TEXAS HAPPENIN'S - March 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


Women Who Rule The World

Please join us for an Evening of Empowerment featuring a complimentary dinner, free career coaching, fabulous door prizes and
much more. Network with women business, political, faith-based and community leaders as well as local celebrities.

Women Who Rule the World Event Dates

Friday, March 5, 2010
6:00-10:00 p.m
Hilton Houston Westchase
Houston, TX

Friday, May 14, 2010
6:00-10:00 p.m
Hilton Atlanta Airport
Atlanta, GA

Friday, June 18, 2010
6:00-10:00 p.m
Hilton Penn Station (Newark, NJ)
New York City, NY

Friday, August 13, 2010
6:00-10:00 p.m
Doubletree Chicago Magnificent Mile
Chicago, IL

Friday, September 17, 2010
6:00-10:00 p.m
Hilton Crystal City (Arlington, VA)
Washington, DC

This is a FREE event created just for you. Please take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. The PSM National Coordinator will
be at every event, so please come out and represent PSM in a mighty way. If you would like to help and be on my team please
contact me, Shanick Moore at smoore@projectsinglemoms.com.

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Program Description
The CEAP addresses the needs of the Texas household in developing goals for self-sufficiency through case management,
education and a co-payment utility plan (which financially assists with up to 12 months of utility bills). It provides relief to those low
income elderly and/or disabled households most vulnerable to the high cost of energy for home heating and cooling from
fluctuations in energy costs by providing financial assistance, paying up to 4 of the highest bills during the year. Furthermore, it
provides assistance in an energy-related crisis or during severe weather or supply shortages. Finally, CEAP can replace, repair
and/or retrofit inefficient heating and/or cooling systems for eligible applicants.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Texas, you must need financial assistance for
home energy costs and your household's annual income before taxes must not exceed $21,660 if one person lives in the
household; $29,140 if two people live in the household; $36,620 if three people live in the household; $44,100 if four people live in
the household; $51,580 if five people live in the household; $59,060 if six people live in the household; $66,540 if seven people live in
the household; and $74,020 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $7,480 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 services, you must contact the local subrecipient to obtain an application. Call TDHCA's toll free line at (877) 399-8939
(from a land line—not a cell phone) or download the CEAP service provider list (PDF) to locate the local CEAP subrecipient nearest
you:
http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/ea/docs/09-CEAPSubrecipients.pdf

Program Contact Information
Download the service provider list (pdf) to locate the local CEAP service provider nearest you:
http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/ea/docs/09-CEAPSubrecipients.pdf

If you have any questions, you can call the Texas' Department of Housing and Community Affairs energy assistance section,
Monday through Friday between 8 am and 5 pm at:
877-399-8939

For more information, please visit:
http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/ea/index.htm


Managing Agency
Texas
http://www.state.tx.us

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Program Description
Many Texans have trouble making ends meet each month. After paying for rent, utilities, transportation, and child care, there's
often little left over to buy nutritious food. But it doesn't have to be that way. Each month, hundreds of thousands of families across
the state turn to the Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) to receive help in the form of food stamps to help feed their
families. Read on to learn how you can receive help if you qualify.

The Food Stamp program is a Federally funded program that helps low-income families buy nutritious food from local food stores.
Food stamp assistance is available to qualifying families, elderly people, and single adults. Applicants must reside in Texas, and
must apply in the county in which they reside.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) establishes all eligibility and certification policies. Your eligibility for benefits
will depend on your situation on the following criteria:
1. Residence
2. Citizenship
3. Employment Services
4. Work Requirement (for individuals age 18-50)
5. Resources
6. Income
7. Social Security Numbers

While GovBenefits.gov has the ability to pre-screen your eligibility at a high-level, you must work with your local county Department
of Human Services (DHS) office to confirm your eligibility. To do this, you will need to apply for benefits and participate in an in
person/by phone interview.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Texas 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 $16,848 if one person lives in the household; $22,596 if two people live in the household; $28,332 if three people live in the
household; $34,080 if four people live in the household; $39,816 if five people live in the household; $45,564 if six people live in the
household; $51,300 if seven people live in the household; or $57,048 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
To apply for benefits, you can go to your local DHS office. Click here to find the office nearest you:
https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com/wps/themes/html/SSPortal/officeLocator/re...

