Michael Swayze's Community Resources

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  • The Salvation Army New Jersey Division Sponors Motorcycle Run

    On Saturday, May 30, 2009 the New Jersey Division of The Salvation Army will host their 3rd Annual Ride for the Red Shield Motorcycle Run. The ride begins and ends at Camp Tecumseh, 445 Mechlin Corner Road, Pittstown (Hunterdon County), New Jersey. Sign in is from 10am – 11am. The raindate is June 27. The donation is $25 per bike – $10 per passenger. Lunch only is $5 for family and friends. Included are doughnuts and coffee at start and a pig roast and BBQ at the finish. For details see The Salvation Army’s 2009 Ride for the Red Shield Motorcycle Run page and their registration sheet.

    Proceeds support Camp Tecumseh and Emergency Disaster Services programs of The Salvation Army. To become a participant or a sponsor contact Ron Yuhas at 908-851-8239 or email at ron.yuhas@use.salvationarmy.org. Early bird signup registration is $20, before May 1st.

  • Ten Ways To Change The World

    A couple weeks ago my son Austin posted a list on his Facebook page. I thought it was so cool, so smart, and I was so proud of him, his intelligence, his spirit. With his permission I’m posting it here so others can read it too.

    1. eliminate the idea of money
    2. smile for no reason at a stranger
    3. all food must be whole and organic
    4. live alone for a whole year and journal every moment you feel inspired
    5. a great education for anyone who wants one
    6. spend more time with loved ones
    7. don’t let yourself be consumed with the idea of material possession
    8. tell people that you don’t know “you’re important and i appreciate you”
    9. be positive even during the face of adversity
    10. challenge your mind everyday

  • Energy Assistance Information

    The energy assistance season is half over and funds are still available to households who qualify. Due to good planning and the allocation of extra resources more households will be eligible than ever before.  Due to an increased funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) last fall by Congress, the state of New Jersey was able to increase LIHEAP income limits to 225% of the federal poverty index up from 175%. Tens of thousands of additional households may qualify.

    Due to the emergence of what some call a “perfect storm” additional state funds were also appropriated to help those households who are above the guidelines for regular energy assistance.  The state legislature recently passed a bill, recommended by Governor Corzine, allocating $10 million to the statewide nonprofit New Jersey SHARES.  These funds will be disbursed via SHARES’ extensive network of social agencies.  Recently NJ SHARES announced a change in their eligibility policy by capping aid to households with incomes to 400% of the federal poverty index. Exceptions were made for seniors and the disabled who qualify for the recently expanded property tax relief program, often referred to as the Senior Freeze program. For the first time in their 10 year history SHARES is offering help to households that heat with deliverable fuels, i.e. oil or propane. Spread the word.

    Applications for LIHEAP and the Universal Service Fund (USF) programs are available online, although the information has recently been moved by state officials.  The Department of Community Affairs’ energy assistance program webpage is now located at http://www.state.nj.us/dca/divisions/dhcr/offices/eap.html. Please pass the word.

    Local LIHEAP agencies continue to be inundated with both applications and telephone calls. To relieve their workload it is recommended that applicants call state hotline numbers rather than their local agency for information or questions on the status of pending applications.

    State hotline numbers include: LIHEAP – 800-510-3102; USF – 866-240-1347; NJ SHARES – 866-657-4273.

    Information on all energy assistance programs is available on the New Jersey Community Resources website at http://www.njcommunityresources.info/njliheap.html.