April 2014 - United Community Action Network

Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Shasta, a saker falcon, steps onto the gloved hand of Bureau of Land Management wildlife biologist
Liz Gayner at the 2013 Earth Day and Energy Fair at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. The
celebration is being held earlier than usual this year to avoid conflicting with Easter.
Earth Day organizers inject new features in annual event
An all-electric Mercedes-Benz “smart car,” Wildlife Safari animals and a bicycle-powered fountain
will be among the new features at the annual Earth Day and Energy Fair on Saturday.
The fair, now in its 14th year, educates and entertains while promoting conservation and
alternative energy, volunteer organizer Stuart Liebowitz said.
“It is a day to celebrate the Earth,” Liebowitz said. “We want to be kind to the planet, find ways of
conserving and at the same time, have fun.”
People worldwide have celebrated Earth Day on or near April 22 since 1970. With Easter on April
20 this year, Douglas County organizers moved it up so it wouldn’t be on a holiday weekend,
More than 50 exhibits will be at this year’s fair, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Douglas County
Fairgrounds, 2110 Frear St. Among the festivities will be recycled crafts, free seedlings,
papermaking, a poetry contest and an alternative power car rally. Demonstrations will include
organic gardening, green living, reusable and recycled products, composting, alternative building
supplies and methods, and native plants and trees.
The Umpqua National Forest will lead indoor and outdoor wilderness walks. There will be
demonstrations with a solar car and how to build a bird house, and Sunrise Enterprises will have a
fashion show exhibiting secondhand clothing.
“This family-oriented community event features both educational and hands-on activities
highlighting our love for the natural environment, our commitment to leaving a healthy planet for
1
our children and ways in which each of us can do our share to set an example for each other and
future generations,” Liebowitz said.
International Migratory Bird Day will be celebrated at the fair. Attendees can learn about bird
diversity and migration patterns. This year’s theme is “Why Birds Matter — The Benefits of Birds to
Humans and Nature.”
Five bands will play tunes throughout the day. They are hillbilly string band Sons of the Soil, the
Accordion Club of Roseburg, auld Celtic group The Liberty Players, earthy jazz ensemble Geo 4
and the Phoenix Charter School band.
Exhibitors have donated prizes, including LED lights, bicycles and bicycle helmets, to be raffled
throughout the day.
The 2013 fair drew more than 3,000 people. Douglas County government started it, but turned it
over to volunteers three years ago due to budget constraints. Liebowitz and three dozen others
raise funds and secure more than 20 community sponsorships.
“We look forward once again to sharing this celebration of our planet and environment with our
friends and neighbors,” Liebowitz said.
Food will be for sale. The fair is free to attend, but canned food donations will be accepted
for United Community Action Network.
•You can reach reporter Christina George at 541-957-4202 or at [email protected].
Friday, April 04, 2014
Donations needed for Career Clothing Fair (RSVP)
By Kelly Wessels for the Daily Courier
Sponsored by the United Community Action Network, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) matches
the talents and experience of people 55 and older and channels them into volunteer work that supports public
and nonprofit agencies, as well as health care facilities throughout Josephine County.
• DRESS IT UP! With your help, the 10th Career Clothing Fair sponsored by the Oregon Employer Council of
Josephine County is sure to be a huge success. The fair is scheduled for April 16 at Evergreen Bank's "Bear
Hotel" on Spalding Avenue, but for it to be a success first we need clothes! Help support this valuable
fundraiser by donating what you no longer wear. Remember, all types of clothing are needed as people do all
kinds of work, so please drop off your generous contribution to Worksource Oregon, 1569 N.E. F St. in the
Parkway Village Shopping Center. The hours are 8-5, Monday thru Friday. All proceeds support local
programs, charities and scholarships such as Josephine Community Libraries, College Dreams, Kairos, Junior
Achievement and programs for veteran's.
