We'll have some details on our Mobile Express trips to Lorain and Warren in a moment, but I first wanted to point out an important change in benefit policy.
One of the many applications within the Benefit Bank software is for the School Lunch Program. If you're below 185% of the federal poverty line, your children may be eligible to have the price of their school lunches reduced. At 130% of the federal poverty level - the same line in the sand that determines food assistance eligibility - those lunches become free.
So, if you're on food assistance, you're eligible for free school lunches.
And now (again, brand new!), if you're receiving free school lunches, you are no longer responsible for any student fees. To pull the money quote directly from the law books:
"No board of education of a school district shall charge a fee to a pupil who is eligible for a free lunch for any materials needed to participate fully in a course of instruction."
Since this is brand new, there's a chance that not every school district is aware of these changes. If you know of anyone on food assistance who is having trouble paying for their children's textbooks or calculators, please call us immediately at 1-800-648-1176.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Our First 13 Hour Day
It should go without saying that the Mobile Express schedule is almost always booked solid. Our Google Calendar is a veritable sea of crimson blocks telling us where we need to be. Sometimes we go as far as to book two events in one day.
Or, sometimes, three.
You see, we have our Google Calendar set up so that we need to scroll down to get past 5pm. And sometimes I forget to scroll down to make sure that I'm not booking three events in one day.
Which brings us to last Thursday. The early hours were spent at Marion Franklin High School with the Wellness on Wheels Mobile Unit. We're always appreciative of the work they do (and for letting us use the lavatory on their giant truck). They've been steering moms-to-be to us for weeks now and we are truly grateful for their support.
After a quick stop at Chipotle, Erin and I then made the trip to Goodwill Columbus. We parked in front of their building for three hours and helped Goodwill employees and clients find out what programs they were eligible for.
From there, we made our second trip to The King Arts Complex for their Heritage Concert series. After spending the past nine hours doing quick checks and enrollments, simply helping with outreach was a nice change of pace.
Even with the more relaxing atmosphere, by the end of the night, Erin and I were pooped. We had spend thirteen hours in the Mobile Express and it was time for some much needed rest. After all, we had to be on the road to Cincinnati at 8am the next morning.
Or, sometimes, three.
You see, we have our Google Calendar set up so that we need to scroll down to get past 5pm. And sometimes I forget to scroll down to make sure that I'm not booking three events in one day.
Which brings us to last Thursday. The early hours were spent at Marion Franklin High School with the Wellness on Wheels Mobile Unit. We're always appreciative of the work they do (and for letting us use the lavatory on their giant truck). They've been steering moms-to-be to us for weeks now and we are truly grateful for their support.
After a quick stop at Chipotle, Erin and I then made the trip to Goodwill Columbus. We parked in front of their building for three hours and helped Goodwill employees and clients find out what programs they were eligible for.
From there, we made our second trip to The King Arts Complex for their Heritage Concert series. After spending the past nine hours doing quick checks and enrollments, simply helping with outreach was a nice change of pace.
Even with the more relaxing atmosphere, by the end of the night, Erin and I were pooped. We had spend thirteen hours in the Mobile Express and it was time for some much needed rest. After all, we had to be on the road to Cincinnati at 8am the next morning.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
LEAP Program in Akron
Backpacks, toiletry products, food baskets, and underwear --oh my!
During the LEAP event at Cornerstone Church in Akron there was much support and festivity. Over 1500 people came to receive material assistance, medical assistance, hair cuts, food and agency referrals. Hot dogs, inflatable slides and a Teddy Bear picnic (book reading and cupcakes) were some of the entertainment options. Fun, fun, fun.
Russell and I offered Quick Checks and made many referrals to agencies for specific needs. It was clear that folks are feeling the pinch of the economy and are looking for options to address these needs. Many of the referrals were to organizations that had a booth right in the room.
Sean Cole invited us to the event after seeing us at the Akron Project Homeless Connect event earlier this year. We thank him for being a gracious host.
Mobile Express Press Release
A big thanks to Lauren McMillin for helping us spread the word!
For Immediate Release: Friday, August 07, 2009
Contact: Lauren McMillin, Legislative Aide (614) 466-1790
COLUMBUS – State Representative Stephen Dyer (D-Green) today announced the Ohio Benefit Bank Mobile Van will be on hand for a Town Hall Meeting at the Tallmadge Public Library on August 17.
