Inside CANI

Happy (belated) New Year!

2012-02-07T05:42:00.000-08:00

It’s hard to believe we’re already into the second month of the New Year. The last two years have been very busy for CANI, and 2012 is shaping up to be just the same. We will continue to serve hundreds of children in our Head Start program, help thousands of people who need help with their utilities and child care, and much more. Just maintaining what we do makes for a busy time. But we have several exciting new developments on tap for 2012 as well.

As of February 1^st, CANI is now managing the Jobs for America’s Graduates program in Northeast Indiana. This program is focused on helping youth stay in school through graduation, pursue post-secondary education, and secure quality entry-level jobs leading to career advancement opportunities. We will be in nine high schools throughout the region, serving 35-45 youth in each school. We have conducted youth services for some time now, but this program is an exciting expansion enabling us to reach more young people from vulnerable backgrounds.

Also this year, CANI submitted our application to become a certified Community Development Financial Institution. We began lending to businesses and individuals a little over a year ago, and have continued to develop our infrastructure over that time. We have already provided seven small business loans and twenty credit-builder loans, and continue to provide for new customers. But the CDFI certification would mark a dramatic increase in our ability to serve many, many more customers.

In 2012 we will also see the completion of our Hopewell Pointe housing development. The 35 single-family homes in Waynedale should be completed by June, marking a significant investment in that community. Already, eight families have moved in – a tremendous housing opportunity for them and the other families who will soon live there.

We will see an expansion of our Poverty Simulation in 2012 as well. This event, which gives participants some degree of appreciation for the issues that low-income families face, has become our signature event. We are seeing increasing demand to put this on in our community, and we are working to increase our capacity to do it many more times per year.

We will continue to work on enhancing all of our programs in 2012, just as we do every year. We will be working on internal improvements to help build an even greater organization. We will be working closely with our partners to enhance our community network of service provision. AND, we will continue to seek resources to do more in every county we serve.

Yes, 2012 is shaping up to be another busy year at CANI. When there are so many people in need, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Spirit of Giving

2011-12-20T07:32:00.000-08:00

As we approach the heart of the holiday season, the spirit of giving is at its yearly high. A lot of us are busy trying to find that perfect gift for friends and loved ones. This can be stressful. Why do we do it?

You’ve heard it said that giving is better than receiving. As a kid, I thought that was a really crazy idea invented by adults to stop us kids from complaining when we didn’t get what we wanted. But it turns out to be true… giving heartfelt gifts feels really great!

I know it may seem self-serving for me to tell you that making a donation to CANI will make you feel really good. But it’s true. Imagine the power of a gift that helps people who are struggling to make ends meet. Imagine a family who cannot put enough food on the table, or is facing eviction or foreclosure, or having their heat disconnected during this cold winter season… and then imagine that you can help.

Without question - in my twelve years at CANI - I have never seen the demand for help so great. We are literally getting over 1,000 calls per week for heating assistance. While we have been able to help more people in certain areas, we continue to have waiting lists in virtually every program we provide. And I know that we are not alone - our partner agencies are experiencing the exact same thing.

Unfortunately, this increased need has been coupled with more pressure than ever before on the resources we have to help people. CANI, like many organizations in our community, has seen funding cut severely or altogether for some programs. This very simply results in fewer resources to help people at a time when we have more people to help.

My appeal to you now is to consider a gift that will last longer than the holiday season. CANI is just one of many agencies in our community that can help you give a gift that you can feel really good about now and throughout the year. If you give to your United Way, your local food bank, or your favorite other social service agency - it will help people. You may even know someone yourself who is struggling – you can help that person or family directly.

If you have the ability to give, please consider a gift to those who are less fortunate – those whose needs may be greater than yours at this moment. There are so many ways you can help – how you do it is not important. The important thing is that you do it.

Giving Thanks

2011-11-17T12:28:00.000-08:00

It may be cliché to write about what I am thankful for – but I am going to do it anyway. After all, Thanksgiving is next week and we are supposed to reflect on all that we are grateful for in our lives, right? CANI is a huge part of my life, so I can’t help but think about all that I am thankful for through my work here.

First and foremost, I am thankful for the wonderful people that I get to work with each and every day. The employees at CANI are highly professional, highly skilled, and above all, highly dedicated to helping people and serving our mission. There are tough days in this business we’re in, and I watch you work hard every day to do all you can to serve the people of northeast Indiana. Thank you.

Here are some other things I am thankful for (in no particular order):

Our Funders (not to be confused with our founders – who I am also thankful for)

Obviously we could do nothing without you. You provide us with financial resources that help people. But more than that, I am thankful for the relationships that we have developed. You help us do our work better.

Our Individual and Business Donors

Donations are critical to us because they help fill the gaps of other funding sources. I know that there are many charities out there that are deserving of your gifts. I am thankful that you have chosen us and our mission as your cause.

Our Volunteers

In particular, our wonderful Board of Directors and Head Start Policy Council members. You help make CANI go every day. You provide excellent leadership and direction for this organization, and I am excited to get to work with you in the coming years.

Our Partners (of which there are many!)

CANI has many different programs, and I am proud of the partnerships we have developed in each one. We work closely with governmental entities, faith-based organizations, businesses, and many, many more. We could not do our work without you.

Our Clients

You may be in a tough spot right now, but we appreciate the opportunity to serve you. We see your love towards your family and how hard you work to meet their needs. It is inspiring! We will continue helping you in any way we can as you work toward your goals.

Our Communities

Whether you know it or not, almost every one of you is involved in some way with our mission to eliminate poverty. When you vote. When you advocate for other people. When you contribute to your church, school, or favorite charity. When you help your neighbor or family member. I appreciate all that you do in the communities where we live and work.

So there you have it… now it’s your turn. What are you thankful for?

The Waiting is the Hardest Part

2011-10-28T09:27:00.000-07:00

Dealing with fluctuating funding levels is not new for CANI. We administer lots of different programs and manage multiple funding streams… and they change literally every year.

However, this year has been a little more stressful than normal for CANI and the families we serve through our Energy Assistance Program (EAP). Our ability to help people pay their utility bills is heavily dependent on a Federal grant that we receive each year. Last year our funding was over $6 million and we served over 12,000 households with those dollars.

Right now we are waiting on Congress to finalize their budget for the upcoming year. What you generally hear on the news is the debate surrounding the politics involved. What we see locally is the effect of the debate not being resolved – thousands of people calling us each week and no guarantee that we will be able to help them.

Because the Federal budget has not been resolved, we can currently only count on 25% of last year’s funding level. This 25% is funding that the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority has allocated out of their own reserves to get us going. At this moment, no Federal funding has been allocated to support heating assistance as we head into the winter months in Northeast Indiana.

As of this week, we have received enough applications and set enough appointments to expend all of the funding we have received so far – and it is not even November yet.

As I said above, fluctuations in funding is normal for CANI as it is for most nonprofit organizations. But the last two years – as both our economy and political environment have been in flux – have been particularly tumultuous.

The most difficult aspect of trying to manage our programs and funds in an environment of uncertainty is seeing the need and not being able to help. And the waiting…

Waiting until we know more so we can make decisions about how to help people the best that we can. One of our least favorite things to do is tell families, “We don’t know… call back later.” We know that families – more than any other time since I’ve been here – are under stress, struggling to make ends meet. But we simply do not know right now whether the funding will be there to serve them.

What I do know is that despite the environment we’re in right now, we have not lost our focus on our mission. We are going to continue to do whatever we can to help communities, families, and individuals eliminate the causes and conditions of poverty. There have always been obstacles to overcome. There probably always will be. But we will keep on making the most of all the resources that are available to us and keep looking for new and better ways to help people overcome their obstacles.

This I am sure of.

What is Poverty?

2011-09-30T07:37:00.000-07:00

The Heritage Foundation’s recently released a report on the state of the poor in the United States entitled “Air Conditioning, Cable TV, and an Xbox: What is Poverty in the United States Today?”

This report does not provide the “full picture” of what it means to be poor in America. I fear it leaves out some imperative context needed to fully understand poverty and poverty-related issues. In short, there are more issues to consider than touched upon in the report.

First of all, we as Americans, tend to have a distorted view of what it means to be impoverished in America. It’s easy to look at people suffering in Africa and associate that with “poverty.” Truth be told, poverty is relative. It can mean everything from living on $1.00 a day in Ethiopia (global poverty), to qualifying for free or reduced lunches in the Midwest (poverty in our backyards.)

According to the Foundation’s findings, “the typical poor household, as defined by the government, has a car and air conditioning,” among other things. Additionally, the report states that “some 96 percent of poor parents report their children were never hungry at any time in the prior year.”

