THE DANDELION CONNECTION
Ellicott Square Building., 295 Main Street Room 495, Buffalo, New York 14203
Volume 6 Issue 3 (716) 847-0655 ext. 226
May/June 1998
www.nls.org
Copyright 1998, Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.
in
this issue...
Child Health Plus
Child Health Plus Income Guidelines
Summer Day Camp
It’s Our Neighborhood
Housing Myths
What a Background!
In a Child’s Place
Dandelion of the Month
Upcoming Events
CHILD HEALTH PLUS
Good news! There have been some major changes made to the Child Health Plus insurance program for children that everyone should know about. For those of you who are not familiar with Child Health Plus, it is a health insurance program for children who have no health insurance coverage, or whose health plan provides fewer benefits than those offered by Child Health Plus (CHP).
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHANGES?
First of all, Child Health Plus previously covered children only up to age 14. It now covers children age 18 and under. Also, Child Heath Plus now covers services such as lab and x-ray visits, necessary emergency care and prescription drugs in addition to doctor’s office visits. These services are provided at little or no cost. (See chart page 6)
In order to be eligible, children must be under 19 years of age, live in Erie County, and cannot be covered by any comparable insurance plan. In other words, if your child’s mother or father has health insurance which covers the same services that Child Health Plus offers, your child may not be eligible for Child Health Plus. However, if your child’s current insurance covers hospitalization and doctor’s visits, but not prescription drugs or lab visits, you should speak with a Child Health Plus representative to find out whether your child may be eligible for services in order to cover those extra costs. Of course, if your child has no health insurance at all you should be eligible for Child Health Plus.
The Child Health Plus program has other features which may benefit those individuals who are no longer eligible for Medicaid. For instance, you may be working for an employer who may offer health insurance, but because of your income, you may only be able to afford benefits for yourself under "Single" coverage because the cost of family coverage is too high. Under Child Health Plus, you may be able to have your children covered under the Child Health Plus program, while maintaining your "Single" rather than "Family" coverage.
Whatever the circumstances, it would be beneficial for you to discuss your options with a Child Health Plus representative. Some families may even be eligible for a state subsidy.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR CHP?
A parent or responsible adult must complete and sign an application for each child. Please fill it out carefully because the application is used to determine if your child is eligible.
You will also need to provide copies of certain documents with the child’s application such as:
Proof of the child’s name and age. Acceptable verification would be a birth certificate, baptismal certificate, passport or travel visa, or school record.
Proof of residence in Erie County. Acceptable verification would be your most recent utility bill, preferably within the last three months of your application.
Proof of parent or responsible adult’s annual income. You will need a signed copy of last year’s income tax return. If your income has changed, you will need to send them copies of your last three paychecks, social security or unemployment check stubs.
If you or someone you know needs health insurance for their children, they should contact the Growing Up Healthy Hotline at (1-800) 522-5006 .
Child Health Plus is available under Buffalo Community Health at 857-4519 and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Western New York at (1-800)-888-5407.
Both programs have the same income eligibility requirements.
CHILD HEALTH PLUS INCOME GUIDELINES| Household Size |
If your gross |
If your gross family |
If your gross family |
If your gross family |
| GROSS FAMILY INCOME |
||||
1 |
Below - 9,468 |
9,468 - 12,623 |
12,624 - 17,516 |
Above - 17,516 |
2 |
12.732 |
12.732 - 16,975 |
16,976 - 23,554 |
23,554 |
3 |
15,996 |
15,996 - 21,327 |
21,328 - 29, 593 |
29,593 |
4 |
19,620 |
19,260 - 25,679 |
25,680 - 35,631 |
35,631 |
5 |
22,524 |
22,524 - 30,031 |
30,032 - 41, 669 |
41,669 |
6 |
25,788 |
25,788 - 34,383 |
34,384 - 47,708 |
47,708 |
7 |
29,052 |
29,052 - 38,735 |
38,736 - 53,746 |
53,746 |
8 |
33,316 |
32,316 - 43,087 |
43,088 - 59,785 |
59,785 |
SUMMER IS COMING:
THE SEA FEVER PROJECT
(716) 842-1276
901 Fuhrman Blvd.
HOLY INNOCENTS CHILD
(716) 896-6386 CARE CENTER
30 Rich Street
ANTHONY MASIELLO
(716) 851-4524
BASKETBALL CAMP
851-4284
PAL 74 Franklin
YWCA OF WNY
(716) 852-6120
190 Franklin
WESTMINSTER
(716) 852-5065
COMMUNITY HOUSE
421 Monroe Street
NEIGHBORHOOD
(716) 856-0363
HOUSING ASSOCIATION
76 Orange Street
FRUITBELT TOWERS
(716) 881-1196
233 Lemon Street
MOOT SENIOR
(716) 882-4637
CITIZENS CENTER
292 High Street
IT’S OUR
Probably one of the most important but neglected aspects of our livelihood is what goes on in our neighborhood. Many of us have no idea what goes on in our neighborhood–and we should. We are surrounded by neighbors, some of which we may or may not like. What exactly is "my" neighborhood?
Your neighborhood includes schools, buildings, teachers, protection, fire, police, housing, slumlords, sanitation, appearance, employment, city services, streets, sidewalks, sewers, rubbish removal, family, legal services, recreation, parks, playgrounds, lots, etc. There is much to consider in a neighborhood. Where do I begin to make a difference?
You can start by organizing a block club–or better yet, you can begin by attending your own block club meetings.
What’s so good about a block club?
Block Club programs promote unity–neighbors helping neighbors and people helping people to help themselves.
Living habits are changed and residents develop pride in their home and in their neighborhood by attending Block Club meetings.
Neighborhood Block Clubs provide a strong voice for discussing problems with city departments.
Block Clubs encourage individuals to think in terms of "we" and not "me, my four and no more."
Block Clubs also help in enhancing a neighborhood’s features.
As you know, most of our neighborhoods are in trouble. Many of us live near at least one worn-out dilapidated building that’s an eye-sore to everyone who passes by. Did you ever wonder "Who owns that building." Or "That building could be really nice if someone took the time to do a little repair." Some of those buildings could be turned into transitional housing or homeless shelters, apartment buildings or nursing homes, community centers or recreational facilities for our children. All of which would benefit—our neighborhoods.
Take a look at these suggested block and neighborhood projects.
Conduct block contests, parades, and block festivals.
Contact lending institutions, contractors and professional people. Secure their advice and services for landscaping, repairing and painting.
Organize teams of volunteers to help older or disabled people paint, repair and maintain their homes and property.
Clean up and maintain vacant lots for use as additional recreational facilities.
Organize mothers (and fathers) for alternate supervision of playgrounds, vacant lots and for babysitting.
Organize a permanent pool of skilled laborers and a "tool pool" that can be made available to the members of the block.
If you live in a neighborhood that does not have a block club, you may want to think about starting one or possibly even joining one. The Masten Block Club Coalition would be happy to assist in any endeavor to start or enhance a neighborhood block club. You may contact them by calling 882-2055.
Summer is just around the corner and may provide for the perfect opportunity for you to meet your neighbors and find out more about your neighborhood.
— Credits to Masten Block Club Coalition
735 Humboldt Parkway - Buffalo, New York.
Myth: I am moving on May 31, 1998. I know that my landlord is legally obligated to return my security deposit on the day I move out.
Fact: Unfortunately for tenants, this is not true. There is no firm rule about the return of security deposits. The law obligates a landlord to return a security deposit in a "reasonable" amount of time. Talk to your landlord and see if you can agree that the landlord will inspect the "broom clean" apartment on your move-out day and exchange the keys and the security.
* * * * * *
Myth: Well then, I’ll just tell him to keep the security in place of May’s rent?
