NCAF – Trump’s Budget Puts Americans Last

This morning, the Trump Administration’s first full budget proposal was released. This budget takes aim at three highly effective, and widely supported, programs central to Community Action Agencies throughout the nation: the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Continue reading

Sign the Petition! Stand up for the needs of low-income Americans

from the Coalition on Human Needs

Congress is ramping up to make cuts

Your organization/you as an individual can still sign a letter to hold the line against harm to low-income people. Here’s why it matters so much that you do:

We can’t remember a time when the future of human needs programs and policies was in such critical danger. But if we organize, if we stand united, and if we support each other – we can win!

Sign the letter: new deadline, January 19.  When many organizations nationwide sign a statement in defense of low-income people and the services they need, it shows Congress that there are numerous, well-organized constituents who care and will take action. Perhaps most important, it sends a message to the Senators whose votes are essential if we are to block an unprecedented effort to weaken services low-income people need.  It tells them we’re united and we will support their efforts. Please don’t underestimate the need to encourage Senators to hold firm in defense of vulnerable people and needed programs.  And please don’t fail to see how much more likely harsh cuts are if service providers, faith groups, and other advocates remain silent or think they’re better off going it alone.- so read our letter and, if you represent an organization, please sign it. If you want to stand up and be counted as an individual, please sign the petition.

Standing together and speaking out matters!

The House of Representatives just abandoned a plan to weaken oversight of Congressional ethics because of an outpouring of opposition from constituents. Congress needs to know that key constituents oppose cuts to key safety net programs:  health care law, Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, and much more.  The letter says that.  Note:  the letter uses the theme SAVE for All (Strengthening America’s Economy and Values for All), which has been the heading for several letters and statements in the past signed by thousands of groups.  SAVE for All is not an organization, but a statement of principles – protecting low-income and vulnerable people and responsible, equitable investments and budgeting are key ongoing principles.  Standing for these has never been more important.

Advocacy Alert! Support Vital Women’s Health Services

Advocacy Alert! We need your support to tell Missouri’s Department of Social Services to renew the Women’s Health Services Program, which provided 105,929 women with family planning services in 2015.

Seven of our Community Action Agencies receive funding to provide women’s health services in their local communities. This funding helps women access cancer screenings, family planning services and STD testing. We need your help! Show your support of women’s health care by taking action below:

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Missouri poverty drops in 2015, household income and health coverage rises

Poverty disproportionately affects Missourians of color and children

2015povertygraphic_poverty2015The number of Missourians living in poverty declined last year, while median household income and those with health coverage rose.

Overall, 875,495 Missourians, or 14.8 percent, experienced poverty in 2015. This data is compared to the Missouri 908,628 households or 15.5 percent in 2014 according to the recently released American Community Survey by the U.S. Census Bureau. Missouri’s median household income was $50,238 up from the $48,363 median in 2014. Continue reading

Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation – Community Treatment, Inc Dental Partnership Highlight

Post written by Courtney Kohler, Missouri CAN Program Director 

A two generation approach to alleviating poverty involves serving both the parents and children within a family holistically.  This approach is said to have the greatest impact in deterring generational poverty.  Health is one area where this is especially true – healthy parents, healthy children.  Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation (JFCAC) takes this approach in the partnership they have with Community Treatment, Inc (COMTREA).  Dental services are provided for the whole family – from the pregnant mother to the child.  Read on for JFCAC’s partnership testimony:

7870557The COMTREA Dental staff greatly impacted the lives of the families we work with in Jefferson County.  The dental hygienist visits the WIC clinic twice a week and sees 12-18 pregnant moms a day.  They also provide services to our Employment Support clients so that they can maintain employment goals.

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Dr. Suter worked with JFCAC on the Dental Coalition during ARRA while he was still away at college.  Once he graduated he returned to Jefferson County to work at COMTREA after they became a FQHC. He has expanded dental services for families throughout the county.

They donate their time at the WIC clinics and Head Start Centers during the school year.  Recently, they provided CSBG with five $1,200 vouchers so that families seeking employment will have the opportunity to have their dental needs met & increase their chance for success.

COMTREA’s Dental Staff have been an asset to Jefferson County – especially WIC parents and Head Start Families.  They are invested in the community and are champions for oral health & advocates for our families.

