Support a Glades Nonprofit ~ Employee/Volunteer Level II Fingerprint/Background Screens
Educators, health, human service workers, and others required to complete Level II background screens for employees and volunteers working with children or vulnerable populations can complete their screens at The Glades Initiative in Belle Glade. The Glades Initiative is a nonprofit organization serving the Glades area. If you have to have your employees screened, why not pay a nonprofit organization for these services instead of giving your money to a for profit screening company? In addition, if your organization becomes a member of the Glades Initiative for an annual $50 fee, you receive reduced rates as well as other benefits.
The Glades Initiative rates are as follows: Member Rates: Non-Member Rates:
DCF Child Care Facilities/Summer Camps $40 $45
Dept. of Elder Affairs/Guardian Ad Litem $40 $45
ACHA/DOH Health Care Facilities $75 $80
VECHS Nonprofit Agency Employee $55 $60
VECHS Nonprofit Agency Volunteer $45 $50
Dept. of Education/Teachers Certificate $55 $60
Dept. of Health/CNA/Healthcare Cert. $75 $80
All others, Standard Rate $75 $80
Mobile Rate: we will do screening at your site for a minimum of 10 screens. Travel expenses may be assessed and included in the cost for screens completed outside of the Glades. We take cash, credit, debit, or check as payment.
Landscaping Donations Needed for Teen Service Learning Project at The Glades Initiative, Inc.
The Glades Initiative, Inc. is excited to be selected by the teens of Camp Fire Sunshine Council of Lakeland for a service-learning road trip on July 9. These thoughtful teens will be giving back to the Glades community by helping to improve the landscape at the Glades Initiative offices. The teens are coordinating the entire project as they develop leadership skills.
Donations of landscape supplies such as mulch, landscape rock, plants, shrubbery, weed barrier, etc. would be very much appreciated. We would also gladly accept financial donations to go toward the purchase of these needed supplies.
The CampFire program is a service-learning road trip for teens. Twelve teens and three adults travel by van throughout Florida learning more about our unique state and giving back to the communities they visit. The trip is full of youth empowerment and leadership opportunities. Teens are responsible for themselves and their teammates, helping with activities such as budgeting their money for the entire week, meal planning, map reading, solving clues to reach their next destination, and, of course, exciting service projects. Service-learning is more than just volunteering; service-learning projects help individuals to see the world in a new way, to feel empowered to make a difference, and to improve academic skills through real life experiences.
The BEFORE picture. Seriously in need of improvement!
The Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, Inc. and The Palm Beach County Sheriff Office present Harmony in The Streets. An action packed fun filled five day camp just for kids ages 6-12 years. Team sports arts and crafts, snack, lunch, games, and more! Open to the first 60 kids that register! Each child may only attend one week of camp. This project is funded by the Palm Beach County Sheriff office committed to our youth! If you are accepted you will receive a confirmation.
WHEN: Monday, July 7-11, 2014 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Belle Glade Parks & Recreation Center, 1224 SW Avenue E Place, Belle Glade
For more information and to return application contact LaKeisha Green: GreenL@pbso.org or fax (561) 688-3008
Mark your calendars for join Erickson Farm to sample some of the less common Florida mango varieties, purchase trees, take a tour, food and drinks, mango gift shipping. Bring your sunscreen and bug spray. Kids are welcome, make it a family event. Service animals only please. farm tour, and eat yourself silly, and have a relaxing day on the farm! Rain or shine!!
WHEN: Sunday, July 20, 2014 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Erickson Farm, 13646 US 441, Canal Point
Educational Seminar at 12 noon (tent in back area)
Glades Community Organization, Inc. 2014 Annual Dinner/Dance
Glades Community Organizations invites you to the 2014 Annual Dinner/Dance, join us for a silent auction, music, performing liturgical dancers, dine in, and a wonderful pull pork with applesauce, black beans, salad, dessert dinner. Cost $ 30.00 person tickets are on sale NOW!
