Tag Archives: CAA

Being Poor and in Poor Health: The Effects of Poverty Part 1 of 3

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Photo supplied

 

By ACSET Community Action Agency

 

Over 43 million Americans fall at or below the federal poverty level. This means that a family of four is living on $24,600 a year (or $2,050 a month). Being poor in the US also means living 10-15 years less than the richest Americans. This is the first installment in a series that will look at how living in poverty affects health and well-being.

 

The Environment
Poor communities typically have outdated infrastructures. Flint, Michigan is a close-to-home example of how those who live in poverty are exposed to environmental toxins through no fault of their own. Unacceptable levels of lead in the water were poisoning residents of the city.

 

Inadequate housing is another environmental concern for many low-income individuals. Lack of insulation and air leaks can expose residents to extreme temperatures. Faulty furnaces can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Too much humidity can cause mold to grow. These issues can lead to health problems ranging from respiratory disease to death.

 

Nutrition
When you’re poor, there are times when there just isn’t enough money to put food on the table. And unfortunately, the cheapest food is also high in calories and fat. Even if there is money for healthier options, many poor neighborhoods exist in food deserts – areas where there isn’t access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

 

It is difficult to eat well when healthy options aren’t available or are too expensive. Obesity and unhealthy diets lead to increased risk for heart disease and diabetes. It is not surprising that people living in poverty are much more likely to experience these health issues.

 

Healthcare
People living in poverty in the US are fighting a losing battle when it comes to preventing and treating illness. In 2015, the National Center for Health Statistics found that poor individuals were three times more likely to avoid needed medical care due to cost. Poor Americans are also less likely to see a doctor for preventative care.

 

While the number of individuals who have health insurance has increased since 2013, there are still many who can’t afford medications to treat chronic health issues or specialized services like dental and vision care.

 

In 2015, it was estimated that over 91,000 Kent County residents were living at or below the federal poverty level. ACSET Community Action Agency is working to address the causes and effects of poverty. They offer programs that provide home weatherization, emergency food assistance and help applying for health insurance. All of these services can help improve the health of those living in poverty in our community.

 

Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org.

Your Community in Action: Meeting the need for community

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By ACSET Community Action Agency

 

When we think of basic needs, we think food, water, housing and clothing. A less obvious, yet equally important need for every individual is a sense of community. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs categorizes this as a psychological need for “belongingness and love.”

 

According to Abraham Maslow, an American psychologist, there are five stages of needs:

  • food, water, warmth and rest
  • security and safety
  • relationships and friends
  • status and feelings of accomplishment
  • self-fulfillment

Individuals must fulfill their lower level needs before they can achieve higher level needs. Every person desires to move toward a level of self-fulfillment. However, many people are unable to do this because their lower level needs haven’t been met.

 

Kent County is home to many agencies who are committed to helping residents meet basic needs, including ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA). CAA’s senior meals program, however, goes beyond delivering food. It provides a sense of community for the many Hispanic and Latin Americans who live in the county.

 

Nearly 120 seniors from countries like Puerto Rico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic gather daily for a Latin American-inspired meal. They find comfort in the familiar food, shared language and activities and music from their homelands.

 

“We’ve had some people coming for 20, 25 years,” says Susan Cervantes, assistant director for ACSET CAA “It’s a very family-oriented atmosphere.”

 

Seniors of any ethnicity are welcome to participate in the program. Participants must be 60 years or older (or have a spouse 60 years or older), live in Kent County and must fill out an application. The meals are served Monday through Friday at noon at the Kent County Human Services Complex at 121 Franklin SE in Grand Rapids.

 

Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org.

Warm a heart and a home: The 21st Annual Walk for Warmth is Feb. 11

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By ACSET Community Action Agency

 

For 20 years, a group of compassionate individuals has bundled up on a cold Saturday morning in the middle of winter to walk. Why? The walkers brave the cold so less-fortunate families don’t have to. They walk for warmth!

