Great Plates Delivered Begins Service in Nevada County

The County of Nevada has launched Great Plates Delivered, a new program to ensure no senior goes hungry in Nevada County during the COVID-19 crisis. Three fresh meals a day will be delivered to those who qualify with the help of three local restaurants, Emily’s Catering, Sergio’s Caffè, and Fudenjüce, fulfilling the 2 purposes of the state-wide plan: help seniors and older adults at high risk from COVID-19 to stay home and stay healthy by delivering three nutritious meals a day; and provide essential economic stimulus to local businesses struggling to stay afloat during the COVID-19 crisis.

Qualifying Nevada County residents meeting the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

  • 65 or older, or 60-64 years of age and high-risk (Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 or been exposed to COVID-19 or individuals with certain underlying health conditions that place them at high-risk should they contract the virus)
  • Live alone or with one other Great Plates Delivered Program eligible adult
  • Not be currently receiving assistance from any other state or federal nutrition assistance programs (Meals on Wheels, CalFresh)
  • Earn no more that 600% of the federal poverty limit ($74,940 (single) or $101,460 (2-person)) annually.
  • Affirm an inability to prepare or obtain meals for themselves.

Currently the program is scheduled to run until June 10, however it may be extended by FEMA based on demand.  To be screened and placed on an eligibility list, call 211 Connecting Point by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-833-DIAL211 (1-833-342-5211). Eastern County participants will be referred to Sierra Senior services for enrollment. Those who may not qualify but are in need of food assistance are encouraged to call 211 Connecting Point to get connected to additional resources. 

Great Plates Delivered Begins Service in Nevada County

The County of Nevada has launched Great Plates Delivered, a new program to ensure no senior goes hungry in Nevada County during the COVID-19 crisis. Three fresh meals a day will be delivered to those who qualify with the help of three local restaurants, Emily’s Catering, Sergio’s Caffè, and Fudenjüce, fulfilling the 2 purposes of the state-wide plan: help seniors and older adults at high risk from COVID-19 to stay home and stay healthy by delivering three nutritious meals a day; and provide essential economic stimulus to local businesses struggling to stay afloat during the COVID-19 crisis.

Qualifying Nevada County residents meeting the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

  • 65 or older, or 60-64 years of age and high-risk (Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 or been exposed to COVID-19 or individuals with certain underlying health conditions that place them at high-risk should they contract the virus)
  • Live alone or with one other Great Plates Delivered Program eligible adult
  • Not be currently receiving assistance from any other state or federal nutrition assistance programs (Meals on Wheels, CalFresh)
  • Earn no more that 600% of the federal poverty limit ($74,940 (single) or $101,460 (2-person)) annually.
  • Affirm an inability to prepare or obtain meals for themselves.

Currently the program is scheduled to run until June 10, however it may be extended by FEMA based on demand.  To be screened and placed on an eligibility list, call 211 Connecting Point by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-833-DIAL211 (1-833-342-5211). Eastern County participants will be referred to Sierra Senior services for enrollment. Those who may not qualify but are in need of food assistance are encouraged to call 211 Connecting Point to get connected to additional resources. 

Dial-a-Ride Service Launches in W. Nevada County

Seniors in Western Nevada County have a new transportation option. Starting April 22nd, Nevada County Transit Services is launching a Senior Dial-a-Ride service. Dial-a-Ride covers the same service area and schedule as the Gold Country Lift and is available to anyone age 65 and over. The cost is $4.00 for a one-way trip.
 
To request a ride, call Gold Country Lift at 530-271-RIDE (7433). First time passengers must show proof of age and submit a simple application at pick-up. A PDF of the Dial-A-Ride application is available at www.goldcountrystage.com
 
Typical hours of operation are Monday through Friday 6:30 am to 7:30 pm and Saturday 7:30 am to 5:00 pm. Current operating hours are reduced due to the Stay at Home order for COVID-19.
 
Call Gold Country Lift at 530-271-RIDE (7433) or Transit Services at 530-477-0103 for more information.

