

ALABAMA HAPPENIN'S - September 2010
DISCLAIMER
JUST A SHORT NOTE TO STATE THAT THE PURPOSE OF THIS PUBLICATION IS TO PASS PRECIOUS
INFORMATION ON TO THOSE OF NEED. OCCASIONALLY, THERE WILL BE ARTICLES BY OTHER
WRITERS. I MAY NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THEIR VIEWPOINTS, HOWEVER,
I DO RESPECT THEM. THANK YOU
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Program Description
The Food Stamp Partnership administers the Food Stamp Program in Alabama. The Food Stamp Program's
purpose is to end hunger and improve nutrition by providing monthly benefits to eligible low-income households to
help them buy the food they need for good health. The eligibility rules and benefit amounts, based on income and
household size, are determined by regulations issued by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food
and Nutrition Service. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Applications for the Food Stamp
Program are available in all county Department of Human Resources' offices.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Alabama and fall into one of two
groups: (1) those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a
current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person or
persons age 60 and over, or with a person with a disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself). For either
group, you must also have an annual household income of less than $13,284 if one person lives in the household;
$17,808 if two people live in the household; $22,332 if three people live in the household; $26,856 if four people
live in the household; $31,380 if five people live in the household; $35,904 if six people live in the household;
$40,428 if seven people live in the household; or $44,952 if more than seven people live in the household.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Program Contact Information
Please visit the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) website to learn more about Food Stamps:
http://www.dhr.state.al.us/page.asp?pageid=159
Postal mail should be addressed to:
Alabama Department of Human Resources
Food Stamp Partnership
50 North Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
To contact the Alabama Food Stamp Voice Response System please call in Montgomery:
334-242-0143
And in if you are outside Montgomery:
800-382-0499
Managing Agency
Alabama
http://www.alabama.gov
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Program Description
The School Breakfast and Lunch Programs make nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free meals available to school
children each school day. Over 92,000 schools offer lunches at school, and nearly 70,000 schools offer breakfast
at school nationwide. School breakfasts and lunches must meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and Federal
nutrition standards. Some schools offer afterschool snacks to children in the school's afterschool care programs.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Alabama and a parent or primary
caregiver responsible for a child(ren) who attends school (high school or under). Those who qualify must also have
an annual household income before taxes that must not exceed $26,955 if two people live in the household;
$33,874 if three people live in the household; $40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people
live in the household; $54,631 if six people live in the household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household; and
$68,469 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the
home.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for free or reduced price meals, contact your child's school. A listing of your state's schools can be found
here:
http://www.alsde.edu/html/school_info.asp?sort=county
Program Contact Information
For more information visit:
http://www.alsde.edu/html/sections/section_detail.asp?section=53%26footer=s...
For more information on the programs, please call the Alabama Child Nutrition Program office at:
334-242-1988
Managing Agency
Alabama
http://www.alabama.gov
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Program Description
The Low-Income High Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists low-income Alabama residents with the high
cost of home energy. Funding is provided from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) block
grant through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Alabama, you must need financial
assistance for home energy costs and your household's annual income before taxes must not exceed $16,245 if
one person lives in the household; $21,855 if two people live in the household; $27,465 if three people live in the
household; $33,075 if four people live in the household; $38,685 if five people live in the household; $44,295 if six
people live in the household; $49,905 if seven people live in the household; $55,515 if eight people live in the
household; and $61,125 if more than eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $5,610 for
each additional person in the home.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply, call 1-800-392-8098, and you will be provided with your local Community Action Agency's phone number.
Program Contact Information
To learn more about Alabama LIHEAP, please call:
334-242-4909
Managing Agency
Alabama
http://www.alabama.gov
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Program Description
ALL Kids provides low-cost healthcare coverage for Alabama's children and teens whose family incomes are above
Medicaid eligibility, but below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. ALL Kids comprehensive benefit package covers
regular check-ups, immunizations, sick child doctor visits, prescriptions, dental and vision care, hospital and
physician services and mental health and substance abuse services. Additional medical services may be available
for children with special needs. ALL Kids is administered by The Alabama Department of Public Health.
