SEICAA Community Action News In February 2009, SEICAA was notified that the agency would receive American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Stimulus funds for programs. SEICAA started preparations to increase staff and modify programs. From February 2009-December 2009, 30 people were hired, increasing SEICAA’s staff from 50 to 80 individuals. SEICAA increased production in the Weatherization Program to an average 29 homes per month for a yearly goal of 350 homes; a total increase of 132 units over 2008. SEICAA was able to add 8 jobs in the department. The push for Weatherization services is a focal point of ARRA, as the changes made are permanent and provide long-term energy savings through conservation; thus, leading to less demand on resources. In addition to Weatherization, SEICAA utilized ARRA funds to start a GED Program. SEICAA’s GED educators provide tutoring services; assistance with childcare, travel, and test fees to those enrolled; and work around the schedules of participants. SEICAA added three full-time positions in this department. Since the program started in September, 22 people have completed their GED, 86 are enrolled in the program, and 50 are being actively tutored. SEICAA’s GED Program is a vital link to individuals seeking a self-reliant lifestyle. SEICAA utilizes ARRA funds to provide Credit Counseling to those meeting income guidelines. Since July 2009, 31 individuals have received one-on-one Credit Counseling. SEICAA’s Acquisition/Infill Housing Program utilizes ARRA funds for construction employees building homes within the City of Pocatello. Employees in this department are mostly unskilled and receive on the job construction training. SEICAA has added 6 positions within the Acquisition/ Infill Housing Department. SEICAA is committed to transparency with ARRA funds. You can see how SEICAA utilizes the funds by visiting www.seicaa.org. ♦ Executive Director: Debra R. Hemmert ♦ Chairman of the Board: Elmer Martinez “SEICAA is dedicated to providing opportunity and for individuals and communities to thrive and reach their fullest potential, promoting self-sufficiency and greater economic independence through services, education, affordable housing, and training.” Inside this issue: Insight from the Executive Director 2 Jr. Miss Donation & Feed the Children 2 Homebuyer Essentials Financial Literacy Program Updates 3 RSVP Banquet & Stone Soup Wrap-Up 3 SEICAA Staff Highlight 4 SEICAA Services Contacts 4 Homebuyer Essentials Training Dates & Donation Information 5 Autumn 2009
Transcript
SEICAA Community Action News
In February 2009, SEICAA was notified that the agency would receive American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Stimulus funds for programs. SEICAA started preparations to increase staff and modify programs. From February 2009-December 2009, 30 people were hired, increasing SEICAA’s staff from 50 to 80 individuals.
SEICAA increased production in the Weatherization Program to an average 29 homes per month for a yearly goal of 350 homes; a total increase of 132 units over 2008. SEICAA was able to add 8 jobs in the department. The push for Weatherization services is a focal point of ARRA, as the changes made are permanent and provide long-term energy savings through conservation; thus, leading to less demand on resources.
In addition to Weatherization, SEICAA utilized ARRA funds to start a GED Program. SEICAA’s GED educators provide tutoring services; assistance with childcare, travel, and test fees to those enrolled; and work around the
schedules of participants. SEICAA added three full-time positions in this department. Since the program started in September, 22 people have completed their GED, 86 are enrolled in the program, and 50 are being actively tutored. SEICAA’s GED Program is a vital link to individuals seeking a self-reliant
lifestyle.
SEICAA utilizes ARRA funds to provide Credit Counseling to those meeting income guidelines. Since July 2009, 31 individuals have received one-on-one Credit
Counseling.
SEICAA’s Acquisition/Infill Housing Program utilizes ARRA funds for construction employees building homes within the City of Pocatello. Employees in this department are mostly unskilled and receive on the job construction training. SEICAA has added 6 positions within the Acquisition/Infill Housing Department.
SEICAA is committed to transparency with ARRA funds. You can see how SEICAA utilizes the funds by visiting www.seicaa.org.
♦ Executive Director: Debra R. Hemmert
♦ Chairman of the Board: Elmer Martinez
“SEICAA is dedicated to providing opportunity and
for individuals and communities to thrive and reach
their fullest potential, promoting self-sufficiency and
greater economic independence through services,
education, affordable housing, and training.”