Share Your Vision for an Age-Friendly California

California’s 65-&-older population will grow to 8.6 million people in 2030. How can we plan ahead to ensure that older adults in our communities have everything they need to live safely and  independently? The California Department of Aging has launched a new campaign, EngageCA, to involve more Californians in the development of the state’s Master Plan for Aging. A diverse group of stakeholders are working together to develop this new blueprint for an age-friendly California. And your experience and ideas are needed.

Share your vision for a robust and reliable system of services that can support an equitable, age- and disability-friendly California! Go to www.engageCA.org to learn more.

Take Charge of Your Diabetes with Upcoming Class

Connecting Point is hosting a free workshop to help Nevada County residents prioritize their long-term health.

The Diabetes Self-Management workshop is for people with diabetes or pre-diabetes and their caregivers. Get proactive, take control of your health, and gain valuable tools to make more informed health decisions. You’ll leave this six-week class with a better understanding of the human body, learn about risk factors for diabetes, and gain tools for self-care, symptom management, exercise, and meal planning.

Diabetes Self-Management classes are on Tuesdays, February 11th through March 17th from 2:00-4:00 pm at Connecting Point, 208 Sutton Way in Grass Valley.

All Connecting Point classes are free and open to the public. Diabetes Self-Management is offered in partnership with Dignity Health Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital with assistance from the Nevada County Public Health Department.

For more information or to register, call Karen at 530-274-5601 or register online at connectingpoint.org/events.

Take Charge of Your Health with Upcoming Class

Connecting Point is hosting a free workshop to help Nevada County residents prioritize their long-term health.

Living Well with a Chronic Condition is geared toward folks with health conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, depression, and emphysema. Over this 6-week course, participants will share experiences, make action plans, and problem-solve alongside others with chronic conditions. This innovative and interactive workshop will help you improve your quality of life and lower your health care costs. You’ll learn techniques for dealing with frustration, fatigue, pain, and isolation; build your strength and endurance; and learn how to effectively communicate with family, friends, and health professionals.

Living Well with a Chronic Condition classes are on Thursdays, January 16th through February 20th from 2:00-4:30 pm at the Cedar Park Apartments Community Room, 210 Sutton Way in Grass Valley.

All Connecting Point classes are free and open to the public.

For more information or to register, call Karen at 530-274-5601 or register online at connectingpoint.org/events.

Improve Your Health with Free Classes

Cover of Community Classes booklet2020 is here! Now is a great time to make plans and take steps to improve your health in the coming year. Connecting Point is offering several classes to help you do just that. These free Community Classes are open to all Nevada County residents. Highlights include:

Health & Independence

Bus Basics
Get an overview of our local bus system and learn to ride with confidence. Learn about fares, passes, and payment options and become an expert at reading the bus schedule. Register

Cancer: Thriving & Surviving (6-week series)
This program is designed for people who are managing cancer or are in remission. Learn how to deal with frustration, fatigue, pain, poor sleep habits, and decisions about treatment and
complementary therapies. You will actively engage and learn how to communicate effectively with family, friends, and health professionals. Gain confidence in your ability to manage your health and maintain an active, fulfilling life. Register

Ready, Set, Safe: Preparing for Disaster
Disaster can strike at any time without warning. Learn how to make a plan to protect yourself, your family, and your property during disasters. Register

Wellness

Chair Yoga
De-stress with this low-impact yoga class combining gentle movement with mindfulness techniques. Register

Stress Busters!
Beat back stress with this fun, interactive series. Explore a variety of stress-busting tools and techniques. Learn to use exercise, nutrition, and a healthy dose of humor to master stress and live a healthier life. Register

Qigong
Use breathing techniques, gentle movement, and meditation to improve your life energy (qi). Qigong promotes health, vitality, and a tranquil state. These sessions provide a practical daily ritual to self-healing. Register

Check out the full slate of classes on Connecting Point’s Eventbrite page or call Karen at 530-274-5601 to register.

Census 2020: Gearing Up for a Complete Count

Be Counted California!Every decade since 1790, the United States has attempted to count the country’s population. This nation-wide head-count plays an extraordinarily important role in shaping our communities for years to come.

Why the Census Matters

The next Census will take place in April 2020. There is a lot on the line, including funding for essential safety net programs and representation in Congress. Census data is used to:

  • Draw Congressional districts (not to mention school districts!)
  • Distribute billions of federal dollars to states
  • Inform the decisions of government, businesses, and non-profits

An undercount could cost California more than $1.5 billion across all Federal programs. These are dollars that fund housing, education, healthcare, roads, and emergency services in Nevada County.

