Institute for Human Services: 2-1-1 Helpline Quarterly Newsletter

2-1-1 HELPLINE  Quarterly Newsletter Find Hundreds of Local Volunteer Opportunities The 2-1-1 HELPLINE Give Help database has hundreds of local volunteer opportunities.  Go to211helpline.org and click Give Help to search the online database, or simply dial 2-1-1 and a call specialist will assist you.  If you are interested in having your volunteer opportunities on the database, either register online or contact volunteer@ihsnet.org. Featured Volunteer Opportunities SCT Volunteer Drivers> Long Term Care Resident Advocate> Volunteer at the Wineglass Marathon> Chemung Volunteer Action Corps> The TourdeCure Bike Ride for Diabetes is August 18 - and volunteers are needed for the event!  It's More than Stuffing Envelopes!  Learn more at this volunteer administrator workshop... How to Effectively Define Volunteers and Develop Criteria    Stephanie Bates, from ProAction Inc., will be presenting on the importance of job descriptions, volunteer handbooks, and interview procedures.  This will be a two hour training on September 26th in Corning.  We hope to see you there!    Learn more and register here. Save the Date for our Volunteer Conference! Our volunteer conference will beWednesday, November 13 at the beautiful Corning Museum of Glass.  Shirley Brown, coach, mediator and program specialist, will be the keynote speaker.  Keep a look out for the conference brochure and registration within the next month! Questions about the conference? Contact us. Bridges Out of Poverty It has been 34 months since the  Bridges Out of Poverty Coalition formed in Steuben County.    Provider Online readers may be familiar with the Bridges Out of Poverty Initiative that has been building over the past few years. Its approach helps employers, community organizations, social service agencies, and individuals address poverty in a comprehensive way. 2-1-1 HELPLINE helping its Getting Ahead graduates find opportunities for stronger connections with a wide variety of community supports. We will have more information about this in our next edition. Thinking about helping a Getting Ahead Graduate?  Become an Ally. Did you know? Did you know you can find another  2-1-1 anywhere in the country at www.211.org? Many visitors find us through211.org, the national database of 2-1-1 providers. We use the site quite often, for callers who reach us from other states (they find our website online) or for callers in our counties who need to find resources in another area.  2-1-1 HELPLINE is Supported By... 2-1-1 HELPLINE is supported in part by: Steuben & Chemung County Departments of Social Services, United Way of the Southern Tier, Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc., Allegany County United Way, NYS Office of Children and Family Services and Member Agencies of The Institute for Human Services, Inc. Message from the Director July just flew by and it's August already!  While the Summer Food Service Programs are still underway, we are now hoping to generate some publicity around the region's school supply drives. Without getting too high on a soap box, I do believe that educating our children and young adults is a key component of "quality of life," influencing future economic strength and self-sufficiency. School supplies (paper, pens, crayons, notebooks and the inevitable backpack) may seem incidental, but going without is surely a problem. Feel free to contact us if you know of any opportunity for us to increase awareness of 2-1-1 HELPLINE - we can provide information for or attend a staff meeting, or an announcement in your newsletter. As traffic increases on the 2-1-1 HELPLINE Give Help volunteer clearinghouse (both via the website and with callers), it is important that community agencies' opportunities are accurate and up-to-date. Also, due to staff changes within the Institute, we have an opening for a Community Information & Resource Specialist - check out the opening. Enjoy the rest of the summer! ~Carol Wood, Director 2-1-1 HELPLINE Military & Veteran Appreciation Event   Carol Wood attended the Military & Veteran Appreciation Event at Watkins Glen this year, talking with hundreds of people about IHS programs and services and spreading the word about 2-1-1 HELPLINE. Since we knew that attendees would be there from counties/states outside our territory, we also promotedwww.211.org, for accessing all 2-1-1's across the country. 2-1-1 Calls Handled Across the Country in 2012 15,823,935 2-1-1 calls were made across the country, asking about basic needs: food, shelter, and temporary financial assistance. Taxonomy Terms and How They Work There are 9,787 taxonomy terms! 