The Foundation posits that these items (car and air conditioner) are luxuries, not necessities. I would like to contest that the current era and standard of living needs to be taken into account. I realize there are alternatives to car ownership. Still, public transportation does not meet most people’s needs. Reaching employers, schools, child care providers, grocery stores and all things we need in our lives simply make private transportation a key need for every family in America today.

As for air conditioners, the mere presence of one is not an indicator of income. It’s not unusual for a rental unit to have one included in the cost of rent; therefore there is no “extra” cost associated with it. What’s more in warm climates, where the temperature can be unsafe (100+ degrees in the summer), air conditioning becomes a health issue. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable to heat exhaustion, dehydration and other related issues.

I question the methodology for obtaining the data on child hunger. Maybe most families are not going hungry because they seek help in the form of food banks or food stamps. (Proof that there is a need for anti-poverty organization like food banks.) Furthermore, there is a psychological component to this question. What parent would want to openly admit that their children are going hungry? The survey is only as accurate as the responses provided, no matter how off base they may be. The sheer embarrassment and guilt of not being able to provide for would certainly affect parents’ responses.

Reports like this offer a chance for public discourse surrounding issues like poverty. And for that reason, I am happy that the report seems to have started a conversation even if we all don’t always come to the same conclusions. Indeed there are always two sides to an issue. But poverty is so complex that we must not put too much stock in a single report that only speaks to outward appearances. There is generally a lot more going on below the surface.

CANI's Service Delivery Model

2011-08-15T07:33:00.000-07:00

In my last blog post, I spoke about CANI’s mission and the various aspects of what it all means. I wanted this time to delve further into our philosophy to reach every family and individual who lives in poverty and provide services in a timely, coordinated manner, so that they can leave poverty behind forever.

CANI serves over half of all the people in poverty in Northeast Indiana every year. Because of this, we are one of the few organizations that can have a true impact on our area’s poverty rates. The trick, of course, is having the system and resources in place to help move all of these families out of poverty for good. That is our challenge, but that is exactly what we’re trying to do.

What does this system look like? Typically a family comes to us for help with a single issue. For example: they need help with their utility bills, or a housing situation, or child care. But what we know is invariably these families have more than one issue they’re facing. If they can’t pay their utility bills, they likely have issues with other bills as well, or they are struggling in their employment situation, or are lacking a certain level of education. They may even be dealing with domestic violence or addictions issues. The point is:

Every family is unique, but almost always, their situation is more complicated than a single program or service will solve.

Our goal then is to build a system that no matter who comes to us or for what reason, we take the time to fully assess the family’s situation, not just their “presenting need” (the reason they came to us.) This process is undertaken together with the family, so that both parties see a more complete picture of the situation.

The key piece then is the next step. When multiple issues are identified we want to be able to provide services to families that meet all those needs, and in a timely manner. Timeliness is crucial. I often think about the finger in the dam analogy here. Families can fix one “hole” at a time, but if they can’t fill all the holes at once, the dam continues to leak and eventually gives way.

And when we speak about services to meet all needs, we’re working on that in two ways. First, and the most desirable, is to create truly integrated relationships with our partners within the community who can provide needed services. By “integrated” we mean, not simply giving a name and number to call, but actually providing access to the service, perhaps even delivering our partners’ service ourselves.

The second way is to add services that CANI itself delivers where it is determined that there are gaps in our community. (In future blog entries, I’ll explain more fully our concept of what the spectrum of family needs is, and more specifically illustrate our collaborative efforts with partners.)

We believe our concept is a good one, but our challenge - why this isn’t fully in place today - is that all this takes resources. Our grants and funding often are constructed in a manner that provides barely enough funding to simply deliver one service, certainly not to provide for the extra time we need to spend with a family to make this concept work.

But we are working every single day to develop those resources and make this system a reality. When we do, we’ll have even more impact on families and our community than we do today.

CANI's Mission or Why I Work at CANI

2011-08-01T09:16:00.000-07:00

As I sit here contemplating what my first blog topic should be my mind keeps going back to our mission. After all, our mission is where it all starts. It’s what we’re all about. It dictates what every person in this organization does every day and how we do it.

And – while I love working at this place and love working with the people here – our mission is why I love this job so much.

CANI’s mission is to help communities, families, and individuals remove the causes and conditions of poverty. Sometimes, when we’re in a hurry to tell our story, we abbreviate that statement, and just say our mission is “to eliminate poverty.” While I think that is fine at times, our full mission statement is important because it conveys the full scope of what it will take to actually eliminate poverty in our community.

The first part of the statement talks about helping communities, families, and individuals. This is an important distinction. I usually describe this part of the mission as “macro” and “micro” level efforts.

Definitely, a very huge part of what we do every day is helping people on the “micro” level, with families and individuals themselves. Our basic philosophy is to reach every family and individual who lives in poverty and provide services in a timely, coordinated manner, so that they can leave poverty behind forever. (I will cover this more in my next post.)

But poverty is also impacted by bigger, “macro” types of issues like the systems and policies that affect people and the economic conditions in which they live. Tackling these issues requires work in advocacy, system-building, capacity-building, and economic development.

The second half of our mission statement is just as important as the first: “remove the causes and conditions of poverty.”

Obviously, our greatest hope is to get to the root causes of poverty, because ultimately that’s where true, lasting change will occur. We would much rather “teach someone how to fish” rather than “give fish away.” In fact, the bulk of what we do is developing programs and designing systems that help families get at the root causes of the issues they face.

However, to comprehensively fight poverty, we cannot ignore the conditions of poverty.

This is where Maslow’s hierarchy of needs applies in our world – people need to have their basic needs met before they can concentrate on higher needs. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to focus on things like getting an education or building assets when you must be focused on things like how you’re going to eat today or where you will be sleeping tonight.

Can we ever eliminate poverty?

In my 12 years at CANI I’ve had many, many people tell me that we can’t. But I believe emphatically that we can! It’s a huge job – and it might take longer than I’ll be around – but here’s the very simple reason why I know we can do it…

I see families we serve leave poverty behind all the time.

Why do we presume that not everyone can do it, when we have proof that so many can? It’s CANI’s challenge, and privilege, to help all families and individuals in our community leave poverty behind forever.

The Internet is for Everyone

2011-07-11T07:54:00.000-07:00

The Internet can provide a wealth of information and can add real value to our lives. However, low-income families often lag behind their middle income peers when it comes to access to the Internet. This is known as the “digital divide.” According to the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, 63 percent of families with incomes under $30,000 use the Internet; while 92 percent of families earning $50,000-$74,999 are online.

Think of the daily tasks you perform online: banking, completing applications, and even staying informed about current events. Imagine if you didn’t have this convenience. It’s easy to take such a tool for granted. As more and more offices and institutions are becoming paperless, the need for high-speed Internet access is becoming imperative.

There are multiple benefits for low-income families when services are provided online. With access to information and the potential ability to submit applications any time, families are not limited to applying for benefits in-person at local offices within specific timeframes. Also, transportation is not a barrier when you can take care of business from a computer anywhere.

At CANI, we try to accommodate families’ schedules, but it’s impossible to cater to everyone. That’s why Internet access can be very important, especially for working parents who might not have flexible schedules. We offer several of our applications online, but a lot of families still depend on on-site appointments to get assistance because they may not have access to the internet.

Many individuals rely on resources like the public library system to do online tasks. We are fortunate to have a great library system in Allen County that offers this resource and many others, but not every community has that.

CANI has recently learned of a company who is trying to make the Internet more accessible for low-income families. Comcast is offering an Internet Essentials package to families whose children receive free school lunches. Internet Essentials is aimed at helping more students and families have access to the Internet. In addition to a lower price, the Internet Essentials package offers a low-cost computer available at initial enrollment and access to free training.

We applaud companies who are willing to offer services at a fair price to people who have limited incomes. This is a step in the right direction.

How well do YOU tip?

2011-06-22T13:18:00.000-07:00

Next time you go out for a meal, here’s some food for thought. How well do you tip?

As you likely know, servers rely on the bulk of their income to come in the form of tips. The base pay of $2.13/hour is barely enough to fill up a tank of gas, let alone support a family.

The truth is low-wage jobs like food service are among the most popular for our clients because they don’t require higher education. Still that doesn’t mean they don’t work just as hard as their college educated peers. So, next time you’re enjoying a meal out, think about the story behind your server or cashier.

Here’s one:

Tina is a recovered drug addict. She is on the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program, which involves housing assistance, along with case management to educate families on how to break the cycle of homelessness.

