Cyber Café Bulletin Board 1-22-11

Electronic Bulletin Board
News, Schedules, and Other Information
of interest to Malden and neighboring communities
Today is Saturday, January 22, 2011The time is 12:52 PM
Cyber Café @ Malden Square

Welcome to the Cyber Café @ Malden Square
We invite you to become a member of our community and use our facility/services
We try to minimize rules/regulations.
Our main requirement is simple: Respect!
for other people
for our facility/equipment
We have adopted a fragrance-free policyto accommodate the growing number of people with allergic reactions to perfumes, colognes, body sprays, etc.
Please put your cell phone on vibrate or silent while you are in the Cyber Café.

Cyber Café @ Malden Square hosts the
Joomla! Boston User Group monthly meetings
4th Wednesday of every month
Location: Cyber Café Training Room
Wifi available
Register at http://bostonjoomla.org
Joomla! Boston User Group

You Count!
Tri-CAP and the Tri-City Housing and Homeless Task Force are conducting a count of homeless individuals & families.
You are important! Come and be counted! No names used
Homeless Census will be conducted the night of 1/26/11
Join us for a free luncheon on Thursday, 1/27/11, 12-2 PM
Cyber Café @ Malden Square, 110 Pleasant Street, Malden
For more information contact:
Mobile Homeless Outreach Team @ 781-322-4125

You Count! Businesses Can Help!
Donations are needed!
Toiletries, shoes & socks, hats & gloves, etc.
Free luncheon on Thursday, 1/27/11, 12-2 PM
Census can be completed at the luncheon as well.
Donors: Contact Rachel Snyder
781-322-4125 x209 (rsnyder@tri-cap.org)

Free Tax Preparation
We are a VITA Site with IRS-trained and certified volunteers.
If your income is less than $50K/year, we may be able to do your tax return – for FREE!
Call 866-833-2823 and leave a message. We’ll call you back.

Free Tax Preparation Services
Tax sessions will begin in late January by appointment only
For 2010 Tax Returns
IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers
Call for appointment and list of documents you’ll need to bring
866-833-2823 (toll free)
Part of the IRS VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program
Accepting volunteers year-round at # above
Form 1040, some Schedule A, limited Schedule C
MA Schedule CB (Circuit Breaker for seniors)
No business or rental property returns

Tax Filing Tips for Taxpayers, 1
Federal taxes are handled by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
State taxes are handled by the Mass. Department of Revenue (DOR).
File on time and get your refund quickly.
Using e-File cuts several weeks out of the process.
Use direct deposit and your refund check will be processed quicker
IRS has been processing refunds within 7-10 days of the accepting a return.
DOR has been processing refunds within 3-4 days of accepting a return.
Call 866-833-2823 to ask about an appointment!

Split your refund between your checking and savings accounts or even a U.S. Savings Bond.
Open a savings account if you don’t have one
Start saving towards needed car repairs, holidays, outings, school, etc.
If you owe money, file early or on time even if you cannot pay it all:
You’ll save money by avoiding the added penalty of not filing on time.
Contact us and ask about the IRS or DOR process for filing a hardship waiver or setting up a payment plan.

Low Cost Legal Immigration Services
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians
Assistance to Haitians applying for TPS
Duration of TPS is 18 months
Permits immigrants to stay and work in the United States for the time that their TPS is active
Contact: MarlaneCodair, 781-321-2121
Offered by Compassion Immigration Ministry
A ministry of the North Shore Assembly of God
www.northshoreag.org
Authorized by the Board of Immigration Appears (BIA) to provide low cost legal immigration services with affordable fees

Want Your Message Displayed?
Any local non-profit organization can get information posted to our calendar and electronic bulletin board (EBB)
Date-specific information: send to calendar@maldensquare.org
Include your contact info so we can verify posting
These will also be posted to the EBB
General information (not date-specific) or ongoing programs/services: send to ebb@maldensquare.org
Provided as a public service by the Cyber Café @ Malden Square

Volunteers Needed – Inquire Within
The Cyber Café @ Malden Square is
currently looking for volunteers to join our staff.
We are looking for volunteers with computer skills and/or customer service skills.
Morning and afternoon shifts available
Monday – Friday; 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Saturdays: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Want a volunteer application? Inquire within or
contact cybercafe@maldensquare.org

Do You Know PowerPoint?
PowerPoint Volunteer Needed
Ongoing updates and maintenance of this Electronic Bulletin Board.
2-4 hours monthly may be needed.
Onsite or Remote work – we’re somewhat flexible
Other projects may be available.