2
• SENIOR COMPANIONS WANTED. Oregon's aging population growth is occurring at a time marked by
economic uncertainty, but UCAN Senior Companion volunteers can make a difference by providing 15 to 40
hours of assistance weekly to individuals, through companionship, playing games, grocery shopping, going to
the doctor and so on. Eligible volunteers qualify for a monthly stipend and are trained in service activities that
achieve tangible results. Program Manager Judy Bergenske is in Josephine County regularly and has a very
long waiting list of individuals who need a Senior Companion right away. Call 541-492-3520 to connect with
the Judy and set up time to explore the possibilities today.
• KNITTERS KNEEDED. RSVP Knitters needs supplies to keep up with busy hands! All year these members
make hats, scarves and warm items for people in need during the winter. Yarn donations from our community
help make this project run, so if you have excess yarn please consider helping beef up the supply so these
volunteers can apply their creativity to a very useful task. Bring your own yarn or use ours, but either way,
you are welcome to join us for some creative fun each Thursday, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., at the RSVP Office, 201
N.E. Eighth St., in Grants Pass.
• FREE AARP TAX HELP. April 15 will be here before you know it! RSVP sponsors the local AARP Tax-Aide
program that serves low- to moderate-income taxpayers no matter what age you are, using volunteers who
have been trained in IRS requirements. Tax Aide volunteers have a longstanding, highly regarded reputation
for their skill and commitment to this program, completing state, federal, earned income credit and elderly
renters credit forms for seniors, the disabled and families of Josephine County. Call 541-956-4450 today for
your appointment now as April 15 is less than a month away.
———
Prospective RSVP volunteers should contact Kelly Wessels at 541-956-4472 [email protected]
Monday, April 07, 2014
Homeless census shows more young people,
Families struggling
A scene from the annual homeless count, hosted in January at Parkway Christian
Center.
By Howard Huntington of the Daily Courier
An annual count by the United Community Action Network found a big
increase in Josephine County's homeless population from last year, but UCAN's chief operating officer, Kelly
Wessels, cautioned that the raw numbers — from 533 in 2013 to 905 this year — can be misleading.
The counts help UCAN focus its program and funding efforts to help the homeless, but the math keeps
changing. The required format for collecting data in the "Point in Time" counts has repeatedly changed over
the years. The most recent one in Josephine County was done in January in Grants Pass and Cave Junction.
"What's is considered homeless?" Wessels said. "With the (federal) Hearth Act definition of homeless, we
cannot categorize somebody as homeless if they are couch-surfing or if they're doubling up.
"The theory was that, if you were couch-surfing, you were at less risk than somebody sleeping in their car,
and you might have a better chance of becoming housed more sustainably than somebody who was straight
homeless."
3
The latest count also showed that 43 percent of the homeless people counted this year were youths, up from
39 percent in 2013.
"We're definitely seeing younger men here," said Ken Emilio, director of the Gospel Rescue Mission in Grants
Pass.
And this year's Point in Time count found 227 homeless households with children — up from 109 in 2013.
"We have virtually no one-bedroom units for affordable housing, and the development of affordable housing
has been extremely limited or tabled," Wessels said. "We have a service-based economy of people who work
20-hour-a-week, minimum-wage jobs and cannot afford most rental structures."
"We haven't done as much financial assistance the last year or so, just because of the demands that were
placed on us early on in the recession," said Colin Pederson, director of the Josephine County Salvation
Army.
Wessels said the young homeless and children living in homeless families have been increasing steadily for
more than three years. "These are children and families that are having to figure out how to stay warm, how
to stay sheltered," she said.
"We have many families and many young people," said Ranae Thornton of St. Vincent de Paul. "The last two
days, we served 175 a day" in the Grants Pass dining hall. "For this time of the year, it's up significantly."
Wessels also said she's also seeing more single fathers, a special problem because there are no local
shelters designed for them. The Gospel Rescue Mission does not allow men and children to live together in a
dormitory situation.
"With them having to be separated, they choose not to do that and end up being more straight homeless,"
Wessels said.
Statistics from the Oregon Department of Education showed about 2.57 percent or 150 students enrolled in
the Grants Pass School District were homeless at some point during the 2011-12 school year, and slightly
more than 2.57 percent or 158 students in 2012-13.
The Three Rivers School District had 313 students or about 6.38 percent of enrolled homeless at some point
in 2011-12, and 316 students or about 6.42 percent in 2012-13.
