Accessibility Resource Center

February 22, 2013 

DEPARTMENT CORNER

Grant Opportunity - Request for Proposals - Navigator Pilot Project

The Barnstable County Department of Human Services has issued an RFP for the Navigator Pilot Project. The goal of the Navigator Pilot project is to improve access to information and the coordination and delivery of home based long term care supports and services for residents of Cape Cod who have chronic health conditions and physical disabilities. Barnstable County will award up to $ 90,000.00 to an eligible non-profit entity or individual for an 18 month period.

View the RFP.  It can also be found on-line at www.bchumanservices.net and on the Resource Development Website. All questions regarding this RFP should be directed to Julie Ferguson, Barnstable County Grant Manager at 508- 375-6879.

Applications must be received no later than: 12:00PM on Thursday April 4, 2013.  Applicants should submit an original proposal and FIVE COPIES (including attachments) to:

Barnstable County Resource Development Office

Navigator Pilot Project RFP

P.O. Box 427

Barnstable, Massachusetts 02630-0427

Attention: Julie Ferguson

*If hand delivering a proposal, applications must be brought to the Resource Development Office located at the Barnstable County Complex before 12:00 PM on April 4, 2013.

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AGING AND DISABILITY FORUM POSTPONED

The Human Rights Commission breakfast scheduled for Saturday, February 9, 2013 has been postponed until Saturday, March 23, 9:30 a.m., at the Holiday Inn in Hyannis.

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The Barnstable County Department of Human Services is pleased to announce a new website find.bchumanservices.net featuring on-line directories of health and human service resources. The Directories are a compilation of local resources organized around areas of critical need such as food, housing, mental health services, energy/fuel assistance, and services for seniors and people with disabilities. Find.bchumanservices.net is a valuable resource now available to Barnstable County residents and human service organizations. This new on-line tool is an effective and efficient way to make local information available on a 'simple to search' website. For more information view press release in its entirety.

If you believe your organization should be included in any of the new Directories or have any other feedback on how to improve the on-line directories, call the Department of Human Services at 508/375-6628.

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Community Action Committee's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program is offering FREE tax help to low and moderate income taxpayers of all ages.  They will help prepare both federal and state 2012 tax returns and help claim tax credits including: Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit, Child & Dependent Care Credit, and Education credits. View flyer.  Clients seen by appointment only and during tax season only.  FAST, EASY and FREE!  Call today ... contact Melissa at 508/771-1727 ext. 132.

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Did you know that Cape Light Compact offers Free Home Energy Assessments?

These free assessments are available to all Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard residents (tenants and homeowners), regardless of your income level. Our energy specialist(s) will come to your home and evaluate your insulation, determine air leaks, replace your incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient ones, and meter your refrigerator to see if it would be eligible for a rebate towards a new energy efficient model. Cape Light Compact will cover 100% of the cost of any recommended air leak sealing, and at least 75% of the cost up to $4000 for any insulation work that is recommended.

To sign up for your free assessment or for more information, please call 1-800-797-6699 or visit www.capelightcompact.org.

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Winter storm Nemo passed through New England on February 8 and 9, bringing significant damage to a number of communities. High snow fall combined with significant wind conditions has caused widespread power outages across much of the Massachusetts coast. While some power outages were for a relatively short period of time, many Massachusetts families were impacted by sustained outages and may be in need of SNAP replacement benefits. Please note, only current SNAP clients are able to request these household misfortune replacement SNAP benefits.  SNAP households who suffered a food loss related to the winter storm have 10 days to report the food loss by phone, in writing or in person. Because the storm and power loss occurred on February 8 and 9, households should report their loss associated with this storm by the end of the day on Tuesday, February 19, 2013. They must then return a signed and completed statement of loss within 10 days of reporting the food loss.

The Zion Union Heritage Museum is hosting a jazz trio and Creole food prepared by members of the Cape Verdean community on Sunday, February 24th at 2:00 PM.  Promises to be as fun as the jazz and soul food event several weeks ago.

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Community Outreach

• February 28, 1:00 PM - Orleans Library, Main St.:  Speakers to address the topic "The Struggle for Gender Equality and Healing a Culture of Violence".
• March 7, 9 - 11:00 AM -Irish Village:  Independence House will join the Yarmouth Police Department for a specialized press conference encompassing the White Ribbon Campaign.  As part of an international human rights effort, the Massachusetts White Ribbon Day Campaign invites men and boys to be part of the solution in ending violence against women by taking a pledge.  Both men and women in the community are encouraged to attend.

Group Counseling Opportunities:

• Male Survivor Recovery Group: for more information call 508/771-6507 or email annD@indhouse.net
• Self Esteem Group:  This new group will be beginning February 25th and run for 6 weeks.  Group is open to adult client survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence.  For more information email AnnR@indhouse.net
• Domestic Violence Parenting Group: 8-week group will begin February 25th and emphasize the impact of domestic violence and the effects it has on children and parenting.  For more information contact DebraF@indhouse.net.