Tina works full-time at Burger King and if it weren’t for the program she would not be able to pay her full rent. According to her case manager, she is trying to become self-sufficient, paying a portion of her rent and utilities. She receives food stamps assistance, but still has to rely on food pantries to feed her family.

What is most challenging is that her hours are not consistent. Unlike a standard 9-to-5 job, she cannot depend on a 40 hour work week to make ends meet. Tina will more than likely need to be on income based housing until she can find employment that will bring in sufficient income.

Unfortunately, Tina’s story is a pretty common depiction of the everyday struggles of the working poor. Millions of American breadwinners, like Tina, work hard to support their families. But, despite their determination and effort, many are mired in low-wage jobs that provide inadequate benefits and offer little opportunity for advancement and economic security. If you’re curious about the state of working families in Indiana, check out this report from the Indiana Community Action Association.

You can do your part to help by leaving a fair tip. Remember, every little bit helps.

Take the summer "on"

2011-06-14T09:36:00.000-07:00

The school year is over. For most, summer conjures up pleasant images: swimming pools, ice cream, baseball games, family vacations. For many low-income children the summer isn’t always a day at the beach. Still, there are ways for YOU to help and make a difference in a child’s life:

Low-income children and youth often miss out on fun childhood experiences due to money constraints or transportation issues.

How you can help: Donate money to CANI’s Youth Program or serve as a mentor for a middle-school aged student for a career shadow session. Mentors are needed in the following professions: Teacher (2), Mediator/Facilitator, OB-GYN, Lawyer (2), Nurse, Special Education Teacher, Physical Therapist, Forensic Scientist, Pet store owner/Veterinarian (2), Police Officer, and Video Game Designer. Mentors will need to commit to 3-5 days during one of the following weeks: June 27, July 11 or July 18. This is a great opportunity to empower youth and enhance your company’s reputation. Contact Rachel Eldridge for more information.

How you can help: Support Wellspring’s Summer Day Camp program – one of the few free Day Camp options available during the summer.

How you can help: Become a Big Brother or Big Sister – this will help not just during the summer, but all year long.

Many children rely on the school system for two square meals a day. What happens in the summer? Are they eating healthy food or any at all?

How you can help: Donate food to a summer program or food bank. Locally, Community Harvest Food Bank has a Kids Café, where they serve hot meals for children in need.

Many students who struggle academically are assigned a tutor during the school year. This is great, but they need year-round attention to improve or stay on track for the next year.

How you can help: Volunteer for a summer volunteer opportunity through Learn United. Low-income students fall behind academically during the summer because they are not exposed to the same kinds of learning opportunities as their wealthier counterparts.

Music: Comfort in the storms of life

2011-05-25T14:03:00.000-07:00

The other night I had the pleasure of listening to a talented musician play at a local coffeehouse. Unbeknownst to most, the man is a CANI client. The man, Mike,* fell into a cycle of homelessness and therefore poverty.

When I interviewed him nearly a year ago, he had just found affordable housing through a CANI program. The Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program (HPRP) involves case management and housing assistance to help people learn how to break the cycle of homelessness. Case worker Gwen Brown has been working with Mike the past year and has helped him get back on his feet. He has since maintained gainful employment and seems to be on the right track.

In the interview Mike mentioned his love of music and past experience as a musician. It seems he has pursued his passion and I am happy for him. I imagine it takes a lot to pick up the guitar after putting it aside for so long.

As I listened to him play a variety of folk and rock songs, I was overwhelmed with joy. It was clear by his facial expressions that he was on “cloud nine” doing what he loves. Music has the ability to take away pain, something he alluded to in a few songs he had composed and performed. Studies have shown the power music has to calm, comfort and reduce stress. Still studies are only as valid or relevant as their real-life anecdotes that support them. Mike certainly re-affirmed this concept for me.

I wish Mike the best and hope he continues to play.

*The name has been changed for confidentiality reasons.

What does it mean to be Middle Class?

2011-05-11T13:41:00.000-07:00

What exactly is a Middle-Class income? If you consider yourself among the Middle Class you’re in the majority, according to a recent report from the Pew Research Center.

Unlike the Federal Poverty Guideline, which lays out specific metrics, this term seems elusive. Still, people seem to have assigned their own meanings and definitions to this social class. Put simply, this is a label people assign to themselves or their peers. I think the same holds true with poverty, except that people aren’t as willing to associate themselves with this label. Poverty can be a dirty word in some circles.

Even at CANI we face this issue. Our families come to us for help but they don’t necessarily want to be labeled as “low-income” or “poor.” We are sensitive to that stigma and do our best to acknowledge that.

If you aren’t poor, then does that make you Middle Class? The survey’s findings indicate that 53 percent of adults describe themselves as Middle Class. Demographic data shows that the median family income is about $52,000. About half of the respondents who identify as Middle Class earn between $30,000 and $100,000 annually. But about one-in-ten (9 percent) earn between $20,000 and $29,999 annually, and another 12 percent say they make under $20,000 annually.

The bottom line: this term is relative and difficult to pin down. A social and economic construct, it makes Middle Class a messy concept. Is someone making $40,000 a year in New York City considered Middle Class? What about a $100,000-a-year plumber in Nebraska?

So, how about you? What do you consider Middle Class?

Mental Illness Plays a Part in the Complexities of Poverty

2011-04-11T12:05:00.000-07:00

A new study suggests people with low incomes are more likely to suffer mental illness than their more affluent peers. It also found that a decrease in income is associated with increased risk of anxiety, substance abuse and mood disorders.

There is solid data to back this claim. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 35,000 adults aged 20 and older who took part in the U.S. National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions. The participants were interviewed twice, three years apart.

The results were astounding. Participants with household income of less than $20,000 per year were at increased risk of incident mood disorders during the three-year follow-up period in comparison with those with income of $70,000 or more per year.

Likewise, participants whose household income dropped between interviews were also at an increased risk of mood and anxiety disorders and substance abuse, compared to participants whose income didn't drop.

At CANI, we have firsthand experience with mental illness and its corollary relationship to poverty. The Shelter Plus Care program helps pay a portion housing costs for people who are homeless and battling a mental illness, HIV/AIDS or substance abuse. Currently, two thirds of our clients on this program have a diagnosis of a Serious Mental Illness (SMI).

There is hope in the form of success stories like Kim, a client on the Shelter Plus Care program. Kim lost her husband in 2006 and subsequently her source of income. With no family support and suffering from mental illness she was left to fend for herself. Desperate for help, she inquired at the CANI office in Steuben County. Soon Family Development Support Worker Sandra Smith connected with Kim.

Over the past three years, Sandra has helped Kim find a safe and affordable place to live, secure food; obtain prescription medications, and perhaps most importantly, find a source of income.

Eliminating poverty is a complex task. Family Development provides the intensive coordination of services, assessment, action planning, and ongoing support needed by many families in order to move them out of poverty. Programs like Shelter Plus Care allow CANI to provide extra help to individuals coping with mental illness.

Be a not-so-secret-activist

2011-03-30T14:29:00.000-07:00

The other night I tuned into a great new show on ABC called “The Secret Millionaire.” I’m not normally one for reality TV, but this program held my attention.

The premise of the show is that self-made millionaires are sent to spend a week in the nation’s poorest areas and find the “Good Samaritans” in their communities. As you can imagine, these affluent business people get a jolt of reality as they reside in local housing on welfare-level wages.

Along the way they encounter selfless individuals who continually sacrifice everything to help anyone in need, and ultimately encourage others to do the same. Here’s the best part: at the end of the show they reveal their true identity and donate their own money to these local heroes.

While most of us are not millionaires, I think the show still has a relevant message for everyone who wants to make a difference. We can all do good deeds in our communities. That doesn’t cost a dime. Volunteer at your local soup kitchen. Offer to baby-sit for the single mother next door. Cook a meal for an elderly person. If you want to make your commitment public, you can post a comment right here on our blog. We would love to hear about the good deeds you’re doing; don’t keep it a secret!

Remember, any global change starts locally. As Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round…

2011-03-24T06:28:00.000-07:00

Working in the Development office at CANI, it’s easy to feel removed from the daily goings on of the people we help. However, a recent experience allowed me to reconnect with what makes working at CANI so worthwhile.

Every year, CANI Head Start performs a self-assessment, as required by the federal government for grant funding. This process ensures we are providing quality early childhood education by meeting or exceeding system and service requirements. By using the Self-Assessment processes, Head Start sites can annually assess how speciﬁc aspects of their program’s operations impact services delivered to children and families. Self-Assessment is not an isolated event, but along with ongoing monitoring, is an integral part of a program’s planning cycle. The hope is that every year the program improves so that we can provide the best early childhood curriculum in the nation.

