YWCA Bergen County: Healing Space

Posted on May 13, 2019 by jwatrel

YWCA Bergen County: Healing Space

Support-Prevention-Advocacy-Counseling-Empowerment

A sexual Violence Resource Center

24 Hour Hotline:

(201) 487-2227

Eliminating racism empowering women YWCA-Bergen County.

24 Hour Hotline: (201) 487-2227

We provide a confidential 24/7 hotline to survivors of sexual assault and abuse, their families and friends. Support is available to anyone who has experienced sexual violence, whether it happened hours or years ago.

HealingSpace services are available to anyone with concerns about all forms of sexual violence.

Confidential sexual violence advocates are available 24 hours a day, seven day a week to provide:

*Short-term crisis intervention counseling.

*Medical and legal accompaniments to hospital emergency rooms, medical appointments, police/law enforcement agencies and legal proceedings within Bergen County.

*Information about all options including medical attention, reporting, the legal process and sources of support for survivors, family and friends.

*Referrals and community resources for survivors and family members seeking group counseling, long-term counseling, medical legal and/or financial information as well as other community resources.

Individual and Group Counseling:

Individual and group counseling is available for survivors and their loved ones. Separate groups for men and women are available free of charge and individual counseling is offered at a small fee for individuals ages 13 and older. All clinical services are provided by a Master’s level licensed professional with experience in working with survivors of sexual violence.

Community Education/Training:

Our speakers bureau is available to address schools, professional and community groups on issues surrounding all forms of sexual violence. Training is available to professionals and first responders who work directly with survivors and we offer a variety of informational brochures and handouts.

Prevention:

Our goal is to stop sexual violence before it starts and one way to accomplish this is through bystander intervention. Our primary prevention strategy works with local schools and other youth-serving organizations to educate key stakeholders on becoming active bystanders, while promoting a safe and healthy environment for all.

Volunteers:

Volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks including office work, public speaking, letter writing, research and direct service provision.

To schedule a speaker or find out more about our service or volunteer opportunities call (201) 487-2227 or visit http://www.ymcabergencounty.org.

Awareness Events: healingSPACE sponsers events throughout the year to help raise community awareness of sexual violence. These include:

Bergen County Clothesline Project:  A powerful display of T-shirts, created by or on behalf of survivors that bears witness to sexual assault, sexual abuse, incest, child abuse, domestic  to violence and death as a result of violence. Call (201) 487-2227 to schedule a display in your school, business or community.

Denim Day: An annual observance held on April 28th dedicated to raising awareness and educating young women and men about consent and the prevention of sexual violence.

The Art of Healing: An Exhibit of Survivors Artwork & Poetry: An event featuring an art exhibit and poetry reading that seeks to acknowledge the pain of survivors of sexual victimization, celebrate their healing process and develop a sense of community among concerned individuals.

Sexual Violence is:

*Sexual activity where consent is not obtained or freely given.

*Perpetrated by someone the survivor knows. Approximately 70%-80% of survivors know their attacker in some way.

*The responsibility of the offender, not the survivor. No person “asks for” or provokes sexual assault by acting or dressing in a particular manner.

*Not an act of lust. The offender’s motive is not sexual gratification but to control, humiliate and/or degrade a person.

*The most under-reported crime. The FBI estimates that only 1 in 10 rapes are reported.

*A serious problem that affects survivors in significant ways over their lifetime, including long-term health problems. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and depression.

Sexual Assault Can Happen:

*At any time, night or day.

*Anywhere: at home, on a date, in a car or in a public place.

*To any person; regardless of sex, gender identity, age, race, sexual orientation, appearance, religion, occupation or educational level.

If you are sexually assaulted:

*Get to a safe place.

*Call healingSPACE for support and information.

*Consider obtaining medical attention to assess for and treat potential injuries.

*Consider notifying the police or activating the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). (IF you plan to pursue prosecution, do not bathe, shower, douche, change clothes, eat, drink, smoke or urinate for the purposes of evidence preservation).

Myths and facts about Sexual Violence:

Myth: Most sexual assaults are committed by strangers:

In reality the majority of the time the offender is someone that the victim knows. Victims are someone that the victim knows. Victims are usually coerced, manipulated, tricked or threatened by someone they are acquainted with. One study found that 84% of women who were raped knew their attacker and for 57% of those women, the offender was a first date or romantic acquaintance.

Fact: Alcohol or drugs increase a person’s vulnerability to sexual assault.

Alcohol and drugs can increase anyone’s vulnerability. In one study, 75% of males and 55% of females were under the influence of drugs or alcohol when the sexual assault occurred.

Myth: Men cannot be sexually assaulted.

Anyone can be victimized. 1 in 6 boys under the age of 18 are sexually assaulted. It has also been estimated that 10% of all men have been sexually assaulted. Because of social stigma however, male sexual victimization is vastly underreported.

Fact: The most common place for sexual violence to occur is in the survivor’s home.

The second most common place is the offender’s home, because the offender is usually someone the victim knows. Many people think that sexual assaults happen in dark, abandoned places but the greatest risk lies where we feel the safest.

Fact: Most of the time, sexual assault is planned.

Sexual assault is not an impulsive act. It is a single offender, it is planned 60% of the time; gang attacks are planned 90% of the time.

Myth: Perpetrators are deranged, psychopathic, under-educated men from poor backgrounds.

Sex offenders are found in all socioeconomic classes. Offenders can be anyone: doctors, lawyers, the homeless, blue-collar workers, classmates, co-workers, etc.

