Stay Connected! See What's Going on in the Glades this Week
Happy Holidays from The Glades Initiative, Inc.
GLADES AREA
Holiday Office Closings this Week
The Glades Initiative, Inc. will be closed Wednesday,December 24 to Friday December 26, 2014.
Florida Community Health Centers, Pahokee office will be closing Wednesday, December 24 at 3:00 p.m. and on Thursday, December 25
C. L. Brumback Health Center, Palm Beach County Health Department (S.R. 80) will be closed December 25 & December 26, 2014.
Bridges at Belle Glade will be closed Thursday, December 25 to Sunday, January 1, 2015
Primary Care Clinic in Belle Glade will be closed Wednesday - Friday, December 24-26, 2015
Bridges at Pahokee will be closed Thursday, December 25 to Sunday, January 1, 2015
Quit Smoking Now: Free 6 Week Smoking Cessation Program
Tired of tobacco? Do you know someone who is? If you're ready to quit...we're ready to help! Free group program at The Glades Initiative, Inc. Quit Smoking Now is a six-session group program to help you quit tobacco. The program was developed by ex-smokers for those who want to become ex-smokers themselves, and it also includes help for other forms of tobacco such as cigars, dip, chew, etc. The program offers free nicotine patches, lozenges, and/or gum (while supplies last) as well as follow-up support.
WHEN: Beginning Wednesday, January 7, 2015 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
To register, call the Everglades AHEC at 877-819-2357 or info@eahec.org
New ABE/GED Program at Pahokee High School
Coming in January 2015: Online GED Program at Pahokee High School. Classes will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays January 20 to April 23 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
WHEN: Registration Tuesday, January 13, 2015 & Thursday, January 15, 2015 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Pahokee High School, 900 Larrimore Road, Pahokee
Step Up for Students Scholarship Funding Organization
Step Up for Students is a state-approved nonprofit Scholarship Funding Organization that helps administer the new Personal Learning Account (Special Needs Scholarships signed into Law -6/2014) and the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program (Income-Based Scholarships). Below is a power point which explains both of the programs and a flier. The scholarships are for children in Kindergarten through 12th grade.
"How to Succeed on Broadway" at the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center
Coming to the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center is Matt Davenport Productions' How to Succeed on Broadway! Celebrate the magic of the Great White Way through dazzling production numbers performed by the next generation of Broadway stars! The multi-talented cast brings to life the most popular scenes and songs from the latest Broadway hits-including The Producers, Legally Blonde, Jersey Boys, Mary Poppins, Avenue Q, Mamma Mia! and Memphis-as well as acclaimed revivals-Anything Goes, South Pacific, Evita, Hello, Dolly! and more!
WHEN: Thursday, January 15, 2015 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: The Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center, 1977 College Drive, Belle Glade
For more information, call the box office at 561-993-1160 or visit www.dollyhand.org
Gaither Singer David Phelps at the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center
A graduate from Baylor University, David Phelps is credited among today's most spectacular voices. His seemingly endless vocal range, which extends more than three octaves, coupled with his gift for communicating a song, has brought the house down in the world's most prestigious venues. As a member of the Gaither Vocal Band, David has received Dove Awards, Grammy Awards, and multiple platinum-selling projects. As a soloist, he received 2009 Dove Award nominations for Male Vocalist of the Year and Long Form Video for the Christmas DVD, "O Holy Night", to add to his many awards and honors.
WHEN: Thursday, January 29, 2015 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: The Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center, 1977 College Drive, Belle Glade
For more information, call the box office at 561-993-1160 or visit www.dollyhand.org
Become a Volunteer Tutor with the Building Better Readers Program
The Literacy Coalition is recruiting and training volunteer tutors to work with first and second grade students to improve their reading levels in 17 Title I schools throughout Palm Beach County. So that we can help more children improve their reading, we are recruiting more volunteers to tutor for 13 weeks, January - April, 2015. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and commit to tutor two sessions/week, 90 minutes/session. Tutoring will be during the regular school day through April, 2015 at 17 elementary schools throughout Palm Beach County. No experience required!
If we have enough volunteers, we will bring the training to Belle Glade or Pahokee.
