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November 2010
| Vol 3, Issue 1
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The Compass
For Asset Development
Professionals
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| Welcome! | |
The Compass, an e-newsletter for asset development practitioners, was created to highlight training opportunities, best practices and new or ongoing programs. Its aim is to build a stronger network of services for Baltimore's families by connecting all of the work we do. We look forward to seeing your organization's contributions in future issues.
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Tell the asset building community what your organization is doing. Email your article and photos to The Compass!
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Like our Facebook page!
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Announcement: Participate in the My 2 Cents Video Competition for a Chance to Win $1,000!
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The M aryland Budget and Tax Policy Institute and Wide Angle Youth Media have announced a special c ompetition for teens and young adults 14-25 with an interest in media production. The challenge is to develop a creative 2-5 minute treatment of a Maryland tax policy issue to encourage greater understanding of how taxes impact the lives of diverse groups of people in the community.
Six finalists will be chosen to debut their video skills at the March 8, 2011 My 2 Cents premiere. Each finalist has an opportunity to win cash prizes as they compete to win a grand prize of $1000! Entries will address discourses surrounding such tax policy issues as: A Dime for Our Health, Corporations for a Well-Qualified and Compensated Workforce, and Millionaires for Education.
While using media as a force for good, Maryland Budget & Tax Policy Institute and Wide Angle Youth Media hope the video competition will inspire a new audience of viewers to be critical in their examination of tax policies and how they impact individuals and families throughout the community. To find out more details surrounding the competition go to http://my2centsvideo.org/wordpress ■
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Baltimore CASH Campaign Teams up with NCOA to Help Older Adults
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Many older adults are struggling to make ends meet as they face dwindling savings, rising health care and housing costs, and unemployment. This is why Baltimore CASH Campaign is partnering with the National Council on Aging (NCOA) to help older adults access money saving benefits, resources, and services that are available in the community.
Under NCOA's Economic Security Initiative, Baltimore CASH Campaign will link clients to an array of services through economic case management. These services include free tax preparation which helps older clients maximize their tax returns. Financial education and access to financial products such as savings accounts and savings bonds are part of Baltimore CASH Campaign's efforts to bring asset building to the aging community. Older adults will receive budgeting and credit assistance at meetings with a benefits specialist and when they call the Maryland Money Helpline.
Baltimore CASH Campaign will follow-up with clients and take the time to ensure each client gains a full understanding of their financial situation and the services offered to them. Over 20 public and private benefits are available, including: Together Rx, Maryland Energy Assistance, Medicaid, and Food Stamps. In addition, clients will receive referrals to additional services such as housing and foreclosure counseling, legal assistance, health care access, employment/volunteer opportunities, and more.
Success stories as well as quantitative data will be gathered to help evaluate the strength of this two-year effort in determining whether the holistic casework approach is the best way to have a substantial impact on the economic futures of aging adults. To refer clients to the program, please contact Adriane Thomas, Earn Benefits/Tax Preparation Coordinator (adriane@baltimorecashcampaign.org / 410-234-8080)or for general information please contact Monica Copeland, Asset Development Program Manager (monica@baltimorecashcampaign.org / 410-234-2803)
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| Leadership Spotlight: An Interview with JOTF's Founder Joanne Nathans | |
About Joanne:
Joanne Nathans is the founder and past president of Job Opportunities Task Force (JOTF), which started as an all-volunteer organization in 1996. Ms. Nathans has a long history of advocacy for social justice issues in the region, and now works with a dedicated full-time staff to ensure better work opportunities for low wage working families in Maryland.
Did you always know you wanted to be a lawyer for social justice?
I've been interested in social justice and race issues for a long time. I did not have the idea of being a lawyer until my second year in college. My mother was a lawyer and that opened my eyes to the possibility. I knew how crucial law was in advancing both civil and human rights. At the time of the formation of the United Nations Organization (U.N.) there was a lot of discussion about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. All of this appealed to me. When I finished law school I hoped to work with the U.N. but the U.N. was only hiring bilingual stenographers, of which I was neither. So I turned to domestic issues and went to work with the Social Legislation Information Service in Washington, D.C.
What do you consider to be your greatest collaborative achievement?
JOTF is by far my greatest collaborative achievement. JOTF's beginning and evolution happened because of the ideas and passion of many different people. One of JOTF's greatest values is that it brings people together to learn about employment-related issues and how to improve opportunities for workers and job seekers.