The Challenge

It is vital to the future of our community to ensure that every person in Nevada County is counted. Connecting Point and the County of Nevada are collaborating to “get out the count,” with the goal of achieving a complete count for Census 2020. That means counting every person living in Nevada County. There are significant barriers to meeting this goal:

  • The 2020 Census will be the first to rely heavily on online responses. Internet access is limited in many areas of our county.
  • S. Census Bureau outreach will not go to P.O. Boxes. Many residents may not receive information about the Census.
  • There is widespread mistrust of the government and potential for misinformation about the Census in our community. People may choose not to participate, even though Census data is protected.

The State of California estimates that there are 48,370 “hard-to-count” individuals living in Nevada County (learn more about the Hard-to-Count Index here).

What’s Next

Connecting Point is currently reaching out to community organizations, faith-based groups, local agencies, businesses and others who work closely with demographic populations considered least likely to respond. These include:

  • Latinos
  • Immigrants and Refugees
  • Farm-workers
  • People with disabilities
  • Seniors
  • Children ages 0-5
  • Veterans
  • People with low/no broadband access
  • Households with limited English proficiency

Achieving a complete count requires us to work together to find the best ways to reach our hard-to-count neighbors. If you serve any of the above “hard-to-count” populations, we want to hear from you. Please contact Heather Heckler by email or by phone at 530-274-5601 to let us know if you’d like to be involved.

The Census begins April 1st. LET’S MAKE NEVADA COUNTY COUNT!

Learn more about the 2020 Census and Nevada County’s Complete Count.

Volunteer Opportunity Spotlight, September 9th – 15th

Connecting Point’s new Volunteer Hub is growing quickly! Having launched just over a month ago, we already have 44 organizations in our database and over 80 posted volunteer opportunities, with more being added every day. The Volunteer Hub is a free service to connect Nevada County residents of all ages to volunteer opportunities in our community. Each week we will feature a selection of upcoming opportunities at local organizations.

Nothing connects you to the community quite like volunteering your time to a great cause and this week’s handpicked featured opportunities are just a sampling of what the Volunteer Hub has to offer. For more information on any of the following opportunities, please visit ConnectingPoint.org or call 211.

Connect to your cause:

  • Dog Handling at Scooter’s Pals Adopt-A-Thon, Saturday September 28th – Scooter’s Pals
    Come help find homes for pups in need. Scooter’s Pals provides foster and forever homes for abused or abandoned dogs scheduled to be killed in local and nearby shelters. They also assist local dog owners who are no longer able to properly care for their dogs in finding a new “best fit” home so they do not reach a shelter. Come and sit with adoptable canine fur babies, meet other volunteers, take a dog for a walk and see what the adoption process is like. The Adopt-a-Thon is held on the 4th Saturday of every month from 11 am to 2 pm at Petco on Freeman Lane in Grass Valley.
  • Fix-It Program, Skilled Carpenters, Plumbers & Handypersons – FREED
    Donate your valuable skills. FREED’s mission is to promote independence and self-determination for people with disabilities through person-driven services, collaborative community partnerships and education, and leadership that advocates for fully inclusive communities. FREED’s Fix-It Program is volunteer-driven and focuses on addressing the health and safety needs of Nevada and Sierra County residents so they may remain independently in their own home. As a Fix-It volunteer you will be serving seniors and people with disabilities addressing minor home repairs or modifications that fit your skill set. You will be offered the opportunity to work on a variety of services such as installing grab bars, railing, or transfer poles, repairing steps, placing portable ramps, building new ramps, and making minor plumbing repairs. FREED is recruiting people with appropriate skills willing to contribute a minimum of three hours per month, and possibly larger amounts of time (less frequently) to co-work on more involved projects or to fulfill an urgent request.
  • HPC Board of Directors – St. Joseph’s Cultural Center
    Be a part of history! St. Joseph’s Cultural Center is a California Historical Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1865 and maintained by the Sisters of Mercy as both an orphanage and a school, it sustained itself until the 1960’s when it was sold to the Historic Mount St. Mary’s Preservation Committee (HPC).  The complex consists of the main three-story building, the hall (St. Joseph’s Chapel, built in 1894) and the historic 150-year-old rose garden. The HPC needs to boost their Board of Directors membership and are looking for folks interested in preserving this historic Gold-Rush gem and helping keep her a viable part of Grass Valley’s future. Board meetings are every second Tuesday of the month from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.
  • Space Steward – The Curious Forge
    Help nurture the creative spirit! The Curious Forge makerspacewas created to allow people of all backgrounds, ages, and skill levels to create the things that matter to them. They have all the equipment, mentors, space and time to enable you to succeed at your pace, your style, your passion. They have classes, one-on-one, peer to peer, and volunteers to help you learn and grow as an artist, techie, tinkerer or entrepreneur. The Space Steward serves as a resource for members, watches the front desk, answers the phone, greets visitors, gives tours, helps keep the space tidy, is occasionally available to support workshops or other events, and supports The Forge in general by following procedures and being a model member. A time commitment of 4-6 hours a week is required.
  • Various Positions – Wildlife Rehabilitation & Release
    Do you love animals? Wildlife Rehabilitation & Release is dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wildlife. Each year our team successfully releases over 100 different species of native wildlife, including mammals, songbirds, raptors, waterfowl, reptiles and amphibians. In addition to experienced rehabbers working directly with the animals, volunteers work tirelessly helping to raise funds, write and share news stories, transport animals, and organize special events.  They are also looking for volunteers to become part of their education team.