CANI Head Start calls for staff and community members to volunteer their time to help with this tedious but important process. I agreed to help and was assigned to ride the bus for pick-up and drop-off for Head Start students at the East Wayne Street Center. (Note: CANI Head Start no longer offers bus service. The East Wayne site operates separately from CANI Head Start but has an association with the agency.)

The bus ride was a great way to see how students interacted with one another, the bus monitor and the driver. They were all upbeat and excited about beginning or ending their day at Head Start. All were adorable in their own right. Some sang; some slept and some just took it all in.

These children, like most children, seemed as though they did not have a care in the world. They have loving families who want them to succeed. Their families may not have the same level of financial resources as others, but the amount of money you have does not affect the bond you have with family. At the end of the day - families are families.

Make no mistake, some of these children’s families are probably facing hardships that you or I may never face, but to see the children’s faces – you would never know.

So if you need a pick-me-up, I recommend you spend an hour or two with a bunch of pre-school-aged children. I guarantee you won’t take life nearly as seriously. C’mon…how can you keep a straight face when you are singing about monkeys?

Finding the Right Fit for College

2011-02-09T13:10:00.000-08:00

At CANI, we recognize that higher education is the foundation required to earn a livable wage, provide for your family and live a healthy productive life. But are all higher education institutions equal? Does it matter if you go to a for-profit or a non- profit school?

Last October, new rules were released by the Obama administration to strengthen federal student aid programs at for-profit, nonprofit and public institutions. The new rules are meant to protect students from aggressive or misleading recruiting practices among other things.

According to the U.S. Department of Education’s Web site, students who attend for-profit colleges account for only 11 percent of America's college students, but they represent 26 percent of all student loans and 43 percent of student loan defaults. It’s likely that those students—many of whom are low-income— will be hounded by creditors for the rest of their lives.

Indeed a college diploma can open many doors. Higher education can lead to a better paying job, which in turn can lead to an increased level of economic security. Education, income and basic needs create interdependent building blocks for personal and community prosperity.

If you are considering enrolling in higher education, here are a few points to consider:

Choose a school with regional or national accreditation for the department or degree program you’re studying in;
Beware of claims of high, i.e. 80% or 90% job placement after graduation. These numbers seem too good to be true and are generally not substantiated;
Be sure the school offers qualified instructors with job experience or advanced degrees.

If you or a family member are interested in pursing higher education and need help get started, CANI is here to help. Contact our Family Development program, (260) 423-3546.

Remembering Our Roots

2011-01-25T06:32:00.000-08:00

Community Action has lost its father. Last week, the world mourned the loss of R. Sargent Shriver, Jr. at the age of 95. Mr. Shriver was a distinguished public servant and a visionary leader whose work laid the foundation for the Community Action movement as we know it today.

As Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity in the Johnson Administration in the mid-1960s, Shriver developed a multi-faceted “War on Poverty” designed to transform the economic and social roots of the conflict over civil rights in America. Like the Peace Corps, the programs of the War on Poverty - including Head Start, Job Corps, VISTA, Community Action Program, Legal Services to the Poor, and Foster Grandparents - continue to serve Americans today.

This man serves as an inspiration for those everywhere who wish to make a difference in the world. This quote pretty much sums up his work:

"It is not what you get out of life that counts. It's what you give and what is given from the heart."

More than anything his death serves as a reminder of the importance of giving back. I hope you will do the same!

You can read more about his Community Action legacy here.

A Second Chance?

2011-01-18T09:36:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago we heard the heartwarming story of a homeless man who gained national attention for his “golden voice” after being discovered by the Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch.

The man, Ted Williams, went from panhandling on the side of the road to an overnight sensation. As I read deeper into his story, I found out that this man once had a successful radio career, but lost everything due to drug and alcohol addictions. He fell into a cycle of homelessness and was reduced to begging on the side of the road in Columbus.

It’s amazing how life can change drastically in the course of one day. Since his “discovery” Williams has received queries from big names like the Cleveland Cavaliers, MTV, Entertainment Tonight, and others.

This story illustrates the power of a second chance. People become homeless for any of a number of reasons. Maybe if more people changed their attitudes about homeless people (and people down and out in general) the world might be a better place.

Click here to watch the CBS interview, where he shares his journey.

Healthy Kids Good for All of Us

2010-12-21T09:33:00.000-08:00

Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010: A “Win” for Low-income Children

In the midst of political divisions, we can rejoice in some good news. On Dec. 13, President Obama signed into law the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 – also known as the Child Nutrition Reauthorization bill.

This new law will make enormous strides in the nutrition standards and availability of the foods served in our schools.

This bill guarantees that more children will have access to the healthy, nutritious foods they need to thrive – both during the school year and during the summer.

This is great news because with our economy still in recovery mode, this bill ensures that children from struggling families will receive a reduced cost or free school lunch. It also helps ensure that those foods are healthier and sets important standards for foods not already in the school lunch program.

Child hunger is a real problem in this country. Currently, the poverty rate for children is 20.7 percent – up from 15.6 percent in 2000. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 directs resources to a variety of programs that fight hunger and malnutrition in our communities. These programs include the Summer Food Service Program, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and the National School Lunch Program.

The new law also works to stem the dramatic rise in childhood obesity in the United States by removing sugary drinks and candy in our schools’ cafeterias and increasing funding for fruits and vegetables. This is especially crucial as one in three children are currently either overweight or obese – up dramatically over the last 20 years.

Click here to see a video of President Obama signing the bill into law.

Hunger in our backyards

2010-11-22T07:46:00.000-08:00

While many of us gather around Thanksgiving feasts with copious amounts of food, families on limited incomes are struggling to feed their children.

Although we might not realize it, hunger is a serious issue plaguing our country. Nearly 50 million people in the United States regularly don't have access to adequate amounts of food, the highest number ever since records have been kept. At some point in their lives, 50 percent of all children in this country will have relied on food stamps for survival.

Feeling guilty yet?

Instead of simply sitting around and feeling bad, do something! I thought of a few things that we can do to combat hunger:

1) If there's one thing that any of us can do, regardless of expertise or resources, it's volunteer time at a local food bank or soup kitchen. While some people, particularly around the holidays, do volunteer to help feed the hungry, it's really a full-time job and the people who operate these facilities need full-time support. We have several soup kitchens in the area – check your local listings to find one near you.

2) If you grow your own food you might consider planting an extra row this spring to help feed the hungry. Millions of pounds of fruits, vegetables and herbs are already donated each year by gardeners throughout the country. You can be among them!

3) Support companies and stores that donate to hunger relief causes.

4) Donate to CANI; CANI combats hunger by connecting families to resources for food and helping them on become self-sufficient.

Sick Days? Not for the Working Poor

2010-10-25T13:58:00.001-07:00

“Would you like a sneeze with that?”

Unfortunately for many who work in the food industry, sick days are simply not an option.
A recent survey underlines the sick reality (pun intended) for workers in the restaurant industry.
The Restaurant Opportunity Center, a national organization that helps train and advocate for workers, released a recent report that might make you sick to your stomach in more ways than one.

The report, “Serving While Sick,” is based on more than 4,000 worker surveys and hundreds of interview with employers and workers (mostly full-time) from across the country. It is the largest survey of its kind, and its findings call attention to some frightening trends in the industry.

Perhaps least surprising is the fact that almost 90 percent of those responding to the survey did not receive health insurance from their employer. If that fact weren’t bad enough, 90 percent of restaurant workers don't receive paid sick days and nearly two thirds (63 percent) reported that they cooked or served food while sick.

To me this unsettling fact extends beyond the rights of the worker. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see how this might affect the health of the consumer. Who wants to eat food prepared by someone who might accidentally sneeze on it?

Disgusted? Oh, but it gets worse. The report found that nearly half of restaurant workers had cut themselves on the job and almost 45 percent had burned themselves. According to the report, immigrants and people of color, who make up the majority of the restaurant workforce, were particularly impacted and, "experience the combination of poor job conditions, high workplace risk factors and low access to employment benefits."

This is certainly a case where the plight of the poor affects us all… especially if you eat in restaurants. Now that’s some food for thought!

For more information about how CANI helps connect people to medical care, see our Web site: www.canihelp.org/CoveringKids.htm.

Healthcare Reform and YOU

2010-09-16T14:00:00.000-07:00

Healthcare reform has been a hot topic of conversation in the past year; but what does it all mean to YOU? How will it affect our community? Tune in to a special program Sept. 22nd at 7:30 p.m., on PBS, Channel 39 and find out for yourself!