Website Volunteers – We Want You!
Do You Know Joomla! CSM?Are you Willing to Learn it?
Ongoing updates and maintenance of our website, maldensquare.org

Volunteer Projects – Can You Help?
Volunteers Needed for several online (web-based) projects
Recategorize blogger-based sites and link to Delicious.
Onsite or Remote work – the tools are all online, you can be too!
Blogger, Delicious, and other tools.

Computers 101 – February 2011
In ONE Class, topics covered may include:
Basic Computer Functions
Using your Email Effectively
Searching the Web for What You Want
How to Stay Safe in Cyber Space
Introduction to Word Processing
And More!
Only $5.00!
Thursdays in February 2011
6 pm – 8 pm, Feb 3, 10, 17, & 24
Space is Limited! Please pre-register in the Cyber Café.
$5 class fee (pay during first class) & flash drive required.
Come into or call the Cyber Café @ Malden Square at (718) 397-2970 for details
Learn the basics in a comfortable, stress-free environment!

Why You Should Get Tested for HIV
HIV Testing:
IS Free, Simple, and Confidential
IS a Smart Choice for Making Choices About Your Health
IS available even if you don’t have health insurance
Make the Smart Choice Today!
Go to Cambridge Health Alliance for same-day results testing
195 Canal Street, Malden, MA
Call the Free, Confidential Information Line: 617-591-6767
Flyers/brochures available on the 2nd Floor of Tri-CAP
The 2010 Campaign to promote HIV/AIDS awareness in Malden and Everett is sponsored by the Malden and Everett Boards of Health and the Malden-Everett HIV/AIDS Taskforce.

Parents: Free School Meals
If you receive SNAP (food stamp) benefits, your child is automatically eligible to receive free school meals!
If you applied for free school meals and were denied, see if you qualify for SNAP; once qualified, your child will be eligible for free school meals.
Call the Project Bread Hotline, 1-800-645-8333
Mon – Fri, 8 am – 7 pm
Sat, 10 am – 2 pm
The Hotline can screen you for SNAP benefits
Child Nutrition Outreach Program
Phone: 617-723-5000
Email: cnop@projectbread.org
Website: www.meals4kids.org

Hunger Network
Malden, Medford, Everett
The 15-member Tri-City Hunger Network builds the capacity of local food pantries and meal programs by coordinating efforts, leveraging resources, providing technical assistance, etc.
Locations and times for food pantries and soup kitchens in each city follow…

Hunger Network, Malden Food Pantry & Soup Kitchen
Bread of Life
511 Main Street
781-397-0404
Food Pantry:
4:00 – 6:00 Wednesday
2:00 – 4:00 Friday
1 visit every 4 weeks
Soup Kitchen
5:30 – 6:30 Tuesday – Thursday St. Paul’s Church
26 Washington Street
5:30 – 6:30 FridayFirst Baptist Church
493 Main Street

Emmanuel Baptist Church
20 Hillside Avenue
781-322-5885
Food Pantry:
10:00 – 11:30
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
No Calls Please
Closed on holidays and inclement weather

Haitian Nazarene Church
12 Thatcher Street
781-324-2692
Food Pantry:
9:00 – 1:00
Wednesday and Thursday
Saturdays by appointment only
Please call first

Imani Temple
264 Salem Street
781-324-3378
Food Pantry:
10:00 – 1:00
Every 3rd Saturday of month

Maplewood Baptist Church
729 Salem Street
781-322-2636
Food Pantry:
9:30 – 11:30
Friday
Please use side door
Please call first
1 visit every 3 months

North Shore Assembly of God
77 Kennedy Drive
781-321-2121
Food Pantry:
6:30 – 8:00
Tuesdays
1 visit per month

