Tag Archives: ACSET Community Action Agency

County Commissioners approve merger, announce Kent County Community Action

August 24, 20173-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Non-ProfitsACSET Community Action Agency, Kent County, Kent County Board of CommissionersJoanne

By Kent County Board of Commissioners

The Kent County Board of Commissioners approved the merger of the Area Community Services and Employment Training Council’s (ACSET) Community Action Agency (CAA) and the Kent County Community Development/Housing Commission at its meeting Thursday, Aug. 24.

The newly-formed department will operate as “Kent County Community Action,” putting all staff and resources under one roof to better serve the community.

County and CAA staff researched and evaluated the potential of combining and aligning resources of CAA and Kent County’s Community Development/Housing Commission during the last 18 months. In March 2017, the Board of Commissioners authorized staff to proceed with necessary steps for the County of Kent to be designated as the CAA for Kent County, and present necessary requests for approval and transfer of CAA programs and assets to the county.

ACSET’s CAA provides weatherization services, utility shut-off protections, food distribution, senior services and more to low-income clients in Kent County. The Kent County Community Development and Housing Commission staff often work on similar projects, programs and customers that align.

The new department will be led by Susan Cervantes, the Associate Director of the CAA since 2013. She brings nearly two decades of experience and proficiency to the role, having served with Community Action Agency since 1998.

“We truly believe that the transition of ACSET CAA to Kent County will be beneficial for our customers and that they will experience services seamlessly,” said Cervantes. “I am thrilled to see us pull together two teams with a wealth of knowledge who can serve our clients more effectively and efficiently.”

The Grand Rapids City Commission approved the merger on Aug. 22.

“We are pleased to support this partnership,” Mayor Rosalynn Bliss said. “Our residents will benefit from the enhanced coordination and more efficient operations that will result from this new alliance.”

Employees will all be housed in the Human Services Complex at Franklin and Sheldon in southeast Grand Rapids.

“This merger brings together staff from two programs that result in decades of understanding of the resources available to help some of our most vulnerable residents,” said Jim Saalfeld, Chair of the Kent County Board of Commissioners. “By bringing these programs together, Kent County is providing better service at lower costs, thereby serving our communities in a more efficient manner.”

Your Community in Action: Meeting the need for community

July 26, 20173-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Food, Health, Non-Profits, Senior LivingACSET Community Action Agency, CAA, Maslow's Pyramid of Needs, Senior mealsJoanne

By ACSET Community Action Agency

When we think of basic needs, we think food, water, housing and clothing. A less obvious, yet equally important need for every individual is a sense of community. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs categorizes this as a psychological need for “belongingness and love.”

According to Abraham Maslow, an American psychologist, there are five stages of needs:

food, water, warmth and rest
security and safety
relationships and friends
status and feelings of accomplishment
self-fulfillment

Individuals must fulfill their lower level needs before they can achieve higher level needs. Every person desires to move toward a level of self-fulfillment. However, many people are unable to do this because their lower level needs haven’t been met.

Kent County is home to many agencies who are committed to helping residents meet basic needs, including ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA). CAA’s senior meals program, however, goes beyond delivering food. It provides a sense of community for the many Hispanic and Latin Americans who live in the county.

Nearly 120 seniors from countries like Puerto Rico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic gather daily for a Latin American-inspired meal. They find comfort in the familiar food, shared language and activities and music from their homelands.

“We’ve had some people coming for 20, 25 years,” says Susan Cervantes, assistant director for ACSET CAA “It’s a very family-oriented atmosphere.”

Seniors of any ethnicity are welcome to participate in the program. Participants must be 60 years or older (or have a spouse 60 years or older), live in Kent County and must fill out an application. The meals are served Monday through Friday at noon at the Kent County Human Services Complex at 121 Franklin SE in Grand Rapids.

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.

Will the Proposed Federal Budget Leave the Most Vulnerable Out in the Cold?

