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Cochran Firm's Helping Hands Blog

Details: Category: Helping Hands Blog; Published: Thursday, 27 December 2012 18:00; Hits: 2500

Medical Care on the Move

Are you looking for free or low cost health care? The following organization located in New Orleans may be just what you’ve been searching for:

Less than a year after Hurricane Katrina, St. Anna’s Episcopal Church was able to realize its goal of bringing to the streets free medical care to underserved communities in New Orleans. Through its innovative mobile medical unit, St. Anna’s Medical Mission (SAMM) travels to designated areas of Greater New Orleans on a cyclical weekly/monthly schedule. To date, SAMM has serviced areas including Orleans Parish (Central City, St. Roch, Lower 9th Ward, Treme/7th Ward), St. Bernard Parish (Meraux, Arabi, Chalmette, Kenilworth), and Jefferson Pa Nurse Giving Patient Injection, 01-24-12 rish.

SAMM’s compassionate and knowledgeable staff is composed of social workers, doctors, nurses and a non-medical team who serve on a voluntary basis. All services provided by SAMM, through their mobile medical unit, are free of charge, and adult patients are typically seen on a first-come-first -serve basis. In addition to many other medical conditions, SAMM provides services and treatments for the following:

Blood pressure screenings
Colds/Flu
Cuts/Scrapes
Depression
Diabetes medication refills
Diabetes screenings
Hypertension (newly diagnosed or uncontrolled)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Rashes

SAMM does not have any sort of health-related laboratories, EKG or radiology facilities. If SAMM does not have the tools or facilities needed to treat a patient, referrals can be made to one of several area clinics that can better assist them with further care. Referrals, screenings and counseling for mental health are also available when psychiatrists or social workers are present. To promote wellness and maintenance of diseases, all patients are educated and encouraged about the need for a more consistent means of healthcare from a physician or clinic.

To find out when St. Anna’s Medical Mission (SAMM) will be rolling through your neighborhood, visit http://www.stannanola.org/missions/medical-mission-harp/samm-calendar. For general information about the services offered by SAMM, call 504-947-2121 or check out their website at http://www.stannanola.org/missions/medical-mission-harp.

NOTE: For life-threatening emergencies, contact The EMS System (call 911)!

At The Cochran Firm Disability Lawyers we understand that for many clients, Social Security Disability benefits can't come soon enough. If your application has been denied, don't give up! Our experienced Social Security disability lawyers are extremely familiar with the Social Security Disability application process and will work hard to help you get the benefits you deserve. If you or a loved one has a disability and would like assistance with handling your claim, contact The Cochran Firm Disability Lawyers today at 1-800-THE-FIRM (1-800-843-3476). We are available day or night to help you receive the Social Security disability benefits you deserve.

Details: Category: Helping Hands Blog; Published: Wednesday, 26 December 2012 18:00; Hits: 2297

Comprehensive Support for Baltimore’s Most Vulnerable

The following organization in the Baltimore, MD area provides an array of programs and services to low-income individuals and families:

Founded in response to Baltimore’s growing AIDS epidemic, AIRS has provided a variety of supportive services to low-income and homeless individuals and/or families living with or at risk of HIV/AIDS. Over the years, with support from the community and through strategic planning, AIRS extended its comprehensive supportive services to include more of Baltimore’s most vulnerable populations. Now serving both individuals and/or families living with or at risk of HIV/AIDS or other disabilities, AIRS strives to enhance quality of life and emphasize self-sufficiency through the following programs: walking away

Permanent Housing Program – In addition to providing housing, AIRS provides a variety of supportive services that helps individuals gain access to healthcare, substance abuse recovery and jobs. AIRS Permanent Housing Program is available to eligible individuals in both Baltimore City and Baltimore County. To be eligible for the program, individuals must: be homeless, be HIV+ or living with other disabilities, be willing to accept case management services and have low to very-low income.

Don Miller Homes – Serving as an adult foster care facility, the Don Miller Homes offers a protective living environment for adults with disabilities and individuals with end stage AIDS who are unable to live alone. At the Don Miller Homes, residents are provided with supervision, supportive services and compassionate care to ensure the quality of life desired by each resident while supporting their medical needs. To become a resident of the Don Miller Homes, applicants must be at least 18 years old, single and receive a referral through Project Home.

Un Nuevo Comienzo Program – To help low-income, HIV+ individuals with limited English proficiency, AIRS offers the Un Nuevo Comienzo Program. Through the program AIRS provides immigrant clients with rental assistance and supportive case management services. Similar to the other programs offered through AIRS, services offered through Un Nuevo Comienzo program include: substance abuse recovery, access to healthcare and employment.

