Social Workin' It

HEALTH CARE FOR EVERYONE??????!!!

2010-03-22T00:01:00.002-04:00

Today a landmark bill was approved giving tens of millions of people access to health care!!! It will be interesting to see how this bill actually goes into effect.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/22/health/policy/22health.html?hp

Mental Health Care in Haiti

2010-03-21T23:55:00.002-04:00

In Haiti, Mental Health System is in Collapse

"As disasters often do in poor countries, Haiti’s earthquake has exposed the extreme inadequacies of its mental health services just at the moment when they are most needed. Appalled by the Mars and Kline Psychiatric Center, the country’s only hospital for acute mental illness, foreign psychiatrists here have vowed to help the Haitian government create a mental health care system that is more than just an underfinanced institution in the capital city." (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/20/world/americas/20haiti.html?pagewanted=1&ref=health

Reciprocal Giving:)

2009-11-13T09:47:00.002-05:00

I'm sure you've heard of the timebank concept before but the city has just launched an NYC timebank:)

I've thought (many a time) that I should just walk into places in my neighborhood and figure out how to volunteer and have even done a few, short-term, NY Cares projects. While volunteerism has its assests, reciprocal giving allows all members of the community to help as well- leaving no one with nothing to give/offer. I've been thinking of taking language courses or perhaps a sewing course- how much more fun if I could find someone in my community that I could give to and also someone that I could learn from...

https://www.timebanksnyc.org/

TimeBanksNYC is a free resource for connecting individuals who recognize that each person has talents to share, and that the overall community is strengthened when neighbors help one another with a wide range of services. For every hour that a TimeBanksNYC member provides a service or shares a skill with another member, s/he earns a time credit for the exchange. This time credit can then be redeemed for a service from someone else, and so on.

As a member of this community, you can help to:

Identify and build on the assets that neighborhood residents have to offer one another
Foster a sense of togetherness within and between NYC neighborhoods
Promote skill sharing as a way of accessing services and support, especially in hard financial times.

When Parents Are Too Toxic to Tolerate

2009-10-20T21:10:00.003-04:00

Recently I have noticed a number of clients who have terribly damaged relationships with their parents. I don't mean the regular "mom is driving me crazy." It is a chronic and negative issue in their lives. How do you tell someone that it might be best for them to stop talking to their own mother. Or rather, how do you get someone to come to that conclusion themselves? This article doesn't really answer the question, but does address it.

When Parents Are Too Toxic to Tolerate

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/20/health/20mind.html?ref=health

By RICHARD A. FRIEDMAN, M.D.

Published: October 19, 2009

"You can divorce an abusive spouse. You can call it quits if your lover mistreats you. But what can you do if the source of your misery is your own parent?

Granted, no parent is perfect. And whining about parental failure, real or not, is practically an American pastime that keeps the therapeutic community dutifully employed.

But just as there are ordinary good-enough parents who mysteriously produce a difficult child, there are some decent people who have the misfortune of having a truly toxic parent."

Hidden pockets of elderly said to be in poverty

2009-09-21T10:40:00.001-04:00

'Still many millions of older people on the edge,’ AARP president says

The Associated Press

updated 12:46 p.m. ET, Fri., Sept . 4, 2009

WASHINGTON - The poverty rate among older Americans could be nearly twice as high as the traditional 10 percent level, according to a revision of a half-century-old formula for calculating medical costs and geographic variations in the cost of living.

The National Academy of Science's formula, which is gaining credibility with public officials including some in the Obama administration, would put the poverty rate for Americans 65 and over at 18.6 percent, or 6.8 million people, compared with 9.7 percent, or 3.6 million people, under the existing measure. The original government formula, created in 1955, doesn't take account of rising costs of medical care and other factors.

"It's a hidden problem," said Robin Talbert, president of the AARP Foundation, which provides job training and support to low-income seniors and is backing legislation that would adopt the NAS formula. "There are still many millions of older people on the edge, who don't have what they need to get by."