WHEN: Saturday, July 26, 2014 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
WHERE: Sacred Heart Parish, Madonna Hall 425 North Main Street, Lake Worth
Belle Glade and South Bay Teachers Appreciation Breakfast
All Belle Glade and South Bay teachers are invited to attend a Teachers' Appreciation Breakfast Friday, August 15, 2014 from 8 - 9 a.m. at Community United Methodist Church in Jameson Hall. Supported by the following businesses: Lakeside Medical Center, Palm Beach State College, the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center, Burger King and Royals, Sem-Chi Rice, Okeelanta, Bank of Belle Glade, Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative, Florida Power & Light, Wedgworth Farms, Pirtle Construction, Suffolk Construction. Co-sponsored by the Belle Glade Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Glades.
WHEN: Friday, August 15, 2014 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Community United Methodist Church, Jameson Hall, Belle Glade
Early Detection is your Greatest Tool in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
Don't allow money to keep your from getting your mammogram. You may qualify for a FREE mammogram at Lakeside Medical Center through a grant from Susan G. Komen South Florida. To see if you qualify call Lakeside Medical Center.
For more information and to make an appointment call: (561) 996-6571 ext. 8286
Legal Aid Society Navigator Program - Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
Open Enrollment for 2014 Marketplace coverage is over.Outside the Open Enrollment period, you may still enroll in a private health plan through the Marketplace only if you qualify for an SEP. If you missed the deadline to enroll for 2014, certain changes in your life could allow you to sign up for a new plan that better fits your new situation.
Qualifying Life Events - Here are some examples of qualifying life events: Marriage or divorce , Having a baby, adopting a child, or placing a child for adoption or foster care, Moving your residence, gaining citizenship, leaving incarceration , Losing other health coverage-due to losing job-based coverage, the end of an individual pol-icy plan year in 2014, COBRA expiration, aging off a parent's plan, losing eligibility for Medicaid or CHIP, and similar circumstances., and more!
1018 19th Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 - 4 bedroom/2 bath, 1290 sq. ft.1024 Lincoln Rd., West Palm Beach, FL 33407 - 3 bedroom/2 bath, 1084 sq. ft.
ADT home security system with 1 year of FREE service
Storm shutters
ENERGY EFFICIENT HOMES: Brand NEW Energy Star Appliances: refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishwasher, washer & dryer; Brand New central AC & heat system
For more information call (561) 253-2080
WHEN: Accepting application until June 30, 2014
WHERE: Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County, 6758 North Military Trail, Ste. 301, Riviera Beach
Free Training: Internet Marketing for You ~ Your Business, Your Budget, Your Results
Develop effective online marketing strategies for your business on your budget. Learn marketing basics, including demographic targeting, persona development, social media trends, Google AdWords, and best practices. Part 1: What works? Find out what works in Internet marketing and learn how to develop an effective marketing strategy. 2nd Floor Program space Part 2: How to implement your strategy Learn how to create an actionable marketing plan thats right for your business or organization. Computer Lab Part 3: Tracking, measuring, and improving your marketing strategy - Learn how to track, measure, and analyze your results to improve future marketing campaigns.
Sign Up Now for Summer Trainings from Nonprofits First - Educational Pathway Series
Register now before classes fill up! For more information about our 2014 schedule visit Education Pathway Series
Nonprofits First is pleased to announce our 2014 Training RFP! If you are interested in facilitating a workshop or training series please complete the RFP application and submit to Nonprofits First as soon as possible. We look forward to reviewing your proposals and working with you! Click here to download the application.
The Glades Initiative is on Facebook. You will find lots of Glades specific information and resources posted to our page, so please "Like Us" and interact with us.
The Glades Initiative's web calendar, located on our website at www.gladesinitiative.org is one of the most effective tools for keeping up with health and human service activities in the Glades Community. Click on the calendar to the right to access the calendar and take a look. Bookmark this site on your computer or phone for easy access.