CITY-STEPS – Targeting youth and young adults between the ages of 14 -24, CITY STEPS serves as intervention program for individuals engaged in street behavior that places them at risk of STDS, HIV, drug use and crime. Through CITY STEPS, youth and young adults are provided with an array of comprehensive services that include housing and case management services to help prevent future occurrences of homelessness or exposure to past street behavior.

GEAR – AIRS offer the GEAR program for individuals who are seeking personal development and involvement within the community. GEAR is a workforce development program for youth and adults. Through the program, AIRS and CITY STEPS residents receive interest, skills and education assessments in addition to mentoring services and job preparation and placement.

At The Door Program – Through the At The Door Program, AIRS provides HIV+ ex-offenders leaving the system with supportive housing as well as a variety of services to help successfully reconnect them to their community. Services offered through the At The Door Program include: supportive case management, access to healthcare, substance abuse recovery programs, education and employment opportunities. To be eligible for the program, individuals must: be a Baltimore City resident, be homeless, have low-to-no income, have no family or support system and recently released from the prison system. Individuals must also provide proof of household income as well as proof of disability to be eligible for the program.

For more information about the services and programs offered through AIRS, call (410) 576-5070 or check out their website www.airshome.org.

Details: Category: Helping Hands Blog; Published: Tuesday, 18 December 2012 18:00; Hits: 2530

Providing a Safety Net of Services to Seniors

Through a passion for people—especially senior citizens, the following organization provides a variety of programs and services that empower older adults to lead active, well-rounded and independent lifestyles in the Greater Cleveland area:

Golden Age Centers (GAC) is nonprofit organization based in Cleveland that is passionate about the older adults living within the surrounding communities. They seek to enrich the lives of elders and alleviate challenges they may face while aging.

To do this, GAC provides stand-alone centers, supportive housing centers, and provides resources and activities to senior citizens. Each of the programs and services offered by GAC are focused on improving the health and wellness, increasing access to arts and culture, and encouraging a life of learning for those just entering older adulthood and those who have been in the thick of it for a while.

Stand Alone Centers and Supportive Housing Services – Simply put, the GAC’s Stand Alone Centers are a place for seniors to belong. GAC has four Stand Alone Centers located across the Greater Cleveland area. At the Stand Alone Centers, GAC offers exercise classes, nutritious lunches, and various activities to promote mental and social stimulation. Each program offered at Stand Alone Centers maintains GAC’s focus on their mission’s three pillars of health and wellness, lifelong learning, and arts and culture; but, at the end of the day GAC hopes their centers are a place for seniors to have fun, make friends and try something new. The four locations’ addresses and contact information are listed below.

In addition to Stand Alone Centers, GAC has partnered with Cuyahoga County Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) and Eliza Bryant Village to offer supportive services to low income seniors at the housing complexes at which they live. Services offered to seniors through GAC’s supportive housing program include: collective meals, home delivered meal programs, recreational activities and social functions. GAC also offers senior participants supportive assistance with issues that impact their lives of seniors through a credentialed Social Worker. Participants in the Supportive Housing Services program also have access to many GAC sponsored field trips to local attractions.

Health and Wellness – Golden Age Centers believe a senior’s well-rounded life begins with physical fitness and mental health. To promote health and wellness, GAC provides nutrition counseling, health screenings, grief counseling, recreational activities, exercise classes, and support and interest groups.

To highlight their commitment to nutrition, GAC serves over 800 hot meals everyday both at their facilities and through their home-delivered meal programs (the largest and most comprehensive in Cleveland). A senior must be 60 years of age or older and homebound or unable to participate in one of the group meals offered to be eligible for the program. Participation is free, but donations are suggested. If you are interested in participating in the home-delivered meal program, call (216) 361-0777.

Arts, Culture and Lifelong Learning – The city of Cleveland has a wealth of arts and cultural opportunities for all of its citizens. To involve seniors in Cleveland’s rich heritage and encourage cultural awareness, GAC organizes many trips and group activities. GAC also offers classes in art, theatre, writing, and music at their Stand Alone Centers. To promote social interaction, GAC also coordinates intergenerational programs and volunteer opportunities for senior participants.

GAC believes that learning never ends, so they provide seniors with a chance to enhance or develop computer skills and literacy, classes about self-employment opportunities, and workshops on managing and protecting your finances. GAC even offers classes about how to improve your driving. Along with acquiring new skills, GAC feels it is important to offer resources to seniors that may need help. These personal services include:

Assistance with daily activities such as correspondence, Medicare/Medicaid, wills, government and insurance forms
Access to computers and other educational opportunities
Access to employment and volunteer opportunities
Enriching programming

To learn more about Cleveland’s Golden Age Centers, call (216) 231-6500 or visit them online at http://www.goldenagecenters.org/.

