Independent Living Newsletter

Independent Living Newsletter
Volume V July 2014 Issue
IT IS TIME TO BE HEARD!
TAKE A LOOK INSIDE THIS MONTH’S NEWSLETTER
On June 28, 2014, Our Kids of Miami-Dade/Monroe Inc. held its annual ceremony for foster care student graduates at Miami Dade College
Wolfson Campus. Community leaders, foster care advocates, parents, and students gathered to celebrate nearly 100 students who graduated from
high school, college, vocational/trade school or earned their GED. The ceremony celebrated the students’ success and the strides that have been
made by Our Kids, its partner agencies, and the Department of Children and Families to continue to utilizing community based-care to improve
educational opportunities and graduation rates for children in the foster care system. Special recognition was given to ten of the student graduates.
Below is a brief biography of each awardee.
Mickey Christian is a 17 year old young man who recently received his GED through the Adult Learning Center in Tavernier FL. As a result of his
hard work and dedication, Mickey enrolled at Florida Keys Community College for two semesters and is currently carrying a 3.8 GPA. Next
Spring, Mickey plans on attending the University of South Florida in Tampa FL to take full advantage of his higher education opportunities.
Fritzner Julien is an 18 year old young man who recently graduated from Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial High School. He ended the school
year with a weighted GPA of 5.2. He is a very driven, hardworking, confident, and determined young man. Fritzner will be attending Florida State
University in August 2014. He plans to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Economics.
Sugeily Torres is a 22 year old young woman who recently graduated from Miami Dade College with an AA in Psychology. Many of us have
known Sugeily since before she turned 18 and we have watched her grow tremendously in maturity, poise and determination. She carries herself
with confidence and sets an example for others around her.
Karina Azevedo is an 18 year old young woman who recently graduated from Doral Performing Arts Academy. She is driven, hardworking and
responsible. As a result of her hard work and dedication Karina graduated with a 4.8 GPA and was awarded a Florida Bright Future Medallion
Scholarship. Karina will be attending Florida International University where she will pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Global and Social Sciences.
Mary Gaspar is an 18 year old young woman who recently graduated from Monsignor Edward Pace High School while maintaining a part-time
job. Mary is an active participant and speaker at many of the Voices for Children events. As a result of her hard work Mary will be attending Florida International University where she will be pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Communications.
Karis Mobley is a 21 year old young woman who recently graduated from Key West Community College with an AA degree. Her cumulative GPA
was a 3.13. She currently attends the University of Central Florida pursuing a degree in business.
Tytianna Bunch is a 19 year old young woman who recently graduated from Miami Northwestern High School. She has a 4.0 GPA and graduated
in the top 5 of her class. She will be attending Miami Dade College to study nursing.
Roxana Cespedes is a 20 year old young woman who recently graduated with honors from Miami Dade College with an AA in Criminal Justice.
Roxana earned straight A’s for an entire academic year and earned the esteemed honor of making the Dean’s list twice. She graduated with a 3.7
GPA. Roxana will pursue her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at Miami Dade College.
Shaika Surprise is a 17 year old young woman who recently graduated from Miami-Lakes Technical Education Center with her high school diploma. She is currently CPR and EKG certified and graduated high school with a medical administrative assistant certification. She was active in various school clubs. Shaika plans to continue her education by attending Valencia College in Orlando FL and pursuing a degree in Sports Medicine.
Ashley Hunter is a 22 year old young woman who recently graduated from Miami Dade College with an AA in Pre-Nursing. She graduated with a
3.3 GPA. Ashely is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Florida International University.
Summer Stipend Requirements
RTI
If you are in the RTI program you have the option to chose from the following listed below:



Enrolled in a post-secondary school full time as defined by the school for the summer session to include 6
credits per 6 week summer session or 12 credits for a 12 week session;
Enrolled in a vocational school full time as defined by the school for the summer;
Not attending school for the summer full time is excepted to obtain employment for the summer months
and if not employed has the obligation to diligently seek employment and provided those job searches
consistent with the documentation required by the office of unemployment compensation on a monthly
basis, 5 jobs per week.
If the unemployed young adult fails to provide such documentation in a given summer month, no
award payment shall be issued for the following summer month.
The young adult is required to inform the case worker of successful summer job placement within 7 days.
PESS
If you are in the PESS program you have the option to chose from the following listed below :

Attend school full time , or a minimum of 9 credits, for the summer or

If not attending Summer classes, you must already be enrolled in Fall 2014 classes and agree to seek
employment, internships or volunteer in the Summer.
EFC
If you are in Extended Foster Care you have the option to chose from the following listed below to remain
complaint:

Completing high school or a program leading to an equivalent credential, e.g., GED Program;

Enrolled in an institution that provides postsecondary or vocational education;

