STAGES Program Wraps Up Another Successful Summer  

The Summer STAGES youth program celebrated the completion of its eleventh year this August. Over 60 students had the chance to participate in events focusing on employment, independent living skill building, and recreation.  Students toured local businesses like Randy's Green Thumb, Fashion Square Cinema, and T-shirts Mugs N' More. The students participated in numerous teamwork and skill-building exercises, and gained work experience at Camp Fish Tales near Pinconning.

Summer STAGES 2013 Slideshow

STAGES students took part in bike-riding events in Bay City, Midland, and Saginaw, took on a high ropes challenge course & horseback riding at Camp Fowler, enjoyed the Bay City River Roar, toured the Japanese Gardens, learned about Native American culture Ziibiwing Center in Mt. Pleasant, took tennis lessons at Midland Community Tennis Center, went swimming and visited the planetarium at Delta College and spent an afternoon aboard the Princess Wenonah on the Saginaw River.

Todd's journey toward independence began in Minnesota, not exactly the typical starting point for a DNMM transition.  Following a long recovery from a stroke, Todd approached his Options Counselor about moving back to Michigan, in order to be closer to his family.

The counselor contacted DNMM's Nursing Facility Transition (NFT) program and inquired about how, and if, the Medicaid Waiver could assist Todd in moving back to Michigan.  NFT staff explained the process and began work on getting Todd moved into Brittany Manor, a nursing facility in Midland. NFT staff then worked with Todd and his family directly to get him approved for Medicaid. 

Todd moved back to Michigan shortly before the July 4th weekend. NFT staff spent the next five weeks assisting Todd in securing affordable housing, purchasing furniture and household items, and obtaining the durable medical equipment he needed.  

During the transition process, DNMM worked closely with A&D Home Health Care. Todd's transition into his own home was smooth and he is receiving assistance with home care and medical needs through local care provider agencies.

 You Can Help Make Our Beaches Accessible!    

As we seek to build inclusive and accessible communities, we will need not only your input, but that of the community at large. One of the areas we're hoping to place considerable emphasis over the coming months, is creating access to beaches.

Tawas State Park beach is in the midst of developing a General Management Plan. The plan begins with the assembly of a Planning Team from various specialists within the DNR. The Planning Team typically includes the Park Managers, Conservation Officer, District Park Planner, District Supervisor, and Recreation Division Management Plan Administrator. In addition, the Stewardship Unit participates through its Manager, Ecologist, Ecological Restoration Specialist, and Cultural Specialist.

Once the Planning Team has studied the park, stakeholders and the public will be invited to learn more about the process, understand the findings of the team, and to provide input. A survey is now available for the public to offer input about Tawas State. It only takes a few minutes to complete and your information is invaluable! Click here to participate!

Please feel free to share this link with your family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and co-workers! http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TawasPoint  

Your voice can help make our beaches accessible to everyone!  

Deadline to Apply for Michigan Home Heating Credit Approaches

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) noted that the deadline to apply for Michigan's Home Heating Credit in 2013 (for tax year 2012) is September 30th. The credit assists low-income people and qualifying senior citizens with winter energy bills. Customers do not need to file a Michigan tax return to apply for the Home Heating Credit.

"Paying winter energy bills can be challenging for low-income utility customers," noted MPSC Chairman John D. Quackenbush. "The Home Heating Credit is available to assist them. The Michigan Public Service Commission encourages low-income customers to apply for this important credit before the September 30th deadline."

The Home Heating Credit is funded by the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program grant. Home Heating Credits are processed by the Michigan Department of Treasury. The form (MI-1040CR-7) may be obtained by visiting www.michigan.gov/taxes - or by calling 517-636-4486.

Eligible customers must have their homestead in Michigan, must own or rent the home in which they live, and for the standard allowance, their income must fall within certain limits, as the following chart indicates:

"Low-income customers may also be eligible for other assistance programs administered by utilities and consumer agency programs, and should contact their utility company or call 2-1-1 for more information," Quackenbush added.

Community Feedback: Question of the Month

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