For more information contact our 24 hour hotline: (201) 487-2227

YWCA Bergen County’s Healing SPACE

Mission: To empower survivors of all forms of sexual violence through support, advocacy, counseling and resources necessary to lay the foundation for the healing process and to prevent sexual violence through education, training and awareness to create a safe community for all.

214 State Street, Suite 207

Hackensack, NJ  07601

Office: (201) 881-1700

Fax: (201) 487-5990

Email: healingSPACE@ywcabergencounty.org

http://www.ywcabergencounty.org

YWCA: The YWCA Bergen County is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Disclaimer: This information was taken from the YWCA pamphlet and I give them full credit for the information. Please call the above numbers for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Depression Programming, Health and Life Support Services, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Services, Sexual Assault and Violence Help Programming, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Social Security: When someone misuses your number

Posted on May 9, 2019 by jwatrel

Social Security: When someone misuses your number

Your Social Security number is personal to you. It is the key to your Social Security earnings record and you’re the only person with that Social Security number. When someone misuses your number, it generally means they’re pretending to be you-they assume your identity. And when someone pretends to be you, they can wreak havoc with your life.

If you think you are victim of identity theft, this leaflet explains:

*how you can find out if someone is using your number to work

*what you should do to report this misuse

*what to do if you have credit problems because someone used your Social Security number to obtain credit

*how to get a new Social Security number

It may be easy to steal your number:

You may not realize how easy it is for someone to get access to information about you. Identity thieves get your personal information by:

*stealing wallets and purses, your mail (bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers, telephone calling cards and tax information):

*stealing personal information you provide to an unsecured site on the Internet from business or personal records at work and personal information in your home.

*rummaging through your trash and business trash for personal data

*posing as someone who legitimately and legally need information about you such as employers and landlords

*buying personal information from ‘inside’ sources

Be careful with your Social Security number and card to prevent their theft. Show your card to your employer when you start a job, so your records are correct. Then, put it in a safe place-don’t carry your card with you.

Is someone misusing your number?

Do you suspect that someone is using your number? You may have noticed unexplained charges on your phone bill or credit card statement. Maybe your wallet or purse was stolen.

One way to find out whether someone is using your number to work is to check your earning record. If you’re age 25 or older and not already receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll automatically receive a Social Security Statement each year. The Statement lists earnings posted to your Social Security record and provides an estimate of benefits you and your family may be eligible to receive now and in the future. You should receive your statement about three months before your birth month.

If you don’t receive a statement, you can ask for one by submitting a Request for Social Security Statement (Form 7004). To get a Form 7004:

*Download the form from the Internet at http://www.ssa.gov/online/ssa-7004-pdf.

*Call our toll-free number 1-800-772-1213

*Visit your local Social Security Office

After you complete the form and return it to us, you can expect to receive your statement in 4 to 6 weeks You should call and tell us right away if there are any errors or if you have any of the problems listed below:

*You have missing or incorrect earnings. If possible, have your W-2 or tax return for those years available.

*Your name is listed incorrectly. We’ll need to see a document with your name spelled correctly.

*Your date of birth is listed incorrectly. We’ll need current identification and an original source document-such as your birth certificate indicating the correct date.

What should I do to report that someone is using my Social Security number?

You should report this information to the Social Security Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271. Depending on the circumstances of your particular care, we may open an investigation. Even if we don’t investigate, we’re interested in learning how your Social Security number has been used by someone.

What if I have credit problems?

If someone has used your Social Security number to get credit, Social Security cannot fix your credit record. To resolve your credit problems, you need to:

*Immediately contact the creditors who approved the credit (follow up with a letter).

*File a police report.

*Contact the fraud department of the major credit bureaus.

*Ask to have a flag placed on your record, requiring creditors to contact your before approving additional credit using your name and number. Ask how long the flag is posted on your account and how you can extend it, if necessary.

*Add a victim’s statement to your report; include your name, state the problem and provide a telephone number where you can be reached.

*Request a copy of your credit report from each major credit bureau and check for signs of fraudulent activity. If you’ve been denied credit, you may be entitled to a free copy of your report. If you haven’t been denied credit, the most you can be charged is $8.00.

The major credit reporting agencies are:

Equifax

http://www.equifax.com

Report fraud: 1-800-525-6285

Order a credit report: (800) 685-1111

P.O. Box 740256

Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

Experian

http://www.experian.com

Report fraud: 1-888-397-3742

Order a credit report:

(888) EXPERIAN (397-3742)

P.O. Box 1017

Allen, TX  75013-0949

Trans Union

http://www.tuc.com

Report fraud: 1-800-680-7289

Order a credit report: (800) 916-8800

Fraud Victim Assistance Department

P.O. Box 6790

Fullerton, CA  92834

To remove incorrect information from your records, you should contact and follow up with a letter with each involved:

*credit bureau

*creditor

*employer and

*government agency.

You’ll want to check your credit report annually for errors. Keep copies of:

*your correspondence

*records of your telephone calls and

*other documents showing your efforts to correct the problem.

Can I get a new Social Security number?

If you can prove that you’re being disadvantaged because someone used your Social Security number, visit your local Social Security office to request a new one. If you’ve done all you can yo fix the problem and someone is still using your number, under certain circumstances, we may assign you a new number. We can’t guarantee, however, that a new number will solve your problem.

A new Social Security number will NOT be assigned to you:

*intend to avoid the law or your legal responsibility.

*commit fraud or a criminal action.

*intend to avoid disclosing a poor credit or criminal record.

*file for bankruptcy.

*have lost your Social Security card or it was stolen but there is no evidence that your number is being used by someone and you’re being disadvantaged by that use.

Can I do anything else?

