PathWays PA E-Newsletter: October 19, 2009

PA Budget

Even though the budget was signed, lawmakers still have work to do on a gaming bill that would allow table games in casinos. House and Senate negotiators are still working on the tax rates for the games and the one-time license fees that casino operators would be required to pay. Funding for state related universities, museums, and hospitals is being held up until the gaming bill is complete.

In an effort to improve future alerts, we have created a brief survey about PathWays PA Special Budget Alerts. Please take a few minutes and let us know what you thought of our Budget Alerts and how we may be able to improve them. Also, please stay turned, as next year’s budget is already right around the corner.

Please continue to see our PathWays PA Policy Blog for updates on the budget and other important policy issues.


Federal

Healthy Families Act

The Healthy Families Act is a groundbreaking piece of legislation that would guarantee workers up to seven paid sick days per year to recover from short-term illness, to care for a sick family member, for routine medical care, or to seek assistance related to domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking.

Please contact your member of Congress and let them know you support this bill. It is crucial that all members of Congress understand the importance of the Healthy Families Act, especially in this economic climate. A basic workplace standard of paid sick days would help prevent workers from being forced to choose between their own health or the health of their family and their paychecks or even their jobs.

For more information about the Healthy Families Act please visit the National Partnership’s website or read PathWays PA Policy Blog Post, Healthy Families Act – Contact Your Legislators Today!


State

LIHEAP to Open Earlier than Expected

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides funding for heating to low-income families. This program has an influx of federal funding which will allow the state to open the program one month earlier than originally planned.

The program will be open from November 2 to March 15, 2010, while crisis assistance will be available from January 4 to March 15. Families who earn below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (for instance, $33,075 for a family of four) are eligible. Benefit amounts vary - a table is available from the Department of Public Welfare.

If you have clients who will need assistance, it is best to apply as early as possible. This holds especially true for clients who are recently unemployed or working at reduced wages who may not be aware of the LIHEAP program.

More information can be found at the Department of Public Welfare's LIHEAP site. They state that the fastest way to apply is through the COMPASS website. For more information, you can contact your local county assistance office or the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095, Mondays through Fridays. Individuals with hearing impairments may call the TDD number at 1-800-451-5886.


Information/Events

PathWays PA – PathWays to the Stars 31st Anniversary Celebration

For the past 31 years, PathWays PA has offered residential programs and social services to vulnerable women and their children. Now, more than ever, the economic climate and rising unemployment rate emphasize the need for agencies like PathWays PA. We could never do the work we do and lend support to our 6,000 low-income clients without daily generosity from our corporate and individual donors. This year, at the PathWays to the Stars 31st Anniversary Celebration, we would like to pay tribute to those who assist us as we strive to help those in need.

WHEN: Thursday, October 29th 6:30 – 9:00
WHERE: Valley Forge Radisson 1160 First Ave, King of Prussia

As part of this event there will be a silent auction with items such as a corporate box at Citizens Bank Park, gift certificates to a number of amazing restaurants, and tickets to local cultural events. In addition to the silent auction each week the PathWays PA website will feature a different auction item. This week’s featured item is a Myrtle Beach Getaway.

Tickets to the PathWays to the Stars Celebration are only $50 in advance and $60 at the door, so please plan to join us! You can purchase tickets online by clicking here.


Green Career Workshop for Women

Did you know that Green Jobs can pay 10% to 30% more than the average job?

Did you know a woman without a college degree is 49% more likely to have a higher wage if she has a Green Job?

Do you know about all of the opportunities available to you in the Green Economy?

The U.S. Department of Labor's Women's Bureau and the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia are hosting a Green Careers Workshop for Women in Philadelphia!

You will hear presentations from companies in various sectors of the Green Economy and the personal stories of women already working in the Green Economy. Carol Goertzel, President and CEO of PathWays PA will also be presenting on the topic of women and green jobs.

Employees from Gamesa, SEPTA, Energy Coordinating Agency, and many more green businesses, will talk about their careers in the Green Economy.

This workshop will help you make an informed decision about whether a career in the Green Economy is right for you.

WHEN: Friday October 23, 2009, 8 am – 12 pm
WHERE: Drexel University's Bossone Center on Market St. between 31st and 32nd Sts. - Located 1 block west of the 30th St. Station

If you are interested in attending, please register on the event website or by phone at (215) 922-7400 ext. 4


Health Care Reform National Day of Action

On October 20th advocates are coming together all over the state and county to hold events to show their support for health care reform. Together, they will show the country and Congress that America demands action on real health care reform this year.
To find an event near you please click on the area below or visit the Pennsylvania Health Care for America Now (HCAN) Blog.

It's Time To Read The Bill!

On Monday, October 26th, starting at 5:00 am, health care reform supporters will meet in Philadelphia on the lawn by the Liberty Bell to read America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009 (HR 3200). While the Senate Finance Committee recently passed their own bill, HR 3200 has a strong public option plan and more regulations on insurance companies.

To be part of this important action and support this bill, sign up to read part of HR 3200 for fifteen minutes.

If you would like to read or to RSVP to the event, please email Antoinette at akraus@philaup.org.