July 19, 20173-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Health, Non-ProfitsACSET Community Action Agency, federal budget, funding, Your Community in Action!Joanne

By ASCET Community Action Agency

The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) provides a major source of funding to Community Action Agencies (CAAs) across the United States. In Kent County, 30% of ACSET CAA’s budget for fiscal year 2016-2017 consists of CSBG funds. Unfortunately, the proposed 2018 federal budget would completely eliminate CSBG funding–directly cutting 30% of the funds that assist low-income families.

The proposed budget would also eliminate the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that helps low-income households heat and cool their homes. LIHEAP also funds weatherization improvements to make clients’ homes more efficient, saving energy and reducing utility bills. LIHEAP funds account for 10% of ACSET CAA’s 2016-2017 budget. If this program is cut, our neighbors could literally be left out in the cold.

ACSET CAA depends on CSBG & LIHEAP to fund programs that serve:

Hard-working families who struggle due to job-loss, family emergencies and unexpected costs from medical problems or car and home repairs
Children who need a warm place to sleep and food on the table
People who have worked all their lives but are struggling to make ends meet when they retire from the workforce
People with disabilities who need door-to-door transportation to get to appointments and maintain their independence

These are our family members, our friends, our neighbors. These are the people who will lose the most from the proposed budget.

You can help ensure ACSET CAA can continue to reduce the conditions of poverty and help move families toward self-sufficiency. Contact your congressman/woman and senators. Ask them to oppose any budget that cuts the current level of funding for CSBG and LIHEAP. Use this online tool to find your congressional representatives based on where you live.

Learn more about ACSET CAA’s impact on our community in their 2016 Annual Report.

Your Community in Action: Hot Weather Safety for Older Adults

July 12, 20173-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Health, Senior LivingACSET, ACSET Community Action Agency, heat, Your Community in Action!Joanne

By ACSET Community Action Agency

Everyone is looking for ways to stay cool under the summer sun, but it is even more important for older adults. Seniors are more vulnerable to heat because their bodies don’t adjust as well to temperature changes. Medical conditions and medications can also make it hard for their bodies to regulate temperature or can cause dehydration. In fact, a recent study found that 40% of heat-related deaths in the US were among people over 65.

It is important to know the signs of heat stroke so steps can be taken to treat it as soon as possible. Symptoms include:

Body temperature over 104 degrees
Changes in behavior, like acting confused or agitated
Dry, red skin
Nausea and vomiting
Headache
Heavy breathing or a fast pulse
Lack of sweating when it’s hot out
Fainting

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, take steps to cool down and seek medical help. Use these tips to stay cool and prevent heat stroke this summer:

Drink plenty of water. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, be sure to drink plenty of cool water and avoid coffee and alcohol.

Eat light. Eat small portions of cold meals like salads. Hot, heavy meals like pot roast can increase your body temperature.

Keep the house cool. You may avoid running the air conditioning to save money, but in a heat wave it can be a life-saver. Keep your air conditioner filters clean to help them run more efficiently. Close your blinds to keep sunlight out and decrease the need for the air conditioner to work as hard.

Keep yourself cool. Wet a towel with cool water and place it on your wrists, face and back of your neck. Sit with your feet in a pan of cool water. Or take a cool shower or bath.

Visit a cooling center. If you can’t cool down at home, visit a public place with air conditioning to get some relief. A shopping mall, library or senior center are places to consider.

ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) provides a variety of programs to help keep seniors in Kent County health and safe. To learn more, go here.

Emergency Food Assistance: Providing high-quality, nutritious foods to families in need

June 28, 20173-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Food, Health, Non-ProfitsACSET Community Action Agency, Emergency Food Assistance Program, TEFAPJoanne

Your Community in Action!

By ACSET Community Action Agency

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). TEFAP supplements the diets of low-income Americans by distributing nutritious food at no cost to the recipients. In Kent County, ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) organizes regular distributions across the county.