 

The Walk for Warmth is a statewide effort to help low-income households avoid utility shut-offs and keep their homes warm. ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) will host the 21st annual walk in Kent County on Saturday, Feb. 11 in Grand Rapids.

 

Energy costs take up a greater portion of the household budgets of lower-income families than those of higher-income families. The increased burden on lower-income households reduces the amount of income left for basic needs like food, housing and healthcare. Last year, ACSET CAA provided over $1 million in utility payment assistance for homes in Kent County.

 

Hundreds of residents in our community struggle to pay their utility bills, and the need for assistance outweighs ACSET CAA’s ability to help. Every dollar raised through Walk for Warmth directly helps local families in need.

 

Want to help? Walk for Warmth offers a variety of ways to get involved:

  • Become a sponsor. Sponsors will receive recognition of their support in marketing materials and the day of the event. Businesses can connect their brand with a truly heart-warming event. Learn more about sponsor opportunities here.
  • Sell mittens. Contact a Walk for Warmth representative (give a phone number or email) and ask for a supply of “mittens.” The mittens are $1 each; write the name of the person purchasing the mitten and display at your office or business.
  • Get competitive. Hold a chili cook-off or cookie bake-off at your work, school or church. For a small donation ($5), tasters can vote on their favorite.
  • Give an in-kind donation. Consider making a donation of coffee, hot chocolate, juice, water, bagels, donuts or other refreshments for walkers on the day of the event.
  • Join the walk! Ask friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, etc. to join you or support you with a pledge. You can find a pledge form on ACSET CAA’s website by clicking here.

Event Details:

 

Date: Saturday, February 11, 2017

 

Time: 8 am Registration; 9 am Walk Kick Off

 

Where: ACSET Westside Complex

215 Straight Ave NW

Grand Rapids, MI 49504

 

The Walk for Warmth is an annual event, hosted by Community Action Agencies across the country, to raise funds for heating assistance for low-income households. Learn more: http://communityactionkent.org/walk-for-warmth-2017/

 

Your Community in Action! is provided by ACSET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org.

ACSET provides a variety of services for the growing needs of elders

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Senior Meal Kitchen

Your Community in Action!

 

By Community Action Partnership of Kent County

 

According to the National Institute on Aging, in 2010 13% of the population in the United States was 65 years of age or older. By 2030, it’s estimated that number will reach 20% of all Americans. Additionally, more people are living longer; Americans 85 years old and above are the fastest growing age group of elders.

 

How are communities addressing the growing needs of this group?

 

In Kent County, ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) provides a variety of services to assist individuals over the age of 60, including Latin American Services Senior Meals. These meals are designed to provide a healthy meal and social interaction for elders who may face a language barrier and isolation. Elders gather for delicious Latin American food and conversation every weekday. Home-bound elders can have meals delivered to their homes.

 

Mary with CAA staffer Ramona Alvarez

CAA has been serving meals to elders for 32 years; it has become a tradition for elders in our community and we’ve become good friends with many of them over the years. Our friend Mary announced at our Thanksgiving dinner that it would be her last meal with us. She plans to move to Florida to live with her daughter. With tears in her eyes, she said thank you and goodbye to many long-time friends. Mary has been a regular visitor for 20 years! We will miss her and wish her the best in sunny Florida.

 

Mary’s story illustrates how important social opportunities can be for elders. This is especially true around the holidays. We are hosting our annual Senior Holiday Party on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 11 am.

 

Our doors are open to those who want to enjoy a warm meal with friendly, familiar faces. Do you have a neighbor or family member that could benefit from our Senior Services? Learn more about our services and eligibility requirements at www.communityactionkent.org/programs/senior-services or call us at 616.336.4000.

Latin American Senior Holiday Party

When: Thursday, Dec. 15 at 11 am

Where: ASCET CAA – 121 Franklin St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, 1st floor of the DHHS building

What: Latin-inspired meal and conversation. A small donation is recommended but not required.

Who: Anyone over the age of 60 is welcome to attend

 

Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org