When: Next training on Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Where: The Literacy Coalition, 3651 Quantum Blvd, Boynton Beach
For more information contact Jeanne Heavilin at (561) 279-9013 or jheavilin@literacypbc.org.
The T. Leroy Jefferson Medical Society and the Quantum Foundation present the third annual Healthcare and Science Stars of Tomorrow Career Symposium. Students meet experts for career exploration, including: physicians, dentists, scientists, nurses, technologists, therapists, insurance and hospital executives/administrators, pharmacists and directors from many programs area universities. Keynote Speaker: Dr. Cato T. Laurencin.
WHEN: Saturday, February 21st, 2015 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Inlet Grove Community High School, 600 West 28th St, Riviera Beach
If you would like to volunteer, sponsor or participate in the event please contact Laurel Cole at 561-318-0814 or lcole@tljmedicalsociety.org
The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County celebrates community leaders - members, individuals and organization that have envisioned a way to improve Palm Beach County and have mobilized others to work with them to affect a change that has benefited the broader county.
These awards below will honor individuals and/or organizations/coalitions that have, in the League tradition, helped to make Palm Beach County stronger, more vibrant and fairer.
*Effective Membership Engagement and Recruitment Award
*Strengthening Democracy Award
*High Impact Visibility Award
*Education Award
*Community Connection Award
*Young Professional of the Year Award
*Presidential Award
WHEN: Deadline January 31, 2015
Orientation Meetings for United Way PBC Request for Proposals
Please be advised that United Way of Palm Beach County will release its Request for Proposals in the Community Impact areas of Education and Mentoring on Friday, January 9, 2015. Funding for approved applicants in the Education area will begin on July 1, 2015, and funding for approved applicants in the Mentoring area will begin on October 1, 2015.
Applicants must be 501(c )(3) nonprofit agencies providing services in Palm Beach County.
It is highly recommended that applicants attend an orientation session. Please RSVP to Tamara Worley at (561) 375-6630 or tamaraworley@unitedwaypbc.org, no later than one day prior to each session. Please Note: Questions related to the content of the RFP may be submitted in writing following the release of the RFP. Questions also may be asked during the applicant orientation sessions.
WHEN: Wednesday, January 14, 2015 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. & Tuesday, January 20, 2014 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: United Way of Palm Beach County campus, 2600 Quantum Blvd., Boynton Beach
Council on Community Pediatrics Invites Nominations for 2015 Local Hero Award
Community pediatrics is the practice of promoting and integrating positive social, cultural, and environmental influences on children's health while addressing potential negative effects that deter optimal child health and development within a community.
The Council on Community Pediatrics, a division of the American Academy of Pediatrics, promotes community pediatrics through policy, practice, and education. To that end, the council is accepting nominations for the 2015 CCP Local Hero Award. The annual award recognizes pediatricians who lead community action and advocacy for children in local communities.
Each year, the award is presented to two individuals who partner with community resources to improve accessibility, appropriateness, and quality of care for all children; advocate for children who lack access to care; implement public health approaches to advance the health of all children in the community; and/or promote child health within all environments such as community, school, and family.
Award recipients will be honored at the Council on Community Pediatrics Awards Event at the 2015 AAP National Conference and Exhibition in Washington, D.C. The award includes an honorarium, conference registration fees, airfare reimbursement, a two-night hotel stay, and two days of meals.
To be eligible, nominees must be a pediatrician, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and a resident of the United States or Canada. Nominees are not required to be members of the Council on Community Pediatrics; however, preference will be given to council members.
Each team must create and execute a service-learning project that attempts to solve a local, statewide, or national hunger-related issue; develop an action plan to achieve the goal; and demonstrate leadership. Each entry must include a written summary or video overview of the project and quantifiable results (i.e., number of meals served, cans collected, hours of service donated, Facebook "likes," or families served from an urban garden).
First-, second-, and third- place prizes of $25,000, $5,000, and $1,000, will be awarded up to a total of $275,000.
To be eligible, entrants must be located in one of the fifty United States, the District of Columbia, or Guam; be a full-time student in grades 7-12 ata public, private, or charter middle school or high school; and be between the ages of 13 to 18 years old. Each team must comprise at least three students and a sponsoring teacher or adult adviser.
See the World Hunger Leadership Challenge Web site for complete challenge guidelines and application procedures.
