The Voice: the e-newsletter of the Human Services Coalition
Issue 12September 30, 2010
in this issue
Heights of Poverty
SPEC conference
Komen Race for Cure
Face of Homelessness
Penny Wise Campaign
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Poverty reaches historic levels 
 
This month, The Census Bureau released its report on the state of  income, poverty and health insurance for the United States. The report details true struggles that the community faces during the recession. The 43.6 million Americans who were poor last year -- up from 39.8 million the year before -- account for the highest poverty estimate since the Bureau's first publication of estimates in 1959. The national poverty rate of 14.3 percent, up from 13.2 percent in 2008, is the highest since 1994. 
 
Figures for Florida show an alarming poverty rate increase from 12 percent in 2007 to 13.9 percent in 2009. The impact is being felt at social service agencies throughout Florida, where once middle class professionals are now showing up for services. The report indicates a shrinking of the middle class with more wealth concentrated among a smaller group and others losing income. Racial inquities in wealth are also growing.
 
``This is everybody -- everybody,'' said Daniella Levine, HSC's CEO. ``The new poor is the professional and middle class. We are seeing more and more people eligible for programs.'' 
 
For more information about how you and your family can move toward prosperity, please visit our Prosperity Campaign.
The new health law and your family

 
Imagine Miami: Do you know what's on the November ballot?
ImagineMiami
Get your SPEC on!
Join us for the 3rd annual SPEC Miami conference at UM
 
The Human Services Coalition has partnered with the Miami SPEC (Strengths, Prevention, Empowerment, Community Change) project in an effort to promote organizational and collective well being, which will increase the overall efficiency of how we deliver services to the community. The Miami SPEC project utilizes the Learning by Changing and Doing approach to encourage organizations to focus on organizational strengths. The Miami SPEC project seeks to change the model of how human service organizations work, from reacting to individual needs, to highlighting the positive resources found both within and outside of their organizations. 
 
The Third Annual SPEC Miami Conference will take place at the University of Miami on Wednesday, October 27 from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Speakers include lobbyist Ron Book and our own Daniella Levine, focusing on different approaches to advocacy. Participants will develop plans to improve community well-being through use of SPEC practices.
 
To RSVP for this conference, please contact Adrine McKenzie at [email protected].
Walk/run with Susan G. Komen for breast cancer awareness
 
15th Annual Komen Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Race for the Cure
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Bayfront Park, Downtown Miami
       
Fifteen years ago, the Komen Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Race for the Cure started with a few hundred participants and a band of warriors who were determined to raise money to find a cure for breast cancer. Be a part of something special and register today to help break last year's record attendance of 20,000 participants. Click here for more information.
 
To sponsor or support one of our own staffers, please email us directly!
 
Daniella Levine [email protected]
Colleen Perdue [email protected]
Karla Gottlieb [email protected]
 
Speak out to end homelessness
 
The Miami Coalition for the Homeless' "Faces of Homelessness" Speakers' Bureau is a public education initiative that is an essential part of the MCH mission.
 
Homeless and formerly homeless people are the real experts on homelessness and MCH believes their voices are essential in the fight to end homelessness in Miami-Dade County. The National Coalition for the Homeless, Inc. established this unique and necessary tool, providing a significant platform for people directly affected by homelessness to talk personally about their experiences. The Speakers' Bureau creates opportunities for members to advocate for themselves and others, as well as build necessary bridges with the rest of our community.
 
To learn more about the Faces of Homelessness Speakers' Bureau, please contact Chantell Justice, 305-571-8101 or [email protected].
Penny Wise Campaign a success!
 
Thanks to all of you who participated in the Penny Wise Campaign to stop the County budget cuts, CBO funding and many service jobs were preserved on September 23 at the final budget hearing of the County Commission. Kudos to the Mayor and County Commissioners who fought to preserve funding for our vital community services. Stay tuned for more advocacy opportunities around State tax and budget issues. Join us to promote accountable and responsive government that addresses all of our needs.
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 The Children's Trust  Miami Coalition for the Homeless
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