General Program Requirements
Children and teens may be for ALL Kids if they are: under 19 years of age, a resident of Alabama, and a US citizen
or eligible immigrant. You must have an annual household income before taxes of less than $34,240 if two people
live in the household; $43,029 if three people live in the household; $51,818 if four people live in the household;
$60,607 if five people live in the household; $69,396 if six people live in the household; $78,185 if seven people live
in the household; $86,974 if eight people live in the household; and $78,400 if more than eight people live in the
household. For larger households, add $8,789 for each additional person in the home. Depending on your income
level, you may have to pay a premium for coverage. Please see this state's program information for details.
Application packets are available at your local county health departments and may also be obtained in your
community at many doctors' offices, hospitals, social service agencies, schools, and pharmacies.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
You may apply for this program online at the following website:
http://www.adph.org/allkids/Default.asp?id=1497
Application packets are available at your local county health departments and may also be obtained in your
community at many doctors' offices, hospitals, social service agencies, schools, and pharmacies. By calling 1-888-
373-KIDS(5437) between 7 AM-6 PM, Monday through Friday, you can request an application be mailed to you.
Program Contact Information
For more information, visit:
http://www.adph.org/allkids
For more information, call our toll-free number at:
888-373-5437
Managing Agency
Alabama Department of Public Health
http://www.adph.org/
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Program Description
The WIC Program provides supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care, at no cost, to low-
income pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are determined to be
at nutritional risk. To be fully eligible for the WIC Program, applicants must be determined by a health professional,
at no cost, to be at nutritional risk (i.e., have certain medical-based or diet-based risk conditions).
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Alabama, pregnant, breastfeeding
and postpartum woman, infant or child up to 5 years of age and: (1) are individually determined by a health
professional to be at nutrition risk; and, (2) meet an income standard, or are determined automatically income
eligible. A person who participates or has family members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as
the Food Stamp Program, Medicaid or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, automatically meets the income
eligibility requirement.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
See the Alabama WIC website for detailed application information:
http://www.adph.org/wic/Default.asp?id=611
Program Contact Information
Please see the following Web Site for the income standard or maximum income limit for WIC eligibility:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/howtoapply/incomeguidelines.htm
For more information on Alabama WIC, please visit the Alabama Department of Public Health at:
http://www.adph.org/wic/
If you have questions about the WIC program, you can also call the Department of Public Health toll-free:
800-654-1385
Managing Agency
Department of Public Health (State AL)
http://www.adph.org
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Program Description
The Alabama Special Milk Program provides milk to children in schools, childcare institutions, and eligible camps
that do not participate in other Federal child nutrition meal service programs. Schools that participate in the National
School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs can participate in the Special Milk Program for half-day kindergarten
and pre-kindergarten children who do not have access to a school meals program. The program reimburses
schools and institutions for the milk they serve.
General Program Requirements
Any child in a school or institution that participates in the Special Milk Program can get milk. Schools may elect to
offer free milk to low-income children. In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State
of Alabama, your household's annual income before taxes must not exceed $20,036 if one person lives in the
household; $26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if three people live in the household; $40,793 if
four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the household; $54,631 if six people live in the
household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household; and $68,469 if eight people live in the household. For
larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for the Special Milk program, directly contact your child’s school, camp, or child care institution to find out if
it participates in the Special Milk Program.
The Federal agency Child Nutrition Programs manages this program and provides state contact information here:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Contacts/StateDirectory.htm
Additionally, your state education agency can also provide you with more information about the program:
http://www.alsde.edu/html/home.asp
Program Contact Information
To learn more about the Special Milk program, please contact the Alabama Department of Education, Child Nutrition
Office in Montgomery at:
334-242-8249
Or visit:
http://www.alsde.edu/html/home.asp
Managing Agency
Alabama
http://www.alabama.gov
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Program Description
The Alabama Head Start program (for children ages 3-5) and Early Head Start program (for pregnant women,
infants, and toddlers) promote school readiness for children in low-income families by providing comprehensive
educational, health, nutritional, and social services. Parents play a large role in the programs, both as primary
educators of their children and as participants in administering the programs locally. Both programs provide pre-
literacy and literacy experiences in a multi-cultural environment. Parents are also provided social services, including
assistance with child care. Services are also available to migrant and seasonal farmworker families.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Alabama, you must be a parent or
primary caregiver responsible for a child who is too young for public school and your household's annual income
before taxes must not exceed $10,830 if one person lives in the household; $14,570 if two people live in the
household; $18,310 if three people live in the household; $22,050 if four people live in the household; $25,790 if
five people live in the household; $29,530 if six people live in the household; $33,270 if seven people live in the
household; $37,010 if eight people live in the household; and $40,750 if more than eight people live in the
household. For larger households, add $3,740 for each additional person in the home.