Philadelphie SDA Church
575 Main Street
781-397-9143
Food Pantry:
10:00 – 1:00
1st Sunday of month and on emergency basis
Required: ID’s and Signature
Soup Kitchen:
Wednesday
12:00 – 2:00

Salvation Army
213-219 Main Street
781-324-1970
Food Pantry:
9:00 – 12:00 and 1:00 – 3:00
Please call first
1 visit per month

Hunger Network, MedfordFood Pantry & Soup Kitchen
Evangelical Church of Holiness
55 Otis Street
781-391-1443
Food Pantry:
2:30 – 4:30
Last Saturday of month

Friends of Francis
441 Fellsway West
781-396-3400
Food Pantry:
3:00 – 4:30 Thursday
Required: Picture ID, utility bill
1 visit per month

Shiloh Baptist Church
Corner of Holton and Bower Streets
West Medford
781-483-8850
Food Pantry:
6:00 – 7:00 / 2nd Tuesday of month
10:00 – 11:00 / 3rd Saturday of month
Medford Residents Only

St. Raphael's Church
33 Boston Avenue
781-488-5444
Food Pantry:
11:00 – 1:00
Tuesday
Medford Residents Only

Unitarian Universalist Church
Community Cupboard Food Pantry
147 High Street
781-396-4549
Food Pantry:
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Thursday

Hunger Network, EverettFood Pantry & Soup Kitchen
Bread of Life (Satellite location)
460 Broadway
857-888-3452
Food Pantry:
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
3rd and 4th Thursday of month
Everett Residents Only

HungerNetwork,EverettFood Pantry & Soup Kitchen
Immaculate Conception Church
489 Broadway
617-389-5660
Food Pantry:
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM every other Monday
Please call first
Everett Residents Only

ESL (English as a Second Language)
Learn Englishwith
MACCA
Muslim American Cultural
and Civic Association
110 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148
Voice: 617-671-1276 Cell: 508-451-3985

Malden Senior Center Events
Blood Pressure: Mon, Tue, Wed: 9 AM – 1 PM
Sponsored by the Malden Council on Aging
Blood Pressure with Chinese Translation
Every 4th Thursday: 12 Noon – 1 PM
Sponsored by Hallmark VNA
Writer’s Group: Tuesdays, 1 PM
Digital Photography Class: Wednesdays, 1 PM
Computer Classes: Thursdays, 3 PM – 7 PM
For more information call 781-397-7144

Council on Aging Transportation
Malden Council on Aging Transportation Program
All Malden seniors eligible for door-to-door service for:
Medical appointments to Malden, Medford, Melrose, and Stoneham
Grocery shopping (local)
Shuttle service to the Senior Center and home
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Call 781-397-7144 for an appointment

for other people

Wifi available

Food, Cash Assistance, Health Benefits
Self-serve web access for public benefits recipients
www.mass.gov/vg/selfserve
Head of Household (person who signed benefits application) can create a username and log in to see status of their:
Health Benefits
MassHealth, Commonwealth Care, Health Safety Net, Children’s Medical Security Plan, Healthy Start
Food/Cash Assistance Benefits
SNAP (food stamps)
TAFDC (cash assistance)
EAEDC (cash assistance)

Seniors
Need “Extra Help” with Prescription Drug Costs?
Deductibles
Premiums
Co-pays
The “Donut Hole”
Call the SHINE Program at Mystic Valley Elder Services
781-324-7705, Ext. 164

New WIC Foods for Children
The New Foods
Average Value = $50 per month
Protein Choices
Beans or peanut butter
Whole Grain Choices
Whole grain breads
Corn tortillas/whole wheat tortillas
Brown Rice
Variety of fruits & vegetables
Fresh, frozen and/or canned
No white potatoes

Sat, 10 am – 2 pm
Phone: 617-723-5000

HIV Testing:

Community Support Services, 1
Offered by Hallmark Health, 239 Commercial St, Malden
Healthy Families, 781-338-7550
Statewide home visiting program for 1st-time parents under 20
WIC, 781-338-7578
Offices in Malden, Medford, Everett, Woburn, Wilmington
Mothers Helping Mothers Free Clothing Store, 781-338-7579
Gently used infant & children’s clothing; some baby equipment
Mornings with Mom, 781-338-7578
For mothers and toddlers; offering support, play, & lunch

Community Support Services, 2
Creative Coping, 781-338-7607
New mom’s group in the Fall & Winter; Reunion in the Spring
Community Health Education, 781-338-7561
Classes in childbirth, breastfeeding, infant care, anesthesia, new dad and mom, CPR, babysitting, and wellness
The Baby Café, 781-979-6455
Offers breastfeeding support
Hallmark Health VNA & Hospice, 781-338-7900
Asthma management and many other programs
Community Counseling Services, 781-338-7250
Brian O’Sullivan, LICSW, Director

Saturdays: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

866-833-2823 (toll free)

Tri-City Community Action Program
Tri-CAP’s 3 divisions and the services they offer follows…

Tri-CAP Children and Family Services Division, Head Start, p1
Tri-CAP Head Start has operated since 1980
Provides a comprehensive child development program
Meets the educational, social, health, nutritional, and emotional needs of income eligible families
with children 3-5 (three to five) years old
who reside in the Tri-City Area and surrounding communities
Emphasis is on parent involvement
Philosophy: parents are the primary educators of their children
Provides foundation of physical, emotional, & intellectual stability
Helps parents improve their child-rearing skills in a constructive, supportive manner
Many families find that Head Start strengthens their family life

Children spend half days or extended-days in a rich learning environment supervised by licensed pre-school teachers
Play is an essential ingredient in a child's health development
Head Start experiences:
Complement children's individual developmental skills
Strengthen their socialization skills
Strengthen their ability to interact cooperatively
Help develop positive self-esteem
Carefully balance the need to experience success and the opportunity to face and overcome challenges
The children's sense of self is enhanced by giving them choices and various opportunities for creative expression.

Head Start provides children with a variety of health services
Particular emphasis on early identification of problems
All children receive complete physicals, immunizations, and health screenings
Parents are helped to enhance their advocacy skills
Parents also receive training in such areas as
nutritional cost allowances
menu planning
budget counseling
food preparation
food related activities
Children receive at least one third of their daily nutritional needs at the Center.

Tri-CAP Children and Family Services Division, Head Start, p 4
Licensed Nutritionist assists in identifying children's nutritional needs, making recommendations, and explaining nutrition’s role in preventative health care
Multi-cultural experiences include a variety of ethnic foods, which foster an appreciation of different backgrounds
Social Services enable families to cope with their problems
Staff utilize their extensive community networks to
make referrals, advocate, and empower parents
ensure that families receive the best available services
Staff identify gaps in services and target these gaps in their broad-based advocacy efforts

Mental Health staff work closely with children and families to ensure that children reach their fullest potential
As needed, children are observed and evaluated
Their psychological needs are then further discussed with the parents to ensure all services needed are received.
Educational trainings and parent workshops
assist parents in further understanding:
child development, assertiveness training, and behavior management
Mental Health Consultant is available to meet with parents on an individual basis

Parent Involvement links all the family services components together. All parents may participate in family nights, parent groups, and special events.
Parents are given many opportunities to participate in decision-making about virtually every aspect of the Head Start program from specific activity committees to the PolicyCouncil.
The PolicyCouncil is comprised of parents and community representatives, who plan, monitor and evaluate the program to ensure it meets the needs of the families being served.
The PolicyCouncil represents a tremendous opportunity for parents to develop their leadership skills and exert an important impact on their program.

Head Start believes all children are special
Head Start is mandated to offer at least 10% of its enrollment opportunities to children with "disabilities" or "special needs”
A child may come into the program with a diagnosed special need or it may be determined through ongoing assessment
Head Start and the parent would make a referral for evaluation
Collaboration within Head Start and with the community is fostered to ensure appropriate services for children with special needs are implemented in a timely fashion
A developmental approach allows staff to address children at their particular stage of development
Parent training on related laws, specific disabilities and approaches to accommodate them are also provided

Tri-CAP Advocacy and Community Services Division (ACS), p1
Advocacy and Community Services provides
Information and referral
Clothing
Housing assistance
Benefits and health care advocacy
Pro bono legal assistance and advocacy
to all low-income Tri-City residents
Provides housing counseling and case management for people with HIV/AIDS in partnership with Cambridge Health Alliance.
Mobile Homeless Outreach Team (MOHT) provides assistance to homeless individuals seeking housing, income, and mental health/substance abuse services.

