January 2007:
Contact us:
24-Hour Crisis Line
(206) 461-3222
(866) 4CRISIS or
(866) 427-4747
(206) 461-3219 TTY
24 hours, daily
2-1-1 Community
Information Line
Dial 2-1-1 or
(206) 461-3200
(800) 621-4636
(206) 461-3610 TTY
8am-midnight, daily
(24 hours, daily starting in mid. January)
Teen Link
(206) 461-4922
(866) TEENLINK or
(866) 833-6546
(206) 461-3219 TTY
6-10pm, nightly
Business Office
1515 Dexter Ave N
Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 461-3210
Fax: (206) 461-8368
8am-5pm, M-F
State Relay Service gets
new Logo
 A new logo for DSHS’s Washington
Relay Service illustrates the program’s importance as a telephone
connection service between a hearing person and a deaf or a hard-of- hearing
or a deaf-blind person. The new logo with a looped “W” design
represents two callers conversing
with the assistance of a Washington Relay operator will help promote the
service. Callers dial 7-1-1 to access the phone relay service between users
of amplified, Internet, telebraille, teletype (TTY/TDD), video and standard
telephones. Washington Relay serves about 25,000 people in the state who make
approximately 70,000 calls a month.
United Way Partners to Provide
Free Tax Prep Assistance
United
Way of King County is providing free tax preparation and access to the
Earned Income Tax Credit and other tax credits to help working families
increase their incomes and create savings.
The program runs from Jan. 16 – April 15. Last year, United Way of King
County helped return approximately $10 million in federal refunds back to the
community, including $3.2 million in Earned Income Tax Credits. For more
information about the program, as well as details about where to go for
assistance or how to volunteer, click here.
Those looking for assistance can also call the 2-1-1
Community Information Line to be directed to a tax preparation site near
them.
Toll-Free Number Created for
November Flooding Victims
A toll-free
application telephone number and on-line registration are now operational for
residents of Clark, Cowlitz, Grays
Harbor, King, Lewis, Pierce, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Thurston
and Wahkiakum counties who suffered property damage or
losses from the November 2006 floods. President Bush signed a major disaster declaration
designating these counties eligible for federal aid to help meet the recovery
needs of stricken residents and business owners. this toll-free number,
1-800-621-FEMA (3362), from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., M-Sa. To register online, visit
http://www.fema.gov/.
Parents Can Learn How to Partner for Student Success
3-9 p.m.,
Thurs., Jan. 11
1400 6th
Ave., Seattle
The Sheraton Seattle Hotel and Towers
Parents can find
out how to get involved in their students’ education, how to support math
skills at home, what a standards-based education is all about – and more at
an upcoming conference. The conference is organized by the Center for the
Improvement of Student Learning and the Office of Superintendent of Public
Instruction. Also, parents will meet parents and educators from across the
state to share thoughts, ideas and stories. For information call (360)
725-6165.
New Video Helps Foster Children Understand Rights
A new video created by DSHS,
is helping foster children understand their legal rights. Each youth in
care, ages 13 or older, will receive a copy of the video no later than
January 30, 2007. The videos will be available to all youth who enter foster
care after that or who turn 13 while in their out-of-home placements. The
film is narrated by several foster youth, many of whom are recipients of the
Governor's Scholarship program and are attending colleges and universities in
Washington.
Influenza Pandemic Guide
Available
Health Care for the Homeless Network and Public
Health - Seattle & King County has produced “An Influenza Pandemic
Guide For Homeless & Housing Service Providers.” The document is
available here. The planning
guide was developed in consultation with a work group that included
representatives of local organizations that work with homeless people and is
designed to help shelters, day centers and housing programs prepare for an
influenza pandemic. Also, to make sure your organization is notified
about important pandemic flu updates from Public Health, be sure to sign up
for free e-mail updates here.
ADHD Conference Coming in
March
March 3-4
4242 South 144th St
Foster High School Tukwila
“ADHD: From Birth To Twelve” is the theme of the second annual ADHD conference
for parents and professionals sponsored by Attention
Deficit Disorder Resources. The conference features Thomas Phelan, Ph.D and Sam
Goldstein, Ph.D. along with more than 15 different breakout
sessions. Prices for both days start at $75 for members of ADD
Resources and $95 for non-members. For more information or to register
online, click here.
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Kids’ Club Helps Heal Children Impacted by Domestic
Violence
By Kids’ Club Coordinators
Each year an estimated three to
10 million children witness domestic violence (Domestic Violence &
Children: Creating a Public Response, 2000).
To help these children, several King County agencies have developed a
program to support children who witness domestic violence called Kids’ Club.
The program is run a little
differently at each agency, but each club provides children opportunities to
talk about their experiences in a safe, supportive environment while
increasing their awareness about safety planning. These group programs decrease a children’s sense of isolation
and encourage peer support. The clubs
run for varying lengths of time at each agency, between eight and 12 weeks.