The USDA purchases a variety of fresh and shelf-stable foods from domestic producers and distributes to states based on their low-income/unemployed population. The items vary depending on the season, availability and state preferences but always include a mix of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and protein products. Food items have reduced levels of fat, sodium and sugar and can include canned and fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, milk, cheese, pasta and cereal.

The cost of healthy foods and the accessibility of grocery stores make good food choices a challenge for families with limited incomes. For example, you can purchase a package of hot dogs for under $3, while fresh pork or beef costs several dollars per pound. TEFAP ensures that more families have well-rounded, nutritious meals to eat. And because the food is purchased domestically, it also supports American agriculture markets.

Residents of Kent County who have a household income at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines can qualify for emergency food assistance. To receive food, individuals need to supply a photo ID with current address at the distribution site. The next TEFAP distributions will happen on Thursday, July 13 at the following locations:

ACSET CAA – Kent County Human Services Complex
121 Franklin St SE, Suite 110, Grand Rapids
Distribution hours: 1-7pm*

Flat River Outreach Ministries
11535 E Fulton St, Lowell
Distribution hours: 9-11am & 2-4:30pm*

North Kent Connection
1075 Northland Dr NE, Rockford
Distribution Hours: 9am-3pm*

*Or while supplies last

To learn more about TEFAP and find a full distribution schedule with locations, visit: http://bit.ly/CAAFood.

May is Community Action Month Part 2: Fighting Poverty for 53 Years

May 26, 20173-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Non-ProfitsACSET Community Action Agency, Fighting povertyJoanne

By ACSET Community Action Agency

This is part two of a two-part series about Community Action Month.

For 53 years, Community Action Agencies (CAAs) in the United States have been fighting poverty at a local level. They are guided by their individual missions and are committed to the Promise of Community Action to improve the community by helping people help themselves and each other.

In Kent County, ACSET CAA is focused on providing services to generate a higher quality of life for all residents. In 2016, ACSET CAA:

Weatherized 101 homes
Provided tax preparation assistance to 2,662 individuals
Made 1,090 utility payments
Distributed 1,945,560 pounds of food
Served 18,068 Latin-inspired meals to seniors

ACSET CAA is grateful to their partners and volunteers. Without the support of 76 partner organizations and 36,588 volunteer hours they would not have the same impact on our community. Together, they are helping people and changing lives.

Serving Those Who Served Us: Five Local Organizations Assisting Veterans

May 19, 20173-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Non-ProfitsACSET Community Action Agency, Armed Forces Day, Heart of West Michigan United Way 2-1-1, Kent County Veterans Services, Veterans, West Michigan Veterans Coalition, West Michigan Works!Joanne

By ACSET Community Action Agency

In the United States, Armed Forces Day takes place on the third Saturday of May each year; this year it will be observed on Saturday, May 20. Armed Forces Day was created in 1949 to pay special tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces, recognizing their service and sacrifice for the country.

According to 2015 estimates, there are more than 31,000 veterans living in Kent County. Of these, 7% are unemployed and 7% are living in poverty. Kent County is home to several organizations that can provide services to veterans who may need assistance.

ACSET Community Action Agency focuses on meeting emergency needs such as utility and food assistance, home weatherization, medical insurance enrollment and tax preparation. Low-income veterans who are residents of Kent County may qualify for assistance.

West Michigan Works! offers specialized services and priority of service for eligible veterans and their spouses. To see if you qualify, visit a Service Center and tell the staff you are a veteran or spouse of a veteran.

West Michigan Veterans Coalition is a collaboration between local organizations who provide support, information and resources to veterans and their families. They can connect you with local services to assist with education, employment, healthcare, quality of life and more.

Heart of West Michigan United Way 2-1-1 is a database of thousands of local services. Veterans can search their online data base or dial 2-1-1 to be connected to veteran-specific services in Kent County.

Kent County Veterans Services assists veterans in our community in getting benefits they are entitled to at county, state and federal levels. They can also connect veterans to other resources in the community.