What inspired you to create JOTF in 1996?
JOTF began very informally in 1996 after two community leaders gave opposite answers to whether there were enough jobs in the Baltimore region to hire the unemployed and underemployed. One said yes, and the other said not only are there not enough job openings compared to the number of job seekers, but a high percentage of the jobs paid a very low wage and offered no prospect of advancement. I mentioned this to several friends involved with employment and poverty issues. We decided to hold a meeting to see who was interested in finding the true answer to that first question. We then learned about programs and organizations in the region that helped job seekers improve their skills and find jobs. This in turn allowed us to assess what was missing and how we could fill in the gap.
That is how JOTF began. We called it a 'task force' because we assumed it would accomplish its purpose in a fairly short time.
How does it feel to know that you have more than 10 years behind you and what is your vision for JOTF's future?
It has been a fairly straightforward evolution since those first meetings. We've gotten good advice and a lot of help from many people. We have been fortunate in our executive directors and the support that JOTF has received from foundations. We are independent, not part of government or any other institution or organization, which means that we can and must, do our best to identify and advocate for policies and programs to improve the skills and employment opportunities of low skill, low wage workers and job seekers. We will continue to do research, which provides the foundation of our advocacy positions; convene informative meetings, which are open to the public, and create new programs as needed. Together with our partners across the state, we will speak up in Annapolis and elsewhere on the issues we are concerned about.
What advice would you give to a person just beginning a career in social justice?
There are multiple ways to join in the fight for social justice. Some people are concerned about infant issues and pre-birth, others may be more interested in working with the aging population, and others are in between. I can't stress enough how important it is to find a niche that speaks to you and your passion. Assess the needs of the community to ensure the relevancy and fit for you. Doing research, reading broadly, and exploring agencies that address the needs are a great way to get your feet wet and increase your understanding of the conditions and climate surrounding economic and social issues today. ■
Photo courtesy of Jay Moore Photography
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Technology Hotspot: Financial Gaming with D2D
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Doorways to Dreams Fun d (D2D) has found an innovative new wa y to make managing finances and saving money fun! By bringing technology and the power of smart financial management together, D2D has lau nched Financial Entertainment, a new media that teaches consumers how to better manage their money and improve their financial knowledge.
Celebrity Calamity, D2D's first game interactively engages players in the money spending, debit and credit process. Players become the business manager for one of three celebrities--Alice Albudget, Buster Buyin, and Missy Moolah--earning their way up the ladder of career success through smart financial decision-making. Players advance their careers as their celebrities advance theirs. The challenge is to find that balance between smart money management and keeping your celebrity happy at all times.
D2D's more recently developed game, Groove Nation allows players to become the choreograph er and financial manager of Angel Alvarez, a talented dancer trying to save her way from San Antonio to LA. Players use a spinning dial to choreograph Angel's moves while managing her long-term and short-term savings, fixed and variable expenses, and expected and unexpected debt. The goal of the game is to save $10,000 before the final LA round. There are five rounds before a player can advance to the next city and there are six cities in which to manage Angel's financial spending habits.
These games are not just for the young. With such an innovative approach to monetary education-- financial entertainment is for everyone. You're never too old or too young to reap the rewards of smart financial management! To play visit: http://financialentertainment.org/ ■
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Civil Justice Inc.: Providing Legal Services to Prevent Mortgage Fraud
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Civil Justice In c., a nonprofit public interest law firm in Baltimore, has a long history of working to help homeowners that have fallen prey to unethical real estate and mortgage agreements. This year, Civil Justice received a gra nt from the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention to develop the Maryland Mortgage Fraud Prevention Project (MFP). MFP has positioned itself as a one year statewide pilot program that encourages homebuyers and those looking to refinance their mortgages for a primary residence to have their proposed purchase contracts and loan documents reviewed by a volunteer attorney prior to settlement. This legal review ensures that first time homeowners and those refinancing their mortgages are not agreeing to purchases and mortgages with unfair terms and excessive fees.
Diane Cipollone, the managing attorney of MFP explains that "the major goal of the project is to provide unbiased legal advice so that purchases and mortgage transactions are sustainable in the long term." Under the project, Cipollone is working to promote the message that "buyers and borrowers of all income and education levels are best protected when they consult with an attorney prior to signing these legally binding documents."