FreeLegal Free Service at The Glades Initiative, Inc.
If you are in need of free legal services for issues such as: child support, domestic violence, abuse of children/elders, immigration, fair housing and other civil matters please call. By appointment only with Mr. Richard Abedon, Esq., Volunteer Attorney.
WHEN: Thursdays 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Glades Initiative, 141 S.E. Avenue C, Belle Glade
Please call for an appointment: 561.996.3310
Free Internet for the Holidays
INTERNET ESSENTIALS for the 2014-15 School Year
Internet Essentials is Comcast's comprehensive digital literacy program to help low-income families conquer the Digital Divide. The program tackles major barriers to broadband adoption that have been identified by research: 1) lack of understanding of how the Internet is relevant and useful; 2) the cost of a home computer; and 3) the cost of Internet service.
With Internet Essentials, eligible families are able to acquire fast, low-cost home Internet service ($9.95 plus tax per month); a discount-priced computer at initial enrollment ($149.99 plus tax); and free digital literacy training online, in print, or in-person.
Families are eligible to participate in the internet Essentials program if they:
Live in areas where Comcast offers internet service;
Have at least one child eligible for free or reduced school lunches through the National School Lunch Program/NSLP. (Students attending Provision 2 schools are immediately eligible);
Have not subscribed to Comcast Internet service within the last 90 days; and
Do not have an overdue Comcast bill or unreturned equipment.
There are NO price increases, NO activation fees, and NO equipment rental fees.
Including taxes, Internet Essential's low rate makes it possible for a Florida family to have:
A year of internet service in their home for $128,
An optional home computer with one year of broadband service for $288, or
An optional computer with internet service in their home from kindergarten through high school graduation for a total of $1816.
Families may sign up for Internet Essentials by calling 1-855-8-INTERNET (1-855-846-8376) or, in Spanish, 1.855.765.6995. Additional information is available at InternetEssentials.com and InternetBasico.com (in Spanish).
Educators and community partners interested in ordering free materials and accessing tools to help spread the word, are asked to please visit: InternetEssentials.com/partner
Glades Vocational Training West Tech Pre Apprenticeship
Learn a trade and earn a GED. There are 12 openings in this year's West Tech Adult Pre-Apprenticeship program (Carpentry, HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing) which started on November 3rd. The program is free and open to any adult 18 years or older. GED classes will be offered along with the Pre Apprenticeship trade classes for those applicants without a diploma. Life Management Skills Classes are offered to the Applicants who have already received a GED or High School Diploma.
Upon successful completion of the Pre-Apprenticeship Program, students will receive a certificate from the FL Department of Education (in the trade students pick), OSHA, First Aid + CPR, High Reach Safety Training, Forklift Safety Training and NCCER (National Center for Construction Education Research) certification cards. Students will be able to further their education by applying to an Apprenticeship Trade School. If accepted to an Apprenticeship Trade School tuition is free and students are employed in their preferred vocation.
WHEN: Two nights a week, Monday, November 3, 2014 - Tuesday, June 30, 2014
WHERE: West Technical School, 2025 State Road 715, Belle Glade
We must fill these positions before December 19, 2014 in order to take advantage of each opening.
All interested individuals should call 561 842-1063 between hours of 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. for registration information, this number can be reached 24/7 just leave a name and good number and someone will contact you.
NLAP Newsletter: Florida's Minimum Wage Increases in 2015
The Florida minimum wage will increase to $8.05 per hour, effective January 1, 2015.
On September 30th of each year, Florida's Department of Economic Opportunity recalculates the State's minimum wage as required by Florida's minimum wage law found in Section 448 of the Florida Statutes. This calculation is based on the increase in the federal Consumer Price Index for Urban Earners and Clerical Workers in the Southern Region. This minimum wage increase applies to all employees who are covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Among employees who must receive this minimum wage in Florida are tipped employees working in the State. Employers who employ individuals who receive tips may take a credit of up to $3.02 per hour. The tipped employees must also receive a direct hourly wage. Effective January 1, 2015, this direct hourly wage must be at least $5.03, which is Florida's new minimum wage ($8.05) minus the permissible tip credit ($3.02).