2-1-1 HELPLINE follows national standards established by the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems, our professional association. For example, many of the standards address the I&R database; the "taxonomy" or the classification system we use is used across the country by information and referral providers to organize each record in the database and log each call. It utilizes six levels of detail and a total of nearly 10,000 individual terms. This means that we can compare our work to national or regional call volume and community agencies, making it possible to follow trends, provide back-up support during a crisis or disaster or understand our community's needs compared to other data such as the rate of families in poverty. Our records are classified to the level of detail that meets the IHS mission - more detailed for transportation-related resources for example, and less for international service. The 211US Big Count (displayed above), is a compilation of all  2-1-1 calls across the country and the categories reflect the taxonomy system. Veterans Can Dial 2-1-1 for Transportation Options in Our Area 26,766 Veterans can dial 2-1-1 for transportation options in our area. Actually 263,947* people can dial 2-1-1 to find a wide range of services and volunteer opportunities in the five counties we cover (Steuben, Chemung, Schuyler, Allegany & Yates Counties). IHS's 2-1-1 HELPLINE director, Carol Wood, was invited to serve on a national advisory committee for the Veterans Transportation and Community Living Initiative, along with representatives from the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans/US Office of Mental Health, Community Transportation Association of America, Alzheimer's Association, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, National Alliance for Hispanic Health, US Department of Health & Human Services, and United We Ride/Federal Transit Administration. The goal of the program is to "make it easier for US veterans ... and others to learn about and arrange for locally available transportation services that connect them with work, education and other vital services in their communities." IHS works closely with veterans groups and transportation providers so that anyone can dial 2-1-1 for this information. *US Census & American Community Survey Back to School Supply Drives   With the start of another school year just around the corner and many children in the Southern Tier without access to adequate school supplies, local agencies are collecting donations to help fill the gap. 2-1-1 HELPLINE, a service of the Institute for Human Services, has released its annual directory of Back-to-School Supplies donation sites throughout the Southern Tier. Find the donation sites here.> The Mondays Campaign 52 Mondays inspiring healthy behavior. The Mondays Campaigns are based on the idea that Monday is the "January of the week, the perfect time for a fresh start." Rather than one day for New Year's Resolutions, Mondays offer 52 chances to make a commitment to healthier behaviors. 2-1-1 HELPLINE is working with the Southern Tier Tobacco Awareness Coalition's Quit & Stay Quit Mondays Campaign - handling registrations for cessation counseling sessions over the coming months. Participants sign up by simply dialing 2-1-1, and if they ask about other cessation options, those will be provided as well. Watch the news segment on the counselor training. And visit the Monday Campaigns website for additional information. Disaster Declarations 67 Presidential disaster declarations in New York since 1954 and 10 days' worth of supplies recommended Perhaps we are tracking the weather differently now that it's available to the public in greater detail. 2-1-1 was activated for disaster response by NY State for the first time during Hurricane Sandy - to provide callers with information about resources specific to the incident. Because of this, and because we now have the Southern Tier/Finger Lakes VOAD (see ST/FL VOAD) in place, we will be promoting disaster preparedness in the coming months, in partnership with the Chemung County Medical Reserve Corps. Disaster planners have typically suggested holding a three-day supply of food, water and other necessities, but during recent disasters, power outages and gas shortages have prompted discussion about the benefits of preparing for 10 days to two weeks of self-sufficiency. Website Traffic More and more people are finding resources via our online Find Help database at 211helpline.org. Searches for Basic Needs represent about one-third of all searches. Other terms searched included a wide range of needs such as AIDS care, animal control, credit counseling, hoarding, and GED instruction, among others. Additional details are available, including referrals by agency or by Zip code.  Increase in Visits to211helpline.org in a Year We have seen an 86%increase in website visits over the past year!     A big Thank You to all the agencies which include a link to211helpline.org on your websites. Many of our visitors are referred by your sites. If you haven't already taken advantage of this option,please contact us. Check Out Our Social Media!          Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for regular updates about our services and other programs in the area! The Institute for Human Services                  www.ihsnet.org