For further information about the Texas Food Stamp program, read our Frequently Asked Questions page on our Web site at:
http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/providers/LoneStar/EBT/EBThowto.html

More detailed information about eligibility requirements may be found on our Web site at:
http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/programs/FoodStamps/estimator/index.html


Managing Agency
Texas
http://www.state.tx.us

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Program Description
The Texas Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Division administers the National School Lunch (NSLP) and School
Breakfast Programs (SBP) for Public Schools. The goal of the NSLP and SBP is to safeguard the health and well being of school
children by establishing good eating habits through the availability of adequate food. Public and nonprofit schools, residential child
care institutions, juvenile correctional institutions, and boarding schools may participate in these programs.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Texas 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; $68,469 if eight people live in the household; and $75,388 if more than 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://deleon.tea.state.tx.us/SDL/Forms/

Program Contact Information
For additional information on the programs, please visit:
http://netx.squaremeals.com/snp/index.html

For more information regarding the programs, please call toll-free:
888 TEX-KIDS

Or
512 463-2076

Or send an e-mail to:
nslp@dhs.state.tx.us


You can also contact your child's school to find out what meals are served and how to apply for free or reduced price school
meals.


Managing Agency
Texas
http://www.state.tx.us

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Program Description
The CEAP addresses the needs of the Texas household in developing goals for self-sufficiency through case management,
education and a co-payment utility plan (which financially assists with up to 12 months of utility bills). It provides relief to those low
income elderly and/or disabled households most vulnerable to the high cost of energy for home heating and cooling from
fluctuations in energy costs by providing financial assistance, paying up to 4 of the highest bills during the year. Furthermore, it
provides assistance in an energy-related crisis or during severe weather or supply shortages. Finally, CEAP can replace, repair
and/or retrofit inefficient heating and/or cooling systems for eligible applicants.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Texas, you must need financial assistance for
home energy costs and your household's annual income before taxes must not exceed $13,537 if one person lives in the
household; $18,212 if two people live in the household; $22,887 if three people live in the household; $27,562 if four people live in
the household; $32,237 if five people live in the household; $36,912 if six people live in the household; $41,587 if seven people live in
the household; $46,262 if eight people live in the household; and $50,002 if more than eight people live in the household. For larger
households, add $4,675 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 services, you must contact the local subrecipient to obtain an application. Call TDHCA's toll free line at (877) 399-8939
(from a land line—not a cell phone) or download the CEAP service provider list (PDF) to locate the local CEAP subrecipient nearest
you:
http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/ea/docs/09-CEAPSubrecipients.pdf

Program Contact Information
Download the service provider list (pdf) to locate the local CEAP service provider nearest you:
http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/ea/docs/09-CEAPSubrecipients.pdf

If you have any questions, you can call the Texas' Department of Housing and Community Affairs energy assistance section,
Monday through Friday between 8 am and 5 pm at:
877-399-8939

For more information, please visit:
http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/ea/index.htm


Managing Agency
Texas
http://www.state.tx.us

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Program Description
The TexCare Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is designed for families who earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid
health care, yet cannot afford to buy private insurance. The parents in some of these families have jobs that do not offer health
insurance for children. Other parents' jobs offer health insurance, but the insurance is so expensive that families cannot afford it.

TexCare offers additional children's health insurance programs through Medicaid, which is provided at no cost to qualifying
children, and the State Kids Insurance Program - SKIP. If you are a state employee, you may qualify for an insurance supplement
for your dependent children under age 19. Your SKIP supplement will be covered through your state insurance program.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Texas, under 19 years of age, not covered by health
insurance (including Medicaid), a US national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident, and you must have an annual household
income before taxes of less than $29,140 if two people live in the household; $36,620 if three people live in the household; $44,100
if four people live in the household; $51,580 if five people live in the household; $59,060 if six people live in the household; $66,540 if
seven people live in the household; $74,020 if eight people live in the household; and $81,500 if more than eight people live in the
household. For larger households, add $7,480 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.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for this benefit, visit the following site:
http://www.chipmedicaid.org/english/apply.htm

Call 1-800-647-6558 to ask questions about CHIP or to apply over the phone. Operators work between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. M-F and
until 3 p.m. (Central Time) on Saturdays, except federal holidays.