To find these and many more opportunities, please call 211 or 1-833-DIAL-211 or visit us at ConnectingPoint.org.

Volunteer Opportunity Spotlight, August 26th-September 1st

Connecting Point is excited to announce the launch of Nevada County’s new Volunteer Hub. The Volunteer Hub is a free service to connect Nevada County residents of all ages to volunteer opportunities in our community. Each week we will feature a selection of upcoming opportunities at local organizations.

This week we’re highlighting a wide variety of organizations that are committed to making Nevada County a better place. Whether it’s helping conserve our natural resources, protecting the most vulnerable in our community, or supporting local arts and culture, there’s something for everyone! For more information on any of the following positions, please visit ConnectingPoint.org or call 211.

 

Intake and Referral Specialist – Welcome Home Vets

Help those who have served our country find the support they need. Welcome Home Vets contracts with local psychotherapists who are experienced in military culture and in treating combat-related trauma to provide individual, group, couples, and family therapy to veterans and their families at no cost. The intake and referral specialist will meet the immediate needs of veterans and their families by providing referrals, online registration help, hand-offs to agencies, and more.

 

Tutors, Music Teachers, and More – PARTNERS Family Resource Center

School is back is session and there are students who need your help. PARTNERS Family Resource Centers engage and partner with families, educators, and the community to better support children’s development, create connections, and increase access to local resources. Serve the children and families in our community by becoming a tutor, music teacher, ESL teacher, or help at an event.

 

Court Appointed Special Advocate – Child Advocates of Nevada County

Play an important, positive role in the life of a child. The goal of Child Advocates of Nevada County is to decrease the maltreatment of children in our community. Court Appointed Special Advocates are trained community volunteers appointed by Juvenile Court judges to speak for the best interests of children who are brought before the court for reasons of abuse or neglect. After an initial training, each CASA is supervised and supported by CASA staff and is provided with resources and guidance to aid in effective advocacy.

 

General Volunteer – Grass Valley Police Department

Promote peace and safety in the community. The Grass Valley Police Department is actively seeking citizen volunteers interested in joining the GVPD Volunteer Program. Accepted applicants will be issued a GVPD Volunteer uniform and badge. Duties include assisting the Records Department and working the front lobby window, assisting with patrolling the downtown parking lots with the authority to issue courtesy warnings, conducting residential vacation house checks to prevent burglaries and break-ins, and much more.

 

Trail Ambassador – Bear Yuba Land Trust

Are you an experienced hiker? Bear Yuba Land Trust is a private, non-profit, membership-supported organization that works to promote voluntary conservation of the region’s natural, historical and agricultural legacy. Trail Ambassadors commit to a season of outreach on one local trail to gather recreational use data and promote BYLT. This volunteer opportunity is excellent for those who have a passion for hiking and getting out onto the land and want to promote a local trail.