You can file a complaint about identity theft with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Information your provide can help the FTC and other law enforcement agencies track, investigate and prosecute identity thieves. You can file a complaint with the FTC by:

Internet-www.consumer.gov/idtheft

Telephone-1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338)

TTY-(202) 326-2502

or write to:

Identity Theft Clearinghouse

Federal Trade Commission

600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington DC  20580

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Social Security Administration pamphlet and I give them full credit for the information. Please call or email the above numbers for more information on what can help.

Posted in Estate Planning Programming, Federal Caregiver programs, Senior Services, Social Security Programs, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Boys & Girls Clubs of Lodi, Hackensack & Teaneck: Great Futures Start Here

Posted on May 8, 2019 by jwatrel

Boys & Girls Clubs of Lodi, Hackensack & Teaneck: Great Futures Start Here

Administrative Offices:

460 Passaic Avenue

Lodi, NJ  07644

(973) 473-7410

http://www.bgcoflodi.org

http://www.bgcofteaneck.org

http://www.bgcotreaneck.org

*We are a 501(c) 3 Charitable Organization* Federal Tax ID#22-1632037

Clubhouse Locations:

Boys & Girls Club of Lodi

460 Passaic Avenue

Lodi, NJ  07644

(973) 473-7410 ext. 101

Boys & Girls Club of Hackensack

Located in the Oratam Housing Complex

170B Sussex Street

Hackensack, NJ  07601

(201) 880-7244 ext. 117

Boys & Girls Club of Teaneck

479 Maitland Avenue

Teaneck, NJ  07666

(201) 945-1236 ext. 501

What do we offer?

*After School Programs

*Summer Camps

*Swimming

*Field Trips

*Basketball

*Recreation

Visit our website for Employment Information:

https://www.bgcoflodi.org/employment-opportunities.html

Volunteer Opportunities:

We are always looking for Motivated & Passionate Individuals who will help us enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

Visit our Website for Volunteer Information:

https://www.bgcoflodi.org/volunteers—interns.html

Mission:

To enable all young people, especially those who need us most to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.

Vision:

Provide a world-calls Club Experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship and living a healthy lifestyle.

The Formula for Impact

The Formula for Impact is a road map for clubs to help ensure that members achieve our priority outcomes of Academic Success, Good Character and Citizenship and Healthy Lifestyle.

It represent the five elements for positive youth development:

  1. A safe positive environment
  2. Fun
  3. Supportive relationships
  4. Opportunities and expectations
  5. Recognition

It also incorporates high yield learning activities, targeted programs and regular attendance.

Power Hour: making minutes count:

Power Hour:

Making Minutes Count helps Club members ages 6-18 achieve academic success by providing homework help, tutoring and high yield learning activities and encouraging members to become self-directed learners. Printed program materials include a resource guide for program coordinators, homework helpers and tutors and a poster sized Power Points chart for tracking and rewarding participants progress.

Tutoring Program: Assisting children in a one on one setting with homework help.

Literacy Leaders: Volunteers will implement story time with grade levels K-1.

Triple Play: Game plan for the body

The “Body” component of Triple Play promotes becoming more physically active through fun daily fitness routines. Curricula/programs include Daily Challenges and Triple Play Leadership Clubs (formerly Sports Clubs). These resources encourage youth to become more physically active through fun fitness routines. Triple Play Leadership Clubs infuse small-group leadership and service into active play.

Gym: Volunteers will assist the Gym Director with group activities in after school program.

Recreational Basketball League: Volunteers need as referees.

Healthy Habits is the “Mind” component of the Triple Play program. The Healthy Habits curricula is designed to teach young people about the benefits of developing healthy habits such as eating smart and being physically active; equip young people with skills to adopt healthier habits by participating in fun and engaging learning activities both at the Club and at home; and encourage young people to take small steps toward positive behavior changes. The program, for ages 6 to 15 is the Mind component of Triple Play: A Game Plan for the Mind, Body and Soul.

The “Soul” component of the Triple Play program encompasses the social recreation activities that are critical to positive youth development. This includes strengthening interpersonal skills, positive behavior and good character through social recreation programs.

National Fine Arts Exhibit:

National Fine Arts: This year round program encourages artistic expression among Club members ages 6 to 18 through drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, mixed media and sculpture displayed at local and regional exhibits.

Using the interactive National Fine Arts Program Guide, staff can guide youth through the various art projects with step by step instructions and instructural videos. A panel of distinguished judges selects works for inclusion in the National Fine Arts Exhibit, which is displayed throughout the ensuing year at BGCA events, including the annual National Conference. Visit our National Fine Arts Exhibit which highlights the artistic talents of our Club members. Enjoy!

Mentoring:

Mentoring Program: Become a positive adult in a child’s life and expand his/her world by spending time in the community together. Mentor and Mentee are matched based on interests, hobbies and compatibility. This mentoring program also has an academic component; mentors are expected to provide additional reading help to their mentees twice a month. Mentors are free to plan and implement their own reading strategies or work with the Educational Director to ensure that mentees are improving in their reading skills.

Passport to Manhood:

Passport to Manhood consists of 14 sessions each concentrating on a specific aspect of character and manhood through highly interactive activities. Each Club participant receives his own ‘passport’ to underscore the notion that he is on a personal journey of maturation and growth. The program includes a service project where boys learn the importance of giving back to the community. Passport to Manhood represents a targeted effort to.

Smart Girls:

SMART GIRLS: offers young women ages 8 to 17 guidance toward healthy attitudes and lifestyles, eating right, staying fit, getting good health care and more.