The comparatively small Rogue River School District had the highest percentages among the three districts
compared — 99 students or 10.8 percent of enrollment homeless in 2011-12, and 92 students or about 10.3
percent of enrollment homeless in 2012-13.
"These students also tend to transition between school districts in the region more often than many other
populations," Rogue River Superintendent Paul Young said. "The special needs of this population can be a
challenge for learners, but a little help can make a tremendous difference. We are very fortunate to have a
strong partnership with the Maslow Project."
The Maslow Project is a Medford-based nonprofit that works to help homeless young people.
Wessels said extra efforts are also being made to get other specific populations off the street, including
veterans and the chronically mentally ill. "The problem is the mandates may be there, but it's hard to find
housing for them that's affordable," she said.
The Gospel Rescue mission can house 78 men, but is often below capacity because it has strict rules for
staying sober, behaving and working.
———
Reach reporter Howard Huntington at 541-474-3726 [email protected]
4
Tuesday, April 08, 2014
County's homeless population jumps
By Howard Huntington of the Daily Courier
An annual survey by the United Community Action Network found a big increase
in Josephine County's homeless population from last year. But UCAN Chief
Operating Officer Kelly Wessels cautioned that the raw numbers, which show an
increase from 533 homeless in 2013 to 905 this year, can be misleading.
The annual counts help UCAN focus its program and funding efforts to help the
homeless, but the math keeps changing. The required format for collecting data in
the "Point in Time" counts has repeatedly changed over the years. The most
recent one in Josephine County was done in January in Grants Pass and Cave
Junction.
The latest count also showed that 43 percent of the homeless people counted this
year were youths, up from 39 percent in 2013.
"We're definitely seeing younger men here," said Ken Emilio, director of the
Gospel Rescue Mission in Grants Pass.
And this year's Point in Time count found 227 homeless households with children
— up from 109 in 2013. "We have virtually no one-bedroom units for affordable
housing, and the development of affordable housing has been extremely limited
or tabled," Wessels said. "We have a service-based economy of people who work
20-hour-a-week, minimum-wage jobs and cannot afford most rental structures."
FILE/Daily Courier
Ken Emilio says more
young people are turning
to the Gospel Rescue
Mission for help.
"We haven't done as much financial assistance the last year or so, just because of the demands that were
placed on us early on in the recession," said Colin Pederson, director of the Josephine County Salvation
Army.
Wessels said the young homeless and children living in homeless families have been increasing steadily for
more than three years. "These are children and families that are having to figure out how to stay warm, how
to stay sheltered," she said.
"We have many families and many young people," said Ranae Thornton of St. Vincent de Paul. "The last two
days, we served 175 a day" in the Grants Pass dining hall. "For this time of the year, it's up significantly."
Wessels said she's also seeing more single fathers, a special problem because there are no local shelters
designed for them. The Gospel Rescue Mission does not allow men and children to live together in a
dormitory situation.
"With them having to be separated, they choose not to do that and end up being more straight homeless,"
Wessels said.
Statistics from the Oregon Department of Education showed 150 students or about 2.57 percent in the
Grants Pass School District were homeless at some point during the 2011-12 school year, compared against
158 students or slightly more than 2.57 percent in 2012-13.
The Three Rivers School District had 313 students or about 6.38 percent of enrolled homeless at some point
in 2011-12, and 316 students or about 6.42 percent in 2012-13.
5
The comparatively small Rogue River School District had the highest percentages among the three districts
compared — 99 students or 10.8 percent of enrollment homeless in 2011-12, and 92 students or about 10.3
percent of enrollment homeless in 2012-13.
"These students also tend to transition between school districts in the region more often than many other
populations," Rogue River Superintendent Paul Young said. "The special needs of this population can be a
challenge for learners, but a little help can make a tremendous difference. We are very fortunate to have a
strong partnership with the Maslow Project."
The Maslow Project is a Medford-based nonprofit that works to help homeless young people.
Wessels said extra efforts are also being made to get other specific populations off the street, including
veterans and the chronically mentally ill.
"The problem is the mandates may be there, but it's hard to find housing for them that's affordable," she
said.