Participating in a program or activity designed to promote or eliminate barriers to employment to include
an approved internship, volunteering or employment program by Our Kids, i.e. Career Service Center.
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CAREER SOURCE CENTER LOCATIONS
City of Miami Gardens
4690 NW 183rd Street
Hialeah Downtown
240 East 1st Avenue Suite #222
Miami, FL 33055
Hialeah, FL 33010
(305) 620-8012
(305)883-8070
(305) 620-9813-fax
(305)883-6910-fax
South Miami Center
5825 SW 68th Street
Homestead
140 NE 8th Street
Miami, FL 33143
Homestead, FL 33030
(305) 284 - 0936
(305) 242-5373
(305) 284-0933-fax
(305) 242-2438-fax
Key Largo
103400 Overseas Hwy Suite # 239
Key West
1111 12th Street Suite #307 and 308
Key Largo, FL 33037
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 853 - 3540
(305) 292-6762
(305) 853-3543-fax
(305) 292-6891-fax
Little Havana
701 SW 27th Avenue
Miami, FL 33135
Miami Beach
833 6the Street 2nd Floor Miami
Beach, FL 33139
(305) 643 - 3300
(305) 532 - 5350
(305) 643-7240-fax
(305) 532-9307-fax
North Miami Beach
633 NE 167th Street
Northside
7900 NW 27th Avenue Suite #200
North Miami Beach, FL 33162
Miami, FL 33147 (305) 693 - 2060
(305) 654-7175
(305) 693-2071-fax
(305) 654-7188-fax
City of Miami Center
750 NW 2nd Street, 4th Floor
Perrine
9555 SW 175th Terrace
Miami, FL 33127
(305) 372-8300
Miami, FL 33157 (305)252-4440
(305) 278-1066-fax
West Dade
8485 Bird Road, 2nd Floor
Miami, FL 33155
(305) 228-2300
305) 2281-2321-fax
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4
Did you Age Out of
Foster Care in
Florida?
If you…
Are you younger than 26?

YOU GET MEDICAID
HEALTH INSURANCE !

Left Florida
foster care at
18 years old
or older
&
Are younger
than 26 years
old…
… then you can get Medicaid health insurance until you are 26 years old.
But you have to sign up!
Individuals who are under age 26 may receive Medicaid if they were in foster
care under the responsibility of the State and receiving Florida Medicaid
when they aged out of foster care.
How to Enroll:

Apply online at: http://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/

Contact your Independent Living Case Manager if you need
assistance applying.

Email [email protected] or call 305-455-6227 for
questions and more information.
5
Health Corner
Healthy Sun-Kissed Skin!
Just a few serious sunburns can increase anyone’s risk of skin
cancer later in life. Yourself or your child do not have to be at
the pool, beach, or on vacation to get too much sun. Skin
needs protection from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays
whenever outdoors.
What can you do?

Seek shade. UV rays are strongest and most harmful
during midday, so it's best to plan indoor activities then. If
this is not possible, seek shade under a tree, an umbrella, or a
pop-up tent. Use these options to prevent sunburn, not to seek
relief after it's happened.

Apply sunscreen. Use sunscreen with at least SPF 15
and UVA and UVB protection every time you’re outside. For
the best protection, apply sunscreen generously 30 minutes
before going outdoors. Don't forget to protect ears, noses,
lips, and the tops of feet.

It’s that time of year again! The heat comes up and the
clothes come off! It’s time for the beach and other outdoor activities.
When we are “young” we think we’re invincible to the
sun’s rays and that long term unprotected exposure to the
sun won’t do us any harm. Unfortunately if you think this
way, you’re in for a VERY unpleasant surprise.
FUN FACT: Did you know???
Your skin is the largest organ in the body! An average
adult's skin spans 21 square feet, weighs approximately
nine pounds, and contains more than 11 miles of blood
vessels.
Wear sunglasses: They protect your eyes from UV rays,
which can lead to cataracts later in life. Look for sunglasses
that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA
and UVB rays as possible.
Find out the daily UV index: Knowing the UV index will
help you determine if extra protection such as clothing or hats
are needed for a safer day outside.
Keep in mind, sunscreen is not meant to allow kids to spend
more time in the sun than they would otherwise. Try combining sunscreen with other options to prevent UV damage.
Regardless of your skin color or tolerance to sun, prolonged unprotected sun exposure can be a precursor to the
development of skin cancer. So while you’re outside having
fun, always think, “How am I protecting myself, my family
and/or my friends from the sun?” - Sashi Sanchez, LPN
6
There are things you can do to help keep your child safe such as:

Always watch kids in and around water

Use fences and other barriers to keep kids away from pools when you’re not around.

Use life jackets in or near open bodies of water or when participating in water sports.