Housing, Stan Kaszanek House
Offers housing to 11 homeless males and females
Collaboration between Tri-CAP and Heading Home, Inc.
Offers supportive services to residents
Skills training
Anger management, etc.
Potential residents must be referred by Tri-CAP
See your Tri-CAP case manager for information

Housing, Single-Room Occupancy
October 2008, Tri-CAP opens 14-bedroom Single Room Occupancy (SRO) house at 115 Washington Street, Malden
This house was established to provide an opportunity for homeless and low-income individuals to achieve stability in their lives.
Tenant agree to a one-year renewable lease
this can become permanent housing if they choose
Some look at this as a stepping-stone to acquiring a one or two bedroom accommodation in the future
Tri-CAP also provide four rooms that are available to non-clients (people from the general community) in the tri-city area
For more information, call FernandaBrito at 781-322-4125

Housing Resource Center
Opened July 1, 2009 for residents of Malden, Medford, & Everett
Serves needs of homeless or almost homeless families
Targeted to at-risk families/individuals – particularly elders, people with disabilities, or people in need of housing resources
Coming Soon: HRC will host a
Hot line service and web-based housing-related resource bank
Links to Tri-CAP’s legal services
Special funds, emergency food and shelter funds
Benefit specialist services in Tri-CAP’s ACS and Energy divisions

Pro Bono Legal Project (PBLP)
Provides legal information, advice, advocacy, referral, and representation to low-income people with civil legal problems related to
Housing
Family law
Unemployment
Disability
Pro Bono Legal Project staff provide services directly and through a panel of volunteer attorneys who offer their services to the program.

Community Organizing is currently focusing on elderly residents at Heritage Apartments in Malden
Resident were hit with a 35% rental increase over 5 months
Tenants formed the Heritage House Tenant Association and
Picketed for better communications from the building owner
Successfully developed a working relationship with the property advisor and building management
Hold regular meeting for and with tenants
Tenants stimulated legislation that passed through Congress to ameliorate their rent situation
Oct 2010 Update: Received $10.8M funding for renovation and $2M for maintaining affordability! Renovations start soon for November 2011 completion!

Hunger Network
The 15-member Tri-City Hunger Network builds the capacity of local food pantries and meal programs by
coordinating efforts
leveraging resources
providing technical assistance, etc.
Brings together operators of food pantries and meal programs to improve the community’s capacity to respond to hunger

Cyber Café @ Malden Square
Offers free access to computers and the Internet
Low membership fee (required)
1-day or 1-week pass available for low fee
Basic computer assistance and training available
IRS-certified VITA Site
VITA = Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Formed and operated by Tri-CAP, the Office of Representative Christopher G. Fallon, Malden Access TV, Murray Learning Associates, and The Career Place
http://maldensquare.org or call 781-397-2970

Tri-CAP Energy, p1
Fuel Assistance
Fuel Assistance serves over 4,000 households in Everett, Medford, Malden, Winchester, Stoneham, Melrose, and Woburn.
helps low-income homeowners and tenants pay a portion of the cost of heating their homes.
payments can be used toward oil, gas, and electric costs and toward rent, if heat is included in the rent.
open for six months each year, November through April.
When combined with utility discounts and energy conservation measures, Fuel Assistance helps make energy costs affordable for low-income families.

Tri-CAP Energy, p2
Weatherization, 1
Weatherization provides energy conservation measures to low-income homeowners and tenants in Everett, Malden, Medford, Woburn, Winchester, and Stoneham.
Funded by the Department of Energy, Weatherization can provide
weather stripping
insulation of attics and walls
heating system improvements
health and safety checks

Tri-CAP Energy, p3
Weatherization, 2
KeySpan/NGrid Weatherization Program provides weatherization services to low-income tenants and homeowners who have gas as their primary source of heat.
The scope of work is similar to the Department of Energy-funded Weatherization.