Women You Know & Women You Want to Know Networking Event

The Friends of the Delaware County Women’s Commission and the Delaware County Women’s Commission are working to enable women and girls to realize their fullest potential and provide leadership within their communities. They will be holding an event to link, meet, and network.

WHEN: Thursday, November 5 6:00 – 8:00
WHERE: Generations Restaurant, 9 State Road, Media PA

If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Carol Staubach at 215-942-5534 or cstaubach@wellnow.us.


Conference on the Health of Latino Children

Family Services will be offering a conference on Latino children and health. Latino children are at high risk for diabetes mellitus, tooth decay, asthma, and mental health issues. They often lack health insurance and experience linguistic and cultural barriers to quality health care. At the Conference, panelists will discuss some of the unique Latino and cultural aspects that have an impact on these important issues.

WHEN: Thursday, November 5 8:30 – 12:00
WHERE: Montgomery County Community College – Science Center Auditorium 213, Blue Bell, PA

The conference is $50 per person. Pre-registration is required. To register, contact Family Services 610-630-2111 for a registration form

Three social work CEU credits are available. Scholarships are available. For scholarship information, contact Larry Fiebert at 610-630-2111 ext. 223 or lfiebert@fsmontco.org.


Ages and Stages Training

The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program is offering the Ages & Stages Training Program in Philadelphia.

WHEN: December 11 9:00-4:00
WHERE: Temple University, Center City Office, 1515 Market Street

Best practices have become the driving force behind Child Welfare philosophy and practice. Current best practice research has pointed to the positive effects of early intervention in the lives of young children at risk for developmental delay due to environmental factors such as poverty, abuse and neglect.

The goal of this workshop is to make connections between the work of child welfare and early intervention agencies; discuss indicators of developmental delays and increase the child welfare professional’s understanding of child development and how to administer the Ages and Stages Questionnaire and the Ages and Stages Questionnaire – Social Emotional.

Who Should Attend?
Child Welfare Professionals seeking to continue their knowledge relating to Ages and Stages while assuring child safety, well-being and permanency.

Please contact Rachel Ickes to register for the training at: rmi6@pitt.edu or 1-877-297-7488.

Please do not delay in registering.

When e-mailing, please include the following information: name, agency, address, telephone number, email, and fax number.


Prescription Saving Pass

For those with limited prescription coverage or no coverage at all, CVS/pharmacy is offering a Health Savings Pass. This is a prescription savings pass that allows a person to save on some medications. A person can enroll in the program for $10 a year per person. After enrolling those with the pass also receive 10% off MinuteClinic services inside select CVS/pharmacy stores.
To sign up you can:
  1. Sign up online now
  2. Sign up in-store by filling out an enrollment form and handing it to your CVS pharmacist
  3. By phone at 888-616-CARE (2273)
For more information about this program, please click here.


The Philadelphia Out-of-School Time Resource Fair

The Resource Fair is presented by the Out-of-School Time Resource Center.

WHEN: November 19th, 10am-3pm
WHERE: Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia PA

Pre-Register to participate in a city-wide event for Out-of-School Time Professionals. Join over 200 staff to learn more about opportunities and resources for the OST community. Attend workshops, visit over 40 vendor tables, enjoy food and raffle prizes. Admission is FREE! Pre-registration is recommended, however, walk-ins are welcome.

For more information, please visit the Out-of-School Time Resource Center website.


Do You Need Help Paying for Post-Secondary Education?

PathWays PA offers Individual Development Accounts (IDAs), a matched savings program that offers financial education while helping you save for school. Through the program, your savings can be matched at a rate of three-to-one. If you save $500, we will give you an additional $1500 to go towards your school expenses.

Applicants must meet program income guidelines, be working (full or part time), and be enrolled or accepted into an accredited institution.

If you are interested or have any questions, please e-mail Greg Potestio at gpotestio@pathwayspa.org.


Need Assistance With Public Benefits Applications?

PathWays PA provides assistance to those who need help applying for food stamps or other benefits. For further information, you can contact our office in Philadelphia 215-387-1470 or Delaware County 610-543-5022.

For more information about the services provided by PathWays PA please visit our website.


Support Earned Sick Days in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia!


Support the paid sick days campaign in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia!

Become our friend! Show your support for earned sick time by visiting Facebook. Visit this link to support earned sick time in Pennsylvania, and visit this link to support earned sick time in Philadelphia. Support both!

Tell us your story! Are you a parent who lost their job to stay home with a sick child? Are you a business owner who provides/supports paid sick days? Email your story to us at policy@pathwayspa.org.

Call your Representatives! If you live in Philadelphia, call your City Councilperson and urge them to support "Promoting Healthy Families and Workplaces," which guarantees earned sick time for all working Philadelphians. Not sure who your City Councilperson is? Click on this link and type in your home address to find out which district you live in: http://www.phila.gov/citycouncil/districtform/districtform.html.

If you live in Pennsylvania (but outside of Philadelphia), call your state Representative. Tell him/her you support earned sick time for workers. Not sure who your Representative is?
Simply type your address here: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/find.cfm.

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