Eat Local: Why choosing in-season, locally grown produce is good for you and the community

April 28, 20173-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Food, Non-ProfitsACSET Community Action Agency, Farmers, local produce, Senior Project FRESH, WIC Project FRESHJoanne

Your Community in Action!

By ACSET Community Action Agency

Summer is right around the corner. That means plenty of locally-grown produce options will be available. But why is choosing local produce good for you?

It’s fresh. Most wholesale produce is picked up to a week before it reaches a supermarket and travels an average of 1500 miles! Veggies and fruits grown by local farmers don’t spend days in transport. This means they can be harvested at peak maturity when they are the most nutritious and tasty.
It supports local farmers. The money you spend on local products stays in the community and boosts the local economy. It’s a win-win for you and the farmers.
It can cost less. When you purchase produce that is grown locally and in-season, you aren’t paying for the transportation costs of getting food from across the country.

What about families who have a limited grocery budget? Many local farmers markets participate in food assistance programs. Programs like Double Up Food Bucks, Senior Project FRESH and WIC Project FRESH can make buying local an affordable option for those that qualify.

For a list of local farmers markets and their food assistance program participation, visit www.westmichiganfarmmarkets.org/by-county/ and select Kent County.

ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) also provides food assistance for qualifying families. When in-season, locally grown produce is combined with the pantry staples offered by CAA, low-income families in Kent County can put healthy meals on the table.

Visit CAA’s website to learn more about their nutrition programs and see if you qualify: http://communityactionkent.org/programs/nutrition-services/

Creating a community that cares

March 31, 20173-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Education, Non-Profits, VolunteersACSET Community Action Agency, Sibley Elementary, Walk for Warmth, Walk-a-thonJoanne

By ACSET Community Action Agency

Each year, ACSET Community Action holds it Walk for Warmth to raise funds for emergency heating assistance for low-income families in Kent County. And each year, students at Sibley Elementary participate in activities to support the walk and help their neighbors in need.

For more than 10 years, second graders engaged in the social studies unit Learning About Communities, have worked together to make positive changes in their community. The students, known as the “Sibley Warmth Force,” write letters to local businesses to ask for donations for the annual Walk for Warmth.

“Our studies focus on citizenship and building community,” explained Bernice Wisnieski, a second grade teacher at Sibley. “This service project is an awesome way to bring the lesson to life.”

This year the second grade students wanted a way to get the entire school involved. They worked with the principal and scheduled the first Sibley Walk-a-thon for Warmth. Along with the Walk for Warmth on February 11th, all students at Sibley Elementary took turns walking on March 14, holding signs with the names of businesses that helped support the cause. Many of the older students remembered this project from past years and were excited to participate again.

In addition to the walk-a-thon, the students made and sold fleece blankets and brought in pennies for a total of almost $2,000 in donations. ACSET Community Action is grateful to the students for their hard work and warm hearts; to the businesses for their generous donations; and to the Sibley teachers for creating a community that cares for those less fortunate.

Need help meeting a basic need? Call 2-1-1!

March 24, 20173-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Our CitiesACSET Community Action Agency, Assistance, Employment, food, Healthcare, housing, Kent 2-1-1, Kent County, Utilities, VeteransJoanne

By ACSET Community Action Agency

Sometimes life can bring unexpected challenges. The loss of a job, unexpected medical bills or a house fire can make a financially stable family face homelessness. Unfortunately, unexpected emergencies can happen at any time. There are many organizations in Kent County that provide assistance in these situations. But how do you know whom to contact? What if you need help with food and paying utilities and rent all at the same time?

There is one resource that connects residents to more than 2,900 services in Kent County. The Heart of West Michigan United Way’s 2-1-1 database is the first place families should go in their time of need. Information can be easily accessed by calling 2-1-1 anywhere in Kent County, emailing HWReferral@incontactemail.com or online at: http://www.referweb.net/hwmi/. They even have their own app available for androids and iPhones — just search Kent 2-1-1 to download.

Whatever your situation, you are not alone. In Kent County, it is estimated that 39% of households are struggling to afford basic needs. Last year our local 2-1-1 answered 65,000 calls for help. Most calls are for assistance with:

Food
Healthcare
Housing
Utilities
Transportation

The database also offers resources specifically for Veterans and information on employment services, education and arts & recreation.

Need a job? Here’s where to look

February 22, 20173-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Non-ProfitsACSET Community Action Agency, Job search, resources, West Michigan Works!Joanne

By West Michigan Works!

Kent County is home to many organizations dedicated to helping residents meet their basic needs: food/nutrition, energy efficiency, transportation, housing and employment.

ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) assists many low-income individuals with emergency food, energy, transportation and housing needs. They also have direct contact with individuals who want and need meaningful employment. Seeking to create self-sufficiency amongst its clients, CAA refers these job seekers to organizations that focus on workforce development, like West Michigan Works!

With three service centers in Kent County, West Michigan Works! welcomes anyone looking to advance their career or find a new job. Visitors can take advantage of no-cost services, such as:

Office resources to job search: internet, phone, fax and copier
Weekly Job Blast email with immediate job openings in West Michigan
Workshops to help you get your next job: resumes, interviewing, career exploration, etc.
Onsite hiring events with employers looking to fill current job openings
Specialized services for youth, veterans and migrant workers
And many more, based on eligibility!

To get started, visit a Service Center near you:

Franklin Service Center

Kent County Human Services Complex

121 Franklin St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507

Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm

Westside Service Center

215 Straight Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49505

Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm

Sparta Service Center

36 Applewood Dr, Sparta, MI 49345

Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, 8am – 12pm & 1pm – 5pm

Tips on saving energy and money this winter

February 7, 20173-bottom, Citizen JournalismACSET Community Action Agency, Save energy, Weatherize Assistance ProgramJoanne

Your Community in Action!

By Community Action Partnership of Kent County

Winter weather means higher energy costs for households living in the Mitten State. There are many ways to stay warm and save money on your energy bills. Following the tips below can benefit your pocketbook and the environment.

Seal drafty doors and windows. Use plastic over windows to stop cold drafts. A heavy-duty, clear plastic that is sealed tightly to the frame will provide the best results. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaky doors and any other gaps that are letting cold air in.

Decrease hot water use. Lower your water heater to the warm setting (120° F) and install low-flow faucets and showerheads to save on your water and heat bill.

Turn down the thermostat. The recommended heat setting for winter is 68° F. Keep the heat at this level or below and use a blanket on cold nights. Use a programmable thermostat to regulate your home’s temperature and save about $180 a year.

Switch out old lightbulbs. This is a cost-saving tip that lasts all year. Replace your old incandescent bulbs with new energy-efficient ones like compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or light emitting diodes (LEDs). LED bulbs use about a quarter less energy than traditional bulbs and last 25 times longer.

Order a free energy saver kit. There are many organizations that offer free kits to get you started. Locally, DTE offers a free Energy Efficiency Kit for its customers. These kits include LED light bulbs, an energy efficient shower head, water-saving faucet aerators and more. You can take a home energy survey and sign-up for a kit online.

Low-income families in Kent County may qualify for ACSET Community Action Agency’s Weatherization Assistance Program. This program is designed to help cut energy costs by installing insulation, sealing leaks and/or taking other energy-saving steps. Contact ACSET CAA to learn more and see if you qualify at 616-336-4000.

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

Military, veteran, spouse’s hiring event planned in Wyoming on Friday

January 25, 20173-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, VeteransACSET Community Action Agency, Area Community Services Employment & Training Council, Community Action Agency of Kent County, Grand Valley Armory, West Michigan Works!Joanne

WKTV Staff

The West Michigan Military and Veterans Career Expo, which is open to active-duty military, veterans and their spouses, will be held Friday, Jan. 27 at Wyoming’s Grand Valley Armory.

The West Michigan Military and Veterans Career Expo will be held Friday, Jan. 27 at Wyoming’s Grand Valley Armory. (WKTV)

The event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Grand Valley Armory gymnasium is located at 1200 44^th St SW.

A hiring event is for service men and women in all branches of the military, veterans, transitioning service members and their spouses. Attendees must bring DD214 military identification and copies of resume.

More than 50 employers are expected to attend, including Advance Packaging Corporation, Amway, Arconic, Bayer, Buddy to Buddy, Charter Communications, Cintas, Consumers Energy, CROSSMARK, Custom Profile, Dart Container, Davenport University, DeWys Manufacturing, Directions in Research, DK Security, DTE Energy, Effex Management Solutions for Magna Mirrors, Farmers Insurance, Fifth Third Bank, Fusion IT, Gun Lake Casino, Herman Miller, Holland, JBS USA, Jedco, Kent County Sheriff’s Office, Macy’s, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, Meijer, Metal Flow, Metron Integrated Health Systems, Michigan Army National Guard, Peckham, Perrigo, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, Plasan North America, Shape Corp., SpartanNash, Spectrum Health, Sunset Communities, TEKsystems, The Empire Company, The Home Depot, Tooling Systems Group, Tradesmen International, Trans-Matic Mfg. Company, Trinity Services Group, TST Tooling Software, Tyson Foods, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, World Financial Group, Wynalda Packaging and Yanfeng.

The event is co-sponsored by West Michigan Works! and the New Horizons Computer Learning Center.

Those planning to attend may register at at WMIVETS but registration is not required.

Warm a heart and a home: The 21st Annual Walk for Warmth is Feb. 11

January 25, 20173-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Kids Activities, Non-Profits, Upcoming EventsACSET Community Action Agency, CAA, Heating Assistance, Walk for WarmthJoanne

By ACSET Community Action Agency

For 20 years, a group of compassionate individuals has bundled up on a cold Saturday morning in the middle of winter to walk. Why? The walkers brave the cold so less-fortunate families don’t have to. They walk for warmth!

The Walk for Warmth is a statewide effort to help low-income households avoid utility shut-offs and keep their homes warm. ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) will host the 21^st annual walk in Kent County on Saturday, Feb. 11 in Grand Rapids.

Energy costs take up a greater portion of the household budgets of lower-income families than those of higher-income families. The increased burden on lower-income households reduces the amount of income left for basic needs like food, housing and healthcare. Last year, ACSET CAA provided over $1 million in utility payment assistance for homes in Kent County.

Hundreds of residents in our community struggle to pay their utility bills, and the need for assistance outweighs ACSET CAA’s ability to help. Every dollar raised through Walk for Warmth directly helps local families in need.

Want to help? Walk for Warmth offers a variety of ways to get involved:

Become a sponsor. Sponsors will receive recognition of their support in marketing materials and the day of the event. Businesses can connect their brand with a truly heart-warming event. Learn more about sponsor opportunities here.
Sell mittens. Contact a Walk for Warmth representative (give a phone number or email) and ask for a supply of “mittens.” The mittens are $1 each; write the name of the person purchasing the mitten and display at your office or business.
Get competitive. Hold a chili cook-off or cookie bake-off at your work, school or church. For a small donation ($5), tasters can vote on their favorite.
Give an in-kind donation. Consider making a donation of coffee, hot chocolate, juice, water, bagels, donuts or other refreshments for walkers on the day of the event.
Join the walk! Ask friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, etc. to join you or support you with a pledge. You can find a pledge form on ACSET CAA’s website by clicking here.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, February 11, 2017

Time: 8 am Registration; 9 am Walk Kick Off

Where: ACSET Westside Complex

215 Straight Ave NW

Grand Rapids, MI 49504

The Walk for Warmth is an annual event, hosted by Community Action Agencies across the country, to raise funds for heating assistance for low-income households. Learn more: http://communityactionkent.org/walk-for-warmth-2017/

Your Community in Action! is provided by ACSET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org.