Encouraging young women to have healthy attitudes and lifestyles, SMART Girls helps them reach their full potential. Through dynamic sessions, group activities, field  trips and mentoring opportunities with adult women, Club girls enjoy the opportunity to build skills for eating right, staying  physically fit, getting good health care and developing positive relationships.

Other topics addressed include how the media influences attitudes about females; date rape and sexual harassment; sexually transmitted diseases; sexual myths and truths; getting regular gynecological care and physical and emotional changes girls’ experiences.

Smart Moves:

The program uses a team approach involving Club staff, peer leaders, parents and community representatives. More than simply emphasizing a “Say No” message, the program teaches young people ages 6 to 15 how to say no by involving them in discussion and role-playing, practicing resistance and refusal skills, developing assertiveness, strengthening decision-making skills and analyzing media and peer influence. The ultimate goal; to promote abstinence from substance abuse and adolescent sexual involvement through the practice of responsible behavior.

Positive Action:

Positive Action is a systematic educational program that promotes an intrinsic interest in learning and encourages cooperation among students. It works by teaching and reinforcing the intuitive philosophy that you feel good about yourself when you do positive actions. Out thoughts lead to actions and those actions lead to feelings about ourselves which in turn lead to more thoughts. This program empowers greatness through positive learning, in a growing environment. Positive Action takes into consideration all aspects of a person: Mental, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional and Social.

 

DIY Stem:

The STEM program allows our club members to use their creative and uniquely innovative minds to approach STEM. They are able to be inventive while being fully immersed in our next generations’ problems and aspirations to better our world. Through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics our children can see the world all around us in a different light. Our hands-on activities range depending on the topic of the week. A few of our activities that the club members have immersed themselves in are as follows: Waterbotics, Volcanoes, “The Egg Drop Challenge”, the APP project etc.

KEYSTONE: The Ultimate Teen Program

Keystone Clubs:

This unique leadership development experience provides opportunities for young people ages 14 to 18. Youth participate, both in and out of the Club, in activities in three focus areas; academic success, career preparation and community service. With the guidance of an adult advisor, Keystone Clubs aim to have a positive impact on members, the Club and community.

Torch Club:

TORCH CLUB

Torch Clubs are chartered, small group leadership and service clubs for boys and girls ages 11 to 13.

A Torch Club is a powerful vehicle through which club staff can help meet the special character development needs of younger adolescents at a critical stage in their life. Torch Club members learn to elect officers and work together to implement activities in four areas; service to Club and community; education; health and fitness and social recreation. The Staples National Torch Club Awards are presented annually to Torch Clubs with outstanding programs and activities in each area. Each year, Torch Club members from across the country take part in a service learning experience through the National Torch Club Project.

Disclaimer: This information was taken from the Boys & Girls Club pamphlet and I give them full credit for the information. Please call the above numbers for more information on their programs. There is a lot to choose from.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Child Program Services, Corporate Programming for the public, Health and Life Support Services, New Jersey Children's Programs, New Jersey Senior Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Services, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Bergen County’s Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ARDC)

Posted on May 8, 2019 by jwatrel

Bergen County’s Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ARDC)

http://www.co.bergen.nj.us/division-of-senior-services

https://www.co.bergen.nj.us/division-of-senior-services

https://www.agingcare.com/local/bergen-county-division-of-senior-services-hackensack-area-agency-on-aging-nj

Senior Services:

If you need help and you are:

*an adult 60 years of age or older

*an adult with a disability 18 years of age or older

*a family member-a caregiver-human services or healthcare professional

Call: (201) 336-7400/877-222-3737

Mission Statement:

The Bergen County Division of Senior Services was established in 1966 under Federal Legislation of the Older Americans Act. The Division of Senior Services is the primary planning, coordinating and funding agency for senior programs and services, promoting the well-being, health and independence of Bergen County’s more than 190,000 older adults. The Division targets especially those vulnerable and in greatest social and economic need.

As the lead agency for the Bergen County’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC), the Division helps older adults, individuals with disabilities over the age of 18 and their caregivers, access the complex, long term care, community-based, health and human services.

Resources:

The Division can provide information about links to and assistance with completing applications for available resources below:

*Adult Day Care

*Age-Friendly Community Initiatives (AFCI)

*Benefits Eligibility

*Care Management

*Food Pantries

*Home Care Programs

*Home Modifications

*Housing

*Long Term Care Facilities

*Meals on Wheels

*Medicaid/Other Insurance

*Medicare

*Mental Health

*Pharmaceutical Assistance

*Reverse Mortgage Counseling

*SAVVERS Discount Program

*Senior Activity Centers

*Senior Lunch Program

*Tax Relief

*Transportation

*Wellness Check Program

And much more.

**Many of these programs are mentioned in more length on the this blog, “BergenCountyCaregiver.com”.

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Bergen County’s Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ARDC) pamphlet and I give them full credit for the information. Please call or email the above numbers for more information.

Posted in Bergen County NJ Programs, Depression Programming, Health and Life Support Services, Housing Programs, Legal Assistance Programs, Medicare/Medicaid Programming, Men's Programming, New Jersey Senior Programming, Prescription Drug Programs, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Driving Programs, Senior Rehabilitation Programming, Senior Services, Senior Transportation Programming, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may be able to help keep you and your family safe and healthy

Posted on May 7, 2019 by jwatrel

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may be able to help keep you and your family safe and healthy.

You  or someone you know may be eligible for help with home heating and/or cooking bills.

What is LIHEAP?

LIHEAP is a Federally-funded program that helps low-income households with their home energy bills.