To further the project's objectives MFP provides free legal review of the documents for a purchase, refinance or reverse mortgage transaction before settlement. Attorneys will also let you know your legal rights if you run into obstacles with a seller or lender. Free legal help through Civil Justice is available to first time homebuyers who have attended pre-purchase counseling at a state approved nonprofit housing counseling agency with a purchasing price no greater than $425,000 and for those refinancing or taking out a reverse mortgage no greater than $425,000.
To find out more about the MFP project please search Facebook for Maryland Mortgage Fraud Prevention Project or contact Diane Cipollone at dcipollone@civiljusticenetwork.org ■
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| Career Pathways: Volunteer Opportunities & Open Positions | |
Volunteer Positions
Baltimore CASH Campaign:Seeking qualified volunteers to help Baltimore's working families reach their financial goals by providing them with free tax preparation, FAFSA preparation, financial education, and money saving services.
Tax Volunteers
Provide free tax preparation to working families with low and moderate incomes while helping families claim the EITC, a valuable tax credit for families earning less than $49,000 per year. Volunteers will undergo a comprehensive training process and pass the IRS Certification Exam to qualify for this position. Trainings begin in January.
Greeters/Administrative Support Volunteers
Create a welcome and friendly environment for individuals and families visiting tax sites while providing administrative support to site managers. No formal training is required.
Financial Resource Volunteers
Help cultivate financial education for Baltimore's working families. These volunteers will help connect clients to additional financial services at tax sites. Half-day trainings will be held in early January for this position.
CASH Coaches
Looks for individuals with financial expertise to work with low and moderate income clients to help them solve their financial management issues. CASH Coaches will help clients address various personal financial topics, including: budgeting, credit and saving for a goal. The CASH Coach client cycle will run from April to September.
Money Power Day Volunteers
Help with our big annual one-day event, Money Power Day (MPD) which will be held on Saturday, April 2. MPD is a free financial fitness fair that provides participants with a host of on-site services and information.
To find out more go to: http://www.baltimorecashcampaign.org/Volunteer.aspx or contact Annie LaRoe at: annie@baltimorecashcampaign.org / 410-234-2804.
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National Council on Aging
Associate Intern Program: A visceral experience improving the living conditions of older adults. This internship will emphasize improvement in the areas of economic security and healthy aging. Interns will receive a living stipend for the term of their internship.
Application deadlines for the summer 2011 program are due January 31st. To read more and apply please visit: http://www.ncoa.org/about-ncoa/ncoa-associate-intern-program/ncoa-associate-intern-program.html***
CASA de Maryland
Senior Manager- Employment and Training: A full-time opportunity to develop and lead both training and employment efforts in a creative multi-lingual organization devoted to community organizing. The Senior Manager will collaborate with program staff to develop a strategic plan to reduce barriers to unemployment while increasing economic and social well being of low to moderate income immigrant workers.
For more information go to: http://www.casademaryland.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47&Itemid=122
Qualified candidates may submit their cover letter and resume to:
E-mail: jobs@leaderfit.org
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Maryland Housing Counselors Network, Inc. (The Network)
Foreclosure Intervention Escalation Specialist:This is a 1-2 year full-time contract position that will work to ensure the success of the Maryland Escalation Pilot Program of The Network, which supports the efforts of housing counseling organizations in Maryland. This position will oversee the evaluation and submission of cases for escalation. The Escalation Specialist be responsible for training and supporting housing counselors from pilot organizations on program requirements and foreclosure intervention best practices.
For more details go to: https://netforum.avectra.com/eWeb/StartPage.aspx?Site=MHCN&WebCode=HomePage
Qualified candidates may submit their cover letter, resume and salary history to:
E-mail: Ruth@TheNetworkMaryland.org
Mail: Ruth Griffin, Executive Director, Maryland Housing Counselors Network Inc., c/o Eastside CDC, Eastpoint Mall, 7835 Eastern Ave., Suite 302, Baltimore, MD 21224
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Catholic Charities of Baltimore
Property Manager III Tax Credit Properties:This full-time position will be responsible for managing one or more tax credit facilities while ensuring that quality housing and services are provided to residents. This position will supervise staff and promotion of resident and community relations toward the marketing of tax credit properties and HUD properties as apropos. The Property manager will also participate in budget preparation and provide administrative support to the residents association to foster the collaborative involvement of Catholic Charities, tenants and staff.