Inside this issue:
Insight from the Executive Director 2
Jr. Miss Donation & Feed the Children 2
Homebuyer Essentials Financial Literacy Program Updates
3
RSVP Banquet & Stone Soup Wrap-Up 3
SEICAA Staff Highlight 4
SEICAA Services Contacts 4
Homebuyer Essentials Training Dates & Donation Information
5
Autumn 2009
Debra R. Hemmert,
SEICAA Executive Director
Executive Director Insight
Page 2 SEICAA Community Action News
SEICAA was the gracious recipient of the service project undertaken by the 2009-1010 Idaho Jr. Miss participants. The 38 participants throughout the state collected donations of cash and/or personal hygiene items and made a large donation to SEICAA in September 2009. SEICAA would like to recognize the hard work and dedication shown by the young women who gathered between $3000-$4000 in personal hygiene items for SEICAA. Local media outlets
documented the efforts of all the young women. Thanks to the efforts put forth, SEICAA’s personal hygiene closet was stocked. Prior to the donation by Idaho Jr. Miss participants, SEICAA had been forced to turn people away, as the hygiene closet was empty. SEICAA’s personal hygiene closet is stocked by donations only.
Idaho Jr. Miss Makes Large
Donation to SEICAA
2009-2010 Idaho Jr. Miss Participants
Feed the Children
Feed the Children, sponsored by Teleperformance USA, brought a large food donation to SEICAA on September 19,2009. The semi-truck trailer of food enabled SEICAA to distribute over 400 vouchers throughout southeast Idaho. Those with vouchers received a 25 pound box of food and personal hygiene items. This was the third year Teleperformance USA sponsored this event for SEICAA.
Page 3 SEICAA Community Action News
"Will someone else's life be
brighter tomorrow
because of what you have done
today?"
William Arthur Ward
SEICAA’s Homebuyer Essentials Program had a successful quarter providing services to 31 individuals in one-on-one Credit Counseling, 3 households in Homebuyer Education, 16 individuals in Money Smart Training, and 4 households in Post-Purchase Education. SEICAA adopted industry standards and is listed as a provider of Pre-Purchase Homebuyer Education by the National Industry Stan-dards for Homeownership Counseling. SEICAA had success getting its Money Smart for Middle School curriculum approved by School District 25 and will be presenting the course in the district.
SEICAA received grant support for the Homebuyer Essentials Financial Literacy Program from Key Foundation and Chase Bank. SEICAA would like to thank Key Foundation for continuing support and Chase for first time support. It is through grants such as those from Key and Chase that enable SEICAA to provide financial literacy education throughout southeast Idaho.
SEICAA’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet in October. SEICAA honored the over 400 volunteers w h o d o n a t e t h e i r t i m e throughout southeast Idaho. RSVP Volunteers provide vital
human resources to programs and organizations ranging from youth mentoring to h o s p i t a l s t o p o l i c e departments.
SEICAA Bingham and Bannock Counties held annual Stone Soup Fundraisers in October. Bingham County Stone Soup’s popularity with the community enabled Bobette Jackson, Bingham County Coordinator, to raise funds to provide emergency services. The Stone Soup winner, as selected by those in attendance, was XII Stones Internet Café.
Bannock County hosted the 21st Annual Stone Soup Celebration and Fundraiser October 19, 2009. The winning soup was prepared by Butterburrs. Selected as Friend of SEICAA was Teleperformance USA and Business for the year was Monsanto. This event raised funds so Bannock County Community Services may provide emergency services not covered by existing grants.
Merriann Forrest, SEICAA Homebuyer Essentials
Coordinator
SSSTONETONETONE S S SOUPOUPOUP C C CELEBRATIONSELEBRATIONSELEBRATIONS
Bingham County stone soup win-ning vendor, XII Stones Internet
Cafe
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES Southeastern Idaho Community Action Agency Inc. is a private, non-profit corporation incorporated in 1969 to combat poverty in southeastern Idaho. SEICAA provides a network of integrated services where no eligible person is turned away. SEICAA provides and advocates for resources that empower Southeastern Idaho residents to have the skills and resources necessary to improve their quality of life and become self-sufficient. Services are provided for over 158,627 individuals throughout seven counties of southeastern Idaho.