This half hour call-in program, called “A Closer Look a Healthcare Reform,” will feature expert panelists:
• Mary Haupert, Executive Director, Neighborhood Health Clinic
• David Roos, Executive Director, Covering Kids and Families of Indiana
• Jim Porter, Senior VP Revenue Cycle Management, Parkview Health
• Paige Wilkins, Covering Kids and Families Supervisor, CANI

Tune in, call in, and learn what you need to know about healthcare reform.

School Supplies: Breaking the Bank?

2010-09-02T21:43:00.000-07:00

It’s back-to-school time, and that has me thinking a lot about an issue that has generated quite some buzz. The rising cost of school supplies is a drain on all socioeconomic classes, but low-income families especially feel the pinch.

In addition to buying new clothes, backpacks, lunch bags, etc. parents are expected to shell out more money for “communal” school supplies for classrooms.
So what are these parents supposed to do? Choose between buying food and school supplies? Purchase some of the supplies and hope it works out?
The stark reality is that back to school time costs the average family about $424, according to the National Retail Federation. That includes $225 for clothing, $103 for shoes and $96 for school supplies.

Luckily there are programs out there for needy families, such as the Salvation Army Fort Wayne’s Tools for Schools. The Salvation Army Tools for School program is designed to provide basic school supplies for children whose parents cannot afford the items necessary for their child(ren) to succeed in school. The program compensates for some basic expenses by supplying children with book bags, notebooks, pens and pencils, etc.

The Tools for School program operates on the generosity of people in the community who donate needed supplies during the summer months. More than 1,700 children were assisted during the 2010 Tools for School campaign here in Fort Wayne.

Those who want to be further engaged can Adopt a Classroom. Through this project donors provide additional funds to purchase hands on learning materials.

Bottom line: All children deserve a quality education and school supplies are part of that equation. If you can help … do it!

Child Care: More Expensive than College?

2010-08-16T17:27:00.000-07:00

Parents need affordable and reliable child care so they can go to work or school. Child care is among the top expenses for working families, and there is no sign of relief in the near future.

Since 2000, the cost of child care has increased twice as fast as the median income of families with children. Families in Indiana are not immune from this trend. According to a study from the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (NACCRRA), “Parents and the High Cost of Child Care,” Indiana is among the ten least-affordable states for full-time infant care in a center. The other nine states include Massachusetts, New York, Minnesota, Colorado, California, Oregon, Illinois, Washington and Wisconsin.

To put this in perspective, in 40 states the average annual cost for center-based care for an infant was higher than a year’s tuition and related fees at a four-year public college, according to the report. Something is very wrong here.

So why are childcare costs on the rise? The study says that it actually has to do with the recession. Because many parents have been forced to work part-time, get second jobs, or work odd hours, their child care needs have been changing. Part-time childcare and care during odd hours is more expensive.

So what can we do to remedy the situation? NACCRRA makes the following recommendations:

• Increase investments in child care fee assistance and in quality improvement efforts.
• Provide resources for expanding child care capacity to meet the child care needs for working families.
• Reduce barriers that prevent families from easily accessing child care fee assistance.
• Meet the child care needs of working families by ensuring that publicly funded pre-kindergarten and Head Start programs make full-day, year-round child care services available.
• Design a system of child care that helps families at all income levels have access to affordable, high-quality child care.
• Improve state and federal tax credits and deductions to help all families pay for child care.
• Require the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in conjunction with the National Academy of Sciences, to determine the cost of quality child care and report back to Congress.

These are a few ideas. What ideas do you have?

CANI is the intake agent for the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) in Allen, DeKalb, Elkhart, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, and Whitley counties. The CCDF helps families afford quality child care. Parents must be working, going to school, or receiving job training to qualify.

However, funding is limited for CCDF and there is almost always a waiting list. Can you help? Would you like to sponsor a family who needs help paying for child care? Email me, laurencaggiano@canihelp.org for more information on how you can help.

For more information about CANI’s Child Care Assistance program, visit. www.canihelp.org.ChildCare.htm.

Homelessness: A Gray Area

2010-08-03T10:11:00.001-07:00

If you have a roof over your head, you can’t be homeless, right? That’s not always the case. Homelessness is a complicated issue and, not always easy to define by government standards.

According to the Center for American Progress, shared housing situations among the poor in America are commonplace. Specifically, this refers to a scenario like a mother raising her children in her parents’ home. Others might stay with other relatives (grandparents, cousins, aunts, or uncles, friends, or acquaintances.)

These shared housing situations are often referred to as being “doubled-up,” and in some circumstances they’re considered a form of homelessness due to their high levels of instability. “Doubling up” is defined by the Center as an individual or family living in a housing unit with extended family, friends, and other non-relatives due to economic hardship, earning no more than 125 percent of the federal poverty level.

The doubled-up population also has also been growing steadily, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness. In 2008 there was an 8.5-percent increase in the number of people in families who were sharing the housing of others due to economic hardship compared to 2005.

Sadly these living situations are often not a matter of choice, but rather one of necessity.
These “doubled up” families represent a stark reality in the housing market. 51 percent of low-income renters and 43 percent of low-income homeowners in 2007 spent more than half their income on housing.

And the recession hasn’t helped their cause. Elevated rates of unemployment, long-term unemployment, and underemployment are greatly harming these families as many find themselves unable to keep up with mortgage and rent payments.

The worst part about this situation is that only some of these families and individuals are counted as homeless, but maybe they all should be?

According to the 2010 Point in Time Homeless Count of Hoosiers, an annual census designed to count the number of homeless in a region, there were approximately 585 people experiencing homelessness in northeast Indiana.

Per the count, “homeless” is defined as anyone staying in a shelter, living on the streets or in a place unfit for human habitation. “Doubled up” and temporarily housed folks do not count as “homeless” unless they are staying in a motel as an alternative to a shelter that is paid for with public funds.

Here is the breakdown of the results of the census:

• 418 households
• 337 single adults
• 55% male/ 45% female
• 81 families
• 155 Children in families
To me, these figures are misleading because, according to the state, they don’t account for “doubled up” families. Think of the families who are not being accounted for, many whom are teetering on the edge of homelessness.

To read more about this trend, check out the Center for American Progress article.

A Leap of Faith

2010-07-13T13:22:00.000-07:00

I live downtown and encounter people asking for money on a regular basis. (These people may or may not be homeless or in need.) So when a man approached in my apartment parking with a “sob story,” I was quick to write him off as just another fraud.

I’m glad I didn’t. Sometimes a man in need is truly a man in need.

The man, named Tracy, was in need of gas money to drive down to Indianapolis to be with his daughter who was in critical condition at Riley Hospital for Children. He told me he had tried to get help from some churches downtown, but they were closed since it was in the evening. His last resort was to ask someone for money. That someone happened to be myself.

Despite hearing his sad story, I was reluctant at first. After all, I was going on vacation and strapped for cash myself. Yet something inside told me to help him. I caved and gave him all I had in my wallet. (a measly $7) Despite my donation, he told me he still didn’t have enough money to fill his gas tank. I hesitated and then took a leap of faith. I told him to wait there while I went upstairs to my apartment to get more money.

I returned and he was waiting patiently. I handed him the cash. He expressed gratitude for my generosity and told me how I was a blessing. He reassured me he would settle up with me when he was paid in a few days. I was going out of town, so I told him there was no hurry. Still, he was insistent on repaying his debt and asked for my phone number so he could get in touch.

While on vacation I pondered the incident and wondered if the man was genuine. I had told myself that, if nothing else, I had done a good deed. I didn’t expect to see the money again.

To my surprise, I had a voicemail from Tracy waiting for me when I returned. He said he wanted to meet up to repay the money. I returned his call and told him his honesty was refreshing, but not to worry about repaying me. I asked that he donate the money to a charity.

Moral of the story? Sometimes you have to go out on a limb to help people. Sure, there might be people out there trying to cheat the system, but for every one of those, there are probably four who are truly in need.

Schools Face the Facts of Poverty

2010-06-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

A good indicator of poverty is the percentage of students who come from families who are at or below the Poverty Line.
Children who attend these schools face so many disadvantages over their more affluent peers. If you thought things were bad before the financial crisis, they just got a lot worse.

According to the newest report from the U.S. Department of Education, 16,122 schools in the U.S. are considered to be "high poverty" schools. ”High Poverty Schools” are defined in part as children who are coming to school hungry each day.

In public schools, if more than three-quarters of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, they are labeled as such. Between the 1999-2000 and 2007-2008 school years, the percentage of high poverty schools rose from 12 to 17 percent. The alarming part is these figures don’t take the recession into account. Think about the stark reality of these statistics.

The report also indicates that the overall poverty level of children rose, leading researchers to believe that more children are signing up for free meal programs.