 

Various Positions – InConcert Sierra

Help bring extraordinary classical music to our community. Join our amazing team of InConcert Sierra volunteers for our 2019-20 Third Sunday Concert Season! InConcert Sierra presents exceptional classical and choral performances that inspire and enhance the cultural life in Nevada County. Volunteers participate in every component of concert production, from managing ticket sales to assistant stage managing.

 

To learn more about these and many more volunteer opportunities, call 211 or 1-833-DIAL211 or visit us at ConnectingPoint.org. Connecting Point is a public agency dedicated to supporting the health and independence of the people in our community.

Suicide Prevention Week Starts September 8th

Suicide Prevention Week is September 8th-14th, 2019

During this week individuals and organizations around the country join their voices to broadcast the message that suicide can be prevented, and to reach as many people as possible with the tools and resources to support themselves and those around them. The theme of Suicide Prevention Week is Finding Purpose: Caring for Ourselves and Others. It truly takes whole communities joining together to make a difference – from individuals and families to workplaces, government agencies, and community organizations.

Is Suicide Preventable?

In the last couple of years several well-known figures in the food and entertainment industries, died by suicide, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that suicide rates rose in nearly every state in the U.S. Many of us have been personally impacted by the death of someone we know or someone we love. The problem can sometimes seem insurmountable.

You may have heard people asking, or asked yourself: “Is suicide preventable?”

The causes of suicide are complex, and so are the solutions. Asking “why” when we lose someone is natural, but suicide can’t be attributed to a single cause. Preventing suicide requires sustained, broad-based efforts involving many sectors of the community and reaching into people’s relationships with friends and family. Working together, we can develop a comprehensive safety net for ourselves, friends and loved ones that includes prevention, early intervention, and support for those who are struggling, have attempted, or have lost someone to suicide.

There are Reasons for Hope!

The next time you hear someone ask “Is suicide preventable”, or you ask this question yourself, the answer lies partly in recognizing how much we do know about preventing suicide.

Did you know that:

  • Effective suicide prevention strategies exist that can reduce suicidal thinking and behavior? Some programs take place within clinical settings, and others are based in the community, but evaluation studies and research have shown that they can help. Find out more about these programs by checking out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Technical Package
  • National initiatives are underway that are enhancing suicide prevention in health care settings (e.g. sprc.org) and within industries (e.g. Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention, www.cfma.org) and workplaces.
  • National and local efforts are helping us to change the conversation about suicide to one of hope and help and to encourage effective messaging around suicide prevention. And as a result, more often we see compassionate portrayals and responses in media and in the entertainment industry after a suicide death.
  • The Know the Signs campaign is helping Californians to Know the Signs, Find the Words, and Reach Out to help someone they are concerned about. Check out the web site in English or Spanish

What is Your Role in Suicide Prevention?

While not every suicide can be prevented, by joining together throughout communities, we can reduce risk. Everyone has a role to play and a contribution to make.

Local Resources

The Nevada County Public Health Department is hosting a safeTALK training in Nevada City on September 10th from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. safeTALK is LivingWorks’ most popular training. Participants will learn how to prevent suicide by:

  • Recognizing the signs of suicide
  • Engaging someone with thoughts of suicide
  • Connecting them to an intervention resource for further support

For more details and to register, fill out the Registration form.

Details

What: LivingWorks safeTALK Suicide Prevention Training

When: Tuesday, September 10, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm

Where: Empire Room at the Rood Center (2nd Floor), 950 Maidu Ave. Nevada City, CA 95945

Cost: Free. Registration is required (limited spots available, sign up today).

For questions or more information, contact Toby Guevin, Suicide Prevention Coordinator at toby.guevin@co.nevada.ca.us or 530-265-7018.

 

The Know the Signs campaign is one of several statewide initiatives funded by counties through the voter-approved Mental Health Services Act (Prop 63).  These efforts are administered by the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA) and are part of Each Mind Matters:  California’s Mental Health Movement.