This is just one of the ways The Glades Initiative promotes communication, collaboration, connection, and community for Glades health and human service agencies, providers, and Glades residents.
The state loses more children under the age of five to drowning than any other state in the nation. As we play in the summer sun, it is important to emphasize supervision and swim safety while spending time with friends and family around the pool. There are many layers of protection that can prevent drowning deaths:
Supervision: Someone should always be actively watching children when they are in the pool. This means don't play around on your phone or get involved in a big conversation while watching the kids. Drowning can happen in just a few minutes. Designate a "Water Watcher" to keep an eye on swimmers.
Barriers: A child should never be able to enter the pool area unaccompanied by an adult. Barriers physically block a child from the pool. Barriers include: child-proof locks on all doors, a pool fence with self-latching and self-closing gates, as well as door and pool alarms. Pool covers may also be used but make sure it is a professional cover fitted for your pool. A simple canvas covering can be a drowning hazard and entrap a child in the water. Florida law requires barriers for home pools.
Summer Break Spots or the Summer Food Service Programs are federally funded by the USDA and is state-administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Children need healthy food all year long in order to grow and learn. During the school year, many children receive free and reduced-priced meals through the School Breakfast and Lunch Programs. When school lets out for the summer, many of these children are at risk of hunger or poor nutrition. This program is designed to ensure that children have access to the nutritious meals they need to grow, learn and play during the summer months and to help ensure their bodies and minds are healthy and strong for the upcoming school year.
There is no cost for meals. USDA requires that meals be served at no charge to the children. However, the site may have a fee set for the activity program they provide.
At almost all sites, there is no application necessary and any child 18 or younger can simply come during meal times to receive a meal.
However, we do suggest that you give them a call first to let the site know that your child may be coming during meal time. Some sites ask that an adult or responsible teen accompany children during the meal time because they don't have staff to handle extra children that may not be a part of their regular activity program. Exception: A few sites (like overnight camps and sites in higher income areas) do require that parents fill out a form about family income in order for children to receive meals.
This fundraising program is structured around our concessions department on the 100, 400 and Club Levels. We contract nonprofit groups to staff and operate concession stands during special events, University of Miami home football games and Miami Dolphin's home football games. The program is designed so that the non-profit organization will operate a concession stand as if it is their own business and in return receive a percentage of net sales. We do provide all product, supplies and banks. The group will be responsible for managing, operating, staffing and selling designated product in the location. There are no upfront expenses. All you need are volunteers with great customer service skills, a smile and dedication.
Palm Beach County Farm Worker Jobs & Education Program
Are any of your family members a farmworker? Would you like to get an education or training, to find permanent year-round employment? If your answer is yes to these questions, this may be the perfect program for you.
What can the program do for you? Who is eligible?
1. We can provide you with vocational training 1. Seasonal or migrant farm worker
2. We can help you improve your reading and math skills 2. U.S. citizen or legal resident of US
3. We can send you to English classes 3. Low income or family receiving public assistance
4. We can help you to obtain a high school diploma 4. 50% of income from farm work or 50% of work time in farm work
5. In some cases we place students in work experience for a period of time 5. Have done some farm work in the past 24 months
6. We could help you to prepare for a job
If you are not eligible, but you know someone who is, or was a farm worker, working in a packing house of nursery, please let that person know that he/she may be eligible for our program. Call today to complete the pre-application and evaluate your eligibility. 607 S. Main Street, Suite 103, Belle Glade, FL. Contact: (561) 992-7405
All Belle Glade and South Bay teachers are invited to attend a Teachers' Appreciation Breakfast, Friday, August 15, 2014 from 8 - 9 a.m. at Community United Methodist Church in Jameson Hall. Supported by the following businesses: Lakeside Medical Center, Palm Beach State College, the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center, Burger King and Royals, Sem-Chi Rice, Okeelanta, Bank of Belle Glade, Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative, Florida Power & Light, Wedgworth Farms, Pirtle Construction, Suffolk Construction. Co-sponsored by the Belle Glade Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Glades.
