Michael Swayze's Community Resources

Category: Nonprofit

  • Living Near Poverty

    Most people don’t see poverty on a regular basis. It’s often out of site and out of mind. The other day a timely report was issued about families living near poverty. The numbers are astounding.

    A news story was published yesterday in the New Jersey Herald by reporter Jennifer Jean Miller. It is titled, Report: 23 percent in county struggle but not in poverty. Before reading the article think of the phrases we often use to describe unfavorable life situations, “trying to make ends meet” or “struggling to get by”. Think of those who work two or three jobs.

    For additional information visit the ALICE in New Jersey page of the United Way of Northern New Jersey. ALICE = Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. You can download the full 2018 New Jersey ALICE report.

    November 6 is Election Day. Make your voice heard. Be a voter.

  • LIHEAP Deadline Extended to May 31

    The following information was published by NJ 2-1-1 which operates the Home Energy Assistance Hotline. The hotline can be reached by calling 800-510-3102.

    The deadline to apply for utility assistance through LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) has been extended to May 31. As the Home Energy Assistance Hotline for the State of New Jersey, NJ 2-1-1 is the place to call if you are struggling to pay your gas, oil or electric heating bills. This assistance is available to eligible residents regardless of whether they rent or own their home. Emergency assistance is also available through May 31 for those who have already been approved for LIHEAP benefits AND have received a shut-off notice.

    Callers to NJ 2-1-1 can check on the status of their application, receive information on the location of their application agency and a list of documents that must be submitted with their application. Required documentation includes a copy of the rental lease/property tax bill (if you own your home); utility bill; proof of income for anyone in your home above the age of 18; social security card for everyone in the household and a drivers license or state issued picture ID.

    Source: NJ 2-1-1 website and NJ 2-1-1 email.

  • Resources For Parents

    Looking for resources for a child or adolescent with behavioral or mental health challenges? There is a network of agencies and online resources in all twenty-one counties that offer a wide range of information about resources, services and support systems for families and children.

    Each county has a Case Management Organization (CMO) in partnership with the New Jersey Children’s System of Care. Their goal is to help families or caregivers create a stable and healthy environment for children by address barriers, including behavioral health issues, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, etc.

    Don’t know what resources are available to meet a child’s needs? In combination with each CMO there is an online ResourceNet. Families can find information on community services, health services or community events and organizations.

    There are fifteen ResourceNets in the state of New Jersey. Read the brochure for links to them. They are: Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape Atlantic, Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem (CGS), Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Somerset, Warren (TriCounty) Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris Sussex, Ocean, Passaic, Union.

    For assistance in finding help for your child, visit the NJ Children’s System of Care website or call 877-652-7624.