Hire and train a local youth intern with wages paid by CareerSource
Palm Beach County businesses are invited to consider hiring and coaching a youth for twelve weeks/up to 40 hours per week with wages paid by CareerSource Palm Beach County. Successful employers will be able to offer:
Meaningful work experience for an intern
Assigned supervision of an intern
A safe and secure worksite and safety equipment
The program includes a rigorous screening process for youth applicants. Staff develop job matches based on skills/abilities and monitoring achievements of each intern. Following the employer registration, employers attend an Employer Orientation to learn more about the program.
Mary Wilson of the Supremes in Stormy Weather: The Music of Lena Horne!
Coming to the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center is James Gavin's Stormy Weather: The Music of Lena Horne. The show stars Mary Wilson of the Supremes singing the songs that made Lena Horne famous. Stormy Weather is a multi-media concert featuring a narrator (James Gavin, author of the book, Stormy Weather), Mary Wilson, a trio of jazz musicians and rare audio and video footage from Lena Horne's Life. The show is a "living, breathing, biography" combining story, song and visual images to give us the defining portrait of an American icon. Thrilling arrangements include "Stormy Weather"; "Honeysuckle Rose"; "Yesterday When I Was Young" and many others made popular by Lena Horne.
WHEN: Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Dolly Hand Cultural Art Center, 1977 College Drive, Belle Glade
Notice: The December 17th GTAC Meeting at South Bay City Hall Rescheduled
The GTAC meetings will resume in January of 2015. The next GTAC meeting will be held:
WHEN: Thursday, January 22, 2015 from 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: Canal Point Community Center, 12860 US Hwy 441, Canal Point
Victims' Rights Week Luncheon Raffle
The Palm Beach Victims' Rights Coalition will be hosting its annual National Crime Victims' Rights Week April 19-25, 2015. They are in need of assistance in the form of a Raffle prize donation for our Victims' Rights Week Luncheon Raffle. The Raffle is directed to law enforcement, victim advocates, community dignitaries, and other victim services professionals. The money earned from the raffle is used to fund events honoring victims of crime and their families.
WHEN: Friday, April 24, 2015 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: TBD
For more information call Brandy Macaluso at 561.966.4288 ext 118 or email bmac@cilo.org
Shopping Online for the Holidays? Shop at AmazonSmile & help The Glades Initiative, Inc.
Switch from Amazon.com to AmazonSmile.com and proceeds from your purchases go to support a charity of your choice. Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice.
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support The Glades Initiative, Inc. every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you'll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. You can choose from nearly one million organizations to support.
To shop at AmazonSmile simply click on the link to the right, and bookmark the page.
Volunteer Opportunities with The Glades Initiative, Inc. and Partner Agencies
The Glades Initiative, Inc. posts volunteer opportunities online for our partner agencies in an attempt to develop a pool of willing volunteers to assist with needs in the Glades. We utilize two very popular volunteer opportunities websites: The United Way of Palm Beach County Volunteer Opportunities and Volunteermatch.org. See our current listings on the links below, and please share:
If you are are local organization with a volunteer need that you would like posted, please email Carol Rodriguez at crodriguez@gladesinitiative.org with the specifics. You must agree to check frequently and respond to email inquiries from potential volunteers.
City of Belle Glade First Time Buyers' Home Ownership Program
The city of Belle Glade is advocating its First Time Homebuyer's Program; the revolving Loan Fund (RLF). The RLF program is a self-replenishing, home financing option funded through the city, to assist homebuyers in purchase or construction of their first home. The program will provide access to a flexible source of capital that can be used alone or in conjunction with more conventional sources.
Applicants will be processed on a first come/first serve basis. Program goals include providing decent safe housing for citizens and increasing affordable home ownership by providing eligible first-time homebuyers with funding or gap funding for the purchase or construction of a home.
Eligible uses for the RLF include purchase of an existing residence or construction of a detached single family residence with a maximum of 1,200 square feet (with or without garage).
WHERE: Belle Glade City Hall Human Resources Department, 110 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd West, Belle Glade
Should you require additional information, you may contact the City of Belle Glade Human Resources Department at 561.996.0100
VITA Program of United Way of Palm Beach County is Recruiting Volunteers
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a national program staffed by local volunteers to provide free tax preparation and e-filing of returns to qualified taxpayers. The VITA Program is an invaluable service United Way of Palm Beach County has been providing to the community for the last eleven years. It targets individuals and families with low-to-moderate incomes who are eligible for tax credits. The program processed more than 95,000 tax returns yielding over $152 million in refunds and providing an estimated $226 million economic impact for Palm Beach County.