The Gospel Rescue Mission can house 78 men, but is often below capacity because it has strict rules for
staying sober, behaving and working. The mission's Fikso Family Center can house up to 60 women and
children.
———
Reach reporter Howard Huntington at 541-474-3726 [email protected]
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Opinion
Solutions elusive in effort to help local homeless
It probably comes as no surprise that it’s difficult to get an accurate picture of the homeless population in this
community or any other.
The numbers are now in from the “Point in Time” homeless census that was conducted in January. According
to information gathered during the single-day event, the number of homeless in Josephine County rose from
533 in 2013 to 905 this year. Before you jump to any conclusions, bear in mind that the count in 2012 was 998
and probably safe to say and it was 1,137 in 2011. Looking at the four-year trend, it’s probably safe to say the
county’s homeless population is between 800 and 1,000 at any given time.
That’s about 1 percent of the county’s total population. Year to year – and they have little to do with dramatic
changes in the actual homeless population. First, people have to be found to be counted. Stations that offered
everything from a hot meal to a free haircut were set up in Cave Junction and Grants Pass, hoping to attract the
homeless camps. But let’s face it, finding homeless people in rural, rugged area like Josephine County is hardly a
scientific endeavor.
Also, the definition of homeless continues to evolve. For example, in this year’s count people who “couch
surf” – surviving off the kindness of friends and strangers – were not counted as homeless. Neither were people
who have two or more families living under a single roof. If you’re not living on the street or in an emergency
shelter, then you are not considered homeless – at least not in this year’s tally. Call it the new normal.
6
Probably most disturbing is that this year’s census counted 227 homeless “households” with children. It’s hard
to imagine these children are able to concentrate at school when they have so much on their minds. If they fail
at school because of the burden of their lives at home (where there is no home), are they being set up for a new
cycle of poverty and homelessness?
The Pont in Time homeless count was intended to generate data that can be used by the government and
social service agencies in an effort to help people find their way out of poverty. But dealing with this issue is like
battling a multi-headed monster. Some people are homeless for purely economic reasons – a part-time
minimum wage job isn’t going to put a roof over a family’s head. Others have intractable mental health issues
that may preclude them from ever being contributing members of society. And there are all sorts of shades of
gray between these two examples – every homeless person’s circumstances are unique.
So, as our nation and our county continue to recover from the Great Recession, let’s not forget to look in our
rearview mirror. A riding tide may lift all boats, but for a lot of people the tide still hasn’t come in.
Kevin Widdison
Friday, April 11, 2014
Drivers needed to deliver meals to isolated seniors (RSVP)
by Kelly Wessels for the Daily Courier
Sponsored by the United Community Action Network, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) matches
the talents and experience of people 55 and older and channels them into volunteer work that supports public
and nonprofit agencies, as well as health care facilities throughout Josephine County.
• FOOD & FRIENDS VOLUNTEERS.The call is out to bring new volunteers to the Food & Friends Program for
home meal delivery drivers as well as senior dining center help in Grants Pass. Make a difference in the lives
of the isolated by making sure they have a nutritional meal daily. Please take a long look at your schedule and
see if there is any room for a brief trip around town, once a week, to deliver a smile and some good food to an
individual who wants to remain independent and healthy.
• SPECIAL THANKS. Special thanks to the Josephine County Board of Commissioners for proclamations in
support of National Volunteer Month and the efforts of the large corps of RSVP volunteers who serve our
community each year. The commissioners expressed a deep commitment to recognizing volunteer
engagement as a strong contributor to enhancing the quality of life for all individuals in our area. RSVP
volunteers have reason to be proud of the over $1.6 million in human resources provided this past year
supporting education, safety net programming, the arts and projects that benefit the citizens of Josephine
County.
• FREE AARP TAX HELP. It's getting down to the wire (Tuesday is Tax Day), so walk-ins are available
Monday and Tuesday to help you finish out the tax year with less stress and strain. Get help through the AARP
Tax Aide Program, a free tax preparation service in partnership with RSVP. Tax Aide volunteers have a
longstanding, highly regarded reputation for their skill and commitment to this program, completing state,
federal, earned income credit and elderly renters credit forms for seniors, disabled and families of Josephine
County. Call 541-956-4450 for more information.