Let’s face it−children who attend high poverty schools face incredible difficulties beyond the mere fact they are poor. Put simply, they are not treated the same as their middle or upper class peers.
How so? For one, they are far less likely to be taught by teachers with advanced degrees. Most well-educated teachers flock to affluent districts where they don’t have to worry about the issues surrounding poverty.

Also, studies indicate that low-income students are less likely to graduate from high school. For example, an average of 68 percent of 12th grade students in high poverty schools graduated in 2007-2008, compared with a shocking 91 percent at low poverty schools. Even worse, high poverty school graduates enrolled in a four-year college or university 28 percent of the time, whereas 52 percent of graduates from low poverty schools did the same.

Like it or not, something has to be done. Children are our future. Programs like Head Start help preschool aged children and their families, but what happens when they graduate from the program? Who is advocating for them when they enter the school system?

We all need to advocate for quality education for all students. No child should be educated differently based on his or her income level. After all, obtaining an education is part of breaking the cycle of poverty. It may not be the ultimate solution, but it is a good place to start.

The Ugly Truth about Poverty and Obesity

2010-06-01T08:06:00.000-07:00

Obesity is a problem that is plaguing our country, but did you know that the poor are the most vulnerable to this health risk?

You might think poor people would be thin, given that they are scraping by on what little sustenance they can afford.

The truth it’s not how much (or little) they are eating, but what they are eating. Some critics point to the mass availability of highly processed packaged foods and cheap meat made possible by government subsidy programs.

When hunger strikes and money is tight, many families tend to purchase the foods that offer the greatest caloric content for the price. More “bang for your buck,” so to speak. Unfortunately, these products usually aren't fruits and vegetables.

The fact that there is a correlation between poverty and obesity is not new news. It has been documented in numerous studies, and can be observed first-hand in many low-income communities across the country. So, the question is really this: how do we fix it?

Here are a few actions commonly proposed by policymakers:

• Stop the grain crop subsidy program that makes unhealthy processed food and cheap meat the most widely-available products in low-income communities.
• Call for an investment in school nutrition program to educate children about the importance of healthy eating.
• Begin to restrict the food WIC, SNAP and other recipients of federal food aid are allowed to purchase with their government benefits.

What do you think? Of course these suggestions would not totally eliminate the poverty/obesity link, but they could help to make healthy food more widely available, and consumed, in low-income communities.

A Fair Chance?

2010-04-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

We all know poverty is hard enough on adults, but what about the kids?

A new study published in the journal Pediatrics April 12 indicates that the causes and conditions of poverty can slow a child’s development. Older research did not take factors like limited access to food and inconsistent home heating into account when studying the effects of poverty on children.

The study involved more than 7,000 children aged 4 months to 3 years who were brought to urban primary-care clinics or hospital emergency departments for care. Overall, these children were less likely to have normal growth, health and development -- or "wellness" -- if their scores were higher on an index that evaluated hardships. The discrepancy remained even after the researchers took into account factors that might throw off their findings.

It seems to me children in poverty do not get an equal shot at life. They don’t just end up behind; they start out behind. This data only underscores the fact that low-income children are fighting an upward battle when compared to their more affluent peers.
Still, we must tell ourselves the remedies are accessible. We can make sure that every kid in our communities has access to warm, stable housing, education, nutritious food and a safe environment. That’s where programs like Head Start come in, to level the playing field. No child should be left behind in this great land of opportunity.

Do your grandparents live in poverty?

2010-04-13T07:03:00.000-07:00

What does retirement look like to you? Are you relaxing on a beach in Florida? Maybe playing golf everyday?

Unfortunately for many older Americans this leisurely lifestyle is far from reality. Due to the recession and other factors, many retirees live day-to-day on limited means. This generation worked hard for their retirement, but now are faced with a harsh reality of living in poverty.

Despite the Medicare/Medicaid and Social Security programs, millions of senior citizens are forced to live "on the edge." They have little money to provide for food, utilities, medical care or other basic needs.

However, according to the Federal Poverty Guidelines, these people are not considered to be “poor.” They are not able to qualify for federal government assistance because "they make too much money."

Why is this the case? The federal government is still using a formula from the 1960s that does not include housing costs and ever-rising medical expenses. Premiums for Medicare insurance alone have increased considerably in the last few years.

This reality might hit close to home if you have grandparents on fixed incomes. So what can you do to help the situation? You can start by lobbying your representatives to urge changes in income guidelines for assistance programs. And of course, you can support organizations like CANI that helps people at a variety of income levels (from the poorest of the poor on up to those who are very near, but not quite at, economic self-sufficiency). I know I don’t want my grandma to have to scrape by to live. Do you?

Stand Up For Yourself and Be Counted!

2010-04-01T06:55:00.000-07:00

If you haven’t done so already, it’s the perfect time to complete your Census form.

It’s just a questionnaire, what’s the big deal, you ask?

Well it is a big deal, in fact a HUGE deal.

The United States Census 2010 is important to CANI (and all Community Action Agencies) for a variety of reasons. First, it is this official count that is used as the key variable in a wide array of funding decisions for federal tax revenue. In fact, they tell me that $400 BILLION dollars worth of funding decisions are at least in part determined with Census data.

But there's more. In our efforts to engage the community and address the issues of poverty and economic stability, we need to be able to paint an accurate picture of our community. Where's the growth? What are the trends? What does our community look like? The Census helps to frame the picture and then CANI and other organizations add context.

Lastly, the Census puts people to work who might not otherwise be employed. In other words, they're hiring a LOT of people. Most of these will be temporary jobs but they pay pretty well, are very flexible, and might help create a cleaner, more impressive work history for someone to take with them to their next interview.

So what are you waiting for? Complete the application now!

Living in Poverty: Easier Said Than Done

2010-03-17T11:33:00.000-07:00

Could your family survive on budget of about $1,800 a month?
Just the other day our executive director, Joe, and I were discussing how the families we serve are truly fighting an uphill battle. They work hard but can’t seem to make enough to get ahead.
According to the government (Department of Health and Human Services), a family of four making $22,050 would be classified as living in poverty in 2009.
This figure seems unreasonably low to me. In fact, the Institute for Working Families, a program of the Indiana Community Action Association (INCAA) has challenged this figure. According to the Institute, a family of four (two adults with one preschool aged and one school aged child) required a minimum of about $42,000 to sustain themselves in the Fort Wayne area in 2009.
That translates to monthly figures of: $667 for housing, $680 for food, $603 for childcare, $440 for transportation, $417 for healthcare, $409 for taxes and $281 for miscellaneous expenses.
When I look at my bare-bones budget, it comes to about $26,000 annually. And that’s just for myself. Think about the added expenses of three other people in a household!
Consider this as food for thought next time you think money’s tight!

Do YOU have a story?

2010-02-26T12:10:00.000-08:00

It’s no secret that we have been facing a weak economy. Some recent data provides the real numbers that reflect what we have been seeing at CANI.

According to an article from the Associated Press, Indiana’s 211 network, which connects callers with health and human services agencies that can help provide food, utility and housing assistance, saw an 18 percent increase in calls. That translates to thousands of Hoosiers calling for help with utility and food bills.
The state's call centers fielded a record 445,000 calls in 2009, up from about 374,000 in 2008, said John Krom, executive director of the Indiana 211 Partnership based in Indianapolis, the article stated.
Many of those seeking help last year were first-time callers. These may be people who normally get by, but hard times have caused them to seek assistance. Health care, utility assistance and food topped the list of requests in 2009, according to the center's year-end report.
The Northeast Indiana 211 center, which serves 10 counties in the Fort Wayne area, reported an 11 percent increase in calls, with utilities, rent and food assistance among top requests.
Many of the people calling 211 are referred to CANI for help and we are able to help thousands of people each year. Despite this impact, there is always more that we could do and more families we could reach if we had greater resources. (Donations are gratefully accepted )
We are listening to the needs of the community and responding by developing ways to address these needs. CANI is the only agency of its kind in our region and we have the ability to reach the most people with the greatest needs.
Chances are you or someone you know has fallen on hard times as a result of the recession. Do you have a story? What are your challenges? How have you survived in these hard economic times?

The Cost of Bad Lending in Indiana

2010-02-04T13:40:00.000-08:00

Predatory lending is an unethical practice that plagues many low-income people. Sadly, mortgage delinquencies and foreclosures are becoming more commonplace and the working poor are often the ones who are left in the cold.

The Center of Responsible Lending provided a snapshot of the foreclosure situation in Indiana. For example, in the third quarter of 2009 alone, there were 133,924 mortgages past due. And the situation is not getting any better. The Center projects 170,829 foreclosures between 2009 and 2012. And between 2006 and 2009, the foreclosure rate rose by an astronomical amount of 57 percent!