Tri-CAP Energy, p4
The Heating Systems Program
The Heating Systems Program is a heating emergency assistance program for low-income Fuel Assistance-eligible homeowners who are in no-heat or dangerous situations due to faulty systems.
Primarily designed to assist with heating emergencies, the program may also improve heating system safety and efficiency.
Scope of work done by the program may include:
repairs
new burners
heating system replacement
related asbestos abatement

Tri-CAP Energy, p5
Appliance Management Programs
Appliance Management Programs help low-income families save money by reducing their electric usage.
Tri-CAP provides on-site assessments of electric appliances.
Electric use is reduced through the installation of efficient light bulbs, water conservation devices, and, in some cases, replacement of high-use refrigerators.

Tri-CAP Children and Family Services, p1
Head Start
Head Start provides comprehensive child and family development services to income-eligible residents of the Tri-City area, Melrose, Stoneham, Wakefield, Reading, North Reading, and Winchester.
The program runs center-based child care centers for preschool aged children.

Preschool Teacher Training program
Provides an opportunity for individuals with limited work history to gain experience and skills as preschool teachers
Offers a 9-month supervised experience assisting in preschool classrooms.
College credit provided by Bunker Hill Community College
Trainees are placed in child-related jobs at the end of the program year

Summer Lunch Program in Everett
The Summer Lunch Program provides free lunches for Everett children under the age of 18.
Lunches are provided throughout the summer at several Everett Parks.
The program operates during July and August
Sponsored jointly by
Tri-CAP
Massachusetts Department of Education
Project Bread

Extended Day Program
Full-day, full-year Head Start classroom for Head Start children
Available to children whose parents are working, studying, or participating in a training program
Families already enrolled in the Head Start program are prioritized for services

for other people

Wifi available

Information for Immigrants
ESL
Health Care Resources
Information on Use of Public Benefits
follows…

ESL (English As A Second Language)
Learn Englishwith
MACCA
Voice: 617-671-1276 Cell: 508-451-3985

And More!
Only $5.00!
6 pm – 8 pm, Feb 3, 10, 17, & 24

Health Care Resources for Immigrants, p1
Organizations
Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition, Toby Guevin, 617-350-5480 x216, www.miracoalition.org
MA Law Reform Institute, 617-357-0700, www.masslegalservices.org
Health Care for All – MA, 617-350-7279, www.hefama.org
National Immigration Law Center, www.nilc.org
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, www.uscis.gov
Greater Boston Legal Services (Immigration Unit), 617-371-1234, www.gbls.org

Other Resources
Health Care for All Consumer Health Helpline, 1-800-272-4232
Public Health Insurance and Immigrants Webpage, http://www.hcfama.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=page.viewpage&pageid=785
National Immigration Law Center: Immigrants & Public Benefits: Health Care Webpage, http://nilc.org/immspbs/health/index.htm

For Victims of Discrimination
Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights, http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/, to file a complaint, visit: http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/office/file/index.html
MA Civil Rights Division, 617-727-2200, http://www.mass.gov/ag

Immigration and Public Benefits, p1
Will benefits hurt my chances of getting a Green Card or Becoming a U.S. Citizen?
If you do not have a green card yet
It will not hurt your chances of getting a green card if you, your children or other family members use:
Health Care, such as: MassHealth, Healthy Families, WIC, prenatal care, other free or low-cost medical care
Food Programs, such as: Food Stamps(SNAP), WIC, school meals, and other food assistance
Other programs that do not give cash such as: public housing, disaster relief, childcare services, job training, transportation vouchers

If you do not have a green card yet
You might have a problem getting your green card later only if:
You use Cash Welfare such as: TAFDC, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), EAEDC
Or your family’s only source of support is cash welfare received by your children or other family members
Or you are in a nursing home or other Long-term Care paid for by MassHealth or other government funds