• WHEELCHAIRS, WALKERS AND RAMPS. We receive requests from caregivers for equipment such as
walkers, blood pressure machines, incontinence supplies to help impoverished, frail individuals. If you are
7
willing to donate this type of resource, please call Rebecca at 541-956-4474 and help someone regain some
independence and mobility. While you are at it, think about joining our crews that aid the disabled through the
RSVP RAMP program. Requests have risen and our volunteer pool could use some helpful hands, as often
people would rather rotate their activities instead of having to carry the whole burden. Join the award-winning
team and let us know if you would be willing to help "nail down" a path to a better future for our frail and
disabled neighbors.
• DRESS IT UP! With your help, the 10th Career Clothing Fair sponsored by the Oregon Employer Council of
Josephine County is sure to be a huge success. The fair is scheduled for April 16 at Evergreen Bank's "Bear
Hotel" on Spalding Avenue, but for it to be a success first we need clothes! Help support this valuable
fundraiser by donating what you no longer wear. Remember, all types of clothing are needed as people do all
kinds of work, so please drop off your generous contribution to WorkSource Oregon, 1569 N.E. F St. in the
Parkway Village Shopping Center. The hours are 8-5, Monday thru Friday. All proceeds support local
programs, charities and scholarships such as Josephine Community Libraries, College Dreams, Kairos, Junior
Achievement and programs for veterans.
———
Prospective RSVP volunteers should contact Kelly Wessels at 541-956-4472 [email protected]
Friday, April 11, 2014
Despite continued problems, Cover Oregon has been
the perfect prescription for some
Ronald Havice, a salesman at Oregon RV Outlet near Merlin, said his premiums are
much lower and benefits are higher since he was approved for health insurance
coverage under the Affordable Care Act. "Now I got a plan that's fantastic," he said.
by Shaun Hall of the Daily Courier
Local consumers, insurance agents and health care organizations continue to struggle with Cover Oregon, the
state's program to help people obtain health insurance. Tales of woe, however, are contrasted with some tales
of success.
"It's been a little trying," said Erinn Fralich, who oversees health insurance operations for Hart Insurance, 321
S.E. I St.
The latest news out of Cover Oregon is an extended deadline: Consumers without insurance now have until
the end of April to apply or face a penalty on their 2014 tax return.
A key element of the Affordable Care Act, the new federal law that requires Americans to have health
coverage, is online exchanges where insurance companies compete for business and people can also get
information about federal financial assistance.
8
About one-third of states, including Oregon, set up their own exchanges, while the rest of the states
participated in an exchange set up by the federal government. The exchanges were supposed to be available
online on Oct. 1, allowing people to enroll by the original March 31 deadline.
Few of the websites functioned properly, however, and it took months to get most of them working right.
The federal government's website is now working, but Oregon's still is not fully-functional. It can be used as a
source of information about coverage options, but enrollment must be handled using paper applications
through insurance agents.
Consumers wanting information can call insurance agencies that are participating in Cover Oregon — there are
about 30 in Josephine County. Or they can seek help from such community partners as Asante, Siskiyou
Community Health Center and the United Community Action Network.
Ken Armstrong of Williams said he's been trying since last fall to get coverage.
He's still waiting, but the package is in the mail, he's been told.
"The bottom line is, I'm told I'm approved," Armstrong said Wednesday, roughly six months after applying.
Armstrong has been told he qualifies for the Oregon Health Plan, the state's version of Medicaid, which comes
with no premiums. He expects official notification in the mail soon.
While Armstrong had to wait months, others have had shorter waits. Ronald Havice, a Central Point resident
who works in sales at Oregon RV Outlet near Merlin, applied in October and was covered by Jan. 1.
"It took us about 20 minutes to get completely signed up," Havice said.
His old plan cost $930 monthly, compared with $184 for the new plan, which covers both him and his wife. He
said the new plan comes with more benefits, including $15 co-pays for doctor visits.
"Now I've got a plan that's fantastic," said Havice, who has appeared in a television commercial for Cover
Oregon. "I'm just tickled."