For more information on programs and events visit independencehouse.com

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The Town of Barnstable will conduct a public hearing scheduled for March 6, 2013 at 3:00 PM in the Selectman's Conference Room, 367 Main St., 2nd Floor, Hyannis to obtain comments and views of residents, public agencies, community organizations and other interested parties in Barnstable on the priorities for the 2013 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.  Information obtained will be considered in the preparation of the draft 2013 One-Year Action Plan (July 1, 2013 - June 30, 2014).  The plan serves as the planning and strategic document for the Town's CDBG Program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Read more ... in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

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Exciting events and monthly workshops are planned for the next several months.

• Finding humor in parenting is how we all (and our children) survive.  To give voice to and recognize that parenting is the hardest job you will every do, the Coalition for Children invited Jean Fitzgerald - author, behavior specialist and master trainer, to be the keynote speaker for this adult night out sponsored by the Coalition for Children and the Community Network of Cape Cod on February 28th at the Coonamessett Inn, Falmouth. The third annual Celebrating Our Children: a night of parenting respite includes a light buffet dinner and a parent information bag.  Cost is $20.00 per person.  Call 508/548-0151 ext 172 to reserve your seat.  Scholarships are available.
• March Coalition for Children Council meeting scheduled for Monday, March 11th at the Falmouth Police Station.  Meeting begins at 6:00 PM.
• Monthly Family Literacy Fun: stories and fun activities at various locations on the upper Cape.
• 10th Annual Cape Cod Youth Summit is being planned for March 15th at Cape Cod Community College at the Tilden Arts Center. This FREE event for high school & college students and young adults will run from 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM and offer a variety of workshops designed to help young people find and follow career and life paths.  Advance registration is encouraged.  Call Katri Mullaly at 774/766-6916 or email cnofcc@gmail.comf or more information.

 For more information on these and other activities visit www.thecoalitionforchildren.org and view the newsletter.

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Cape Cod Foundation Grant Applications are now online!  All applications must now be submitted through the online application system in order to be considered.  For a complete listing of all available grants with deadlines and links to the online applications please click here. 

Upcoming Deadlines:

• Community Impact General Grants-accepted on a rolling basis 
• GALE (Gay and Lesbian Equity) Fund Grants-midnight on Friday, March 15
• Vito Pini Grants-accepted on a rolling basis
• Deadline change:  Grants for the Thomas C. McGowan Fund for Animals will now be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. This is a change from the previous annual deadline of November 1. 

Do You Want to Know How to Grow Your Pie?  March 7, 2013, 10am - 12:30 pm at the Martin Auditorium of the Martin Institute at Stonehill College, 320 Washington Street, Easton, MA.  Join your colleagues for an important discussion about how all nonprofits are affected by the state budget and the current discussion around revenue reform. We'll learn how budget cuts have resulted in the inability to meet our state's critical needs; discuss ways we can be effective spokespeople for our organizations and constituents; and strategize on how to mobilize the nonprofit community around progressive revenue reform.  Click here for more information and the link to register.

Read more  about the Cape Cod Foundation.  

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As part of an annual focus on pediatric rehabilitation, Spaulding Eileen M. Ward Outpatient Center for Children will offer "Mondays in March" Pediatric Lecture Series.  For three weeks in March, pediatric specialists from Spaulding will provide free educational lectures for the public, specifically designed for parents, health professionals and educators of young children.  Lectures begin at 7:00 pm at Spaulding for Children, Heritage Park, Rt. 130 in Forestdale.  Seating is limited and pre-registration is required.  To register call Spaulding at 508/833-4210.  Read more ...

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The goal of the Harwich Human Services Grants program is to assist non-profit agencies in their efforts to support the residents of the Town of Harwich through vital human service programming. The program is managed by the Barnstable County Resource Development Office.  If you are a previous recipient of Harwich Human Services funding, you still must apply to this program to be eligible to receive funding in the coming fiscal year.

In Fiscal Year 2014, a total of $76,500 is anticipated to be available to support these efforts - subject to town meeting approval. Historically, grants have ranged from $1,000 to $15,000. The due date for applications is March 15th, 2013.  For more information visit  http://www.barnstablecountyrdo.org/topics/harwich/

For questions or to have an application emailed to you contact Katherine Garofoli - kgarofoli@barnstablecounty.org or call 508-375-6873.

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On March 22, 2013 leading experts in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias will provide informative views on managing difficult behaviors and the purpose of an inpatient stay at a senior behavioral health unit. Hope Dementia & Alzheimer's Services, part of the HopeHealth family of services and formerly known as Alzheimer's Services of Cape Cod & the Islands, will host the 14th Annual Spring Conference geared toward caregivers and medical professionals.