If you are a victim of abuse:
Who has filed a self-petition under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), use of cash welfare and other programs will not count against you.
If you are a Refugee or Asylee
 You can use any benefits, including cash welfare, health care, food programs, and non-cash programs, without hurting your chances of getting a Green Card

If you already have a green card
You cannot lose your green card if you, your children, or other family members use:
Health care, food programs and other non-cash programs
Cash welfare
Long-term care

ESL (English As A Second Language)
Learn Englishwith
MACCA
Voice: 617-671-1276 Cell: 508-451-3985

You Count!
Join us for a free luncheon on Thursday, 1/27/11, 12-2 PM

Free luncheon on Thursday, 1/27/11, 12-2 PM
Donors: Contact Rachel Snyder
781-322-4125 x209 (rsnyder@tri-cap.org)

Free Services for Low-Income Residents, p1
Nutrition (Food Stamps)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Income-based; family size also counts
781-322-4125
Health Insurance Signups
Income-based; other requirements for non-citizens
MassHealth, Commonwealth Care, Medical Security Program, Children’s Medical Security Program
781-322-4125

Free Services for Low-Income Residents, p2
Tax Preparation
January through April and beyond
866-833-2823

IDAs, A Special Savings Program
For Selected MoneySmartParticipants
Save $$: Have it matched 3:1
For every $1 you save, $3 is added; up to $4,000 match
Grant and private funds provide the match
Funds are to be used toward
Higher education, or
Starting a business, or
Owning a home
Participants who qualify must
Complete MoneySmart
Participate in a 2-year Savings Club
Requirements include
income at or near 200% of Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
employed at least prev 6 mo’s
Live in Tri-CAP service area
Part of the CommonCents Saving Program at Tri-CAP, 866-833-2823

Saturdays; 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

for other people

Commonwealth Care Brief Facts
Uninsured?
Not enough money to pay for health insurance?
You may qualify for Commonwealth Care.
Private Insurance at lower rates for low-income residents!
Tri-CAP’s Benefits Specialists may be able to help you determine if you qualify and help you apply. Call 781-322-4125 to ask about an appointment!

Commonwealth Care Eligibility
Health insurance for adults
Age 19 and older *
uninsured
meet certain eligibility requirements.
You may be eligible for Commonwealth Care if:
Your family’s income before taxes meets the income guidelines specified on the next screen
You are uninsured,
You are a U.S. citizen/national, or you are an alien with special status who has had that status for at least 5 years,
*persons under age 19 may be eligible for MassHealth benefits

Commonwealth Care Income Guidelines
Note: Income guidelines used to determine eligibility change every year on March 1.

Commonwealth Care Health Services
In Commonwealth Care, all health plans offer the same medical services.
Benefits of being a Commonwealth Care Member include:
Your own health care provider.
Preventative care checkups.
Care when you are sick or injured.
Prescriptions at your local pharmacy.
Treatment for alcohol, drug abuse, and mental health problems.
Vision care.
Dental care (available to some members only).

Commonwealth Care Plans
Plans may offer different extra services,
such as programs for weight loss or diabetes management.
Some offer telephone help lines or discounts at fitness centers.
You will have a choice of which plan to sign up for.
3 types of plans available, based on your income.
All providers offer these 3plans.
Premium costs vary according to your income and the plan you choose.

Commonwealth Care Providers
Commonwealth Care plans are offered by:
Boston Medical Center (BMC) Health Net Plan,
CeltiCare Health Plan,
Fallon Community Health Plan,
Neighborhood Health Plan
Network Health
Availability of these plans varies by region of the state.
Go to http://mahealthconnector.org for more information

Sat, 10 am – 2 pm
Phone: 617-723-5000

866-833-2823 (toll free)

Food Stamp Use Hits Record High
Food stamp use hit a record 40.8M in May 2010
Increased19% since this time last year
Increased 0.9% from April 2010
Increase seen linked to record jobless rate
18th straight record-setting month for program
Food Stamps are now called SNAP
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP subsidizes food purchases for millions
Average of 40.5 million people over the last year
Represents 1/8 of the U.S. population
Projected to increase to 43.3 million in 2011
Source: Boston .com, Bloomberg News, August 5, 2010

TAFDC Children's Clothing Allowance
DTA will provide eligible families with a clothing allowance in September 2010
Eligibility standard will increase by $227.50 for each eligible applicant or recipient under age 19
Up to $150 per eligible child
Enrolled and eligible by September 1, 2010
Apply and later ruled eligible as of September 1, 2010
Enrollees for portion of September are pro-rated
Clothing Allowance is considered income and may temporarily reduce SNAP (food stamp) benefit
Contact the Malden DTA, 781-388-7300 for more information.