There are other stories.
"It actually went really smoothly," said Raleigh Smith of Grants Pass. "It made my premiums lower and gave
me better coverage." Smith applied in November and had coverage by Jan. 1.
At Hart Insurance, some applications have been pending for months, going back to December, according to
Fralich. A few hundred new customers have been a good thing for the local insurance business, but employees
have had to manage continual changes and problems, particularly with online interactions with Cover Oregon.
"It makes it hard to do things as efficiently as we can," Fralich said. "Sometimes when it works, it's pretty
good. When it doesn't, it's pretty inefficient. It's hard to plan.
"Online capability is there, but it's really spotty."
Fralich suggests that people apply as soon as possible. Customers can apply online or by visiting an agency.
"There's probably going to be a rush at the end of the month," Fralich warned.
Donna Makinster of UCAN said her agency has helped hundreds of people apply since last fall.
The new federal law, Makinster noted, offers assistance to people in paying deductibles and co-pays, as well
as in obtaining tax credits and lower monthly premiums.
"Everybody we talk to that has coverage has been so happy," Makinster said. "There are some people who
have not been able to access health coverage for 20 years."
9
Frequently asked questions
What is Oregon's extended application period?
Oregonians may apply for private individual health insurance through Cover Oregon and directly with
insurance companies through April 30. If people apply through Cover Oregon before April 30 and then enroll in
a Cover Oregon plan, they will be exempt from a potential tax penalty.
What if people do not apply by April 30?
You will have to wait until the next open enrollment period and you will likely be subject to a federal penalty.
The start of the next open enrollment period is Nov. 15, and the soonest coverage could start is Jan. 1. The
only exception is if you experience certain qualifying events, such as becoming a parent or a change in your
marital status, in which case you may be able to enroll later in 2014.
I have filled out an application and am eligible for a private plan, but have not yet selected a plan.
What's the last day to enroll?
Once people have applied by April 30 and then qualified for private coverage through Cover Oregon, they will
have a reasonable period of time to enroll. The final enrollment date has not yet been established.
What is the difference between applying and enrolling?
Applying is what you do in order to find out what plans you are eligible for and whether you can qualify for
financial assistance. The application involves submitting a form to Cover Oregon with information about your
family size, income and where you live.
Enrolling is what you do after you have heard back from Cover Oregon. It means you've been given your
options and you choose which insurance plan you want. If you are eligible for the Oregon Health Plan, you will
be automatically be enrolled and don't have to take further action.
What are the qualifying events that allow people to apply or change coverage outside of open
enrollment?
Marriage, divorce, adding children to your family, changing income, and others.
Is the extended application period for both private insurance and the Oregon Health Plan?
No, it is just for private insurance. It is not necessary for the Oregon Health Plan because people can apply
year round.
How much is the federal penalty?
The federal penalty for not having health insurance in 2014 is either 1 percent of your family household
income, or $95 per person, whichever is greater. The penalty amount increases every year until 2016 when it
reaches $695 per adult, or 2.5 percent of income.
Where can I get help?
Certified Cover Oregon agents and community partners can help you apply and enroll online and in one
sitting. Find a certified agent or community partner atCoverOregon.com. Reach Cover Oregon at 855-2683767.
10
Sunday April, 15, 2014
Volunteer Opportunities: Pay it forward by helping those
who once helped others
As the population in Douglas County continues to age, it becomes more important for volunteers to
step forward. When failing health sidelines our neighbors and friends, you can help those who
themselves may have provided hundreds of hours of service to their community.
Many of those now needing assistance may even have been singled out as Citizens of the Year at
some time. Take up the banner they have laid down and honor them by your service at any of the
following stations:
Sutherlin Senior Center Meals on Wheels is looking for volunteers to use their own vehicles to
deliver hot meals to shut-ins. Mileage reimbursement and lunch are provided. Kitchen and janitorial
help is also needed on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday. Call Kendra at 541-459-9405.
Douglas County Senior Services can use help at any of its seven dining sites, where hot meals and
companionship are enjoyed by seniors. Lend a hand at the site in your community. Call Carol at
541- 464-3866 for details.
