AprilApril--June 2013June 2013 Volume 4, Issue 14 Volume 4, Issue 14

MCAAMCAA AAction Newsction News

You Made Us #1 By Parnell E. LaLonde IV, Information Technology Manager Manatee Community Ac on Agency, Inc. was voted as being the number one “Non‐profit Organiza on” in the Herald Tribune’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards for 2012‐2013. We are indeed honored and privileged to hold this dis nct award and look forward to con nuing to serve our community.

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Helping People. Changing Lives.Helping People. Changing Lives.

Anniversaries & New Faces ..................... 12 Board Member Spotlight ........................ 11 Cinco de Mayo Celebra on ..................... 8 Funny Things Children Say ...................... 7 Head Start Applica ons .......................... 12 HIPPY Get Together ................................ 10 LIHEAP Limelight ..................................... 1 Mortgage Problems? .............................. 4 Na onal Community Ac on Month ........ 1 Poverty In America .................................. 1 Teaching Strategies ................................. 9 Weatheriza on Tips ................................ 4 Whole Child Manatee ............................. 5

By Community Action Partnership, Washington DC Na onal Community Ac on Month in May was created by the Community Ac on Partnership to reinforce Community Ac on Agencies' role helping low‐income families achieve economic stability.

During Na onal Community Ac on Month, Community Ac on Agencies truly make the Promise of Community Ac on—to help people and change lives—come alive by hos ng events that help put a "face" on the families living in poverty and the dedicated individuals who are helping them escape it. (See Page 2)

LIHEAP Limelight by Theresa Sheehan MCAA’s Low‐Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is able to perform Outreach Projects through‐out the year to provide a focus toward priority popula on groups. These groups include low‐income senior ci ‐zens, many without transporta on or previous knowledge of the services available to them and the mentally and physically disabled. (See Page 3)

Mortgage Problems? We Can Help! See Page 4

WeatherizationWeatherization SeeSee Page 4Page 4

Poverty In America… A Losing Ba le?  by Barbara Patten, MCAA Executive Director According to the US Census Bureau, more than 46 million people, or about 15 percent of the US popula on, live below the official poverty level. The “working poor” account for nearly one quarter or 10.4 million of this number. (See Page 2)

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National Community Action Month (continued from page 1) Success stories are honored and personal achievements are recognized. Some governors and mayors even proclaim May "Community Ac on Month" in their states and ci es. Community Ac on Agencies also use Na onal Community Ac on Month to call a en on to poverty‐related problems. As Community Ac on Agencies are showcasing their programs, they are also giving local residents‐many who are unaware of the poverty in their communi es‐a first‐hand look at the struggles low‐income families face and how Community Ac on programs help these families achieve financial security. Na onal Community Ac on Month in May was created by the Community Ac on Partnership to reinforce Community Ac on Agencies' role helping low‐income families achieve economic stability.

For more informa on on Na onal Community Ac on Month or Community Ac on Partnership visit www.communityac onpartnership.com

Poverty In America… A Losing Battle? (continued from page 1)

MCAA lives this statistic every day. We see it in the eyes of desperate parents hoping to keep their lights on, and in the faces of our hungry Head Start children. And so we help… Sometimes MCAA is the turning point that enables a family to return to a self-sufficient life. Sometimes what we can provide, is too little too late. Manatee Community Action Agency is one of the 1,000 Community Action Agencies across America making a difference in spite of disheartening statistics and unacceptable political games. As a network, Community Action Agencies are staring down the barrel of Sequestration. We have already taken a 5% reduction to our Head Start budget and fully expect cuts in other federal contracts within the year. In spite of all of this, MCAA staff continues on, heads held high in their commitment to serve the needs of our low-income neighbors. Please join me in thanking and appreciating them for the special people they are. They ask for little… and give so much.

