Tag Archives: Community Action Agency

Online Parking & Mobility Census: Shape the Future of Transportation

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By ACSET Community Action Agency

 

The Greater Grand Rapids Area has become a destination for travelers seeking out “Beer City USA” and one of Expedia’s “21 Super Cool US Cities.” With a rise in visitors to the area, what does that mean for locals when it comes to getting around town? If you’ve ever felt frustrated by trying to find parking or other commuting struggles, this is your time to be heard!

 

The City of Grand Rapids Parking Services and Mobile GR want to know, “What’s Your Commute?” The new parking and mobility census was developed to better understand the community’s values, needs and priorities when commuting. Your feedback will help shape future transportation options. They have set a goal of having 10 percent of trips use alternative modes of transportation, such as bikes or busses and better managing parking demand for the 90 percent who travel via car.

 

The survey is available online in English — Parking & Mobility Census and Spanish — Censo de Estacionamiento y Movilidad. The census will only take three to seven minutes and participants are eligible for prizes to local businesses! Share your opinion to help shape the future of parking and transportation in our community. To learn more about the Census and its goals, visit the Mobile GR & Parking Services website.

 

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.

Healthy Men Michigan: Caring for Men’s Mental Health

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By ACSET Community Action Agency

 

A strongly held social norm in Western culture is that boys don’t cry and real men are tough. Healthy Men Michigan and former Detroit Lions quarterback and FOX NFL color analyst, Eric Hipple, disagree. Eric is a suicide loss survivor and mental health advocate who has dedicated the last 17 years of his life to building awareness and breaking the stigma around depression and mental illness. Healthy Men Michigan is a campaign dedicated to engaging men in conversations about mental health. Together they are working to help save lives in Michigan.

 

The rate of suicide in Michigan has risen almost 40% since 2000 and is considered one of the top 10 causes of death in our state. The most significant increase was found in working-aged men. This is partially because men are less likely than women to recognize and seek help for mental health issues. Healthy Men Michigan is targeting this group to help them become aware of their mental fitness and address issues before it’s too late.

Healthy Men Michigan is helping men:

Recognize the symptoms

At healthymenmichigan.org, anyone—regardless of gender—can take an online, anonymous self-assessment to see if they have symptoms of depression.

 

Get rid of the stigma

Depression and mental illness are medical conditions that can be treated. Healthy Men Michigan is offering a free webinar, Tackling Men’s Mental Fitness, by Eric Hipple on Monday, September 25 from 12-1 pm. Participants will learn about his personal loss, struggle and recovery. Interested? Register here!

 

Connect to Resources

Find a listing of local mental health care facilities and substance abuse services in West Michigan on the Healthy Men Michigan website.  Most counties include phone numbers for 24 hour emergency services for those in crisis.

 

Over six million men in the US experience depression. It is a common condition that is treatable. Seeking help shows strength and courage. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, there is help. Contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1.800.273.TALK (8255) or call 911. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline has confidential, emotional support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

 

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! Five surprising benefits of volunteering

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By ACSET Community Action Agency

 

We often hear the request for time, treasure or talent from organizations serving others in our community. Volunteering your time and talent can make as much, if not more, of an impact as making a donation. Many organizations couldn’t do the good work they do without the help of volunteers.

 

Yes, volunteering helps the organization by providing no-cost labor. Yes, volunteering helps the community because with more help, organizations can do more. Yes, volunteering makes you feel good because you are giving back. But the benefits don’t stop there.

  1. Reduce stress and increase well-being. Volunteering provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment that has been found to have a positive effect on mental health. Those who volunteer regularly are found to have lower rates of depression.
  2. Improve your health. Studies have found that states with higher volunteer rates have less incidence of heart disease. People who volunteer also spend 38 percent fewer nights in the hospital.
  3. You’ll live longer. Mortality rates have been found to be lower in groups who volunteer regularly. Studies show that individuals who volunteer at least 40 hours per year live longer than those who volunteer less or not at all.
  4. Help you get a new job. Volunteers learn new skills that could open up new employment opportunities. Volunteering also keeps unemployed individuals active while building their resume. Some organizations even turn volunteers into employees because they already understand the organization’s mission and culture.
  5. Make new friends. Volunteering leads to developing new friendships and support networks. This is especially important for older adults who benefit the most from volunteering. It can reduce feelings of isolation and create a network of caring individuals who also support one another.

Are you ready to volunteer? ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) relies on volunteers for a variety of programs. From boxing food for emergency assistance distributions to serving meals to seniors, you can help your neighbors and gain the many benefits of giving back. Contact ACSET CAA at 616.336.4000 to learn more.

 

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.

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: Your Voice Matters –Take the VoiceKent Survey!