Roseburg Senior Center needs an editor for the Senior Newsletter and callers for bingo games.
Call Doris at 541-637-5166.
Umpqua Valley Rehab and Care Center is searching for men to interact with male residents. Call
Gina at 541-464-7108.
Mercy Medical Center has a variety of volunteer spots, including the blood pressure clinic. Escorts
for patients are needed from 6 to 9 a.m. or 3 to 6 p.m.. Golf cart drivers also are needed. Call
Sheryl at 541-677-4465.
The Roseburg Veterans Affairs Medical Center needs escort shuttle drivers to transport patients
from vehicles to destinations within the complex. Training and a tuberculosis test will be provided.
For further details and requirements, contact Brenda at 541-440-1272.
Call Sam at 541-492-3917 or send her email at [email protected] for details on the
following openings:
11
United Community Action Network Money Management services needs one volunteer to act as
representative payee. Time commitment is two hours once a week or three to four hours every
other Friday. Training will be provided.
The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance program is recruiting members to counsel
Medicare beneficiaries on available insurance programs and to explain the changes and services
provided by Medicare. Ongoing training and mentoring is provided by certified counselors.
Ada Duncan of Roseburg reports for The News-Review on programs and services seeking
volunteers.
Friday, April 18, 2014
Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce needs Volunteers (RSVP)
By Rebecca de Greyt for the Daily Courier
Sponsored by the United Community Action Network, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program
(RSVP) matches the talents and experience of people 55 and older and channels them into
volunteer work that supports public and nonprofit agencies, as well as health care facilities
throughout Josephine County.
• GIVE A CHEERY HELLO. Become a Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce volunteer and learn
about your community and your city as you help assist visitors, chamber members, and lend a hand in
community events.
If you are looking to brighten your weekend by giving a cheery hello to visitors and citizens of the Josephine
County area, then this is the opportunity for you.
There are a variety of roles available weekdays and weekends, including updating social media (Facebook,
Twitter, Yelp), answering phones, researching venues, hotels, and new businesses, and running general
errands.
• FOOD & FRIENDS VOLUNTEERS. The call is out to bring new volunteers to the Food & Friends Program
for home meal delivery drivers as well as senior dining center help in Grants Pass. Make a difference in the
lives of the isolated by making sure they have a nutritional meal daily.
Please take a long look at your schedule and see if there is any room for a brief trip around town, once a
week, to deliver a smile and some good food to an individual who wants to remain independent and healthy.
• BE AN ADVOCATE. Come be a certified Ombudsman volunteer who advocates and provides a link between
long-term care residents and the community. Ombudsman volunteers educate facility staff, family members,
and the community about resident's rights and care concerns.
Ombudsmen investigate all concerns and complaints brought to light and seek solutions to address the
concerns. Free training and support is provided. If you would like to advocate for residents rights and work
independently on your schedule, please contact Rebecca de Greyt at 541-956-4474.
• DO YOU HAVE MEDICARE? Do you need help paying for prescriptions? Is the $104.90 monthly Part B
12
payment hard to afford? If you have limited income and resources, you may be able to get help.
The Medicare Savings Programs pay the monthly bill for you Part B coverage, and may pay other costs, too.
Extra Help ("LIS") pays for some of your Part D drug coverage, and may help you pay less at the pharmacy.
These programs have different income guidelines, but in general, if your gross monthly income is below
$1,459 for a single person ($1,966 couple) and your resources (checking, savings, stocks, etc.) are less than
$13,440 for a single person ($26,860 couple), call to find out what you may be eligible for.
Call 1-855-447-0155 M-F or call for an appointment with our SHIBA volunteers at 541-956-4056.
• SENIOR COMPANIONS. Oregon's aging population growth is occurring at a time marked by economic
uncertainty, but UCAN Senior Companion volunteers can make a difference by providing 15 to 40 hours of
assistance weekly to individuals, through companionship, playing games, grocery shopping, going to the
doctor and so on.
Eligible volunteers qualify for a monthly stipend and are trained in service activities that achieve tangible
results. Program Manager Judy Bergenske is in Josephine County regularly and has a very long waiting list of
individuals who need a Senior Companion right away.