Volunteers are the key to the VITA Program's success. As we enter the program's twelfth year of service, United Way needs your help recruiting 200 volunteers in November and December. Tax season is January through April 2015. No experience is required and there are opportunities that don't involve preparing taxes.
If you would like additional information about the VITA Program or this volunteer opportunity go to www.taxesfiledfree.org or contact the United Way of Palm Beach County's Director of Volunteer Services, Donna Pulda at (561)375-6621 or donnapulda@unitedwaypbc.org.
2014-15 PBC Legislative Delegation Public Hearings and Workshops
To be placed on the official agenda of a Delegation hearing, presenters must have completed a Participation Request Form (a copy of which is enclosed ) and have submitted all printed materials to the delegation office 5 business days prior to the scheduled hearing. 15 copies of printed material should be submitted to be included in Members' Hearing folders. Please note: The Delegation Office is not responsible for printing out materials for the presenter. Maximum time allotted for each presentation is THREE minutes. This time limit will be strictly enforced as a courtesy to all scheduled speakers. Those presenting local bills should meet personally with members of the Legislative Delegation prior to the hearing at which they will make their presentation. At least one delegation member attending the hearing at which you are present should have a prior working knowledge of your request. The DEADLINE for submission of Local Bills to the Delegation Office is Monday, December 1, 2014 at 12 Noon
Public Hearing
WHEN: Tuesday, January 13, 2015 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Alzheimer's Community Care Center, 470 East 1st Street, Pahokee
View link for more information and submission form:
The Vickers House has created a New Citizenship class which will prepare you to pass the Citizenship Exam but will also focus on Educating New Immigrants in our Community on how to become good neighbors as well as good citizens. This is an 8 week course to prepare you to pass the Citizenship Test. You will also receive assistance in filling out your N-400 Form (Application for Naturalization & Citizenship). You will receive a certificate of completion ONLY if you attend all 8 sessions!
- Please bring a notebook and pen or pencil
- Please be advised that there will be a $5 donation paid directly to the teachers the first day of class, this will cover materials used in class. Thank you for your cooperation.
WHEN: Friday, January 9, 2014 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. through Friday, February 27, 2014 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: 3801 Georgia Avenue, West Palm Beach
8 Sessions: January 9, 16, 23, 30, February 6, 13, 20, 27
All participants must Speak, Read, Write & Understand Basic English-the class is taught in English
Call Vickers House South prior to January 9 to register For more information call (561) 804-4975
The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County celebrates community leaders - members, individuals and organization that have envisioned a way to improve Palm Beach County and have mobilized others to work with them to affect a change that has benefited the broader county. These awards below will honor individuals and/or organizations/coalitions that have, in the League tradition, helped to make Palm Beach County stronger, more vibrant and fairer. These awards will be conferred upon during the LWVPBC Annual Luncheon April, 2015.
AWARDS CATEGORIES:
* Effective Membership Engagement and Recruitment Award
* Strengthening Democracy Award
* High Impact Visibility Award
* Education Award
* Community Connection Award
* Young Professional of the Year Award
* Presidential Award
Deadline for Application is January 31, 2015. To request an application email secretary@lwvpbc.org
Whether you are looking to start your own business, expand your current business, pay for your child's education, or finally take that dream vacation, this conference will motivate and empower you to achieve your financial goals.
The agenda includes a luncheon keynote speaker, and 12 breakout sessions; Available funding including crowdfunding, budgeting, retirement planning, executive bonus plans for your business, insurance including business liability, debt and credit management and more.
Save $ register now! $40 until Dec 31st, $60 after (price includes continental breakfast and lunch)
WHEN: Friday, February 27, 2015 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: South County Civic Center Delray Beach
211 Regional Snapshop Report: September 2014
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.
Our September 2014 Snapshot is now available for your review:
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:
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
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The Glades Initiative, Inc. posts volunteer opportunities online for our partner agencies in an attempt to develop a pool of willing 