LEIHEAP can help you stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. By doing so, you can reduce the risk of health and safety problems (such as illness, fire or eviction).

The federal government does not provide energy assistance directly to the public. Instead, LIHEAP operates in the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Indian tribes or tribal organizations and the US territories.

Who is eligible to receive LIHEAP assistance?

The LIHEAP program in your community determines if you household’s income qualifies for the program. The LIHEAP program may also require households to meet additional eligibility criteria to receive LIHEAP assistance.*

*The availability of LIHEAP assistance is not guaranteed. Often most of the Federal LIHEAP funds are spent during the winter.

What Assistance does LIHEAP provide?

Your LIHEAP program may be able to offer you one or more of the following types of assistance.

*Bill payment assistance

*Energy crisis assistance

*Weatherization and energy-related home repairs

If you can’t afford to pay your home energy bill, your home may not be safe and you may be at risk or serious illness or injury.

Stay healthy in your home:

Energy assistance is important to all that receive it but more so if someone in your home is elderly, disabled or a young child under 6 years old. These persons are especially as risk for life-threatening illness or death if the home is too cold in the winter or too hot in the summer.

Be safe in your home:

You can face safety risks if you are unable to pay your home energy bills. Some people resort to unsafe methods to keep their homes warm or cool. These include the use of fireplaces, stoves, improperly vented portable heaters, barbecue grills or overloading electrical circuits. These methods are not only fire hazards but also create the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

What information do I need to apply?

You may need the following:

*Recent copies of your utility bills.

*A recent payroll stub or other proof that shows your current gross income.

*Documentation showing income from Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, Pension Funds, disability, etc.

*Final Utility, Termination Notice (if you’ve received a shut-off notice from your energy company).

*Proof of present address (e.g. rent receipt, lease or deed, property tax bill).

*Social Security cards (or numbers) for all persons living in your household.

*Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence.

For more information about LIHEAP and where to apply:

You can call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) project. NEAR is a free service providing information on where you can apply for LIHEAP. You can speak to someone at NEAR Monday through Friday from 7:00am-5:00pm (Mountain Time).

Call the toll-free phone number at: 1-866-674-6327 or send an email to : energy@ncat.org or you can contact your local LIHEAP office at:

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/liheap/grantees/states.html

The information presented by:

Administration for Children & Families

Office of Community Services

Division of Energy Assistance

Disclaimer: This information was taken from the LIHEAP pamphlet and I give them full credit on the information. Please call them for more information.

 

Posted in Bergen County NJ Programs, Child Program Services, Health and Life Support Services, Men's Programming, New Jersey Children's Programs, New Jersey Senior Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Services, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Heightened Independence & Progress (HIP): Supporting Independence Living for People with Disabilities

Posted on May 7, 2019 by jwatrel

Heightened Independence & Progress (HIP): Supporting Independence Living for People with Disabilities

What is HIP?

HIP is a non-profit agency run by and for people with disabilities. Its purpose is to promote full inclusion and full accessibility for all people and to enhance the ability of every individual to live and work with maximum independence.

HIP was founded in 1980 as one of the first Centers for Independent Living in New Jersey. Two CILs comprise our umbrella organization, with locations in Bergen and Hudson Counties. We offer a variety of programs and services to people with disabilities through public and private funding. HIP’s work, extends beyond our two counties and several programs have multi-county, statewide and national impact.

HIP is governed by a Board of Trustees and staffed as well by people themselves have disabilities. They understand the needs of their peers and are constantly working within their communities on new approaches to enhance the independence of both individuals and families within our spheres of service.

What does HIP offer?

*Information, referral, advocacy and independent living skills training

*Resource on the Americans with Disabilities Act and other legislation

*Assistance with applications for transportation, housing, food stamps, home energy and other financial entitlement programs

*Funding for disability-related equipment and home modifications

*Care management, linking individuals and families to essential services

*Assistive technology demonstrations and “hands-on” instruction

*Peer support groups

*Leisure times activities

*Hispanic Outreach Program

*Providing Support Coordination services in partnership with the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

*Multimedia Transcription Service (MTS), which transcribes braille textbooks for students nationwide and other essentials documents for the public and private sectors

What is Independent Living?

Independent Living is based on the philosophy that all people have the right to determine how they can best live, work and play in the community. Centers for Independent Living are consumer-controlled, non-residential organizations that work to make changes in their communities to benefit people with disabilities locally and in the larger society.

Support for Heightened Independence & Progress:

HIP’s services are available to people with disabilities, their families and friends in Bergen and Hudson Counties and beyond. A consumer does not have to be a member of HIP to receive our services. Nevertheless, HIP has actively pursued a membership enrollment effort since its incorporation to provide our participants with a sense of proprietorship and to enable those who benefit from our programs and services to join the effort to extend these services to others. HIP also welcomes as members the families and friends of people with disabilities, professionals and volunteers in the field of disability and members of the community at large.

HIP receives funding from a variety of federal, state and local government agencies and is also financed by contributions from corporations, foundations, member dues and donations and by the gifts of supporters and friends.

How can I participate?

Contact us to learn more about how HIP’s services can help you, your family or the community. You may wish to become involved in our varied activities. You can enhance your own independent living or promote the concept of full inclusion by becoming an active HIP participant.

Heightened Independence & Progress:

Bergen County Central Office

131 Main Street, Suite 120

Hackensack, NJ  07601

Phone: (201) 996-9100

Fax: (201) 996-9422

Email: ber@hipcil.org

http://www.hipcil.org

Hudson County Branch Office

35 Journal Square, Suite 703

Jersey City, NJ  07306

Phone: (201) 533-4407

Fax: (201) 533-4421

Email: hud@hipcil.org

Disclaimer: This information was taken from a HIP pamphlet and I give them full credit on the information. Please call the above numbers for more information.