Cheers to all the partnerships highlighted this month!  We know there are many more out there.  This type of collaboration deepens impact and catalyzes community action. #HealthAdvocacyMonth #MissouriCAN

Economic Security Corporation – Access Dental Care Partnership Highlight

Post written by Courtney Kohler, Missouri CAN Program Director

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay is one of the most common conditions of childhood in the United States.  Untreated, this can cause pain and infections, which leads to difficulty eating, speaking, playing, and learning.  The percentage of children and adolescents with untreated tooth decay is twice as high for those from low-income families (25%) compared with children from higher-income households (11%).1

For this reason, Economic Security Corporation – Head Start has built a collaborative partnership for the last 5 years with Access Dental Care.  Access has provided the Head Start program with education classes, fluoride varnish clinics, and dental exam clinics.

Access Dental Care has given approximately $15,000 worth of time and supplies to the Head Start program just this year.  Furthermore, 510 low-income children in Barton, Jasper, Newton, and McDonald counties received a fluoride varnish application from Access Dental Care in the past year.  Fluoride varnish applications provide a 21% reduction in decay.  59 of the 510 had decay and received treatment services.  Without this partnership the children would not have received this care.  The uninsured population in the 4-county service area is higher than the state and national average, resulting in a barrier to obtaining dental services through traditional means.

With Access Family and Dental Care being the Federally Qualified Health Center in Jasper County, the un-insured and under-insured are guaranteed quality care.  Access employs high caliber providers and staff to assure the overall health of clients and communities they serve.

Trauma Informed Care

You Can Make a Difference!

Post written by Becky King, Missouri CAN Training Manager 

Check out this blog post packed with information and resources to aid you in becoming trauma-informed. You’ll gain an understanding on the impacts of trauma to mental and physical health, develop a sense of the precautions needed when interacting with trauma exposed individuals, and be provided additional resources for further learning:  Continue reading

Partnering for a Healthy Mid-Missouri

CMCA – Community Health Center of Central Missouri Partnership Highlight

Post written by Courtney Kohler, Missouri CAN Program Director

Community Action brings together like-minded organizations to address needs in the community.  Issues such as health and poverty correlate—impacting life expectancy and access to healthcare.  To curb these issues, partnerships between Community Action Agencies and local health centers are vital.  Below is one partnership that is impacting the community in a positive way toward better health outcomes:        Continue reading

Missouri Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

*Portions of information from this post are republished with permission from Missouri Budget Project (MBP), a nonprofit, objective, public policy analysis organization that provides independent research on complex state policy issues and how they impact all Missourians. Learn more on MBP’s website here.*

A prosperous Missouri requires a strong middle class, with the ability for families that work hard to achieve a better future. A state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is one of the best ways Missouri can help all working families – even those in low-paying jobs — have the opportunity to build better lives and economic security. Read on to learn more:

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5 Numbers about Missouri Hunger

Hunger affects hundreds of thousands of Missourians every day. Missouri families in poverty, and even those above the poverty level, struggle to put enough food on the table. Hunger matters because it impacts health, education, and the family and economic security of current and future generations in our state. Check out the infographic below to Missouri hunger by the numbers:

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Advocacy for All

3 simple ways to make a difference today

Sometimes, we have the ability to make a difference but we don’t know where to start. Advocacy is a great place to begin because anyone can be an advocate! The Alliance for Justice defines advocacy as,”any action that speaks in favor of, recommends, argues for a cause, supports or defends, or pleads on behalf of others.”  How do you get started? The following are three simple steps you can take to advocate for your cause:

1. Let your voice be heard

Let your elected representatives hear your voice on issues that you are passionate about. This can be through a good old-fashioned letter, an email, or even a tweet! Don’t know who your elected officials are? Visit here to find your state and federal legislators and their contact information.

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2. Build relationships with your elected officials

Ready to take your advocacy to the next level? A face-to-face meeting with a legislator is a great way to make sure your issues are heard. You might not know where to start, so we’ve created this infographic with tips and tricks to help you lay the foundation for your relationships.

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3. Advocate to friends and family

Share information on social media with your friends or family about your cause. This could be via an interesting news article, infographic or blog post you come across. Be sure to personalize why you think it matters, and let friends and family discuss your issue. And of course, always be respectful and open to others’ views and ideas! Check back on our Facebook page daily for interesting articles you can “share” with your networks.

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Want more information on how to be an advocate? Visit our Virtual Advocacy Center here!

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