Children are given information
about abuse, have opportunities to talk about the violence they have
experienced and have a chance to express feelings and relieve distress. The programs are facilitated by
professionals who specialize in the impact of domestic violence on kids. Non-abusive parents or guardians are
involved in the groups and learn how to help their children move forward and
heal.
Participating agencies are now
accepting applications from children who could benefit from the program. New
club groups are being formed at the different agencies in early January.
Agencies participating in this project include:
Seattle:
Jewish
Family Service’s Project DVORA and Family
Services: (206) 461-3240
New
Beginnings
(206) 522-9472
South
King County:
Domestic
Abuse Women’s Network (DAWN)
(425) 656-4305 ext. 249
East
King County:
Eastside
Domestic Violence Program (EDVP) and Seattle
Mental Health (SMH): (425) 746-1940
Here are some comments from
past Kids’ Club parents:
·
“This program is outstanding. My daughter also has learned so much and
truly relishes our class nights. She
is a tough critic too! The program
has given her a safe, comfortable outlet for expressing herself.”
·
“My child started bringing up some questions that
have been kept inside for years. It
became an ice-breaker to talk to each other.”
·
“Not only did my son learn about how to be more
respectful when interacting with others, I also liked that my son spent time
with others who were victims of DV.
It is nice to know you’re not the only one.”
·
“Thank you!!!
Thank you for having this program, it has opened up communication
between myself and my 11 year old.
Thank you!” •
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Cingular Offers
Discounted Cell Phone Services to Eligible Low-Income Customers
By Cingular Staff
Consumers in certain areas of Washington may qualify for discounted
wireless service from Cingular if they participate in any of several
designated federal assistance programs, such as Medicaid, Food Stamps, the
National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program and Supplemental Security
Income (SSI). Consumers may also
qualify based solely on income.
Consumers can apply for Lifeline, Cingular’s discounted monthly
service plan, as well as Link-Up, which is a discount on the activation fee.
In addition, Cingular waives the remainder of the activation fee and all deposit
requirements for customers in these programs.
·
With the
applicable federal Lifeline subsidies, Eligible customers can obtain the Lifeline
Plan for $16.74 per month
·
Customers
meeting further eligibility criteria under
Washington’s Telephone Assistance Program (WTAP) may qualify for
additional discounts, lowering the monthly recurring charge to only $8.00
·
Tribal members may also qualify for additional
federally subsidized discounts, paying a monthly recurring charge of only
$1.00
For more information, click here
or call (800) 377-9450, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., M-F. Note: From the last
Sunday in October – the first Sunday in April (Daylight Saving) Lifeline call
center hours change to 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific. •
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Critical
Resource Updates
Compiled by Crisis Clinic’s Resource
Center
It is always recommended to
check Community
Resources Online for additional information and for the most current information
updates of the following resources.
Aradia
Women’s Health Center announced it will close Jan. 31, due to financial
difficulties. The First Hill clinic provides pregnancy testing, gynecological
and contraceptive services, “morning after” emergency contraceptive pills,
abortions, decision-making counseling and related medical services.
Operation
Sack Lunch’s current outdoor meal site will be moving this month to its
new location at the NW corner of 6th and Columbia. Operation Sack
Lunch meals will not be served at the current site after Jan. 9. Operation
Sack Lunch will provide some meals as well as oversight for the whole
program. Hot meals will be served from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 4:30-9:30 p.m.,
M-F; and 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The agency is still taking
applications for providers to help with the expanded meal service.
A new
transitional housing facility, Elizabeth
Gregory Home, provides supportive transitional housing for single women.
Agency referral is required, though anyone may call to request an
application. Stays are between six and 24 months long. Support services
include 24-hour staffing, on-site mental health services, life skills
classes, recreational activities and weekly community meetings. Offers a
private bedroom and private adjourning bathroom for each resident. Units are
grouped around common living areas and kitchens. The home has been in operation since
October.
The Multi-Service
Center office in Kent will offer limited motel vouchers to residents of
Kent starting this month and running through 2007. Vouchers will be available
during severe weather only, including extremes in heat and cold. Priority
will be given to families, older adults and people with disabilities.
Northshore
Public Health Center, 10808
NE 145th St, Bothell, has changed its hours starting this month. The center will be
open from 9am-6pm, M-Th and 8 am-5pm, F. The Walk-in Teen Clinic will
change its hours to 2pm-5pm, W.
Startup of January classes at Seattle
Goodwill has been delayed due to massive flooding at its Dearborn Street
location the night of the windstorm. The retail store did not flood. For more information or to see pictures,
click here.
The Seattle
Police Department has received city funding for four community service
officers to provide civilian assistance to patrol officers. The new officers
will provide support and emergency assistance to the mentally ill, crime
victims, the homeless and others. The officers will not be put into place for
a few months, pending program design.