“Yes I Can!” Series Starts Sept. 9th

We all know caregivers are superheros. But every Batman needs a Robin. The Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Foundation has your back with the free “Yes I Can!” series. “Yes I Can!” is built to support family caregivers, with information from local experts on caring for the caregiver, connecting to community resources, and advanced planning. You’ll leave feeling empowered again, with more tools in your kit.

Part 1 is a three-week series, running from September 9th through 23rd. Classes are from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at Eskaton Village in Grass Valley. Respite care is available.

Details

What: “Yes I Can!” Caregiver Empowerment Series
When: Mondays, September 9-23, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Where: Eskaton Village, 49er Lounge, 625 Eskaton Circle, Grass Valley
Cost: Free for family caregivers

To register, leave a message at Del Oro Caregiver Resource Center at 1-800-635-0220. If care is needed for your loved one during class, please indicate this when registering.

For more information, contact Annie Mikal at 530-264-5046 or amikalheine@gmail.com.

Survey on Mental Health Services

Nevada County Behavioral Health wants your input on the future of mental health services in our community. The Community Needs Assessment Survey gives the public an opportunity to weigh in on funding priorities for programs to serve both youth and adults.

This survey is part of the planning process for the next Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Three-Year Plan, starting in July 2020. 

The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), also known as Prop 63, was passed by California voters in November 2004. MHSA is funded by a 1% tax for those earning over $1 million per year, and is designed to expand and transform California’s county mental health systems.

This survey has 22 questions and will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. The survey has four sections: (1) prevention and early intervention services; (2) treatment and recovery services; (3) access to services; and (4) personal demographic information. All answers are optional, and your responses will be anonymous and confidential
 
The survey will close on Monday, August 26.
 

Volunteer Opportunity Spotlight, August 19th – 25th

Connecting Point is excited to announce the launch of Nevada County’s new Volunteer Hub.

The Volunteer Hub is a free service to connect Nevada County residents of all ages to volunteer opportunities in our community. Each week we will feature a selection of upcoming opportunities at local organizations.

August is National Wellness Month, so this week we’re highlighting organizations dedicated to the well-being of our community. For more information on any of the following positions, please visit ConnectingPoint.org or call 211.

VOLUNTEER DELIVERY DRIVER – Gold Country Community Services

Show our senior community that you care! Gold Country Community Services, Inc. provides essential programs that meet the basic needs of seniors living in western Nevada County. GCCS is looking for delivery drivers for its Meals on Wheels program. Under general supervision and guidance from the Nutrition Manager, the Meals on Wheels Volunteer Driver will deliver meals to homebound participants. Volunteers can participate in delivering to the same route each week and/or be on-call as substitute drivers as needed.

VOLUNTEER RESPITE CARE SPECIALIST – One Source–Empowering Caregivers

Help provide support to caregivers. The Mission of One Source–Empowering Caregivers is to improve quality of life for Caregivers and their loved ones by providing cost-free, non-medical support while they remain at home in a safe and healthy environment. One Source will hold training for Volunteer Respite Care Specialists on Saturday, Sept. 7, 14 and 21. A trained Volunteer Respite Care Specialist sets up an appointment to serve two to four hours per week in the home of a caregiver to provide respite for the caregiver and companionship to the person they care for.

SUPPER CREW MEMBER – The Friendship Club

Want to show off your kitchen skills? The Friendship Club provides a comprehensive, year-round, long-term program aimed at helping empower and educate youth who face challenges of poverty, abuse and trauma. As a supper crew member, you will work under the direction of the meal program coordinator as part of their after school program, to complete tasks necessary for meal preparation, buffet-style meal service, and clean up. On-site training is provided.

CAT ROOM ATTENDANT – AnimalSave

Attention cat lovers! AnimalSave transforms the lives of cats and dogs by providing humane education, affordable spay and neuter services, and finding them loving homes. The cat room attendant cleans, feeds and cares for cats and kittens surrendered to AnimalSave while they are housed in the cat adoption room. This is a critical volunteer position that ensures the health and wellbeing of animals while they wait for adoption.

FOOD LOVE FARM HELPER – Sierra Harvest

Do you have a green thumb? Sierra Harvest’s mission is to educate, inspire and connect Nevada County families to fresh, local, seasonal food. Come help at the Food Love Farm, where more than 2,000 students learn where their food comes from and get first-hand experience working on a farm. Dig beds, plant, harvest, weed and learn about organic crop production alongside the fun Sierra Harvest staff.