WHEN: Friday, August 15, 2014 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Community United Methodist Church in Jameson Hall
Community Trip to Miami Dolphins Game against the Kansas City Chiefs
St. John 1st Missionary Baptist Church is hosting a community trip to the Miami Dolphins
VS Kansas City Chiefs. Cost: $50.00 (includes transportation, admission, and food). Cost breakdown: $42.00 transportation & admission, $8.00 food (at church). Please note: Passengers do not have to ride the bus. Receipts will be issued. Only 50 tickets available. They are on sale now. The deadline to purchase tickets is Sunday, August 17, 2014. Sponsored by the Trustee Ministry.
WHEN: Sunday, September 21, 2014 Game Time: 4:25 pm (Bus will depart from church's parking lot at 1:00 pm)
WHERE: St. John 1st Missionary Baptist Church/Miami Dolphins Stadium
Comcast Program Offers Affordable Internet Access to Eligible Families
Comcast Program Offers Affordable Internet Access to Eligible Families. In an effort to close the digital divide separating many American families from home Internet access, Comcast has created Internet Essentials. The Comcast Internet Essentials program is an affordable broadband service available to eligible families in need of Internet access. Through the Internet Essentials program, families will pay just $128 a year ($9.95 per month with taxes) for fast Internet access. Comcast is also offering laptop or desktop computers for $149.99 plus tax when families sign up for the Internet Essentials program. Families who want to ensure their students have Internet access over the course of their school career have the option of paying a one-time fee of $1,816 for both a home computer and Internet access from kindergarten all the way through high school. The incredible discounts offered through the Internet Essentials program make it affordable and easy for families to join the online community.
The Professional Opportunities Programs for Students (POPS)
The Professional Opportunities Program for Students, Inc. (POPS) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) community-based organization whose mission is to provide personal and professional development for teenagers who face social and economic barriers that impact the quality of their lives. The goal of the POPS program is to prepare the students for future success by assisting them in the completion of high school and motivating them to pursue advanced education and gainful employment. In addition to providing the students educational counseling and developmental skills training, POPS also provides the students with stipends for their summer internships. An Employer Partner that provides a work site placement and mentor relationship for one or more POPS student interns plays an integral part in the overall development of the students and the success of the POPS program. With your support, the students will have an opportunity to see first-hand how the knowledge and skills they learn in school and in POPS-sponsored workshops are applied in a "real world" workplace. The Employer Partner is requested to provide to provide work site placement and mentor relationship for eight (8) weeks during the summer.
For more information visit their website at www.popinc.org or contact POPS District Manager, Derick Payne, 360 East Main St. Pahokee, 561-924-8105 ext. 244
The Western Observer ~ Palm Beach Sheriff's Office Newsletter Dedicated to Western Communities
It is our pleasure to introduce to you the first edition of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Western Observer newsletter. This is a newsletter dedicated specifically to the communities located west of 20 mile bend. Our goal is to keep the Glades Citizens as informed of community events and activities in which PBSO sponsors and/or participates. By working together we will make our communities happier, healthier and safer.
Cities and counties across the nation are turning to community policing. Community policing is a strategy that builds on fundamental policing practices with Police officers as public servants who interact with citizens on a daily basis, have a unique opportunity to demonstrate the importance of citizen involvement in the community. In turn, they realize that their authority and effectiveness are linked directly to the support they receive from citizens. When fully embraced, community policing is democracy at its best.mphasis on crime prevention and lasting solutions to problems. It requires new resolve from citizens and new thinking from police officers. Community policing reduces crime and fear while restoring a sense of order. But it also can rebuild the bond between citizens and government. For the Western Communities our Community Policing Unit consists of Sgt. C. Cohen, Corporal N. Mitchell, D/S R. Bush and D/S A. Alfonso as a team they work closely with the tri-cities and their residents. A few of the well-known annual events we are involved in: Shop with a Cop, Christmas Meal and Toy distribution, Thanksgiving Meal distribution and the Back to School Bash.