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By ACSET Community Action Agency

 

For the past 16 years, the Johnson Center for Philanthropy has collected data about Grand Rapid’s residents’ attitudes on various topics concerning our community. This year, in partnership with the Kent County Health Department, the survey has expanded its reach to all of Kent County. The survey is designed to connect demographics with residents’ opinions, attitudes and perceptions. Topics include basic needs, health care, neighborhood safety, employment, education, racism and discrimination.

 

The goal of the survey is to provide objective data to residents, nonprofits, governments, businesses and other decision makers to help them better understand and meet the needs of our community. Because of the great value this survey provides, many organizations help distribute the survey to their clients. For example, low-income residents who receive services from ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) will be asked to participate.

 

If you would like to participate, hard copies are available at the ACSET CAA office in the Kent County Human Services Complex at 121 Franklin St SE, Grand Rapids, MI. Or, you can access the survey online where there is also a Spanish version available. Participants who submit the online survey can register to win prizes for their participation!

 

Want to make your voice heard? Visit VoiceKent.org and get started. The survey will only take about 15 minutes. Your participation will help community organizations across the county better serve 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: Expanding affordable housing opportunities

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By ACSET Community Action Agency

Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF) recently announced that they signed an agreement to purchase nearly 200 homes in Grand Rapids and Lansing from a Chicago developer. ICCF will work with other affordable housing advocates to make sure these homes remain affordable for individuals and families with limited incomes.

While Kent County—and Grand Rapids, in particular—is seeing tremendous population and economic growth, it is creating a housing shortage that is driving up the cost to buy or rent a place to live. In many cases, people who have lived in neighborhoods for decades can no longer afford to live there.

There are several agencies in Kent County that are working to ensure that all residents have access to affordable housing and thriving communities. When the broad community is engaged in addressing the urgent need for adequate, affordable housing, we all become less vulnerable and more resilient:

Habitat for Humanity of Kent County brings people together to build or rehabilitate affordable homes.

Kent County Land Bank Authority works with local governments and nonprofits to revitalize and stabilize communities.

Kent County Housing Commission provides rental assistance to families on extremely low incomes through a voucher system. They also educate property owners and the community on the need for affordable housing.

LINC Up links community organizations with real estate developers to “help neighbors, business owners, and community stakeholders realize their visions for the 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 voice matters — make it heard!

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By ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA)

One of the resources that allows ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) to address the most urgent needs of Kent County residents is its diverse board. CAA boards are made up of representatives from the private and public sectors as well as consumers of their services.

Public and private sector representatives bring a wealth of experience, resources and community connections to the board. They represent government, business, religious organizations, welfare, education, law enforcement or other groups and interests in the community served.

Consumers provide meaningful input and insights that are essential to fighting the causes and symptoms of poverty.

By bringing together this diverse group of individuals, the CAA board can:

  • Help ACSET CAA better understand the needs of the community
  • Ensure ACSET CAA focuses on the greatest needs of low-income families in Kent County
  • Make a difference for everyone who seeks the services of ACSET CAA

ACSET Community Action is currently seeking new consumer sector members. Consumer representatives must be low-income and qualify for a CAA service at the time of their appointment.

This is a great opportunity to make your voice heard, gain leadership experience and help others.

Questions? To learn more or find out if you qualify, contact Sarah at 616.336.2228. 

Ready to apply? Download an application here.

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, go here.

 

School’s Out: No more pencils, no more books, no more… food?

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By ACSET Community Action Agency

In Kent County, more than 47% of K-12 students were eligible for free or reduced-priced lunch in 2015. Nearly 50,000 children in our community rely on school meals to get the nutrition they need. What happens in the summer when school isn’t in session? How do families on very limited budgets provide those meals?

To address this issue, many groups in our community host summer meal programs. These programs provide free meals to children under the age of 18 on weekdays throughout summer break. This helps families stretch their food dollars and ensures kids are getting healthy, nutritious meals when they’re not in school. Many locations offer both breakfast and lunch.

Multiple hosts will be providing free student meals across Kent County this summer. Click the links below to find a location near you.

If your family is struggling to put food on the table, ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) can also help. The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) provides low-income families with nutritious, pantry staples once per quarter. Many distributions are happening this week!

Find TEFAP distribution locations and dates on their website at: http://bit.ly/CAAFood.

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.

Staying safe: 5 tips to prevent summer emergencies

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By ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA)

 

Sunshine and warm weather provide plenty of opportunity to get outside and be active. Don’t let an emergency get in the way of your summertime fun. Here are five tips to keep your family safe this summer.