Call 541-492-3520 to connect with the Judy and set up time to explore the possibilities today.
———
Prospective RSVP volunteers should contact Rebecca de Greyt at 541-956-4474 or
[email protected]
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Friends in deed Companion program helps seniors age gracefully
13
Friday, April 25, 2014
Free workshops focus on senior legal issues (RSVP)
By Rebecca de Greyt for the Daily Courier
Sponsored by the United Community Action Network, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) matches
the talents and experience of people 55 and older and channels them into volunteer work that supports public
and nonprofit agencies, as well as health care facilities throughout Josephine County.
• FREE LEGAL WORKSHOPS. Mark your calendars and attend the following workshops presented by the
Oregon Law Center and sponsored by the Rogue Valley Council of Governments. Presentations will be given by
a lawyer with experience in Oregon law and are appropriate for all ages, but the focus will be on issues
common to the aging population.
14
May 14th: "Estate Planning, Trusts, Wills, Guardianships, Medical Directives and beyond." May 28th:
"Protecting your assets, what all seniors should know, and practice." June 6th: "Grandparent rights to custody
and visitation of children." Workshops are held from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Parole and Probation office, 510
N.W. Fourth St. (corner of Fourth and C) in Grants Pass.
• TUTOR THE FUTURE. Rogue Community College is always in need of volunteer tutors to work one-on-one
with students to improve reading, writing and math skills as well as for GED preparation or English as a
Second Language. Free training and orientation is provided. Please contact Carolyn Shaw at 541-956-7253.
• BE AN ADVOCATE. Come be a certified Ombudsman volunteer who advocates and provides a link between
long-term care residents and the community. Ombudsman volunteers educate facility staff, family members,
and the community about residents' rights and care concerns.
Ombudsmen investigate all concerns and complaints and seek solutions. Free training and support is provided.
If you would like to advocate for residents' rights and work independently on your schedule, contact Rebecca
de Greyt at 541-956-4474.
• GIVE A CHEERY HELLO. Become a Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce volunteer and learn about your
community and your city as you help assist visitors, chamber members, and lend a hand in community
events.
If you are looking to brighten your weekend by giving a cheery hello to visitors and citizens of the Josephine
County area, then this is the opportunity for you.
There are a variety of roles available weekdays and weekends, including updating social media (Facebook,
Twitter, Yelp), answering phones, researching venues, hotels, and new businesses, and running general
errands.
• DO YOU HAVE MEDICARE? Do you need help paying for prescriptions? Is the $104.90 monthly Part B
payment hard to afford? If you have limited income and resources, you may be able to get help.
The Medicare Savings Programs pay the monthly bill for your Part B coverage, and may cover other costs.
Extra Help ("LIS") pays for some of your Part D drug coverage, and may help you pay less at the pharmacy.
These programs have different income guidelines, but in general, if your gross monthly income is below
$1,459 for a single person ($1,966 couple) and your resources (checking, savings, stocks, etc.) are less than
$13,440 for a single person ($26,860 couple), call to find out what you may be eligible for.
Call 1-855-447-0155 M-F or call for an appointment with our SHIBA volunteers at 541-956-4050.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Club News: Plant & Garden Expo in Roseburg offers
plants, expertise, tools and supplies May 3
15
How does your garden grow?
Get help at the OSU Extension Master Gardeners 28th annual Plant & Garden Expo from 9 a.m. to
4 p.m. Saturday in the Exhibit Building of the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Roseburg.
The Expo features thousands of annuals, perennials, vegetables, shrubs, trees and more grown by
local Master Gardeners.
Arrive early for the best selection, talk to trained volunteers for planting or growing tips and
participate in raffles for unique prizes. Local vendors will also be available, offering garden-related
tools, supplies and decor.
Admission is $2 per person, cash or check only, and free for children 12 or younger. Service
animals are allowed, but no pets, please.
Proceeds help support the Douglas County Master Gardeners’ educational programs. For anyone
who wants to donate nonperishable food items for United Community Action Network, a collection
box will be available.
Information: 541-672-4461.
16