Previous Postings OTHER AREAS
South Florida Human Trafficking Task Force Meeting
The South Florida Human Trafficking Task Force has scheduled its quarterly meeting for the month of August.
WHEN: Thursday, August 14, 2014 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
11th Annual Turn on the Light South Florida Conference ~ Child Abuse and Neglect
Join The Children's Healing Institute for Education... Resources... Networking... The Turn on the Light South Florida Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect is a one-day conference that brings together professionals who work with or on behalf of children and families for a full day of educational and networking opportunities. LEARN Attend a variety of workshops and presentations focused on key trends related to child abuse and neglect programs, research, practices, therapeutic approaches and advocacy. Continuing Education credits are available for many professions. GAIN Acquire information and resources about community programs, services and products relevant to children and families from local and national exhibitors and vendors. CONNECT Network with professionals of varied disciplines who work with children and families including social workers, psychologists, law enforcement, attorneys, nurses and teachers.
WHEN: Thursday, October 16, 2014
WHERE: Palm Beach County Convention Center, 650 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach
To promote independence for people with disabilities. Special Guest from Palm Tran - Gloria Galloway. If you need an accommodation, (need interpreter, large print, use wheelchair) the deadline to register is Wednesday, July 2, 2014.
WHEN: Tuesday, July 8, 2014 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: Coalition for Independent Living Options, Inc. 6800 Forest Hill Blvd, West Palm Beach
For more information and to RSVP call Marie Urbina: (561) 966-4288 x111
The Quantum Foundation is currently accepting applications for the 2014/2015 cycle.
The Quantum Foundation is currently accepting applications for the 2014/2015 cycle. Please go to our website and click on the "Apply for a Grant" tab.
Click "Learn more about Quantum in the Community," Set up an account or access your account to apply.
* Special Note: if you were funded in our last grant cycle (November 2013), you must have your final report completed and submitted before your new accplication will be considered for funding.
The deadline for applications is Friday, August 1, 2014 at 5:00 p.m.
Palm Beach County Library System's Talking Books Wins Award
On June 05, 2014, the Palm Beach County Library System's Talking Books (PBCLSTB), received the Network Subregional Library of the Year Award. The award was presented at the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. by the National Library Service for the Blind and Handicapped (NLS). NLS administers the braille and talking-book program, a free library service for those whom have low vision, blindness, or disability that makes reading difficult. NLS created the Network Library Awards to recognize outstanding accomplishments of libraries serving people with visual and physical disabilities across the United States.
PBC Library Systems' Consumer Health Information Services Librarian Wins Lighthouse Award
On May 29, 2014, Rachel Mick, Palm Beach County Library Systems' Consumer Health Information Services (CHIS) Librarian received the Lighthouse Award. The Award fromNavigate PBC, an initiative of the Health Council of Southeast Florida, is given to individuals who go above and beyond in their work helping individuals and families navigate the various health and human services systems and connecting or linking them with care, services, programs and support. Rachel was recognized for the efforts of CHIS to help our patrons understand the Affordable Care Act (ACA). CHIS hosted the first ACA Community Partnership Meeting, in September 2013. Twenty-nine representatives from PBCLS, Palm Beach County municipal libraries and Martin County Library System and sixteen representatives from local agencies attended the meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to maximize the efforts in providing the public with accurate information and professional assistance with regard to ACA and the new healthcare marketplace. We wanted to find out what ACA services agencies would be providing to the public and what they needed in order to achieve those goals, and where the libraries would fit in.