“I am pleased to add this service to my upcoming Town Hall Meeting in Tallmadge,” said Rep. Dyer. “The Benefit Bank can help residents sign up for services and get assistance from the state through a number of programs. This is the first time this unique mobile unit has come to a town hall meeting anywhere in Ohio.” The Ohio Benefit Bank (OBB) is a public-private partnership that helps connect low and moderate-income Ohioans with free tax preparation and access to potential public benefits and work supports.
Trained Benefit Bank counselors will be on hand to assist constituents. Residents can check potential eligibility for work support benefits such health care coverage, home energy assistance, child care subsidies and food stamps in a confidential setting. Counselors also help prepare and file federal and Ohio income tax returns at no cost to eligible Ohioans.
Rep. Dyer’s Town Hall Meeting will run from 6 to 8:15 p.m. at the Tallmadge Public Library, 90 Community Rd. Tallmadge, Ohio 44278 on August 17, 2009. The van will be in the parking lot during that time to offer residents a private place to meet with a Benefit Bank counselor.
Since beginning operations, the Benefit Bank has helped more than 70,000 Ohioans access more than $120 million in tax credits and other work supports. However, more than $1.6 billion in tax credits and other supports go unclaimed by eligible Ohioans who do not apply.
For Immediate Release: Friday, August 07, 2009
Contact: Lauren McMillin, Legislative Aide (614) 466-1790
Ohio Benefit Bank Mobile Van to Visit Rep. Dyer Town Hall Meeting
Constituents Can Apply for State Services on the Spot
Constituents Can Apply for State Services on the Spot
COLUMBUS – State Representative Stephen Dyer (D-Green) today announced the Ohio Benefit Bank Mobile Van will be on hand for a Town Hall Meeting at the Tallmadge Public Library on August 17.
“I am pleased to add this service to my upcoming Town Hall Meeting in Tallmadge,” said Rep. Dyer. “The Benefit Bank can help residents sign up for services and get assistance from the state through a number of programs. This is the first time this unique mobile unit has come to a town hall meeting anywhere in Ohio.” The Ohio Benefit Bank (OBB) is a public-private partnership that helps connect low and moderate-income Ohioans with free tax preparation and access to potential public benefits and work supports.
Trained Benefit Bank counselors will be on hand to assist constituents. Residents can check potential eligibility for work support benefits such health care coverage, home energy assistance, child care subsidies and food stamps in a confidential setting. Counselors also help prepare and file federal and Ohio income tax returns at no cost to eligible Ohioans.
Rep. Dyer’s Town Hall Meeting will run from 6 to 8:15 p.m. at the Tallmadge Public Library, 90 Community Rd. Tallmadge, Ohio 44278 on August 17, 2009. The van will be in the parking lot during that time to offer residents a private place to meet with a Benefit Bank counselor.
Since beginning operations, the Benefit Bank has helped more than 70,000 Ohioans access more than $120 million in tax credits and other work supports. However, more than $1.6 billion in tax credits and other supports go unclaimed by eligible Ohioans who do not apply.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Successes
I just wanted to take a second to note how well things have been going for the Mobile Express. I buried the lede a bit in my previous post, but the Medworks event in Cleveland was truly extraordinary. With over 100 eligibility estimates done over one weekend, there's potential for lots of benefits to go to Cleveland's low income residents. And we were just icing on the cake when you consider that hundreds of people were able to see a doctor for the first time in who knows how long.
And now word is coming out of Tiffin that since our event on July 21, Benefit Bank sites in the area have increased by 150%. Now, should anyone need help in the future, their needs will more easily be met.
Obviously there are events that don't pan out the way we'd like. And there are other events where we talk to people but we can't be sure if it will lead to more Benefit Bank sites or more enrollments. But seeing tangible results like this... it feels good.
And now word is coming out of Tiffin that since our event on July 21, Benefit Bank sites in the area have increased by 150%. Now, should anyone need help in the future, their needs will more easily be met.
Obviously there are events that don't pan out the way we'd like. And there are other events where we talk to people but we can't be sure if it will lead to more Benefit Bank sites or more enrollments. But seeing tangible results like this... it feels good.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Busy Busy Busy
I know we haven't checked in for over a week. Thankfully, we're chock full of excuses. The big excuse? We've been on the road all week.
The last time we updated, it was regarding the very successful event in Tiffin, OH. Since then, we've been to the Carroll County Fair where I tried my first fried-cheese-on-a-stick. I wasn't a fan. I was imagining a gigantic mozzarella stick but this was just fried cornbread with a tasteless gooey center. I much prefer the fried Twinkies.
The next day the Mobile Express made its way to an event in Lousiville, OH. Since we were stationed next to a Mobile Blood Bank, I took the opportunity to donate two units of type-A-positive red blood cells. This was my first time donating the two units. It involved a centrifuge that separated the red blood from the plasma. To make sure the donor doesn't pass out, they actually feed the plasma (along with some saline) back into you. That was super-weird, but definitely worth it. Now I can't give blood for another four months instead of two. I saved myself a finger prick!
The events in Carrollton and Louisville were relatively slow, but that all changed the following weekend. We found ourselves in Cleveland at a health care event for the uninsured. The event, sponsored by Medworks, was truly amazing. To help illustrate the power of this event, I refer you to this piece by Cleveland Plain-Dealer columnist Connie Schultz. We knew this was something special when we were working there, but that column really drives it home. It very likely saved lives.
The idea behind this event was that people could make appointments in advance (approximately 1,000 patients were booked) and then see a doctor at no cost. Prescriptions were filled out. Eyeglasses were distributed. Some learned of threatening health conditions and some were even sent to the emergency room on the spot.
After getting their health needs taken care of, these patients were then brought to us. Many were eligible for benefits, including prescription assistance that could help ease the cost of refilling their newly obtained pills. We saw hundreds of people and most were eligible for something.
So, yes, it was a very busy couple of days. Thankfully, we get a bit of respite during the Ohio State Fair. The Mobile Express is parked in the Marketplace at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Ohio Benefit Bank counselors will be present. Stop by and say "hi!"
The last time we updated, it was regarding the very successful event in Tiffin, OH. Since then, we've been to the Carroll County Fair where I tried my first fried-cheese-on-a-stick. I wasn't a fan. I was imagining a gigantic mozzarella stick but this was just fried cornbread with a tasteless gooey center. I much prefer the fried Twinkies.
The next day the Mobile Express made its way to an event in Lousiville, OH. Since we were stationed next to a Mobile Blood Bank, I took the opportunity to donate two units of type-A-positive red blood cells. This was my first time donating the two units. It involved a centrifuge that separated the red blood from the plasma. To make sure the donor doesn't pass out, they actually feed the plasma (along with some saline) back into you. That was super-weird, but definitely worth it. Now I can't give blood for another four months instead of two. I saved myself a finger prick!
The events in Carrollton and Louisville were relatively slow, but that all changed the following weekend. We found ourselves in Cleveland at a health care event for the uninsured. The event, sponsored by Medworks, was truly amazing. To help illustrate the power of this event, I refer you to this piece by Cleveland Plain-Dealer columnist Connie Schultz. We knew this was something special when we were working there, but that column really drives it home. It very likely saved lives.
The idea behind this event was that people could make appointments in advance (approximately 1,000 patients were booked) and then see a doctor at no cost. Prescriptions were filled out. Eyeglasses were distributed. Some learned of threatening health conditions and some were even sent to the emergency room on the spot.
After getting their health needs taken care of, these patients were then brought to us. Many were eligible for benefits, including prescription assistance that could help ease the cost of refilling their newly obtained pills. We saw hundreds of people and most were eligible for something.
So, yes, it was a very busy couple of days. Thankfully, we get a bit of respite during the Ohio State Fair. The Mobile Express is parked in the Marketplace at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Ohio Benefit Bank counselors will be present. Stop by and say "hi!"
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Famous in Tiffin :-)
The mobile went to Tiffin on Tuesday July 22. The local paper captured the event here --front page in fact. We are becoming famous in small circles!
Twenty families/individuals enrolled in programs, while many others completed Quick Checks to see if they were eligible for benefits. We found that most people were or would be eligible soon for benefits.
Gayle Loyola was the regional coordinator on site. She did an excellent job of organizing the event and it went off without a hitch. The pizza and salad were lovely surprises.
Folks in Tiffin are pleasant and patient. In some cases, even with 6 counselors in action, people needed to wait to be seen. All in all, it was a great event.
Twenty families/individuals enrolled in programs, while many others completed Quick Checks to see if they were eligible for benefits. We found that most people were or would be eligible soon for benefits.
Gayle Loyola was the regional coordinator on site. She did an excellent job of organizing the event and it went off without a hitch. The pizza and salad were lovely surprises.
Folks in Tiffin are pleasant and patient. In some cases, even with 6 counselors in action, people needed to wait to be seen. All in all, it was a great event.
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