Fact: No. Your landlord must first "agree" to use your security deposit as rent. If the landlord says no and you decide not to pay rent, you are taking a risk of being evicted for non-payment of rent before the end of the month.
* * * * * *
Myth: I can’t pay my rent for May. Don’t I have 30 days in which to move?
Fact: No. Your landlord can immediately take you to court for non-payment of rent. If you do not have the rent at your court proceeding, the Judge will give you 72-hours to vacate the apartment. If you do not vacate, you will be physically removed by a Marshall or another officer. The entire court proceeding, including a 3-day notice to pay or quit, service of court papers and a 72-hour notice, could take less than two weeks–not 30 days.
* * * * * *
Myth: If you have an infant you cannot be evicted for at least 60 days.
Fact: No way. Anyone can be evicted and virtually no one is protected whether they are 8 months or 90 years old. Everyone gets 72 hours.
* * * * * *
Myth: I gave my landlord a $200.00 deposit for an apartment and I was supposed to move in on May 1, 1998. It is now May 16 and I have changed my mind about the apartment. Isn’t the landlord obligated to give me at least half of my money back since I never moved any of my furniture into the apartment. I never even got the key!
Fact: Not necessarily. The landlord may charge you for loss of May rent as she may have been able to get another tenant if she had not held the apartment for you. The landlord may also charge for the cost of a new ad in the paper in order to attract another tenant.
* * * * * *
Myth: I told my landlord that I was going to move out on April 30, but I couldn’t move until May 6 because my child was sick. I only have to pay for the extra six days, right?
Fact: Wrong. If you are in the apartment for one extra day your landlord can charge you for the whole month. The idea is that tenants rent for a whole month and if you are there for a few days then a new tenant won’t be able to move in until the next month. Talk to your landlord before the end of the month and see if you can reach an agreement about paying for a few days.
* * * * * *
Myth: I was rejected by public housing. Doesn’t that mean I am no longer eligible for Section 8 housing?
Fact: No. Public housing and subsidized housing programs are completely separate programs with different eligibility requirements.
* * * * * *
Myth: My landlord gave me a thirty-day notice on May 2, 1998 and I have to be out of my apartment by May 31, 1998. I guess I have to move.
Fact: No. Don’t pack your bags just yet. The notice that the landlord gave was not proper. A proper notice is one full calendar month and not 30 days. If he wanted you out of the apartment on May 31, 1998, he should have given you notice by April 30, 1998.
* * * * * *
Myth:: If my landlord gave me a proper one month notice to move before June 1, this means I don’t have to pay May rent.
Fact: You are responsible for paying rent as long as you live in the apartment. So, if you plan to live in the apartment for May, you should pay the rent. If not, your landlord can evict you for non-payment of rent.
IF YOU HAVE ANYWhat a
Background!
Next time you’re feeling unimportant,
Try a little arithmetic trick
based on the fact that
it took two people,
your parents,
to get you here.
Each of your parents
has two parents,
so in the generation just prior to that
of your Mother and Father,
there were four people
whose pairing off and sharing love
contributed to your existence.
Rev. Gene Britton
East Point Georgia, Southside Sun
Readers Digest - March 1992
Guess what’s going on
in your neighborhood . . .
In a Child’s Place
...Momma inside being beat up bad
made the little boy so very sad.
Walls next door just shook and shook
fear made him wait before he went to look.
Blood from Momma and a black eye too
filled him with chills through and through.
"Momma", he screamed. "Oh, Momma, what’s
wrong?"
Been screaming and crying far too long.
"Go," Momma said, "before he breaks your face."
"Stay," Momma said, "in a child’s place."
"But, Momma," cried the child, "Why is he beating you this way?"
"Oh, it’s nothing serious," Momma said. "You’ll understand some
day."
Fourteen years of life never brought him to understand
why Momma would let him:
break her hand
break her nose, fracture her leg, smash her jaw.
His child heart died from what he saw.
He learned how to hold all his questions inside.
So he built himself a world for his heart to hide.
Where nobody got hit, or had reason to scream,
he wished for Momma to live in his dream.
Secretly he prayed for a familiar face
to please come and take him out of a child’s place.
In school, they thought that he couldn’t hear.
Too bad, they didn’t know it was Momma’s screaming
that was stuck in his ear.
When in school, he didn’t want to come home
his life as a child was truly alone.
Alone in his fear of the painful sound
of Momma and his heart being tossed around.
His love for her made him a victim, as well
made a child’s place, a pure living hell.
— Geraldine Wilson
Dandelion of the Month
Esther Gonzalez
"Don’t
Ever
Give Up"
Esther Gonzalez came to Buffalo in 1989. Her brother-in-law was already here in Buffalo and told Esther that it was much nicer than New York–and besides it had the name "City of Good Neighbors." At the time, Esther had one daughter, Tiffany, age 5, and was pregnant with her second child."New York was too fast and too violent for me. I just couldn’t see raising my children there."
Within two years of being here, Esther and the children’s father separated leaving her with three children to care for alone. To her dismay, Esther had to seek the assistance of the Department of Social Services. "It was very difficult at first. Unlike New York, I did not have my family to help me care for my children. I had never been on public assistance before, and I was used to working." Esther worked as a secretary while living in New York in addition to attending night school for business studies. Having been out of the work force for several years, Esther realized that she needed to update her skills and become acquainted with modern technology. She decided to go to the Clarkson Center for training.
While at the Clarkson Center, Esther was referred to the CAST program for word processing. Through CAST, Esther obtained an internship position with the Sheriff’s Department where she gained interviewing and advocacy skills. Esther also became more knowledgeable with the legal system. During her internship, she enrolled with several employment agencies and searched the newspapers diligently. "I was determined to find a job and get off of public assistance." However, finding a job was not that easy. "There were many times I wanted to give up. Especially when I had to take two buses to get to day care and then one back to training. My children were so small then. Now they are 14, 8, and 6. I always tell them how important education is and remind them how much I struggled to give them a better life."
While searching the newspapers, Esther located an ad for a secretary listed under Dunhill Employment Agency. "I called Dunhill and told them that I knew I was qualified for the job." Dunhill sent Esther on a interview. Immediately thereafter, Esther began working as a sales secretary at the Buffalo Convention Center, where she remained for three years. However, when they began to do periodic lay-offs-- beginning with the clerical staff, Esther soon realized that it was time to start the employment search once again. "I really loved working at the Convention Center. The staff was great to work with. I still visit."
Esther had no plans to go back on public assistance. "When I finally got off of public assistance, my worker was anxious to tell me all the things I was no longer entitled to. I wish she had been just as anxious to tell me what I "was" entitled to. By the time I found out about Project Dandelion, I had missed out on desperately needed assistance like child care and medical assistance. I wish I had known about transitional child care and Medicaid. I was constantly making drastic searches for affordable day care."
While laid-off in the summer of 1996, Esther searched the newspapers again and came across the job she has now here at Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. "I enjoy working here because I love learning about the law." That interest in the law has led Esther into a program where she will be earning her paralegal degree.
Esther is now happily married and says that through it all her husband was an inspiration and encouragement to her. Her motto is "Never let anyone tell you what you can’t do. Don’t ever give up! Keep going and keep praying!"
Dandelion
Project Meetings
Topics Include (but are not limited to):
Child Support, Child Care, Work Requirements,
Budgeting Wages against PA Income, Transitional Medicaid, etc.
International Potluck Dinner will be held on Thursday, May 28
at 5:30 p.m.
Neighborhood Legal Services • Ellicott Square Building (295 Main Street) • Room
495
(Menu includes Carolina Fried Chicken, Matzoh Ball Soup & "Death by
Cheesecake")