TAFDC Temporary (Sept. only) Income Eligibility Limit Increase
September only increase in income eligibility limit
Extends Clothing Allowance Benefit to some working families otherwise ineligible for TAFDC
Depends on # of under age 19 dependents in family
Many working families will become income eligible for Clothing Allowance only
No cash benefits; clothing only
May become eligible for one year of MassHealth benefits
May become eligible for one year of subsidized child care
Contact the Malden DTA, 781-388-7300 for more information.

HIV Testing:

Sat, 10 am – 2 pm
Phone: 617-723-5000

You Count!
Join us for a free luncheon on Thrs, 1/27/11, 12-2 PM
Cyber Café @ Malden Square, 110 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA
You can also fill out the census at this luncheon.

Free luncheon on Thrs, 1/27/11, 12-2 PM
Cyber Café @ Malden Square, 110 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA
Donors: Contact Rachel Snyder, 781-322-4125 x209 (rsnyder@tri-cap.org)

And More!
Only $5.00!
6 pm – 8 pm, Feb 3, 10, 17, & 24

Do YOU Qualify for the 2010 EITC?
To qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), you must have worked (earned income) in 2010 and both your earned income and adjusted gross income (AGI) for 2010 must fit the guidelines below. Additional criteria are on subsequent pages.
*Note: No one can file for the EITC using Married Filing Separate status.

EITC Rules for Tax Year 2010
You must have earned income ($1.00 or more)
Your adjusted gross income (AGI)must not be more than the ETIC limits
You must have a valid social security number (not an ITIN)
Your filing status cannot be “Married Filing Separately”
You must have been a US citizen or resident alien throughout the entire year
You cannot file Form 2555 or Form 2555-EZ
Your investment income must be less than $3,100.00
You cannot be the qualifying child of another person

EITC Rules for Qualifying Children
If you have a Qualifying Child or Qualifying Children
If you do not have Qualifying Child/Children
You cannot be the qualifying child of another person
Your child must meet relationship, age, residency, and joint return tests
Your child cannot be used by more than 1 person to claim the EITC
You must be at least age 25 but under age 65
You cannot be the dependent of another person
You must have lived in the US more than half the year

EITC Tests for Qualifying Children, 1
Valid Social Security Number
Required from the parent(s) and the qualifying child/children
Relationship Test — Child/Children must be:
Son, daughter, adopted child, stepchild, foster child, or their descendant (e.g., grandchild); OR
Brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, or their descendant (e.g., niece or nephew) any of whom you cared for as you would your own child

EITC Tests for Qualifying Children, 2
Age Test — At the end of the tax year, child was/children were:
Younger than you (and your spouse if Married Filing Jointly)
Younger than age 19, OR
Younger than age 24 and a full-time student
Any age and totally and permanently disabled
Residency Test: Child/Children must live with you more than half the year
Joint Return Test:
The child/children cannot file a joint return unless the child and child’s spouse did not have a filing requirement and files only to claim a refund

EITC: What Counts as Earned Income?
Wages, salaries, and tips
Net earnings from self-employment
Union strike benefits
Employer-paid disability benefits
Military combat pay

EITC: What Does Not Count as Earned Income?
Non-taxable earned income
Payroll deductions for dependent care or retirement plans
Public benefits
Social security, SSI, SSDI, or military disability pension
Welfare, SNAP (food stamps)
Other taxable income, such as:
Unemployment
Alimony
Interest on bank accounts

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Cyber Café Bulletin Board 1-22-11

by Claire Murray on Jan 22, 2011

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Cyber Café Bulletin Board 1-22-11 — Presentation Transcript