  • Window Safety. Opening up windows and letting in a cool breeze is a welcome change in spring but can also increase the risk of falls, especially for small children and pets. Move furniture that kids and pets might climb on away from windows. If you have double-hung windows, open the top and keep the bottom closed. Remember, screens don’t make windows safe; even a small child can fall through a screen.
  • Injuries. Summer provides all kinds of opportunities to get outside and be active. Be sure to wear protective gear like helmets when biking, skating or riding a scooter and appropriate pads and guards for sports activities. And don’t forget the sunscreen!
  • Severe Storms. As tornado season begins, be sure to identify a safe place to go when there’s a tornado risk. The best options are in the basement or a storm cellar. If you don’t have one of these options, identify an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.
  • Water. Swimming and enjoying Michigan’s many natural waterways is a great way to cool off in the summer. Stay safe this summer by swimming with a buddy; don’t allow someone to swim alone. Young children and inexperienced swimmers should always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket around water.
  • Heat Waves. Never leave children or pets alone in an enclosed vehicle. In just a few minutes, temperatures can become life threatening!

 

Unfortunately, no matter how prepared we are, emergencies can happen. Now, a new service, available to Kent County residents, can get you help faster.

 

Smart911 allows you to create a free online safety profile to assist 911 dispatch. For example, dispatch technology used by 911 systems can sometimes pin cell phone calls to inaccurate locations. However, with a Smart911 profile you can register your cell phone to a specific address. Call-takers will have a precise location for your home along with other key information like home layout, family make-up, pet descriptions, medical information and gas and electrical shutoff locations.

 

ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) is dedicated to providing resources to members of our community. We hope you will visit Smart911 to learn more and sign up for this potentially life-saving service!

 

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

5 ways to save some dough on your food bill

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By ACSET Community Action Agency

Households in the U.S. reported spending about 12% of total income on food in 2015. That’s nearly $600/month spent on groceries and eating out. For the many Americans who live paycheck-to-paycheck, saving on their monthly grocery bill could make a big difference.  The extra cash could be used to start an emergency fund or pay off debt. Here are five ways to get started:

Eat at home. Sitting down for a meal can be difficult for busy families. Eating out is much more convenient, but it comes at a price. Try to plan and prep meals ahead of time to make eating at home easier. You’ll save money and probably make healthier choices, too.
Plan your shopping trips. Avoid multiple, small trips to the grocery store. They can add up quickly! Instead, do all your shopping for the week at one time. Make a list based on your meal plan and stick to the list to avoid unnecessary purchases.

Check out the weekly ads. When you plan your grocery trip, check your weekly ads before you go. See if any of the items you need are on sale. If you have more than one store near you, compare prices to see where you can save the most money.

Look for the best deal. Grocery stores tend to put the most expensive items at eye-level, where you will see them first. Look to the top and bottom of the shelves to find less expensive options. Taking a few extra seconds to compare prices at the shelf can save you a lot at checkout.

Consider generic brands. Many generic brands are nearly identical to their brand-name counterparts but cost much less. Check the ingredient labels to ensure you are getting the same product and save a lot when you switch to generic brands.

If you or someone you know is having trouble putting enough healthy food on the table, ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) can help. ACSET CAA works with community partners around Kent County to provide food assistance to low-income households. To learn more about qualifications, distribution dates and locations, visit CAA’s website.

Upcoming distribution locations and dates:

 

SECOM Resource Center
1545 Buchanan Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or while supplies last

North Kent Community Services
1075 Northland Dr NE, Rockford, MI
Thursday, April 13, 2017
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or while supplies last

Kent County Human Service Complex
121 Franklin St SE, Suite 110, Grand Rapids, MI
Thursday, April 13, 2017
1:00 to 7:00 p.m. or while supplies last

 

 

5 ways to keep cool and save money this summer

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By ACSET Community Action Agency

 

Most people think about weatherizing their home when the weather gets cold. But what about when it gets hot? Weatherization can keep hot air out, trap cool air in and lower your energy costs in the summer months, too!

 

Here are five tips to keep your home cooler and your bills lower this summer:

  • Dehumidify. Humidity makes your home feel hotter. Use exhaust fans when showering and cooking to decrease the humidity in your home.
  • Avoid the oven. Using indoor appliances, like the oven, will make it even hotter in your home. On very hot days, use an outdoor grill to cook hot meals.
  • Let cool air in. If the nighttime brings cooler air, open the windows overnight. Close them in the morning to trap the cool air inside. Close the blinds to keep the sun out during the day.
  • Turn fans off when you’re gone. Fans cool people by moving heat away from our bodies. However, fans do not cool rooms. Don’t waste electricity — turn the fan off when you leave the room.
  • Get a professional energy audit. An energy audit is an assessment of your home’s energy use and loss. Weatherization specialists look for drafts, check the home’s insulation and evaluate appliance efficiency. Once the home has been assessed, a specific plan can be developed to decrease energy loss.

ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) provides professional energy audits and weatherization services for low-income households through the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). The average home saves around 30% on their energy costs after receiving weatherization services from ACSET CAA.

WAP services are provided at no cost to eligible households. To find out if you qualify contact ACSET CAA at 616.336.2228.

 

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

Spring Ahead: 5 warm weather prep ideas to save energy and money

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By ACSET Community Action Agency

Daylight savings time begins at 2 am, Sunday, March 12 this year. Did you know daylight savings time began in the U.S. to increase daylight hours and decrease candle usage to save money? Instead of looking at spring’s annual time change as the loss of an hour of sleep, consider using it as reminder to make your home more efficient for the spring and summer.

ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) currently has funds available to help qualifying individuals weatherize their home. Weatherization services not only reduce heating costs in the winter but help keep your home cooler in the summer. Learn more about the Weatherization Assistance Program here and contact us to see if you qualify at 616.336.4000.

Here are five more ways to save energy and money this spring and summer!

  1. Change your furnace filter. If you haven’t done this in a while, now is a great time. After running more to heat your home over the winter, your furnace will thank you. Not only will it improve the air quality in your home, it will help your furnace run more efficiently — saving you money!
  2. Check your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. This is a task that is easily forgotten but incredibly important for your family’s safety. Test all of your detectors and swap out old batteries. Need a new detector? Many fire departments have free smoke detector installation programs; contact yours to find out more.
  3. Tune up your AC. Your air conditioner needs upkeep to work as efficiently as possible this upcoming summer. Changing the filters will improve efficiency and save money, but having a professional check your system before the weather heats up is an even better idea.
  4. Redirect ceiling fans. Did you know that in the winter you should set your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise to distribute warm air? Likewise, set your fans to rotate counter-clockwise in the spring and summer. This can keep your rooms cooler in warm weather, limiting the need to run the air conditioner.
  5. Dust. Over the winter dust can accumulate in nooks and crannies. Do some spring cleaning to remove dust from electronics that may be forcing them to work harder. Dust air vents to allow for maximum efficiency and circulation. Vacuum your refrigerator coils. The dust that settles there can cause your fridge to work harder and cost you more money.

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

ACSET: Providing access to healthy food

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Your Community in Action!

By Community Action Partnership of Kent County

A trip to the grocery store is a regular part of many families’ weekly routine. Most people are lucky enough to hop in their car and run to the nearest store where they have access to an abundance of nutritious foods and fresh produce. But what happens if you don’t have reliable transportation? Is there a grocery store close enough that you can walk? Can you easily get to a store using public transportation? Once you get there, how do you carry your groceries back home?

Many households in our country face too many challenges to access healthy food for their families. According to the USDA, there 2.3 million Americans living in low-income areas that are 10 miles or more from a grocery store or supermarket. These areas are defined as food deserts because residents have limited access to affordable, healthy food.

Living in a food desert is a serious health concern. It has been found to lead to greater risk for heart disease in adults. Children are at risk too. Studies have found 53% more cases of asthma in kids who live more than a mile from a grocery store.

If you or someone you know is living in a food desert, there are local organizations working to address nutrition needs. ACSET CAA has many community partners that distribute healthy food throughout the county through their nutrition services. This includes locations within known food deserts. To learn more about qualifications, distribution dates and locations, visit CAA’s website: http://communityactionkent.org/programs/nutrition-services/

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

Making Ends Meet: Utility Assistance Programs

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Your Community in Action!

 

By ACSET Community Action Agency

 

Imagine you are a single parent. You’re trying to raise your children and maintain a home on your own. You’re working toward a college degree to improve the outlook for your family. You find yourself having to choose between keeping the heat on and feeding your kids. What would you do?

 

ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) is here to help people get through the tough times. For example, when Shanda came to us for help, our utility assistance program was able to keep the heat, water and electricity on for her family.

 

“Each time I found myself in a position where I was unable to pay these bills due to a decrease in income, unexpected car repairs, [and] increased insurance premiums, the ASCET program was there for my family…  As a single parent and college student I am grateful for the support that the ACSET program provided, so that my family could weather the struggling times we faced…” 

 

– Shanda, ASCET Client

 

Unfortunately, Shanda’s story is a reality for many in our community. The American Community Survey estimates that poverty impacts 15% of the population in Kent County. Even more concerning, over 20% of kids under the age of 18 are living below the poverty line.

 

There is a real need for assistance, especially for single women with children. From 2008 to 2012, nearly 60% of all households living in poverty in Kent County were headed by females. That is why CAA gears services toward these households whenever possible. To learn more about the basic needs of our community and how your CAA is addressing them, view our most recent Community Needs Assessment at www.communityactionkent.org/about/.

 

— 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.