At The Cochran Firm Disability Lawyers we understand that for many clients, Social Security Disability benefits can't come soon enough. If your application has been denied, don't give up! Our experienced Social Security disability lawyers are extremely familiar with the Social Security Disability application process and will work hard to help you get the benefits you deserve. If you or a loved one has a disability and would like assistance with handling your claim, contact The Cochran Firm Disability Lawyers today at 1-800-THE-FIRM (1-800-843-3476). We are available day or night to help you receive the Social Security disability benefits you deserve.

Details: Category: Helping Hands Blog; Published: Tuesday, 18 December 2012 18:00; Hits: 2651

Reading is still Fundamental

The Detroit Public Library is not only the location where the first constitution for Michigan was written but is also a resource of assistance for Michigan residents.

The Detroit Public Library has served the Michigan community since 1865 with 22 locations to date. With today’s culture that is ever evolving, The Detroit Library strives to stay up to date with Information Technology, Reading Material, Employment Opportunities and Educational programs.

The Detroit Public Library also takes mindful interests in the city’s senior citizens and schools offering programs such as Library on Wheels (LOW). This program schedules drop off and pick up services to schools, senior buildings and other drop-in centers. Some of the material that is offered through this program are audio cassettes (books and music), foreign language books (by request) and a large variety of current fiction and non-fiction books.

In addition to LOW, The Detroit Public Library believes in investing in the future of its residents by offering free computer skills classes. These classes include Instructor-led classes with basic computer skills, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, E-mail and Internet. Online testing is available by appointment only and most of the software skills books are available for checkout.

The Detroit Public Library also assists residents with career and employment searches through their Technology, Literacy and Career Center (TLC). TLC has full-time staff readily available to assist residents with job searches, salaries and relocation help. TLC also offers assistance with resume preparation, test preparation materials for professional certification and licensing, GED, ASVAB, SAT, GRM, GMAT, apprenticeship, civil service and many more. To find out more information or receive assistance from The Detroit Public Library contact:

Technology, Literacy and Career (TLC) Center

Detroit Public Library

5201 Woodard Avenue

Detroit, MI. 48202

Phone (313) 481-1363 or (313) 481-1365

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Frederick Douglass Branch for Specialized Services

3666 Grand River/Trumbull

Phone (313) 481-1700

Fax (313)833-5688

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Details: Category: Helping Hands Blog; Published: Monday, 17 December 2012 18:00; Hits: 2167

New Life for Furniture, New Purpose For Life

The following organization employs mentally and physically challenged adults and in the Augusta, Georgia:

In 1947, Augusta area residents concerned about the welfare of area children with Cerebral Palsy established the Augusta Area Cerebral Palsy Society. What began as an organization that mainly offered daycare services to disabled residents in the area, Chair Caning has become the Augusta Training Shop.

The Augusta Training Shop (ATS) offers a phenomenal training program that employs mentally and physically challenged adults of all ages and teaches them the skills needed to polish metals, re-cane chairs, repair, strip and refinish numerous types of furniture. The individuals employed by ATS consist of people with various disabilities including cerebral palsy, MR, deafness and blindness.

ATS serve families in Richmond and Columbia Counties by offering a form of respite care to their disabled loved ones, who would otherwise spend their days at home or in state monitored programs and would have found it difficult to find a rewarding job in a traditional setting. Additionally, the talented employees of ATS have been given the tremendous opportunity to prove what they CAN DO.

Through working on a variety of intricate projects, the employees of ATS are taught a marketable job skill while achieving and adjusting to basic work experiences like showing up on time, doing the job correctly, time management, and appropriate co-worker social interactions. By learning these basic skills, they gain confidence and acceptance in their communities by working in a manner that reflects their dedication and the meticulous craftsmanship they perform on each endeavor.

To learn more about the Augusta Training Shop, call 706-738-1358 or visit their website http://www.augustatrainingshop.com/. ATS's website showcases before and after pictures of a few of their past projects.

At The Cochran Firm Disability Lawyers we understand that for many clients, Social Security Disability benefits can't come soon enough. If your application has been denied, don't give up! Our experienced Social Security disability lawyers are extremely familiar with the Social Security Disability application process and will work hard to help you get the benefits you deserve. If you or a loved one has a disability and would like assistance with handling your claim, contact The Cochran Firm Disability Lawyers today at 1-800-THE-FIRM (1-800-843-3476). We are available day or night to help you receive the Social Security disability benefits you deserve.

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