 

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HIP: Heightened Independence & Progress-Care Management Programs

Posted on May 6, 2019 by jwatrel

HIP: Heightened Independence & Progress-Care Management Programs

For Bergen County, NJ Residents:

Let our team of professional care managers assist you in finding programs and services to meet your needs.

What we do:

Provide assessment direct services, referrals to community-based programs and coordination of services in the following areas:

*Linkage to: Home Care, Respite Care and Caregiver Support

*Assistance in applying for: SSDI, SSI, Medicare, Medicaid, Managed Long Term Support

Services (MLTSS)

*Assistance with applications for: Food Stamps, PAAD, Rental Assistance, Meals on Wheels, utilities and affordable housing.

Provide support for the individual and family. Call us for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Heightened Independence & Progress is a nonprofit Center for Independence Living that assists people to remain independent in the community. Our Care Management Programs are funded by the Bergen County Department of Human Services.

HIP: Heightened Independence  & Progress: A Center for Independence Living for People with Disabilities

http://www.hipcil.org

Bergen County Branch:

131 Main Street, Suite 120

Hackensack, NJ  07601

(201) 996-9100

FAX: (201) 996-9422

TDD: (201) 996-9424

Email:ber@hipcil.org

Hudson County Branch:

35 Journal Square, Suite 703

Jersey City, NJ  07306

(201) 533-4407

FAX: (201) 533-4421

TDD: (201) 533-4409

Email: hud@hipcil.org

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the HIP Program pamphlet and I give them full credit for the information.

Posted in Bergen County NJ Programs, Health and Life Support Services, Legal Assistance Programs, Men's Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Services, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

HIP: Heightened Independence & Progress-Rehabilitation Technology Programs

Posted on May 6, 2019 by jwatrel

HIP: Heightened Independence & Progress-Rehabilitation Technology Programs

The Modification Access Project (MAP)

Provides financial assistance to Bergen County residents who have disabilities or are over the age of 60 who require increased access to their homes in order to accommodate disabilities. Such projects can include ramps, widening of doorways, roll-in showers, lifts, automatic door openers and more. Where needed, MAP can also help pay for professional evaluations.

The Special Needs Assistance Program (SNAP)

Assists Bergen County residents with disabilities or those who are over 60 to purchase medical and non-medical equipment and services that can help improve their day to day lives. This type of equipment could include bathroom safety bars, bath benches, walkers, hearing aids, automobile modifications, air conditioners, as well as rental of wheelchairs.

MAP and SNAP are funded by the Bergen County Department of Human Services

New Jersey Polio Network

Aids individuals throughout the state who have been affected by polio. Individuals can apply for grants for such needs as medical evaluations, home modifications, assistive devices and medical transportation costs.

For more information, contact Maria Valentin (201) 996-9100 ext. 18.

Heightened Independence & Progress: A Center for Independent Living for People with Disabilities

http://www.hipcil.org

Bergen County Branch:

131 Market Street, Suite 120

Hackensack, NJ  07601

(201) 996-9100

FAX (201) 996-9422

TDD (201) 996-9424

email: ber@hipcil.org

Hudson County Branch:

35 Journal Square, Suite 703

Jersey City, NJ 07306

(201) 533-4407

FAX: (201) 533-4421

TDD: (201) 533-4409

Email: hud@hipcil.org

Disclaimer: This information was taken from the HIP pamphlet and I give them full credit for the information. Please call the above numbers for more information.

Posted in Bergen County NJ Programs, Health and Life Support Services, Home Improvement & Care Programs, Men's Programming, New Jersey Senior Programming, New Jersey State Program, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Services, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

If you have Prostate Cancer

Posted on May 3, 2019 by jwatrel

If you have Prostate Cancer

What is prostate cancer?

Cancer can start any place in the body. Prostate cancer starts in the prostate glad, It starts when cell in the prostate grow out of control and crowd out normal cells. This makes it hard for the body to work the way it should.

Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body. Cancer cells in the prostate can sometimes travels to the bones and grow there. When cancer cells do this, it’s called metastasis (pronounced met-TAS-tuh-sis). To doctors, the cancer cells in the new place look just like the ones from the prostate.

Cancer is always named for the place where it starts. So when prostate cancer spreads to the bones (or any other place), it’s still called prostate cancer. It’s not called bone cancer unless it starts from cells in the bone.

The Prostate:

The prostate is a gland found in men, so only men can get prostate cancer.

The prostate is just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The tube that carriers pee (urine) goes through the prostate. (It’s called the urethra(yoo-ree-thruh) The prostate makes some of the fluid that helps keep the sperm alive and healthy.

Are there different kinds of prostate cancer?

There are few types of prostate cancer. Some are very rare. Most prostate cancers are a type called adenocarcinonoma (AD-no-KAR-suh-NO-muh). This cancer starts from gland cells. Your doctor cancer tell you more about the type you have.

Questions to ask the doctor:

*Why do you think I have cancer?

*Is there a chance I don’t have cancer?

*Would you please write down the kind of cancer you think I might have?

*What will happen next?

How does the doctor know I have prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer tends to grow slowly over many years. Most men with early prostate cancer don’t have changes that they notice. Signs of prostate cancer most often show up later as the cancer grows.

Some signs of prostate cancer are : troubling peeing, blood in the pee (urine), trouble getting an erection and pain in the back, hips, ribs or other bones.