You can do your part to lobby for responsible lending legislation. More regulations on banks and other lenders could mean fewer people falling into the mortgage crisis mess.

We urgently need financial reforms that will make consumer loans safer for American families and the lending markets more fair and efficient for honest businesses. Find out more about the benefits of the proposed Consumer Financial Protection Agency at www.responsiblelending.org/cfpa.

The EITC Explained

2010-01-27T13:00:00.000-08:00

Taxes are on people’s minds this time of year. And appropriately, Friday Jan. 29 is EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) Awareness Day.

So what is the EITC and how does it benefit low-income families?

The EITC is basically “free” money for low-income folks who are working. Created in 1975, the EITC helps offset Social Security taxes and provides an incentive for work. It is the federal government’s largest benefits program for working families.

The credit can be significant: the new maximum credit for tax year 2009 is $5,657 for a family with three or more children; $5,028 for a family with two children; $3,043 for a family with one child and $457 if there are no children.

Think how much good $5,000 can do for a family in need!

As much as $6 million in tax credits go unclaimed in Allen County each year, so volunteers are working hard to help people who are eligible claim this money. Nationally, it’s estimated that 20 to 25 percent more people may qualify for EITC, but may not be aware of it.

There are more than 12,000 free tax preparation sites nationwide and CANI is proud to be a site again this year. Volunteers from the Volunteer Center @RSVP will be available at CANI from Jan. 30 to April 13, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m.

If you know of someone who you think might be eligible, please encourage them to ask about this tax credit. More information is available at www.irs.gov.

CANI Hits the Airwaves..

2010-01-21T14:24:00.000-08:00

CANI’s Director of Community Services Pam Brookshire is now a bit of a local celebrity! Pam made an appearance Jan. 19 on WBOI’s “Midday Matters” to discuss the economics of Weatherization.

Pam was available to answers questions from callers about the program. A highlight: a client called to thank us for weatherizing her home. Check out the podcast here.

This begs the question: what exactly is Weatherization?

Making homes safer and more energy efficient are the main goals of the Weatherization program. Families with limited-incomes in Allen, DeKalb, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, and Whitley counties may qualify for home improvements including insulation and caulking. CANI also fixes heating systems, such as repairing poorly installed equipment or leaking heating ducts, and can repair or replace some furnaces.

Weatherization is among the many ways we help our clients save money. To learn more about CANI’s programs, visit www.canihelp.org.

CANI Seeking Students for Career Shadow Day

2010-01-19T11:19:00.000-08:00

Think back to the days of your youth. Was there someone who inspired you to pursue your current career? You might not have realized it at the time, but positive role models and mentors can make a big difference in a child’s life.
Now we’re asking you to pay it forward. CANI is seeking low-income middle-school students (2010-11 school year) for participation in a career shadow day, as part of the agency’s newly established youth program. The purpose of the career shadow day is to expose local middle school students to various career opportunities.
CANI will act as a liaison between the mentor and the student. The coordinator will meet with students prior to the start of the program, which begins in late June, to help determine a suitable career to shadow.
This is a great opportunity to empower a child and expose him or her to the work place. Participants must be at 200 percent of poverty or below. Additionally, participants will have first priority for CANI’s IDA (Individual Development Account) program, which can help fund college expenses.
Referrals will be accepted through March 9. For more information, or to refer a student, please call Megan Kinney at (260) 423-3546 ext. 287, or e-mail megankinney@canihelp.org.

CANI Calls for Nominations for Award

2010-01-11T15:22:00.000-08:00

Upon his death in September, CANI founder William G. William left a legacy in the community rivaled by few others. A true champion of the poor, he helped to establish many of the agency’s programs, several of which are still in existence today in some form.

The award was first created to honor the efforts of the now late William G. Williams, the first executive director of the Allen County Economic Opportunity Council, the former name of CANI.

In addition to Mr. Williams, past winners include current CANI Executive Director Joe Conrad and posthumously John Beeson of New Castle. Beeson was an employee of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority and a champion of the poor.

We’re asking for your help! Maybe you know someone who has made significant efforts in the fight against poverty.

Here’s what we’re looking for specifically:

Nominees for the William G. Williams Award should demonstrate a commitment to helping communities, families, and individuals remove the causes and conditions of poverty. An award winner will be chosen based on the significance of his or her contributions in one or more of the following areas:

1. Helping low-income people become more self-sufficient.
2. Improving the conditions in which low-income people live.
3. Helping low-income people own a stake in their community.
4. Creating partnerships among supporters and providers of service to low-income people.
5. Increasing CANI’s capacity to achieve results.
6. Helping low-income people, especially vulnerable populations, achieve their potential by strengthening family and other supportive systems.

If you know of someone who fits the bill, do not hesitate to nominate him or her. E-mail me, laurencaggiano@canihelp.org, for an application.

Nominations are due April 15. The recipient will be honored at CANI’s annual meeting on May 4.

The Spirit of Giving is Alive in Our Community

2009-12-22T10:53:00.000-08:00

What is it about giving that makes us feel so good?

Rowena Smith and her family recently moved to Fort Wayne from Florida and needed a little extra support. Through the CANI Family Development program, Family Support Services Worker Andrea Young has been helping her get settled in to her new home and city.

Andrea learned Rowena had been on medical leave at work for a few months, so money was tight. Andrea told her supervisor John Robb about her situation, and with Rowena’s permission, John shared her story with his daughter Triston, a manager at Flat Top Grille. Tristann and the employees at the restaurant have helped CANI families in the past and wanted to help again. She rallied support at her work place and the servers donated a portion of their tips to buy clothing and other needed items for the Smiths. (Thank you Flat Top Grille employees!)

Recently, Andrea, John and Triston delivered the items to Rowena’s home. (See photos)

She was thrilled by the donation and expressed her gratitude.

This might not seem like a big deal to some people, but it made a world of difference to the Smith family. You never know what effect a small gift will have on someone in need. And the added bonus is that it makes you feel good too!

"The Blind Side": One Man's Fight Against Poverty

2009-12-03T14:37:00.000-08:00

If you’re looking for a feel-good movie about overcoming poverty, look no further than “The Blind Side.”

The movie chronicles the real-life story of Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), a homeless and traumatized African-American boy from the “projects” who finds hope in an unexpected place.

The Tuohy family takes the youngster into their posh home, under the impression it will be temporary. At first Michael is treated more or less like a temporary guest, sleeping on a couch.

Although cautious at first, the Tuohys become fond of Michael, and before long consider him an inseparable part of their family. Mrs. Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) takes him under her wing and proves to be a force to be reckoned with.

A few weeks go by and its clear Michael does not have a home to return to. Michael came to the family with literally one outfit, so Mrs. Tuohy takes him shopping for some nice clothes. Later he receives a generous gift from the family in the form a brand new truck.

As the movie progresses, a bit of a conundrum unfolds. The more Mrs. Tuohy does for Michael, the more she realizes that his success does not hinge on material goods, but rather teaching him life skills. Michael struggled in school and needed an extra push to succeed. Mrs. Tuohy hires a tutor and Michael applies himself.

The point is that it’s not enough to give someone a fish; you must teach them how to fish. I have seen how CANI gives hope by being a support system for individuals and families who may not have their own. Through case management in Family Development and Head Start and other programs in the agency – we provide on-going encouragement. We give people the tools and the resources to succeed, as opposed to simply doing things for them.

In “The Blindside,” Mrs. Tuohy could pay for a tutor, but Michael still had to apply himself to pass his classes. It hinged on a conscious effort on his part, but it was helped by the loving support of a family who gave Michael hope.

I will tell you this story has a happy ending, but I won’t spoil it for you with any more details. Michael Oher’s life is a great example of overcoming poverty through strong support systems and a drive to succeed.

While we may not all have the means to adopt a young man like the Tuohys did, there are many ways to help. One way is to mentor a child. There are plenty of agencies who have children waiting to be “adopted” by a positive role model - in fact CANI is one of them! We are expanding our youth program. and looking for more professionals who can donate their time to mentor a child who has interest in their respective fields. For more information, contact Megan Kinney, megankinney@canihelp.org.

CANI Introduces Homelessness Prevention Program

2009-11-20T08:06:00.000-08:00

CANI Introduces Homelessness Prevention Program

It is easy to see why some people think we don’t have a homelessness problem in Northeast Indiana. You generally don’t see people sleeping on park benches or begging for money on the streets in our community. Although these things do happen, they are not as prevalent as in other larger cities.

But that doesn’t mean it is not an issue.

Homelessness is not just about people living in streets, but also about people who don’t have a home who are living in a shelter, or with family members or friends.