To read more or apply online visit: http://www.catholiccharities-md.org/careers/current-opportunities.html
Contact: Mary Jane Lavin
E-mail: mlavin@catholiccharities-md.org
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Bon Secours Baltimore Health System
Community Support Specialist Supervisor: A full-time position that provides administrative, operational and clinical supervision to Bon Secours case management program. The position will be responsible for directing the day-to-day operation of the Case Management program while demonstrating knowledge of the nature of mental illness and the system of mental health services available.
To read more or apply online visit: https://www.healthcaresource.com/bonsecourshealthsystem/index.cfm?fuseaction=search.jobDetails&template=dsp_job_details.cfm&cJobId=155276
***Live Baltimore Fundraising Development Professional: Live Baltimore is looking for someone who is focused on Live Baltimore's mission to re-populate the City of Baltimore and motivated to engage others to support their work. A dynamic and detail-oriented Development Professional to invigorate the current fundraising system while diversifying Live Baltimore's fundraising base is desired for this position. To learn more visit: http://www.bncbaltimore.org/info-url4834/info-url_show.htm?doc_id=384752&cat_id=1289#LBfundraising Qualified candidates may submit their cover letter, resume, writing samples and desired compensation rate to: E-mail: resume@livebaltimore.com Mail: Live Baltimore, 343 N. Charles St., 1st Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201 ***
ACLU of Maryland, Education Reform Project Education Advocate: ACLU of Maryland is searching for a passionate advocate on behalf of Baltimore City students. This position will champion for sufficient education funding and policies for the city and state. The Education Advocate will collaborate with the Education Reform team and a host of public supporters, including: community members, school system staff, activists, students and parents to accomplish the project's goals. For more information go to: http://www.bncbaltimore.org/info-url4834/info-url_show.htm?doc_id=384752&cat_id=1289#aclueducation Qualified candidates may submit their cover letter, resume and writing samples to: Bebe Verdery, Education Reform Director ACLU of Maryland E-mail: jobpostings@aclu-md.org Fax: 410-366-7838 ***
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| Ability Bank: Upcoming Trainings and Events | |
23rd Annual Financial Services Conference
Consumer Federation of America (CFA)
This conference is being held to keep consumer advocates and educators informed about economic issues that are transforming the financial services market. Discourses will reflect the current conditions and outlook, while presenting new research, policy and regulatory prospects through keynote addresses, panels and debates.
Thursday, December 2 (8:45 am - 5:45 pm) - Friday, December 3 (9 am - noon)
Embassy Suites Convention Center Hotel
900 - 10th Street
NW, Washington, DC
To view the program and register for this event you can visit: https://www.signup4.net/Public/ap.aspx?EID=FINA62E
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31st Annual Conference
Welfare Advocates
The Welfare Advocates Annual Conference hosts work groups, hearings and panel discussions to address the needs and challenges surrounding the advocacy of individuals and families moving from welfare to self-sufficiency.
Friday, December 3
8 am - 3:30 pm
Double Tree Hotel
Annapolis, MD
Panel discussions:
Implementing No Wrong Door in Maryland
Best Practices in Social Work
Attracting Funding for Your Program
Consumer Insights
To read more and register for this event visit: http://www.catholiccharities-md.org/advocacy/welfare-advocates/welfare-advocates.html
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NeighborWorks Training Institute NeighborWorks America Liz Drapa and Tim Klont from the Corporation for Supportive Housing teach 3 engaging courses on how to help your community become part of the supportive housing movement. Courses offered: AH180 Supportive Housing: A Strategy that works for Tenants and Communities AH 181 Supportive Housing: The Three Legged Stool of Financing AH 182 Supportive Housing: Serving Tenants Effectively and Assuring Quality Monday, December 6 - Friday, December 10 Early-bird registration $50 (November 15) Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center 201 Waterfront St. National Harbor, MD 20745 To find out more details or register online go to: http://www.nw.org/network/training/upcoming/DC_NTI10.asp ***
Making Uncle Sam Work for You
Baltimore CASH Campaign - Financial Fitness Series
Tax credits are for everyone! Discover what tax credits are available to increase you tax refund. Learn money saving tips that are easy to implement. You'll learn how to use: exemptions and deductions, manage your withholdings throughout the year, and take advantage of tax credits. Tuesday, December 14 6 pm-7 pm, Poe Room, 2nd Floor
Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Branch 400 Cathedral St. Baltimore, MD 21201 To register visit: The Maryland CASH Academy at www.mdcashacademy.org, call 410-234-2803, or email monica@baltimorecashcampaign.org
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