If signs are pointing to prostate cancer, more tests will be done. Here are some of the tests you may need.

Tests that may be done:

PSA blood test: PSA is a substance in the blood that;s made by the prostate glade. Prostate cancer can make PSA levels go up. Blood tests will be done to see what your PSA level is and how it changes over time.

Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS): For this test, a small wand is put into your rectum. It gives off sound waves and picks up the echoes as they bounce off the prostate gland. The echoes are made into a picture on a computer screen.

Prostate biopsy: For a biopsy (by-op-see), the doctor takes out a small piece of tissue where the cancer seems to be. This tissue is checked for cancer cells. A core needle biopsy is often used to find prostate cancer. Ask the doctor what kind of biopsy you need and how it’s done.

Lymph (limf) node biopsy: lymph nodes are small bean-shaped parts of the immune system. A lymph node biopsy may be done if the doctor thinks the cancer might have spread from the prostate to nearby lymph nodes.

CT scan: This is sometimes called a “CAT scan.” It’s a kind of x-ray that takes many pictures of the body. A CT scan can show whether the cancer has spread outside the prostate. CT scans can also be used to guide the needle during a biopsy.

Bone Scan: This test may be done to see if the cancer has spread to your bones. To do it, a small amount of low-level radioactive material is put into your blood. It settles in damaged areas of bone all over the body. A special camera finds the radioactivity and makes a picture of your bones.

MRI: Uses radio waves and strong magnets instead of x-rays to make clear pictures. MRI scans show the prostate gland and can show if the cancer has spread outside the prostate.

Grading prostate cancer:

The prostate cancer cells will be given a grade using the Gleason system. Grading the cancer helps to know how fast the cancer might grow and spread.

Cancer cells are graded from 2 to 10 based on how much they look like normal prostate cells. Those that look very different from normal cells are given a higher grade and are likely to grow faster. Ask your doctor to explain the grade of your cancer. The grade helps the doctor decide which treatment is best for you.

Questions to ask the doctor:

*What tests will I need to have?

*Who will do these tests?

*Where will they be done?

*Who can explain them to me?

*How and when will I get the results?

*Who will explain the results to me?

*What do I need to do next?

How serious is my cancer?

If you have prostate cancer, the doctor will want to find out how far it has spread. This is called staging. You may have heard other people say that their cancer was “stage 1” or “stage 2”.

Your doctor will want to find out the stage of your cancer to help decide what type of treatment is best for you.

The stage describes the growth or spread of the cancer through the prostate. It also tells if the cancer has spread to other parts of your body that are close by or farther away.

Your cancer cancer be stage 1,2,3, or 4. The lower the number, the less the cancer has spread. A higher number, like stage 4, means a more serious cancer that has spread outside the prostate.

For most men, the stage is not known until after surgery, so your doctor may wait until then to tell you the stage. Be sure to ask the doctor about the cancer stage and what it means for you.

Questions to ask the doctor:

*Do you know the stage of the cancer?

*If not, how and when will you find out the stage of the cancer?

*Would you explain to me what the stage means in my case?

*Based on the stage of the cancer, how long do you think I’ll live?

*What will happen next?

What kind of treatment will I need?

There are many ways to treat prostate cancer. The main kinds of treatment are watchful waiting, surgery, radiation, hormone therapy and chemo. Sometimes more than one king of treatment is used.

The treatment that’s best for you will depend on:

*Your age

*Any other health problems you might have

*The stage and grade of the cancer

*Your feelings (and your doctor’s) about the need to treat the cancer

*The chance that treatment will cure the cancer or help in some way

*Your feelings about the side effects that might come with treatment

Watchful waiting:

Because prostate cancer often grows very slowly, some men may never need treatment at all. The doctor may plan to keep  track of the cancer without doing treatment. This is called watchful waiting. It might be done if the cancer is small, is not causing problems and seems to be growing very slowly.

Surgery for prostate cancer:

There are many types of surgery for prostate cancer. Some are done to try to cure the cancer; others are done to control the cancer or make symptoms better. Talk to the doctor about the kind of surgery planned and what you can expect.

Side effects of surgery:

Any type of surgery can have risks and side effects. Be sure to ask the doctor what you can expect. If you have problems, let your doctor know. Doctors who treat prostate cancer should be able to help you with any problems that come up.

Radiation treatment:

Radiation (pronounced RAY-dee-A-shun) uses high-energy rays (like x-rays) to kill cancer cells. There are different way to use radiation to treat prostate cancer. It can aimed at the prostate gland from a machine outside the body. In some cases. small radioactive pellets or seeds, each about the size of a grain of rice, are put right into your prostate.

Side effect of radiation treatments:

If your doctor suggest radiation treatment, talk about what side effects might happen. Side effects depend on the type of radiation that’s used. The most common side effects of radiation to the prostate are:

*Diarrhea, leaking stool or blood in the stool

*Having to pee (pass urine) a lot, leaking urine, burning when you pee or blood in your urine.

*Erection problems

*Feeling very tired (fatigue, which is pronounced fuh-TEEG)

*Fluid build up in your legs

Most side effects get better after treatment ends. Some might last longer. Talk to your doctor about what you can expect.

Hormone Treatment:

This treatment reduces your levels of male hormones, called androgens (AN-druh-jens) or stops them from working. This often makes prostate cancers shrink or grow more slowly. But hormone therapy does not cure prostate cancer. If you’re going to get hormone treatment, ask your doctor what you can expect it to do.

Side effects of hormone treatment:

Changing your hormone levels can cause side effects like less desire for sex, trouble getting an erection, hot flashes, bone thinning and weight gain. Talk to your doctor about what you can expect from your hormone treatment.