SHARE/WHEEL’s Tent
City 3 has moved to Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church, 7500 Greenwood Ave N
Seattle 98103, where it will be for about three months. •
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January and February
Selected Resources
Compiled by Crisis Clinic’s Resource
Center Staff
This column
highlights available timely resources in the community information database
that might otherwise go unnoticed by our users. It is always recommended to
check Community
Resources Online for additional information and for the most current
information concerning the following resources.
January Resource Highlights
Puget
Sound Energy
Administers an assistance fund established by Puget Sound Energy (PSE) share
holders, customers, and employees and carried out by local branches of the
Salvation Army - Social Services Department to assist PSE customers in crisis
with their winter electric and natural gas bills. Program operates January
through Spring (dependent on funding).
Seattle
Indian Center
Summer Youth Employment Experience: a limited number of work experience
positions are available during the summer months to eligible high school
students. Interested parties should contact the Workforce Investment Act
office in January for further information.
Shoreline
Community College
The restorative dental clinic will be open Thursday afternoons January
through May. Patients needing fillings may be referred to the clinic, where a
dentist prepares teeth and a hygiene student does the filling. Cannot do root
canal, orthodontic or surgical work, bridges, gold work, dentures or treat
dental emergencies. Also supervises students as they perform head and neck
exams, medical histories, blood pressure checks, oral exams, fluoride
treatments, cleaning and polishing, X-rays, oral cancer screening, sealants
and oral hygiene instruction. Complete dental care takes at least two
appointments that are three hours each. First appointment is examination only
(except for children), and includes exam and diagnosis by dentist.
University
of Washington – Do-It
Program for Washington high school students with disabilities consists of
participation over multiple years. Scholars learn to use computers to enrich
their education and explore academic and career interest using the Internet.
During a two-week, live-in summer program at the University of Washington the
first year, and a one-week, live-in program the second year, scholars
participate in science, engineering, technology and mathematics lectures and
labs; live in residence halls; and practice skills which will help them be
successful in a college setting. Applications are accepted on an ongoing
basis; however, the deadline for the first review period is Jan. 10.
Wallingford
Community Senior Center
Provides income tax assistance for older adults from the middle of January
through April 15.
February Resource Highlights
AARP
Coordinates free income tax assistance programs from
Feb. 1 through April 15 each year. Services are available to people of all
ages who are middle- and low-income. Focuses on those individuals who are age
60 and older. Limited assistance is available to homebound taxpayers. Some
printed materials are available in Spanish. For a list of local Tax-Aide
sites, visit www.aarp.org/taxaide
and click on the link to “locate a site.”
Children’s
Hospital and Regional Medical Center – Stanley Stamm Children’s Hospital Camp
Coordinates a summer camp for a week in August for
children with medical problems that disqualify them from other camping
programs. The camp is located at the Sunset Lake Camp facility in Wilkeson
and has medical facilities that meet the needs of the campers. Call for an
application. Applications are distributed beginning in February each year and
the camp is usually full by April 1.
Crisis
Clinic
Beginning in February, conducts the
Housing Stability Project, a coordinated effort between the 2-1-1 Community
Information Line, Fremont Public Association and several local social service
agencies. Provides loans and grants for rent and move-in costs to eligible King
County households.
Local
Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County
The Household Hazardous Wastemobile travels throughout King County 10
months of the year providing household hazardous waste collection services.
Volume restrictions apply. It generally is open from 10am-5pm, F Sa Su. The
Wastemobile starts driving again in February.
National
Eating Disorders Association
Distributes educational materials and
organizes awareness and prevention events. Operates a toll-free information
and referral helpline. Offers a searchable online database of treatment
providers throughout the U.S. and Canada. Sponsors National Eating Disorders
Awareness Week (NEDAW) held during the last week of February each year.
Seattle
Public Library – Central
Free tax help from trained volunteers is available
at the The Central Library and several branches. Most branches also stock a
selection of tax forms and Internal Revenue Service publications. Unless
otherwise indicated, volunteers will be available on a first come, first
served basis (no reservations).
Senior
Services of Seattle/King County
Senior Information and Assistance provides
information on locations of tax assistance sites and programs, which will
send income tax assistance volunteers to the homes of homebound seniors or
people with disabilities. Program begins in February. •
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“Resource
Talk,” Crisis Clinic’s free monthly e-newsletter, provides critical resource
changes, community events, feature articles on important health and human
service topics and updates to the annual publication of the Where to Turn
Plus directory. Click here to
subscribe or unsubscribe to Resource Talk. You may view past issues of
Resource Talk by clicking here.
Crisis
Clinic offers a variety of products to help connect people with critical
resources. Information about purchasing Crisis Clinic’s Where to Turn
Directories, Where to Turn CD-ROMs, customized reports, customized
mailing labels and holiday lists can be found online by clicking here.
Crisis
Clinic respects the privacy
of our Web site users.
For
business purposes, please e-mail us at ResourceCenter@CrisisClinic.org
or call us at (206) 461-3210.
www.CrisisClinic.org
This Newsletter was last updated on Tuesday, January 02, 2007 04:05 PM
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