Barbara Pa en MCAA Execu ve Director

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LIHEAP Limelight (continued from page 1) The HUD/Sec on 8 senior ci zens housing assistance facili es have residents aged 62 and older. The oldest ci zen we provided assistance for was 99! All the residents are living on a small fixed income, some of them under $500.00 a month. It makes a great difference in their monthly budget when they

receive a Home Energy benefit between $150.00 and $300.00. Some of the residents have made the amount credited to their electric account last the en re year allowing them to afford other needed expenses. They are all so grateful that we travel to their place of residence as many are assisted by walkers and wheelchairs and have transporta on challenges. The low‐income senior housing facili es included Presbyterian Villas of Bradenton, Lake East Apartments, Holy Cross Manor I & II and The Courtney all from Manatee County. In Hardee County we provided assistance to the residents of Chatham Pointe Senior Apartment Homes. The LIHEAP staff also provided Outreach assistance to the residents of the Manatee Mobile Home Park and to those receiving housing assistance through Volunteers of America Living Centers, both in Manatee County. The LIHEAP 2012 Outreach Ini a ves provided benefits to over 262 households consis ng of the elderly and the mentally and physically disabled in the amount of $57,960.00. This project aided a popula on of people that were either unaware of the LIHEAP program or from lack of resources and transporta on would not have been able to receive services from MCAA. It was a wonderful experience to collaborate with the services coordinators from all the different facili es in an effort to provide benefits to their clients. So far in 2013 we have returned to Presbyterian Villas of Bradenton & Chatham Pointe Senior Apartment Homes to give a second benefit to qualified ci zens. The LIHEAP staff will be revisi ng Holy Cross Manor I & II on June 20th and are in the process of making plans to return to Lake East Apartments. In addi on to the regular busy schedule and the Outreach Projects the LIHEAP staff has had the opportunity to receive addi onal training from some of the agencies that MCAA collaborates with. In February other MCAA employees joined the LIHEAP staff as we hosted mee ngs with Wenston DeSue, Execu ve Director of the Bradenton Housing Authority and Brenda Love , Housing Manager of the Manatee County Housing Authority (both HUD/Sec on 8 housing assistance); Mike Day, Opera ons and Management Consultant I from the Department of Children & Families (SNAP [Food Stamps], TANF [Cash Assistance], Medicaid); Stephanie Andrews, Assistant Director of the Suncoast Workforce (Re‐Employment, formerly known as Unemployment); Brea Styles, Deputy Director of Manatee County Clerk of Court ‐ Child Support Enforcement; Chris na Russi, Informa on, Referral & Resource Specialist from United Way 211 of Manasota; and Traci Adams from Manatee County Government ‐ Aging Services Elder Care Helpline. The staff also met with Steve Whitworth from Florida Power & Light and Maribel Garcia and Lynn Rosa from Manatee County’s Salva on Army. It was a pleasure to receive updates training from these agencies and to learn of all the ser‐vices they provide to Manatee County residents. The LIHEAP staff also had the enjoyment of being honored at an FPL Assist Agency Apprecia on Luncheon on April 12th at the Laisley Crab House in Punta Gorda along with many other agencies that provide energy assistance in southwest Florida. Steve Whitworth and Jose Labrador from FPL provided the par cipants with informa on on how businesses can reduce energy costs and the new smart meters being installed in all Florida households. FPL also selected one assist agency to feature at the luncheon and they chose Manatee Community Ac on Agency! A Power Point presenta on was presented about the Evolu on of MCAA. The presenta on highlighted all the programs offered at MCAA from its incep on in 1968 to the present. The power point was originally created for the 2013 MCAA Management Academy and ended with the proud announcement of MCAA receiving the Herald Tribune’s Reader’s Choice First Place award for Non‐Profit Organiza on! The author of this ar cle is Theresa Sheehan the LIHEAP Program Manager. For LIHEAP ques ons or assistance call 941‐827‐0188 and press op on 1 or go to our website at www.manateecaa.org.

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Mortgage Problems? We can help! By Rick DiGiorgio Manatee Community Ac on Agency is a HUD Cer fied Housing Counseling Agency, and has been for over 30 years. Visit us online at www.manateecaa.org click programs, then Housing Counseling to print out an applica on. From this page you can also find out if Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac owns your Loan or if you qualify for Florida’s “HARDEST HIT” Program. We also have a link on the right side of the page in which you can down load an applica on to apply for our help and meet with MCAA’s HUD Cer fied Housing Counselor. MCAA has been able to help several families obtain Loan Modifica on’s this past quarter, which has reduced their payments and allowed them to keep their homes. Some families have been advised of other op ons to their income. Most important we are here to try to help you, and since we are a HUD cer fied Housing Counseling Agency, our services are FREE.

On June 3rd, MCAA will be offering a FORECLOSURE WORKSHOP from 9 am ll 8 pm. Anyone having a mortgage with OCWEN Loan Servicing can meet with an OCWEN representa ve. Gulf Coast Legal Services will have representa ves there as well.

If you would like more informa on or to schedule an appointment call Rick at 941‐757‐1166, op on 1.

Change a Little and Save a Watt By Susan Schoenherr Florida's Winter is past and the Summer Heat is upon us. I'm invi ng you to join me on an "Energy Quest." Heat and Cooling isn't the only energy we use. How many ways can you think of to save energy around your house? There's never enough energy to waste!  

We need to use energy more efficiently, how to conserve energy, how to make though ul choices about ways we can use less and how important it is to not waste energy. Are YOU and your family having an energy crisis? You may be if you're was ng energy. How many ways to save energy around the house do YOU know? Change a Light, Change the World  We really can change the world and our energy use with just one light bulb. The key is that the more people that take this step, the more we can change the world. Where possible, use compact fluorescent light bulbs. Those funny‐looking bulbs produce the same amount of light by using 1/4 of the electricity. Plus, they last for years and years without burning out. Fight the Light!  Don't leave lights on when no one is in the room. If you are going to be out of the room for more than five minutes, turn off the light. If you know of a light that everyone forgets to turn off, make a s cker or a sign to hang next to the switch that says "Lights Out!" or "Don't Forget!"

(Con nued Page 6)

Based on the premise that the en re community has the desire and responsibility to see children thrive, Whole Child Manatee embarked on a journey that began with community planning and resource development. Most noted for a comprehensive on‐line system that families may use to access services, WCM has further evolved into a training and “go to” source for families and community professionals as they try to navigate and unravel complex systems, program access and eligibility, and the “what do I do”, ”where do I go”

ques ons. The Whole Child Coordinator and Advisors have their eyes and ears open for new services, changes in services and eligibili es, funding opportuni es for community organiza ons and advocacy for families not in the main stream. Their services include direct support of families in helping them iden fy their needs and develop an ac on plan. The direct support o en includes going with families as they access services to translate the spoken language, or to interpret the jargon of services, which for them is a strange and convoluted language.

Meet Terry, a parent of two young children who was referred to Whole Child Manatee by her pediatrician. With the help of a Whole Child Advisor she completed a Whole Child Profile in her home and designed a plan to address the many challenges her family was encountering. A er iden fying her priori es with the Advisor, she focused on ge ng a job and childcare. She enjoyed working with children but lacked training and experience in the field. A connec on was made with the early childhood program right next door to her home and she was hired as a teaching assistant with the necessary training being provided and childcare for her children as well! Terry also needed housing and was advised to pursue public housing assistance which she did and moved her family to a safer home. While living there Terry received credit counseling and recovery assistance and a ended first me home buyers classes. Terry con nued to improve the quality of her life, and her father while visi ng a free tax prepara on service recognized the Whole Child Advisor who had helped Terry and thanked her profusely, saying that she has come such a long way, and she never would have go en there without guidance from the Advisor. She remains employed and has owned her own home for a year now! How did the Advisor help this family? She supported Terry through the comple on of a profile, helped her priori ze her needs and establish a plan of ac on. The Advisor was aware of the employment opportunity, and understood the public housing applica on process and the availability of support. She helped Terry understand how to take the small steps that helped her reach her goals.

The Whole Child Connec on is a comprehensive web‐based service delivery system that helps Manatee County families access the services they need to enhance their quality of life or o en simply make ends meet.

Check us out on the web at www.WholeChildManatee.com

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Change a Little Save a Watt (continued from page 4) Don't Leave Things Turned On  

Turn off the TV when no one is watching it. The same goes for computers, radios and stereos ‐ if no one is us‐ing it, turn it off. Turn off all the appliances at the surge protector/control strip ‐ that four‐ or six‐plug extension chord that you plug all your computer things into. Some devices, like modems or other networking boxes are drawing small amounts of power all the me. Children, check with your folks first, but the best thing to do is turn them ALL OFF at the surge protector. Some mes adults are the worst energy wasters.

It's a Ma er of Degrees!  

In warm weather, the thermostat at home should be set at 78 degrees. (Don't do this, of course, if it will cause health problems for anyone in your family.) When no one is home, set the thermostat at 85 degrees. That way, you'll reduce the need for air condi oning and you will save energy. If you have ceiling fans or other fans, turn them on. The blowing air can make you feel 5 degrees cooler, without running the family's air condi oner. Fans use a lot less electricity than air condi oners! In cold weather, wear warm clothing and have your thermostat set to 68 degrees or lower during the day and evening, health permi ng. When you leave home for an extended me, set the thermostat at 55 degrees or turn it off, too. That way, your family can save from 5 percent to 20 percent on your hea ng costs. (Don't do this, of course, if it will cause health problems for anyone in your family.)

Don't Heat ‐ or Cool ‐ the Great Outdoors!  

Americans use twice as much energy as necessary to heat their homes. That accounts for a lot of wasted ener‐gy! If you have a fireplace, close the damper when you don't have a fire burning. An open fireplace damper can let 8 percent of heat from your furnace escape through the chimney! In the summer, an open fireplace damper can let cool air escape. It's like having a window open! Think about your curtains. Keeping the curtains closed on cold, cloudy days helps block the cold outside air from ge ng inside. Also, keeping the curtains closed on very hot days keeps the hot air out! A glass solar reflec on product is another great way to keep the heat out.

In the Bedroom   

Don't leave on your computer, TVs, radios or games that use electricity when you're not using them. The best surge  protector is an unplugged device.

In the Bathroom  

Was ng water wastes electricity. Why? Because the biggest use of electricity in most ci es is supplying water and clean‐ing it up a er it's been used! About 75 percent of the water we use in our homes is used in the bathroom. Unless you have a low flush toilet, for exam‐ple, you use about five gallons to seven gallons of water with every flush! A leaky toilet can waste more than 10,000 gal‐lons of water a year. Wow! Drippy faucets are bad, too. A faucet that leaks enough water to fill a soda bo le every 30 minutes will waste 2,192 gallons of water a year. Another simple way to save water AND energy is to take shorter show‐ers. You'll use less hot water and the water heater can use 1/4 of your home energy….which is 1/4 of your energy bill.

Next me…..Kitchens, ba eries, the outdoors and things you should consider buying. Remember it's all about Weatheriza on and Saving Energy…and that's everyone's responsibility! 

 Susan Schoenherr is the Weatheriza on program Manager. If you have ques ons about MCAA’s Weatheriza on Program visit us on the web at www.manateecaa.org or call 941‐757‐1157.

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Funny Things Children Say By Ann Herron I am re ring! My last day at MCAA will be June 28th. I have truly enjoyed my employment here at Manatee County Head Start and will miss the daily contact with all my coworkers and children. When I first hired on at MCAA (MOC/Project Child Care), my posi on was a “Developmental Screening Specialist”. Then I became a “Referral Coordinator” and then a “Mental Health and Disabili es Specialist” with Head Start. Working with children is a blessing as well as a challenge. I want to share with you some of the funny things that I remember over the years as I have worked with children throughout the community. One of the screening tests that I give children is called the “Ba elle Developmental Inventory”. Here are some of the “highlights”. Test Ques on: What would you do if a stranger asked you to go for a ride in his car? Children’s Answers: “I would get my car seat so I would be safe”. “I would knock him out”. “I would enjoy the ride”. Test Ques on: Where do you eat? Children’s Answers: “Chucky Cheeses” “McDonald’s” “At Grandma’s house” “In the cafeteria” Test Ques on: When do you eat? Child’s Answer: “A er I pee” (My personal favorite answer!) I also ask children to repeat words for me so that I can iden fy certain speech sounds. One of the words is “begun”. The test is looking for the “g” and “n” sound. I’m not sure if it was my East Tennessee pronuncia on of the word (??)….anyway, a er I said the word and asked the child to repeat it, he said “my daddy has a big gun!” Another child was asked “can you show me how you skip?” The child made a disgus ng sound with his throat and went over to the trash can and “spit”. Obviously another misunderstood ques on! One day while I was at Rogers Head Start, I was walking down the hall with a child and saw Mr. Jeff Schneiderman. I said “hello Mr. Schneiderman”. The child looked at me and said “was that Spiderman?” For the en re test, he was convinced that we saw Spiderman! I would like to thank Barbara Pa en for taking on the challenges of running this agency and truly caring about her employees. I would also like to thank Carol Hunt, Kathy Patreka, and Susan Gilbert for their leadership, guidance and supervision to me as an employee over the past 15 years!

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PAL Head Start - Cinco de Mayo Celebration By Kim Stephey Cinco de Mayo is a celebra on held on May 5th. Ini ally celebrated in Mexico, primarily in Puebla, where the day is called Día de la Batalla de Puebla (English: The Day of the Ba le of Puebla). It was originally recognized in America as a way to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first few years of the Civil War and is celebrated now as a day of Mexican heritage and pride. The children and staff at PAL Head Start celebrated Cinco de Mayo on Monday, May 6th with fun, food, and fes vi es. Prior to the event, teachers and their students worked together on making piñata’s for the special day.

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Teaching Strategies Gold Make Head Start Even Better By Kim Stephey Teachers are the key factor in how children experience the care and ed‐uca on they receive in preschool se ngs. A teacher’s knowledge of each child and the ability to support each child’s op mal development and learning helps the program achieve posi ve outcomes for all children in early childhood programs, such as Head Start/Early Head Start.

Assessment is an ongoing cycle of observing and collec ng facts; analyzing and responding; evalua ng; and summarizing, planning, and communica ng to others. Head Start/Early Head Start began using a new assessment tool for the children enrolled in the program for the 2012‐2013 school year. Teaching Strategies Gold is an authen c, observa onal assessment system for children from birth through kindergarten. It is designed to help teachers get to know their students – what they know and can do, as well as their strengths, needs, and interests. With that informa on, teachers can plan ac vi es that are individualized for each child. Because child development is so complex, the Teaching Strategies Gold assessment system measures the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that are most predic ve of school success. The tool has 38 objec ves, including 2 objec ves related to English language acquisi on. The objec ves are organized into 10 areas of development and learning: Social‐Emo onal Physical Language Cogni ve Literacy Mathema cs Science and Technology Social Studies The Arts English Language Acquisi on

A ra ng scale is used to assign a value to each child’s level on a par cular progression. Colors are used to show the age ranges for these expecta ons. There is a strategies page for each objec ve that offers ways to support development and learning. __________________________________________________________________________________________

Reminder: that Head Start is currently taking applica ons for the upcoming 2013‐2014 school year. Anyone

interested in applying should call 941‐750‐6667, ext. 7013 to make an appointment. Early Head Start applica ons will not start un l June. Those interested should contact 941‐750‐6667, ext. 7013 a er June 1st to make an appointment.

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HIPPY Program Yearly Get Together By Antonia Bloise Every year HIPPY parents and children celebrate the HIPPY program with a “Family Get Together”. The event was held at Morton Clark Head Start on April 30, 2013 and what an exci ng experience it was to have HIPPY parents, Head Start Administra ve Personnel, and HIPPY Staff Support par cipate together in our annual event. Parents had an opportunity to socialize with each other and were happy to share foods and recipes from their home country while having fun with their children. The children played at the playground, ate and interacted with each other. Parents expressed their apprecia on for the daily lessons and weekly training that are part of the HIPPY pro‐gram. With support from HIPPY staff, these educa onal tools help them to become ac ve par cipants in their children’s educa on, empowering them to become their children’s first teacher. Handout informa on from other agencies and events was provided as well as fresh produce and bakery items which were donated by Meals on Wheels for the families to take home. A good me was had by all.

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Board Member Spotlight Mitzi Mack There are many non‐profit agencies worthy of your  me 

here in Manatee County.  Why did you choose MCAA? I selected Manatee Community Ac on Agency because I am very passionate about programs that support the needs of the community through providing resources and assistance that encourage, educate and empower.

What is the greatest reward of being a Board Director for 

MCAA? One of the greatest rewards of being a Board of Director for

MCAA is having the opportunity to visit the various programs

MCAA

supports, such as, the HeadStart and VPK programs. The parental

involvement within the programs, provides a great example of

ways in which the organiza on (MCAA) works to empower others and contribute to the success of the

community.

What is the greatest challenge of being a Board Director for MCAA? 

One of the greatest challenges of being a Board of Director for MCAA is being able to be fully immersed in

the intricacies of the diverse and numerous programs MCAA offers the community. As a board member, I

learn so much about the various programs, yet, have li le me to explore and experience the many ways

in which MCAA touches the lives of so many people in the community.

Where do you see MCAA being in 5‐10 years? 

In 5‐10 years , I see MCAA, con nuing its mission to encourage, educate, and empower this community through more targeted areas for growth based on the con nued contribu ons of board members, policy council members, parents, teachers, staff, and the community as a whole. In the past year, alone, MCAA has increased its outreach technologically, crea ng opportuni es to establish beneficial connec ons between businesses and other community organiza ons. This endeavor has brought, not only increased awareness for MCAA and its mission, but also the hope of addi onal funding opportuni es that may provide longevity for MCAA and keep them on the path of changing lives. Ms Mack has a Masters in Educa on and has served on the Board of Directors for MCAA since 2011.

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ANNIVERSARIES April 2013 thru May 2013 MCAA Thanks you for all that you do as well and the service and commitment you have given through the years. “The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” ~Vince Lombardi (In order of start date)

NEW FACES Thru April 2013 MCAA welcomes the many new faces that have joined our family. (In order of start Date)

Head Start Ramos, Nakale M

Head Start Johnson, Sparkle L

Head Start Garvin, Shayoun Q

CSBG Garcia‐Lorenzano, Yesenia

Head Start Bowden, Anthonina A

Head Start Angeles, Daniela J

Head Start Or z, Ida L. 20 years

Head Start Herron, Ann L. 15 years

Head Start Charles, Chrislande 7 years

Head Start Ortega Or z, Juana E. 7 years

Head Start Plaia, Peter J. 5 years

Head Start Hinton, Phanta J. 5 years

Finance Ellington, Linda 5 years

Head Start Onley, Markeem L. 2 years

Head Start Mays, Tiki K 1 year

Head Start is currently taking applica ons for the upcoming 2013‐2014 school year. Anyone interested in applying should call 941‐750‐6667, ext. 7013 to make an appointment. Early Head Start applica ons will not start un l June. Those interested should contact 941‐750‐6667, ext. 7013 a er June 1st to make an

 

Manatee Community Ac on Agency & Gulf Coast Legal Services, Inc. in partnership with OCWEN Load Services are offering a special one day opportunity on Monday June 3rd to meet face‐to‐face and possibly modify your home mortgage.

You may not have another opportunity like this. To register or for more informa on call (941) 757‐1166 op on 1.

Registered appointments take priority over walk‐ins for this event. Call and register today!