Chemo:

Chemo (KEY-mo) is the use of drugs to fight cancer. The drugs may be given into a vein or taken as pills. These drugs go into the blood and spread through the body. Chemo is given in cycles or rounds. Each round of treatment is followed by a break.

Chemo may be used if the cancer has spread outside the prostate gland and hormone treatment isn’t working. It’s not used for early prostate cancer.

Side effects of chemo:

Chemo can make you feel very tired, sick to your stomach and cause your hair to fall out. But these problems go away after treatment ends.

There are ways to treat most chemo side effects. If you have side effects, talk to your cancer care team so they can help.

Clinical trials:

Clinical trials are research studies that test new drugs or other treatments in people. They compare standard treatments with others that may be better.

If you would like to be in a clinical trial, start by asking your doctor if your clinic or hospital takes part in clinical trials. You can also visit http://www.cancer.org/clinicaltrials or call our clinical trials matching service at 1-800-303-5691 to find studies near you.

Clinical trials are one way to get the newest cancer treatment. They are the best way for doctors to find better ways to treat cancer. If your doctor can find one that’s studying the kind of cancer you have, it’s up to you whether to take part. And if you do sign up for a clinical trial, you can always stop at any time.

Questions to ask the doctor:

*What treatment do you think is best to you?\

*What’s the goal of this treatment? Do you think it could cure the cancer?

*Will treatment include surgery? If so, who will do the surgery?

*What will the surgery be like?

*Will I need other types of treatment, too?

*What’s the goal of these treatments?

*What side effects could I have from these treatments?

*What can I do about side effects that I might have?

*Is there a clinical trial that might be right for me?

*What about special vitamins or diets that friends tell me about? How will I know if they are safe?

*What should I do to be ready for treatment?

*Is there anything I can do to help the treatment work better?

*What’s the next step?

What about other treatments that I hear about?

When you have cancer you might hear about other ways to treat the cancer or treat your symptoms. These may not always be standard medical treatments. These treatments may be vitamins, herbs, special diets and other things. You may wonder about these treatments.

Some of these are known to help but many have not been tested. Some have been shown not to help. A few have even been found to be harmful. Talk to your doctor about anything you’ve thinking about using, whether it’s a vitamin, a diet or anything else.

What will happen after treatment?

You’ll be glad when treatment is over. But it’s hard not to worry about cancer coming back. Even when cancer never come back, people still worry about it. For years after treatment ends, you will see your cancer doctor. At first, your visits may be every few months. Then the longer you’re cancer free, the less often the visits are needed.

Be sure to go to all of these follow-up visits. Your doctors will ask about symptoms, do physical exams and may do blood tests and maybe other tests to see if the cancer has come back.

Having cancer and dealing with treatment can be hard but it can also be a time look at your life in new ways. You might be thinking about how to improve your health. Call us at 1-800-227-2345 or talk to your doctor to find you can do to feel better.

You can’t change the fact that you have cancer. What you can change is how you live the rest of your life-making healthy choices and feeling as good as you can.

How can I learn more?

We have a lot more information for you. You can find it online at http://www.cancer.org. Or you can call our toll free number at 1-800-227-2345 to talk to one of our cancer information specialist. They can provide you with the latest cancer information, day to day help and emotional support 24 hour a day, 7 days a week.

Words to know:

Biopsy: (BY-op-see) Taking out a small piece of tissue to see if there are cancer cells in it.

BPH: Swelling of the prostate that is not cancer.

Lymph nodes: (limf): Small bean-shaped parts of the immune system.

Metastasis: (muh-TAS-tuh-sis): Cancer cells that have spread from where they started to other places in the body.

Prostate gland (PROS-tate): A gland found only in men. It’s just below the bladder and in front of the rectum.

Prostatectomy (PRAHS-tuh-TEK-tuh-me): Surgery to take out all or part of the prostate gland.

PSA: A substance made by the prostate gland. Prostate cancer cause the amount of PSA in the blood to go up.

Rectal exam: An exam in which the doctor puts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for any bumps on the prostate that might be cancer.

Urologist (yur-OL-uh-jist): A doctor who is an expert in treating problems of the urinary tract and genital area in men.

This is a booklet about prostate cancer.

It tells you things like:

*What this cancer is

*How it’s found

*How it’s treated

*What you can expect after treatment

It also gives you lists of question to ask your doctor and other information that can help you learn more about prostate cancer and how to deal with it.

For the latest cancer information, day to day help and emotional support, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. We’re here when you need us-24 hours a say, 7 days a week.

cancer.org/1-800-227-2345/1-866-228-4327 TTY

Disclaimer:  This information was taken from the American Cancer Society pamphlet and I give them full credit for it. Please call the above number for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Cancer Programming, Health and Life Support Services, Men's Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Services, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Shops at Paramus Gardens Mall

Posted on April 29, 2019 by jwatrel

via About

Please check out the link above!

The Shops at Paramus Gardens Mall is a simulated project run by my Introduction to Business Class in the Business/Hotel Management School at Bergen Community College.

The students in my class created this project from a frame work that I designed and they broke into teams to propose renovations and a redesign of the former Paramus Garden Mall, a mythical mall in Paramus, NJ that needed an update for the Millennia.

They did excellent work and I could not have been prouder of my students.

Orion Malls Inc.

Orion Malls Inc. Logo.jpg

Professor Justin Watrel, School of Business/Hotel Management

Bergen Community College

Orion Malls Inc. CEO

 

Posted in Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc. Projects, Bergen County NJ Programs, My walk in Manhattan Blog, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments