DNMM Launches "Let's Get Rolling" Campaign to Purchase Accessible Van

At Disability Network, we see an accessible van as more than just a vehicle: we see it as independence. Independence for the person living in a nursing facility hoping to move out. Independence for students attending a job tour, community event, or a skill-building camp. Independence for a wheelchair user needing a ride to the polls on Election Day.

This is our current van. Instead of independence, we now see old, rusted, and in dire need of repair. Unfortunately, the van's problems are more than just cosmetic. Its overall condition has declined to the point where it can no longer accommodate the needs of our consumers.

Transportation is a vital aspect of life for all of us. Being able to fully access our communities is what defines "independence." At Disability Network, we utilize our van to provide transportation for people with disabilities.

Supporting Disability Network can have a lasting impact on the lives of persons with disabilities. We hope you'll consider making an impact by contributing toward the purchase of a new $45,000 accessible transport van. Your tax-deductible contribution will help a person with a disability fully access his or her community. You can help that person attain something many of us take for granted: independence!

Click here to get involved in the "Let's Get Rolling!" campaign. Share it with your friends, family! Become a fundraising team captain! Challenge your colleagues and co-workers!

Think you don't have anything in common with people who have autism?  MTV wants you to think again.

In a new documentary, "True Life Presents: The Benjamins," MTV is taking a personal look at the path to adulthood through the lens of two brothers with autism. Brad and Kenny Benjamin live with their parents in Bowie, Maryland, and are taking steps towards greater independence - they're learning to shop for groceries and cook their own meals, preparing to get their driver's licenses and increasing their social interaction by throwing a dinner party.  

True Life Presents The Benjamins | Sneak Peek

"We want what lots of people want," Kenny says, and both brothers aim to increase awareness of autism.

"We want the people to show great respect for autistic people," said Brad. "Not to be called names. We have the same problems as other normal people do. We have challenges that can make it harder."

"We're smart, we're fun and we're polite," Brad says. "My bro's nervous about being on TV because people might make fun of him. So am I. 'Cause people aren't always kind to us. They should be kind to all people."

"I just hope that people could understand that people with autism need some love and caring," Kenny, 23, who has Asperger's Syndrome, adds. "Not to treat autism as a curse, but just different and special."   

MTV said the documentary is designed to be "uplifting and eye-opening" and explore "what it means to live life as an autistic person."

True Life Presents: The Benjamins can be seen Monday, May 6, 2014 at 4:30pm Eastern on MTV.  Click here for more information and future airings.  

Supportive Services for Veteran Families

No one who has served our country should ever go without a safe, stable place to call home.  

MidMichigan Community Action Agency, serving Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, and Osceola counties, has created  the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program.  The program is also available in Isabella, Montcalm, Ionia and Gratiot counties, through a partnership with Eight CAP.

What services does the SSVF program offer veterans and families?

The goal of the SSVF program is to improve the housing stability of veteran families. MidMichigan Community Action will provide outreach and case management services, and they will assist participants in obtaining VA benefits and other public benefits including:

• Rental assistance
• Utility payment assistance
• Deposits
• Moving Costs
• Emergency Supplies
• Transportation Assistance
• Child-Care

Kroger Community Rewards Supports Disability Network   

Attention Kroger Shoppers! Supporters of Disability Network now have an easy way to support our mission of promoting independence for people with disabilities. All it takes is a Kroger Card and a few clicks at KrogerCommunityRewards.com.

With the Kroger Community Rewards program, using your Kroger Plus card earns dollars for Disability Network programs while saving you money on your groceries! By enrolling, you allocate a percentage of what you spend as a donation to Disability Network EVERY TIME you shop! It's that easy! And, it takes nothing away from your Kroger rewards points.

If you have previously enrolled, you must Re-Enroll every year after April 1st. To enroll in the program, just follow these steps:

• Register online at KrogerCommunityRewards.com  
• Be sure to have your Kroger Plus card handy to register your card with your organization after you sign up.
• Click "Sign In" or "Create an Account" 
• Use your email address and password to proceed to log in or follow the prompts to create your new account.
• After logging in, click the "My Account" button at the upper right corner of the screen. 
• You'll see an Account Summary with options to edit your password, your Kroger's Plus Card, your Preferred Store, your Information, and your COMMUNITY REWARDS. 
• To contribute to Disability Network, click the "Enroll" button. Enter 90870 or Disability Network of Mid-Michigan, select DNMM from the list and click "Confirm."
• To verify you are enrolled correctly, you will see your organization's name on the right side of your information page.

After that, just remember to swipe your Kroger Card at the checkout line for savings on groceries and a portion of those sales will be donated to Disability Network!

If you need assistance or if you have questions about the program, please contact Matthew Ivan at 989-835-4041.   

Community Feedback: Question of the Month

We need your input! Here's an easy way for your voice to be heard!

Click here to submit your answer(s) to the question.  Your responses will be anonymous and we will not share your name or email information with any third party.