Program Contact Information
Learn more about our programs and their requirements, please visit our website at: http://www.chipmedicaid.org/english/index.htm



Managing Agency
Texas
http://www.state.tx.us

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Program Description
WIC is a nutrition program that helps pregnant women, new mothers, and young children eat well, learn about nutrition, and stay
healthy. Nutrition education and counseling, nutritious foods, and assistance with access to health care are provided to low-
income women, infants, and children through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program, popularly known as WIC.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Texas, 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
To apply, set up an appointment at the WIC clinic closest to you:
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/wichd/pdfs/phonelist-s.pdf

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 WIC, please visit the Texas Department of Health at:
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/wichd/default.shtm

For more information and eligibility requirements, visit:
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/wichd/gi/eligible.shtm

To apply for WIC, you can call toll-free:
800-942-3678


Managing Agency
Department of Health (TX)
http://www.state.tx.us

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Program Description
The Special Milk Program (SMP) reimburses contractors for milk that they serve to school and preschool aged children who do
not otherwise participate in a Federal child nutrition meal service program. SMP clients include children who are enrolled in private
nonprofit schools, child care facilities, or summer camps.
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 Texas, 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 $75,388 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.tea.state.tx.us/

Program Contact Information
For information about the SMP please visit:
http://netx.squaremeals.com/snp/smp/index.html

For additional information or questions regarding the SMP email:
smp@dhs.state.tx.us


For SMP forms, go to:
http://netx.squaremeals.com/snp/smp/application.html


Managing Agency
Texas
http://www.state.tx.us

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Program Description
The 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 childcare. Services are also available to migrant and
seasonal farm worker families.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Texas, 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
The Head Start Locator provides a searchable database of Head Start programs. To apply for this program please visit the
following website, which will direct you to the Head Start office nearest to you:
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/HeadStartOffices

Program Contact Information
For more information on Texas Head Start, please visit:
http://cli.uth.tmc.edu/our-programs/program-overview/TX-head-start/

If you would like to speak with a State representative regarding the program, you can call the Texas Head Start Collaboration
Office toll-free at:
866-282-7780


Managing Agency
University of Texas
http://www.state.tx.us

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The Texas Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides funds to the States to assist with the weatherization of the homes
of low-income elderly and disabled adults and families. The program is administered through contracts with an established
network of 19 non-profit agencies and local governments experienced in providing weatherization services. WAP services are
available in all 95 counties. Applicants must meet low-income eligibility guidelines based on established Federal poverty
guidelines. Activities include: insulation, storm windows, caulking, and other related activities to reduce home energy costs and
increase home energy efficiency.

General Program Requirements


In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Texas, your household's annual income before
taxes must not exceed $13,537 if one person lives in the household; $18,212 if two people live in the household; $22,887 if three
people live in the household; $27,562 if four people live in the household; $32,237 if five people live in the household; $36,912 if six
people live in the household; $41,587 if seven people live in the household; and $46,262 if eight people live in the household. For
larger households, add $3,740 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 this program, please contact your local administering agency at the following location:
http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/assist_repair.htm

Program Contact Information
For more information on Texas WAP, please visit:
http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/ea/wap.htm

To speak with State representatives about the program call the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs main
switchboard at:
512-475-3800

E-mail inquiries about the program can be sent to:
info@tdhca.state.tx.us



Managing Agency
Texas
http://www.state.tx.us

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Important News
WDVR radio has learned of a wounded paralyzed solder who has no family and we are asking
all of you to please drop him a get well card or a note. His address is:

Jose Perez
Audie L. Murphy Hospital
7400 Merton Minter Boulevard
Spinal Cord Injury Unit
GLD D008-1, Bed A
San Antonio, Texas 78229

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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