Independent Contractor/Consultant Needed for Jewish Women's Foundation
In 2003, the Jewish Women's Foundation (JWF) was created to be a feminist grant making and advocacy organization focused on creating social change locally, in Israel and around the world. JWF is a partnership program of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. Guided by Jewish values, JWF is committed to work for opportunities to empower women and girls in order to achieve social and economic equality. JWF uses social change philanthropy, advocacy, and education to ensure that women and girls can reach their fullest potential. JWF offers its donors an informed Jewish philanthropic response to women's issues. JWF Executive Director and the JWF leadership recognize that JWF work is expanding. JWF is looking to engage a consultant to design and execute plans for the grants and advocacy committees, and other related JWF work.
National Alliance on Mental Illness Palm Beach County Updating Resource Guide
NAMI PBC is currently in the process of updating its Resource Guide to Mental Health Services in Palm Beach County. In order to provide our community with a thorough and accurate listing of services, please complete the attached form and return it to our office with your payment. Please return your form and payment by June 30, 2014. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Are you a teen struggling with feelings of sadness? Are you a parent worried about your teen's emotional well-being? Help is available. Beginning in June,The Center for Child Counseling is partnering with NAMI of Palm Beach County to offer free, weekly teen support groups in West Palm Beach. Open to males and females in grades 7-12, the groups will be facilitated in a safe environment to help teens...
Housing Principal Reduction Program Reopens on May 15
The Florida Housing Finance Corp. has reopened its landmark principal reduction program and will begin accepting applications at 9 a.m. Thursday. The plan, which is one of five under the $1 billion Hardest Hit Fund, gives underwater homeowners up to $50,000 to reduce their mortgage debt. Unlike the original application process where only 25,000 applications were accepted, this process will remain open until the $350 million allocated for the program is committed. The eligiblity requirements for the program have not changed. Homeowners must be current on their mortgage payments, live in their homes as their primary residence, make 140 percent or less than the area median income and owe 25 percent or more on their mortgage than their home's value.
211's Snapshots for April 2014 are now available for you to review! 211's Snapshot is a monthly report highlighting select statistics related to 211 Helpline's overall call volume from residents of Palm Beach County, Martin County, St. Lucie County, Okeechobee County, and Indian River County. This snapshot provides a summary of demographic data while reflecting the problem/needs of those individuals who contacted 211 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast in search of information, assessment, referrals, telephone counseling, crisis intervention and/or suicide prevention services.
Posting Information to our Eblast & Volunteer Opportunities
Anyone wishing to add their local announcements or events is welcome to submit their information by Friday to be posted the following week. Please include a brief summary of the information to be posted with your contact name, phone number and/or flyer. If you want to submit a posting please email us at updates@gladesinitiative.orgor (561) 996-3310.
If you would like to submit your volunteer opportunities on our site below, please email us at volunteer@gladesinitiative.org
Check the Glades Community Calendar for Check out Volunteer Opportunities at the Glades Initiative
additional activities scheduled in the Glades area: or opportunities with our Partners in the Glades:
Glades Community Calendar
Glades Volunteer Opportunities
Donating to The Glades Initiative, Inc.
If you would like to show your appreciation for the services of The Glades Initiative, Inc., please consider making a tax deductible donation. You can click on the link below or send a check made out to The Glades Initiative, Inc. to 141 SE Avenue C, Belle Glade, FL 33430. Thank you in advance.
If your place of work has a United Way giving campaign, you can keep your donation in the Glades by designating your contribution to The Glades Initiative, Inc.
SOLICITATIONS UNDER THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES REGISTRATION #CH16445 BENEFIT THE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THE GLADES INITIATIVE, INC. INFORMATION ABOUT THE GLADES INITIATIVE IS AVAILABLE AT (561) 996-3310, OR AT www.gladesinitiative.org "A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE." The Glades Initiative, Inc. a not for profit tax exempt organization receives 100% of each contribution.
COMMUNITY * CONNECTION * COMMUNICATION * COLLABORATION
The Glades Initiative, Inc., 141 SE Avenue C, Belle Glade, FL 33430 561-996-3310
communities located west of 20 mile bend. 