FREE Training for School Staff and Youth Workers.  This training is appropriate for educators, school support staff, nurses, community-based youth program staff, and youth workers.    Read more ...  Training is scheduled for Saturday, March 23, 2013 from 10 AM - 3 PM at the Hoagland-Pincus Conference Center, 222 Maple Ave, Shrewsbury, MA.  Registration and refreshments begins at 9:30 AM.  Morning coffee and lunch provided.  CEU's avialable.  Register at http://www.cvent.com/d/lcqrlk

Sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Suicide Prevention Program.

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• On-going Caregiver's Group at Barnstable Senior Center, second and fourth Tuesday afternoons from 1-2:30 PM. For more information view flyer.
• Healing through Writing about Loss and Change - meets for 8 weeks from 9-10:30 AM beginning February 26th in Dennis.
• Caregiver Veteran's Group - meets fourth Wednesday from 9-10:30 AM at the Eastham Senior Center.
• Coping with Loss Info Session - March 4th from 7-8:00 PM at the Centerville Library.  Pre-registration required.
• Navigating Life's Transitions: Coping with Loss and Change -  Meets the first Wednesday of the month at the Eastham Senior Center from 9-10:30 AM beginning March 6th.

The MA Department of Public Health Suicide Prevention Program presents the 12th Annual Suicide Prevention Conference:

"Coming Together to Reduce Suicide and Promote Mental Wellness: Suicide Prevention Across the Lifespan", April 2nd & 3rd, 2013 at the Sheraton Framingham Hotel & Conference Center

Please click for brochure and registration.  Please check all tabs for information!  Before selecting your workshops please click the "Workshop Descriptions" tab to view ALL workshop descriptions and agenda.

You can sign up as an individual or organizational MCSP member on our website and receive conference scholarships and discounts.

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For many parents, family members and others, the news that someone you know is transgender can bring an array of emotions and a myriad of questions.  Parents, Families, Friends of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgenders (PFLAG) of Cape Cod will present an education conference on Saturday, April 6, 2013 from 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM at Cape Cod Community College in Lecture Hall B in the Science Building, 2240 Iyannough Rd. (Route 132) (Exit 6 off of Route 6) in West Barnstable.  CEU's provided by Health Imperatives for Social Workers and Educators.  View brochure and registration form.

This workshop is for you if:

• You are a parent, guardian, sibling, relative or friend of someone who is transgender or gender non-conforming.
• You are an educator seeking to learn about and become more sensitive to transgender students & co-workers.
• You are a therapist seeking to better understand and support your transgender clients.
• You are a member of the public who wants to become more open, accepting and supportive.

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Hope Dementia & Alzheimer's Services Expands its 21st Annual Walk to Include Hope Hospice & Hope HouseCalls

Hope Dementia & Alzheimer's Services, part of the HopeHealth family of services, announced that its 21st annual Miles of Memories Walk - now called Miles of Memories: Walk for Hope, is open to walkers for Hope Dementia & Alzheimer's Services, Hope Hospice and Hope HouseCalls. More walkers can help more families facing serious illness.

Superior Court Ruling May Affect Nonprofit Advocacy

A recent Superior Court ruling may have a significant impact on the reporting requirements for nonprofits and their employees who register as lobbyists. Superior Court Judge Janet Sanders ruled in favor of Common Cause, the Conservation Law Foundation, AirStrategies, the ACLU, and Citizens for Juvenile Justice and the Associated Industries of Massachusetts in a lawsuit against Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin.  Read more... 

Learn, Strategize and Mobilize Around "Growing the Pie"

CIGSYA-Thrive is looking to sell their 18-20 passenger B-bus style vehicle, The 2003 Eldorado Aerotech Bus has 180,000 miles, is an accessible vehicle with a handicap lift, door motors and mechanics have been completely reworked, has brand new tires and runs very well.  They are willing to consider partial trade for a 12-15 passenger excellent quality van.  For more information contact Scott Fitzmaurice at scott@cigsya.org

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Affordable Care Act Will Expand Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits and Parity Protections for 62 Million Americans

The Affordable Care Act builds on the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 to extend federal parity protections to 62 million Americans. The parity law aims to ensure that when coverage for mental health and substance use conditions is provided, it is generally comparable to coverage for medical and surgical care. The Affordable Care Act builds on the parity law by requiring coverage of mental health and substance use disorder benefits for millions of Americans in the individual and small group markets who currently lack these benefits, and expanding parity requirements to apply to millions of Americans whose coverage did not previously comply with those requirements.

• Do you provide health or human services on Cape Cod or the Islands?
• Does the public know what services you provide?
• Do people know how to access your services?
• Do you need assistance in finding services for your clients?

The Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255, Press 1) is available 24/7/365 to provide confidential counseling and referrals for Veterans and their families.  This is an integrated national outreach effort to increase awareness and use of the Veterans Crisis Line, support and promote broader VA suicide prevention efforts, and promote help-seeking behaviors among Veterans at risk of suicide and other mental health problems.  For more information about the Veterans Crisis Line please click here.

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