If you do not meet these criteria, you may still qualify if you are a U.S. national, citizen or permanent resident whose
financial status is low income or very low income, who is under-employed, unemployed or about to become
unemployed, facing pregnancy, less than 19 years of age yourself, or the parent or primary caregiver for children
under the age of 19 years. Other qualifications may apply.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For enrollment information, contact the program nearest you:
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/HeadStartOffices
Program Contact Information
To learn more about Alabama Head Start or Early Head Start programs, please visit our website at:
http://children.alabama.gov/Default.aspx?catid=9
Or visit Alabama KIDS, the most comprehensive list of children's services in Alabama. It has been created to help
families and professionals locate resources close to home:
http://alabama.gov/portal/secondary.jsp?page=Living_ChildrenServices
Managing Agency
Alabama
http://www.alabama.gov
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The Weatherization Program is designed to save energy and enhance the self-sufficiency of low-income families by
helping them to reduce their home heating and cooling bills. In order to receive assistance, the applicant's income
must not exceed 150 percent of the established poverty level for the state of Alabama. Weatherization assistance
may include installing insulation, replacing or repairing windows and doors, sealing of air leaks, patching small areas
of the roof, or underskirting. ADECA administers this program through the Community Action Agencies across the
state.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Alabama, your household's annual
income before taxes must not exceed $16,245 if one person lives in the household; $21,855 if two people live in the
household; $27,465 if three people live in the household; $33,075 if four people live in the household; $38,685 if
five people live in the household; $44,295 if six people live in the household; $49,905 if seven people live in the
household; and $55,515 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $5,610 for each
additional person in the home.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply, please call the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs at 334.242.5373.
Or call the Community Action Association of Alabama at 205.342.9291
Program Contact Information
For more information about this program, please visit:
http://www.adeca.alabama.gov/C14/Weatherization%20Assistance%20Prog/default...
Managing Agency
Alabama
http://www.alabama.gov
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church
4881 S. College Street, Auburn, AL 36830
Pastor Thomas Brown, M.S.
www.mtvernonauburn.com
Survivors of Sexual Abuse Support Group
A support group for survivors of sexual abuse to be conducted at the
Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Thomas Brown is organizing
a confidential support group for survivors of sexual abuse in the
Auburn-Opelika, Alabama area. The group will meet once per week and will be
facilitated by Pastor Brown who has a Master's degree in counseling
and many years of experience as a therapist. Interested parties may
contact Pastor Brown at Tbrown7606@aol.com for details and sign up
information. Pastor Brown may also be reached via the church website at
www.mtvernonauburn.com.
God's Faithful Men (GFM)
(The Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church Men's Ministry) God's
Faithful Men (GFM) meet on every 3rd Saturday in the month for christian
fellowship. A group of men from the area get together to discuss male
issues and roles and other items as they come up. All men, young and old,
are encouraged to attend.
Brother Montrice - President
Minister Ralph Stokes - Advisor (contact RalphEStokes@charter.net)
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AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES
Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or make a reservation online.
Shelby County - Hoover, AL
Hoover Public Safety Center
2020 Valleydale Road
Hoover, AL 35244-2024
(on the bus) Regular Hours
Monday 1:00pm-7:00pm
Calhoun County - Anniston, Al
401 Noble Street
Anniston, AL 36207
Phone: 256-237-2393 Regular Hours
Monday 12:00pm-6:00pm
Thursday 12:00pm-6:00pm
Bessemer Chapter - Bessemer, AL
1720 2nd Avenue
Bessemer, AL 35020
Phone: 205-428-4131 Regular Hours
Last Friday of
the month (times vary)
Mississippi Gulf Coast Donor Center - Biloxi, MS
Ridge Park Donor Center - Birmingham, AL
100 Ridge Park, Suite 1000
1130 22nd Street South
Birmingham, AL 35205
Phone: 205-918-1000
Driving Directions
Regular Hours
Monday* 12:00pm-7:00pm
Tuesday* 12:00pm-7:00pm
Wednesday* 7:30am-3:30pm
Thursday* 7:30am-3:30pm
Friday* 7:30am-3:30pm
Saturday*
(Platelets only) 7:30am-1:00pm
Sunday*
(Platelets only) 7:30am-1:00pm
*Call for appointment
to donate platelets.
