1 Taunton Green.
March 8, 2:30 Substance Abuse Roundtable VII Committee. 18 Broadway.
March 12, 1:00 Greater Attleboro/Taunton Coalition on Homelessness. United Way
March 13, 3:00 TRY Steering Committee. CFC Conference Room, 1 Taunton Green.
March 15, 10:00 Peer Appreciation Event 2002 Planning Committee. CFC, 1 Taunton Green.
March 20, 9:00 Environmental Strategies (based on the Cambridge Alcohol Project). T.H.S.
March 27, 8:00 GTHHSC Community Health & Wellness “Best Practices” Subcommittee.
Morton Hospital & Medical Center Café Annex.
March 29, 10:00 Peer Appreciation Planning Meeting. Citizens for Citizens, One Taunton Green.
April 24, 9:00 GTHHSC Community Health & Wellness. Morton Hospital Café Annex.