VARIOUS POSITIONS – Granite Wellness Center (formerly CoRR)

Help those who are struggling. Granite Wellness Center’s mission is to support the communities they serve with a full spectrum of wellness-focused programs to reduce the social, health and economic impact on families and children from all types of substance abuse and behavioral health issues. Ongoing volunteer opportunities are available.

To learn more about these and many more volunteer opportunities, call 211 or 1-833-DIAL211 or visit us at ConnectingPoint.org.

It’s Market Money Time

Double Your CalFresh Dollars

The CalFresh Market Money program is back for another season of fresh fruits and veggies straight from your local farmers.

CalFresh participants who spend 10 EBT dollars on market tokens can get 10 more tokens free at all participating markets, all season long.

Participating Markets

THE MARKET AT GRASS VALLEY
Pine Creek Shopping Center (Raley’s), 650 Freeman Lane
Tuesdays, June 4th through September 24th
8:00 am to 12;00 pm

THE MARKET AT GRASS VALLEY
Corner of South Auburn & Neal Street, Grass Valley
June 6th through September 26th
4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

NEVADA CITY FARMERS’ MARKET
Union Street, Nevada City
June 1st through November 23rd
8:30 am to 1:00 pm

How It Works

If you are already a CalFresh participant, getting your market match is simple. Just follow these three easy steps:

  1. Come out to the Connecting Point booth at any of the participating farmers’ markets.
  2. Show us your EBT card and photo ID. We’ll match your EBT tokens up to $10.
  3. Use your market tokens to buy fruits and veggies from participating farm stands.

If you are interested in applying for CalFresh benefits, you can learn more at Nevada County’s CalFresh website or begin your online application at C4Yourself.

SSI Recipients Eligible for CalFresh Benefits

Informational flyer on CalFresh and SSI
Click on the above image to open a PDF of the flyer.

As of June 1, 2019 people receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will be eligible for CalFresh benefits.

CalFresh (formerly known as Food Stamps) provides financial support to people with low income. CalFresh benefits can be used to buy fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods. The program previously excluded seniors and people with disabilities who received SSI benefits.

This change will increase access to healthy food for many low income families in our community.

The amount of benefits a household receives is dependent on household size, countable income, and monthly expenses, such as housing and utilities. The program issues monthly benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. Food may be purchased at any grocery store or farmers market that accepts EBT cards. (Learn more about using your EBT card at local farmers’ markets here). 

How does this affect specific customers?

• SSI income amounts will not be reduced or eliminated.

• Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) income amounts will increase by $10 per person to align the rates with SSI rates.

• Single persons receiving SSI will be able to apply for benefits starting June 1, 2019. 

• SSI recipients who are included in active CalFresh households will automatically be added to the household’s case when their next report or renewal is due. They do not need to apply.

The State has created a flyer with more information about changes to CalFresh for SSI recipients. In English. En Español.

Learn more about applying for CalFresh benefits here.

Hospice to Host Medical Cannabis Talk

Flyer for the Hospice event

Join Hospice of the Foothills for a talk on the science and application of medical cannabis. Researcher, activist, and cultivator Wade Laughter will cover uses of medical cannabis. Learn how cannabis can impact symptoms like pain, nausea, glaucoma, and appetite loss.
 
Seating is limited. RSVP to 530-274-5161.

Details

What: Presentation on cannabis workshop flyer the Science and Application of Medical Cannabis
When: Thursday, April 25, 5:00 to 6:30 pm
Where: Hospice of the Foothills, 11270 Rough & Ready Hwy, Grass Valley
Cost: Free

USDA Offers Home Repair Loans & Grants for Homeowners with Low Income

California’s housing crisis has put a strain on many individuals and families with low income. It’s critically important that homeowners with low income, particularly seniors, be able to make 

Click on the image above to open a PDF of the flyer.

necessary repairs to stay safely in their own homes.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering financial assistance to meet this community need.