Morgan County - Decatur, AL
431 Holly Street N.E.
Decatur, AL 35602
Phone: 256-353-4891 Regular Hours
Monday 9:30am–3:00pm
Thursday 12:30pm-5:30pm
Dothan Donor Center - Dothan, AL
1004 Montezuma Avenue
Dothan, AL 36303
Phone: 334-793-6330 Regular Hours
Thursday 1:00pm-7:00pm
Etowah County - Gadsden, AL
405 South First Street
Gadsden, AL 35901
Phone: 256-547-8667 Regular Hours
Tuesday 9:00am-2:30pm
Thursday 1:00pm-7:00pm
Gautier Chapter - Gautier, MS
Gautier 1st United Methodist Church
2717 Highway 90
Gautier, MS
Phone: 228-497-1698 Regular Hours
Last Tuesday of
the month 1:00pm–7:00pm
Madison County Donor Center - Huntsville, AL
1101 Washington Street
Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: 256-536-0084 Regular Hours
Monday* 12:00pm-7:00pm
Tuesday* 12:00pm-7:00pm
Wednesday* 7:30am-3:30pm
Thursday* 7:30am-3:30pm
Friday* 7:30am-3:30pm
Saturday*
(Platelets only) 7:30am-1:00pm
Sunday*
(Platelets only) 7:30am-1:00pm
*Call for appointment
to donate platelets.
Walker County - Jasper, AL
Community Health Center
204 19th Street East
Jasper, Alabama
(on the bus)
Chapter phone: 205-387-1478
Site Phone: 205-387-8000 Regular Hours
4th Friday of
each month 10:00am–4:00pm
Josephson Donor Center - Mobile, AL
3446 Demetropolis Road
Mobile, Alabama 36693
Phone: 251-662-2615 Regular Hours
Monday* 12:00pm-7:00pm
Tuesday* 12:00pm-7:00pm
Wednesday* 7:30am-3:30pm
Thursday* 7:30am-3:30pm
Friday* 7:30am-3:30pm
Saturday*
(Platelets only) 7:30am-1:00pm
Sunday*
(Platelets only) 7:30am-1:00pm
*Call for appointment
to donate platelets.
Montgomery Donor Center - Montgomery, AL
5015 Woods Crossing
Montgomery, AL 36106
Phone: 334-260-3987 Regular Hours
Monday* 12:00pm-7:00pm
Tuesday* 12:00pm-7:00pm
Wednesday* 7:30am-3:30pm
Thursday* 7:30am-3:30pm
Friday* 7:30am-3:30pm
Saturday*
(Platelets only) 7:30am-1:00pm
Sunday*
(Platelets only) 7:30am-1:00pm
*Call for appointment
to donate platelets.
Lee County - Opelika, AL
206 26th Street
Opelika, AL 36801
Phone: 334-749-9981 Regular Hours
Wednesday 12:00pm-6:00pm
Talladega Chapter - Talladega, AL
136 North Court Street
Talladega, AL 35160
Phone: 256-362-2061 Regular Hours
2nd Wednesday of
the month 11:00am-4:30pm
Tuscaloosa Chapter - Tuscaloosa, AL
Professional Plaza East
921 3rd Avenue East, Suite 100
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Phone: 205-391-4859 Regular Hours
Wednesday 12:00pm-6:00pm
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REMEMBER NO MATTER WHAT TOWN, CITY, COUNTY OR STATE SEND US YOUR UPCOMING EVENT
INFORMATION TO BE APPLIED TO YOUR STATE'S PAGE!
BECOME ACTIVE IN YOUR COMMUNITY!
IF YOUR GROUP, ORGANIZATION, OR HOUSE OF WORSHIP HAS ANY ACTIVITIES UPCOMING SUCH AS:
MEALS FOR THE NEEDY, FOOD PANTRIES & BASKET GIVEAWAYS, CLOTHING CLOSETS, BAZAARS,
FLEA MARKETS, CAR WASHES, FREE CLASSES/SEMINARS, FILM FESTIVALS,
FIRST TIME HOME PURCHASER SEMINARS, STATE FAIRS....EVEYTHING!!!!
PLEASE CONTACT ME BY EMAIL: homelesstoindependence@yahoo.com