CANI has recently begun providing services through the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program (HPRP). It is fitting for us to highlight this program during Homelessness Awareness Week, Nov. 15-21. There are more than 6.2 million homeless people in Indiana, so the need for awareness is great.

HPRP is a new way to get homeless people off the streets and out of shelters into permanent housing. HPRP involves case management and housing assistance to help people learn how to break the cycle of homelessness. If they have the tools to succeed, they are less likely to end up on the streets again.

Read more about HPRP in the December issue of CANI Chronicles.

Poverty...in Your Backyard?

2009-11-12T16:46:00.000-08:00

The faces of the poor aren’t as hidden as they used to be, especially during a time of recession.

A recent article from the Associated Press reports that nearly half of all U.S. children and 90 percent of black youngsters will be on food stamps at some point during childhood, according to researchers.

Here is an excerpt from the article:

The estimate comes from an analysis of 30 years of national data, and it bolsters other recent evidence on the pervasiveness of youngsters at economic risk. It suggests that almost everyone knows a family who has received food stamps, or will in the future, said lead author Mark Rank, a sociologist at Washington University in St. Louis.

“Your neighbor may be using some of these programs but it's not the kind of thing people want to talk about,” Rank said.

The analysis is in the November issue of Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. The authors say it's a medical issue pediatricians need to be aware of because children on food stamps are at risk for malnutrition and other ills linked with poverty.

“This is a real danger sign that we as a society need to do a lot more to protect children,” Rank said.

Recession Woes

And the recession is only making it harder for low-income families with children to make ends meet:

According to a USDA report released last month, 28.4 million Americans received food stamps in an average month in 2008, and about half were younger than age 18. The average monthly benefit per household totaled $222.

Children: The Faces of Poverty

Dependence on food stamps is not a new phenomenon. The study also illustrates the dependence on government programs over the years:

Rank and Cornell University sociologist Thomas Hirschl studied data from a nationally representative survey of 4,800 American households interviewed annually from 1968 through 1997 by the University of Michigan. About 18,000 adults and children were involved.

Overall, about 49 percent of all children were on food stamps at some point by the age of 20, the analysis found. That includes 90 percent of black children and 37 percent of whites. The analysis didn't include other ethnic groups.

Other analysis suggests that more than 40 percent of U.S. children will live in poverty or near-poverty by age 17; and that half will live at some point in a single-parent family. Other researchers have estimated that more than half of adults will use food stamps at some point by age 65.

How You Can Help

In this case, simply being aware about the presence of poverty in your own neighborhood is a way to affect change. Some people are too shy or proud to ask for help, so you might need to step up and offer.

The single mom next door might need help with child care, or the teenager across the street might need a good mentor. If you’re not sure what you can do, simply ask.

Too Many Children Die in Indiana as a Result of Abuse and Neglect. We Can Do Better.

2009-10-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

Some disturbing news about an increase in the rate of child abuse and neglect in Indiana underlines the need for action on a local level.

The Sobering Facts

In 2007, in Indiana alone, 53 children died as a result of child abuse and neglect, according to a report from the non-profit group Every Child Matters. Another 18,380 Indiana children were confirmed abused and/or neglected. The number of children abused and neglected in Indiana would fill over 34 elementary, middle, and high schools.

This is an increase from the 42 deaths reported in 2006. That’s more than a 20-percent increase. Startling, isn’t it?

Healthy Families

Community Alliance for Healthy Families is a local collaboration of organizations who have a common interest in ending child abuse and neglect. Services in Allen County are provided through a collaboration of four agencies: CANI (Community Action of Northeast Indiana), Lutheran Social Services, SCAN and Easter Seals ARC.

The program is designed to strengthen families by reducing child abuse, neglect and childhood health problems. The state of Indiana’s Department of Child Services cites research that consistently confirms that providing education and support services to parents around the time of a baby's birth, and continuing for months or years afterwards, significantly reduces the risk of child maltreatment and contributes to positive, healthy child rearing practices.

How You Can Help

Your support of such programs as Healthy Families can help put an end to child abuse and neglect.

Since the introduction of the program to Allen County in 1994, the number of cases of abuse and neglect has stabilized. And more than 99 percent of families in the program or shortly after are abuse-free.

Moreover, those concerned can write letters to your local representatives, urging their support of laws that protect children from abuse and neglect. Congress is going to reauthorize the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) in the next year or so, and is going to debate many items in the federal budget that deal with this issue. Federal funding for child welfare has decreased 8.9 percent since 2005 according to First Focus, a bipartisan advocacy organization dedicated to making children and families a priority in federal policy and budget decisions.

A Tribute to William G. Williams

2009-10-06T15:04:00.000-07:00

A dear member of the CANI family has passed away.

William G. Williams, the founder of the Economic Opportunity Council, the organization that would become CANI, died Sept. 17 at age 80. He was born Aug. 30, 1929 to William G. and Sally Williams.

Mr. Williams was a true Renaissance man, serving various roles in the public sector. Williams served on the Fort Wayne Board of Public Works in the administration of Mayors Harold Zeis and Ivan Lebamoff. He originally came from Michigan to Fort Wayne to be allocation and timing director for the United Way. During the Zeis administration, he organized the Manpower Program, which later became the City's Department of Human Resources. He subsequently helped start the Allen County Economic Opportunity Council, the predecessor of CANI.

During his administration, the EOC operated 11 varied programs, including Head Start, Legal Services, Neighborhood Youth Corps, Economic Development, Emergency Food and Medical Services, Youth Development, Neighborhood Services System, Foster Grandparents, and Planning and Research. Several of these programs are still in existence in some form.

Perhaps most remarkable, during his tenure the EOC program was cited congressionally as one of the Top 10 agencies in the nation. He was honored in 2005 with an award in his name, the William G. Williams Award, given to persons who demonstrate outstanding contributions in the fight against poverty.

CANI would not be the agency it is today if it weren’t for Mr. Williams’ legacy. CANI Executive Director Joe Conrad noted this, saying:

“One tiny acorn he called the Allen County Economic Opportunity Council grew up to be this mighty oak we call CANI. These days it drops acorns of its own all over the community. Bill understood how little acts can have major impact in other peoples’ lives. Consequently he never failed to act.”

Source: The Herald Bulletin (Anderson)

State Data: Times Tough for Hoosier Families

2009-10-02T07:54:00.000-07:00

The 2008 American Community Survey (ACS) data released on Tuesday by the U.S. Census Bureau shows that Indiana families are fairing far worse than they did during the 2001 national recession.

Perhaps most disconcerting is that Hoosiers median household income has drastically decreased. In 2008, the median household income in Indiana was $47,966, below the national average of $52,029. This is a decrease from $49,271 (in 2008 dollars) in 2007. However, what is more concerning, the 2007 and 2008 median household incomes were lower than the Indiana median household income of $51,005 (in 2008 dollars) in 2000.

According to the ACS data, 807,506 Hoosiers were living at or below poverty in 2008 ($21,200 for a family of four). Although Indiana's poverty rate of 13.1% was slightly below the national average of 13.2% in 2008, it is a significant increase from 12.3% in 2007. The number of Hoosiers in poverty has increased significantly in Indiana since 2000, when Indiana's poverty rate was 10.1%. This is reflective of the decrease seen in Hoosiers median household income, as well as, the impact of the recession, as reflected in the increased number of job losses and growing unemployment rate in Indiana.

Sadly, our children are suffering the most. The childhood poverty rate in Indiana is 17.9% in 2008 (276,430 children). That’s a 1.2% increase from 2007. Childhood poverty has also steadily increased in Indiana since 2000, when the child poverty rate was 14.3%.

The newly released Census data displays a rise in total poverty since 2007, but doesn’t reflect the most current economic struggles because the data was collected in August 2008. We can predict with near certainty that there are even more persons living in poverty in Indiana today than there were in 2008 as the current unemployment rate is much higher now.

We must not let this situation get still worse. This data should be a warning sign to state officials and community organizations that more needs to be done to help working Hoosier families through these difficult economic times as the number of Hoosiers living below the poverty guidelines continues to grow.

For more information visit the Indiana Community Action Association’s Web site, www.incap.org.

Source: Indiana Community Action Association (INCAA)

Welcome to Inside CANI

2009-09-23T14:02:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Welcome to CANI’s blog. I hope you will find this information timely and interesting. This blog will detail the efforts of our various programs and services, peppered with some pertinent information in the news. I welcome feedback and interaction. My objective is to keep you informed about CANI’s success in fighting poverty and building hope. In the meantime, don’t forget to check out our Web site, www.canihelp.org.

Thank you.

Lauren Caggiano, CANI Development Coordinator