Teach kids water safety rules too.
7
Before the Hurricane Season
TERMS TO KNOW

Determine safe evacuation routes inland.
Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible

Learn location of official shelters.
within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane

Make emergency plans for pets.
preparedness activities become difficult once winds

Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights,
reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued

generators and battery-powered NOAA Weather

Radio All Hazards and cell phones.
48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical
storm-force winds.

Buy food that will keep and store drinking water.

Buy plywood or other material to protect your home.
preparedness activities become difficult once winds

Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is

Trim trees and shrubbery.
issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of
Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected
in the specified area of the warning. Because hurricane
tropical-storm-force winds.
Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings: Take these
During the Storm
alerts seriously. Although Tropical Storms have
When in a Watch area...
lower wind speeds than hurricanes, They often bring

Listen frequently to radio, TV or NOAA Weather

Radio All Hazards for bulletins of a storm’s progress.

Fuel and service your vehicles.

Inspect and secure mobile home tie-downs.

Board up windows in case the storm moves quickly and you have
to evacuate.

Stock up on batteries, food that will keep, first aid supplies, drinking water and medications.

life-threatening flooding and dangerous winds. Take
precautions!
Close storm shutters.

Follow instructions issued by local officials. Leave

If evacuating, leave as soon as possible. Stay with friends
or relatives, at a low-rise inland motel or at a designate
public shelter outside the flood zone.

DO NOT stay in a mobile or manufactured home.

Notify neighbors and a family member outside of the
warned area of your evacuation plans.

Take pets with you if possible, but remember, most public shelters do not allow pets other than those used by the
handicapped. Identify pet-friendly motels along your
evacuation route.
immediately if ordered!
Store lawn furniture and other loose, light-weight objects,
such as garbage cans and garden tools.


Have cash on hand in case power goes out and ATMs don’t work.
Plan to evacuate if you...

Live in a mobile or manufactured home. They are unsafe
in high winds no matter how well fastened to the ground.


Live on the coastline, an offshore island or near a river or flood
plain. In addition to wind, flooding from storm surge waves is
a major killer.
If Staying in a Home...
Live in a high-rise. Hurricane winds can knock out electricity
to elevators, break windows and more.

Turn refrigerator to maximum cold and keep closed.

Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities.

Turn off propane tanks.

Unplug small appliances.

Fill bathtub and large containers with water in case tapwater is unavailable. Use water in bathtubs for cleaning
When in a Warning area...

Closely monitor radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio
and flushing only. Do NOT drink it.
All Hazards for official bulletins.
8
If Winds Become Strong...

Stay away from windows and doors, even if covered.
Take

refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway.

Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors.

If you are in a two story house, go to an interior

1st floor room.

If you are in a multi-story building and away from
What to Bring to the Shelter

First aid kit
 Medicine, prescriptions
 Baby food and diapers

Games, books, music players with headphones
 Toiletries

Battery-powered radio and cell phone

Flashlights
 Extra batteries

A blanket or sleeping

bag for each person
 Identification
 Copies of key papers such as insurance policies
 Cash, credit card
REMINDER: If you are told to leave,
do so immediately!
water, go to the 1st or 2nd floor and stay in the halls or
other interior rooms away from windows.