The USDA’s Home Repair Loan and Grant Program offers qualifying rural homeowners low-interest loans or grants to repair roofing, siding, flooring, insulation, electrical, and other health and safety hazards. The program provides grants of up to $7,500 for individuals aged 62 and over and loans of to $20,000 (with interest as low as 1%) for qualifying low-income homeowners of any age.

In Nevada County, annual income limits are $38,350 for a household of one to four people and $50,650 for a household of five to eight people (see table below).

To qualify you must:

  • Be the homeowner and occupy the house
  • Be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere
  • Have a family income below 50% of the area’s median income
  • For grants, be age 62 or older and not be able to repay a repair loan

Nevada County Income Limits:

 Household Size 1-4 People 5-8 People
 Maximum Annual Income $38,350 $50,650

To get your application started, contact Program Specialist Robert Canepa by phone at 530-217-6252 or by email at robert.canepa@usda.gov. USDA Rural Development’s nearest service center is located at 11661 Blocker Drive, Suite 120 in Auburn.To learn more about the Home Repair Loan and Grant Program’s requirements, check out the USDA website or download the flyer for more information.

Cal ABLE Provides Gateway to Financial Security

In California, many people with disabilities and their families rely on a variety of public benefits provided by state and federal governments to make ends meet. They include Supplemental Security Income (SSI), MediCal, CalFresh, and other state health insurance programs.

These programs provide critically important services to people with disabilities but often do not allow individuals to save more than a total of $2,000, or earn more than $680 a month.

These restrictions are a disincentive for people with disabilities and their families to save for long-term needs, leaving them vulnerable to changes in health, living arrangements, unexpected emergencies, or to pay for the cost of care.

The new CalABLE Program opens up life-improving opportunities for people with disabilities and their families. CalABLE allows individuals with disabilities to contribute to tax-free savings and investment accounts without losing their benefits. Eligible individuals can contribute $15,000 a year into an ABLE account and maintain benefits like Medi-Cal and CalFresh.

Contributions to an ABLE account can be made by family, friends, or the beneficiary themselves. The account’s earnings are allowed to accumulate tax-free, and the withdrawals, provided they are applied to qualifying disability expenses, are tax-free.

One of the largest benefits afforded by the ABLE Act is the ability to exclude certain assets from federal means-tested programs. As an example, in order for an individual to obtain Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the countable resources must be worth not more than $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. Savings held in an ABLE account, up to a $100,000 limit, are not counted against the $2,000 limit on personal assets for individuals to qualify for SSI and other public benefits.

In essence, the ABLE Act has increased the cap for countable assets from $2,000 to $100,000 for people with disabilities seeking eligibility for SSI.

See the CalABLE fact sheet for more information or go to the CalABLE website to learn more about this important new program.

Upcoming Forums Focus on Community Needs

The Nevada County Adult & Family Services Commission is seeking community input on the needs of people with very low income in Nevada County.

The commission is holding two Community Forums to learn more about community needs related to the broad issues of poverty, unemployment, education, health, nutrition, housing, homelessness, crime, transportation, delinquency, obstacles to self-sufficiency, and economic opportunity.

Individual community members and representatives of local organizations are invited to share their views and experiences. In Eastern Nevada County, the forum will be held on Thursday, December 6th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the Truckee Government Center, 10075 Levon Avenue. In Western Nevada County, the forum will be held on Friday, December 7th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Nevada County Government Center, 950 Maidu Avenue in Nevada City. Each speaker will be given five minutes to present. A sign-up sheet for speakers will be provided at the door.

If you are unable to attend a Community Forum, you can still make your voice heard by completing a short survey online. There is a survey for individual community members and one for community organizations. If you would like a written form, contact Suzi Kochems by phone at 530-228-7811 or by email at suzi@silkconsultinggroup.com.

The mission of the Adult & Family Services Commission is to represent the community to the Board of Supervisors on issues regarding health and human services and family interests of all residents of Nevada County.  The information gathered at the upcoming Community Forums will contribute to the needs assessment process required as a part of the 2020/21 Community Action Plan (CAP). The CAP is part of the application process for ongoing Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding for supportive service programs.

Details

What: Community Forums on the Needs of People with Low Income

When & Where:

Thursday, December 6th, 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Truckee Government Center, 10075 Levon Avenue, Truckee

Friday, December 7th, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Nevada County Government Center, 950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City