Administration: (208) 232-1114
Ext 101
Community Services: (208) 233– 7348
Affordable Housing Programs:
(208) 232-1114
Ext 108
Senior Services: (208) 233-2878
Weatherization: (208) 237-0991
Veteran Services: (208) 234-2466
Financial Literacy: (208) 232-1114 x 109
Outreach Offices:
Bannock County: (208) 232-1114
Bingham County: (208) 785-1583
Bear Lake County: (208) 847-1462
Caribou County: (208) 547-4257
Franklin County: (208) 852-1515
Oneida County: (208) 766-2737
Power County: (208) 226-7330
SEICAA “ Agency in Action” televised show informs Pocatello community!!
Stay informed: Watch Channel 12 Wednesdays and Saturdays.
SEICAA Community Action News Page 4
SEICAA Staff:
Highlight
Become a Fan at
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Dear Ms. Hemmert,
“...I am writing to you in regards to Anita Valladolid. My first encounter with Ms. Valladolid was when she came [to] where I work, as a customer. Apparently, my assistance was helpful as she didn’t complain about it. Not that that happens to me, people complaining, but I thought it worth pointing out. My second encounter with Ms. Valladolid was when I found myself in need of services that SEICAA offers. She actually recognized me, another indication I was helpful. Well, that and she said I was. Anyway, during the course of our conversation she found out that one of the obstacles I’ve faced in life was the lack of a high school diploma. She then informed me of a program offered by SEICAA whereby I would get my GED. My brother and I went and passed the GED. The impact on both of us, as a result, has been life changing. We are now both students at ISU. Something neither one of us would have considered had it not been for Ms. Valladolid and her assistance. I wholeheartedly support Ms. Valladolid, her program, and SEICAA. In one afternoon she made a difference in two lives and once again, dreams are within reach.
Thank you for your time and the opportunity to express my gratitude for all that Ms. Valladolid and SEICAA has done for me and my family.”
Page 5 SEICAA Community Action News
Help Us Make It Happen... The overwhelming number of people in crisis can be assisted with your help. Your generous tax deductible donation is greatly appreciated. All contributions directly benefit those needing assistance in the SEICAA seven county service area.
Name
Address
State
Telephone
Enclosed is my gift of
“Success is the American Dream we can keep dreaming because most people in
most places, including thirty million of ourselves, live wide awake in the terrible
reality of poverty.”
Ursula K. Le Guin
SEICAA Homebuyer Essentials: All classes held in SEICAA’s Conference room located at 825 E. Bridger Pocatello, unless otherwise indicated. Reservations recommended. Call Merriann at 232‐1114 x 109. Visit www.seicaa.org for complete course schedules.
Money Management Schedule:
Bannock County:
January 19: 12-6PM
February 22 & 23: 6-9PM
March 15: 12-6PM
Homebuyer Education:
Bannock County:
January 5 : 8AM– 5PM
March 9: 8AM-5PM
Post-Purchase Education Schedule: Pocatello–
January 13: 5:30-8:30PM
Find course updates at:
“Southeastern Idaho Community Action Agency Inc.” on Facebook!
Community Action Partnership of Southeastern Idaho: America’s Poverty Fighting Network
Southeastern Idaho Community Action Agency Inc. Board of
Directors
Elmer Martinez, Chair
Private Sector
Cory Phelps, Vice Chair
Private Sector
Suzanna Nelson, Treasurer
Private Sector
Paula Miller, Secretary
Low-Income Sector Representative
Ron Frasure
Public Sector
Dave Maguire
Private Sector
Marianne Donnelly
Public Sector
Shawna Rodriguez
Low-Income Sector Representative
Judy McClanahan
Low-Income Sector Representative
Mary Watkins
Low-Income Sector Representative
Janice Lawes
Public Sector
Stephanie Foreman
Low-Income Sector Representative
Beverly Raymond-Ferro
Private Sector
Larry Ghan
Public Sector
Community Action News is a publication of the Southeastern Idaho Community Action Agency