Lie on the floor under a table or other sturdy object.
Be Alert For...
Tornadoes: They are often spawned by hurricanes.
The calm “eye” of the storm. It may seem like the storm
is over but after the eye passes, the winds will change
 Once home, check gas, water and electrical lines and
appliances for damage.
 Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Never use candles
and other open flames indoors.
 Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until
officials say it is safe.
 If using a generator, avoid electrocution by following
manufacturers instructions and standard electric code.
direction and quickly return to hurricane force.
After the Storm
Keep listening to radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio.
Wait until an area is declared safe before entering.
Watch for closed roads. If you come upon a barricade
or a flooded road, Turn Around Don’t Drown! TM
Avoid weakened bridges and washed out roads.
Stay on firm ground. Moving water only 6 inches deep
can sweep you off your feet. Standing water may be
electrically charged from power lines.
NWS hurricane links, forecasts, assessments:
http://www.weather.gov/os/hurricane
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards:
http://www.weather.gov/nwr
National Hurricane Center:
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov
Central Pacific Hurricane Center:
http://weather.gov/cphc
NOAA Hurricane Website
http://hurricanes.noaa.gov/
American Red Cross:
http://www.redcross.org
Federal Emergency Management Agency:
http://www.fema.gov
9
HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM NOW
AVAILABLE TO ASSIST LOW INCOME RESIDENTS
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is assisting lowincome households with utility payments.
Low-income individuals can receive assistance with their utility costs through the
Community Action and Human Services Department Low-Income Home Energy
Assistance Program (LIHEAP) beginning on Monday, April 1, 2013. To qualify, applicants must not exceed 150% of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines. Qualified applicants facing a crisis situation may be eligible to receive up to a $600 payment toward
their outstanding electric or gas bills. Regular energy applications may receive between $150-$300 dollar payment applied to their utility bill.
LIHEAP applications are available at Community Service Centers, Monday through
Friday 8 AM-5 PM. Applications and a listing of Community Service Centers are
available online at
http://www.miamidade.gov/socialservices/housing-assistance-energy.asp.
For additional information call (786) 469-4600.
Who:
What:
Miami-Dade Community Action and Human Services Department
LIHEAP Program
Providing financial assistance with utility bills (electric and gas)
Where:
Community Service Centers throughout Miami-Dade County
10
SCHOLARSHIPS
ONLINE TUTORING
Fastweb : Scholarships, Financial Aid, Student Loans
and Colleges
Search for scholarships with our free scholarship matching service, get student financial aid and find money to
pay for college at FastWeb.
www.fastweb.com/
Having trouble with some of your classes?
On line tutoring is available in Math, English, History and
other subjects. Check out the on-line tutoring websites below that can help improve your grades.
Sallie Mae's Scholarship Search
Sallie Mae's Scholarship Search. Sallie Mae's free Scholarship Search offers access to an award database that
contains more than 3 million scholarships worth ...
www.go.salliemae.com/scholarship/
College Board
Get connected to your college. Find official college planning and preparation tools to help you succeed. Visit the
College Board website - your inside source to free online
college scholarship search.
www.collegeboard.org/
Math Video - Free Subject Help - Brightstorm
Free Homework Help for math, science and English videos
video’s for high school and college subjects.
www.brightstorm.com/math/
WebMath - Solve Your Math Problem
WebMath is designed to help you solve your math problems.
www.webmath.com/
Math.com - World of Math Online
Free math lessons and math homework help from basic
math to algebra, geometry and beyond.
www.math.com/
Scholarships.com: Free College Scholarship Search |
College ...
Conduct a college scholarship & financial aid search at
Scholarships.com. Free scholarship search and college
search for students of all ages. Find Free Money ...
www.scholarships.com/
Khan Academy
Khan Academy is on a mission to provide a free worldclass education to anyone anywhere. Physics, finance, and
history and 200 practice exercises, helping students learn
whatever they want,
www.khanacademy.org/
ScholarshipExperts.com: Scholarships, Free Scholarships, College ...
Find scholarships and free college money. ScholarshipExperts.com has a fast and easy free scholarship search
service to help students and parents find free ...
www.scholarshipexperts.com/
Mathway: Math Problem Solver
Free math problem solver answers your pre-algebra, algebra, trigonometry, calculus and statistics homework questions with step-by-step explanations.
www.mathway.com/
Scholarship Hunter: FREE and EASY Scholarship
Search
FREE Tools to Find SCHOLARSHIPS Online. No Login
or Password Required. Free Scholarship Search. Free
College Scholarship Sweepstakes, Contests, and more.
www.scholarshiphunter.com/
Free Math Help and Free Math Videos Online at MathVids.com
Get free math help by watching free math videos online
from algebra and geometry to calculus and college math.
www.mathvids.com/ www.mathexpression.com/
11
What does S.H.I.N.E stand for?
Striving High for Independence & Empowerment
What is Miami Youth S.H.I.N.E?
An advocacy organization led by current and former foster
youth ages 13 to 23. They strive to empower youth and
advocate for changes to improve the child welfare system.
How can I join?
For more information, please call (305) 671-1345
Get the help you need!
The Foster Youth Legal Services collaborative between
the Legal Aid Society, Legal Services of Greater Miami
and the American Immigrants for Justice can assist if you
need help with any of the following: Housing, Employment, Benefits, Special Education, RTI, Family Law, Domestic Violence, Guardianship, Immigration, and Work
Permits.
Aging out of Foster Care? If you were in licensed
foster care six months or more, you receive free
medical services through the end of the month
when you turn 21.
Call (305) 579-1010
Hours of Operation: Monday—Friday
To update your address, please
call Our Kids at 305-455-2595.
If you need to choose or switch
a provider, please call Medicaid
Options at 1-888-367-6554.
Do you have something you’d like to contribute to
this newsletter? We’d love to hear from you!
Please email your ideas, articles, announcements to:
[email protected], or give us a call at
305-455-6227.
Check out these helpful websites to assist you in
finding a job:
 www.careerbuilder.com
 www.monster.com
 www.floridaunemployment.com
 www.indeed.com
 www.employflorida.com
Do you have questions about your monthly stipend,
education, housing, resources or other areas?
Our kids has a help-line and e-mail address
available just for you.
Start Applying Today!!


12
Phone number: 1-866-572-9493
E-mail address: [email protected]