HSC Launches Searchable Meeting Space Directory for Tompkins County

HAVING DIFFICULTY FINDING A ROOM FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION'S MEETING OR EVENT?

HAVE A ROOM AVAILABLE THAT COULD BE OF USE TO NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AND OTHERS IN OUR COMMUNITY BUT YOU NEED TO GET THE WORD OUT?

We have the solution!

As part of our mission, the Human Services Coalition (HSC) works to identify information and service needs in the Tompkins County community. Over the years we have noticed a true need for meeting spaces where local organizations can get together to share ideas and consolidate efforts. To service this need HSC, in conjunction with Cornell Cooperative Extension, created an online, searchable database of available meeting spaces in the Tompkins County area.

Go to www.hsctc.org/rooms to easily search for spaces to meet your needs or to add a room (room additions subject to approval).  Use of the database is free of charge.

You're just a few clicks away from finding the space you require or advertising your space to organizations in need.  Give it a try today!

This project was funded by a grant from the Park Foundation. 

News from State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli

For the week ending July 14, 2013  A.G. Schneiderman & State Comptroller DiNapoli Announce Arrest of Not–For–Profit Executive in Five–Year Public Corruption Scheme Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman and Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli Tuesday announced the arrest of a nonprofit executive accused of pocketing tens of thousands of dollars in taxpayer funds intended for public services in New York City. The joint investigation conducted by the Office of the Attorney General and the State Comptroller–s office revealed that Van R. Holmes —— the president of the Young Leaders Institute, Inc. —— stole more than $85,000 by creating dozens of false records and forged documents which he filed with State and City agencies in order to obtain public money. DiNapoli: Binghamton Facing Fiscal Challenges, But Outlook Improving The city of Binghamton is grappling with high rates of unemployment and poverty, but its outlook is improving as it builds up reserve funds, according to a fiscal report issued Thursday by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The report is part of a series of fiscal profiles on cities across the state. DiNapoli: Lax Board Oversight Allowed Former Village of Old Field Treasurer to Steal Nearly $60,000 Poor oversight by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Old Field allowed its former Treasurer Andrea Brosnan to steal nearly $60,000 in village funds without detection, according to an audit released Wednesday by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The findings of the audit were shared with Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas J. Spota whose office charged Brosnan with second–degree grand larceny, first–degree falsifying business records, defrauding the government and official misconduct on May 22. Criminal proceedings are pending. DiNapoli: State Tax Receipts Down in June, but Overall State Fiscal Picture Positive Personal Income Tax and business tax collections were down in June compared to last year, but the state’s General Fund balance ended the month higher than anticipated, in part because of a $250 million regulatory settlement, according to the June cash report released Wednesday by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. DiNapoli Finds Questionable Charges for Rochester Special Education Provider The Norman Howard School, a Rochester–based special education provider, submitted more than $200,000 in improper charges over a three–year period, mostly for salaries that went to uncertified teachers, according to anaudit released Tuesday by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. DiNapoli Finds Budgeting Problems at East Ramapo Central School District Poor financial practices by the East Ramapo Central School District, including inaccurate budget estimates, have left the district with operating deficits for the past two years and could jeopardize future district operations, according to an audit released Friday by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. DiNapoli: State Improperly Overpaid Oneonta Dentist $66,000 The state Department of Health improperly paid an Oneonta dentist $66,402 for 2,361 inflated or questionable Medicaid claims he submitted for unwarranted services, including “behavior management,” and dentures that were not delivered to the recipients, according to an audit released Monday by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. DiNapoli Urges President Obama To Direct Federal Agencies To Adopt “Place Of Celebration” Standard For Recognition Of Same–Sex Marriages New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli Friday released a letter to President Barack Obama calling on him, in light of the recent Supreme Court decision overturning the Defense of Marriage Act, to direct all federal agencies under his control to adopt a marriage “Place of Celebration” standard. This would require federal agencies and programs to recognize all valid same–sex marriages, regardless of the current residence of the same–sex spouses. Comptroller DiNapoli Releases Municipal Audits New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli Friday announced his office completed audits of the Jefferson Fire District and the Town of Lagrange.

DiNapoli finds more wa$te by special ed. provider Theft of member item cash alleged Bronx Rebranding Itself for Middle–Income Families

National Volunteer Week Mini-Grants Available for Qualifying Applicants

National Volunteer Week Mini Grants Are Now Available! Learn about 2-1-1 HELPLINE Give Help 2-1-1 HELPLINE Give Help works to connect organizations and volunteers in order to increase volunteerism in our region.  Find volunteer opportunities and add your organizations volunteer opportunities.    Learn more about 2-1-1 HELPLINE 2-1-1 HELPLINE is a free and confidential information and referral service that connects individuals with resources in their community. Learn more and find information in your area here. Or dial 2-1-1!    Learn about the Institute for Human Services IHS is a nonprofit member organization providing management support services, information and referral, technology administration and capacity building services for the regional nonprofit sector. Learn more> The National Day of Service and Remembrance is Wednesday September 11, 2013. In support of the National Day of Service we are offering mini-grants for service projects taking place between Friday September 6, 2013 and Friday September 13, 2013. Mini-grants of up to $250 are available to support local service projects in Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Delaware, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, and Tompkins Counties. To be considered for mini-grant simply complete this short application. Applications are due by the close of business onFriday August 2, 2013 with applicants being notified by Friday August 16, 2013. Please note, preference will be given to organizations which have not received a mini-grant in the past 12 months. Mini-grants may not be used for fundraising or any activity prohibited by the Corporation for National and Community Service such as lobbying, entertainment, or religious instruction. Mini-grants are provided on a reimbursement basis once the service project has been completed. Apply Here!    If you have any questions, please contact Tess McKinley at mckinleyt@ihsnet.org or at (607) 776-9467, ext. 217.  2-1-1 HELPLINE Give Help coordinates volunteer support services, by serving as a volunteer clearinghouse and resource center that is supported by United Way of the Southern Tier to increase civic engagement in our area.  Interested in volunteering?  Want to add your volunteer opportunities to our database?  Learn more here. The Regional Volunteer Center of the Southern Tier is a collaboration designed to promote and enhance local volunteer efforts in our community. Under the leadership of the Institute for Human Services, United Way of Broome County, and United Way of Tompkins County, local non-profits are coming together to create a dynamic regional partnership to enhance and strengthen local volunteer efforts.  The Regional Volunteer Center of the Southern Tier is one of ten regional volunteer centers in New York State.  These centers are a service ofNew Yorkers Volunteer which is a part of the Corporation for National and Community Service. Institute for Human Services 607-776-9467 http://www.ihsnet.org 6666 County Road 11 Bath, NY 14810