If the academy's formula is adopted, a more refined picture of American poverty could emerge that would capture everyday costs of necessities besides just food. The result could upend long-standing notions of those in greatest need and lead eventually to shifts in how billions of federal dollars for the poor are distributed for health, housing, nutrition and child-care benefits.

The overall official poverty rate would increase, from 12.5 percent to 15.3 percent, for a total of 45.7 million people, according to rough calculations by the Census Bureau. Data on all segments, not only the elderly, would be affected:

· The rate for children under 18 in poverty would decline slightly, to 17.9 percent.

· Single mothers and their children, who disproportionately receive food stamps, would see declines in the rates of poverty because noncash aid would be taken into account. Low-income people who are working could see increases in poverty rates, a reflection of transportation and child-care costs.

· Cities with higher costs of living, such as New York, Chicago and San Francisco, would see higher poverty rates, while more rural areas in the Midwest and South might see declines.

· The rate for extreme poverty, defined as income falling below 50 percent of the poverty line, would decrease due to housing and other noncash benefits.

· Immigrant poverty rates would go up, due to transportation costs and lower participation in government aid programs.

The changes have been discussed quietly for years in academic circles, and both Democrats and Republicans agree that the decades-old White House formula, which is based on a 1955 cost of an emergency food diet, is outdated.

The current calculation sets the poverty level at three times the annual cost of groceries. For a family of four that is $21,203. That calculation does not factor in rising medical, transportation, child care and housing expenses or geographical variations in living costs. Nor does the current formula consider noncash aid when calculating income, despite the recent expansion of food stamps and tax credits in the federal economic stimulus and other government programs. The result: The poverty rate has varied little from its current 12.5 percent.

Next week, the Census Bureau will publish official poverty figures for 2008 with a cautionary note about the shortcomings. The agency says it will expedite release of alternative numbers in the following weeks, because of the interest expressed by lawmakers and the Obama administration in seeing a fuller range of numbers.

"The current poverty measure does a very bad job of measuring the impact of quite a few of our anti-poverty policies," Rebecca Blank, the Commerce Department's undersecretary of economic affairs, said in an interview. "It isn't meaningless, but it isn't complete."

Although the White House Office of Management and Budget dictates how federal poverty is measured, legislation pending in Congress would require use of the National Academy approach. Advocates are hoping the White House may act on its own.

Cities are already showing interest.

In New York City, roughly one in three senior citizens fell below the poverty line after Mayor Michael Bloomberg adopted the new formula last year; state officials in Albany, N.Y., plan to publish their revised numbers next month. Los Angeles, Miami, Washington, San Francisco and Chicago also have been considering a switch.

When New York City changed to the new formula, a smaller percentage of children fell below the poverty line, particularly those living in single-parent homes. Residents 65 and over in poverty nearly doubled, from 18.1 percent to 32 percent.

Bloomberg, who previously pushed for cuts in programs for the elderly, now is advocating pilot programs for older residents that would reduce taxi costs, provide free bus service to get to grocery stores and offer legal aid to those at risk of eviction from their homes.

"Under this up-to-date measure, you understand that government programs have had a beneficial impact on households with single parents and children," said Linda Gibbs, New York's deputy mayor for health and human services. She expressed concern that as the official measure becomes increasingly outdated, it is redirecting social programs and funding away from the people who may need it the most.

"We wanted to look at poverty with a finer view in New York City and have an impact," Gibbs said.

Nationally, official poverty rates for older Americans have improved significantly over the past 30 years due to expansions of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income. But many older people with modest cash incomes would fall below the poverty line under the NAS formula due to out-of-pocket expenses from rising Medicare premiums, deductibles and a coverage gap in the prescription drug benefit that is known as the "doughnut hole."

The NAS figures could take on added significance at a time when the government is touting an overhaul of Medicare and Social Security as its best hope for reducing the ballooning federal debt. With the potential to add more older Americans to the ranks of the poor, the numbers may underscore a need for continued — if not expanded — old-age benefits as a government safety net.

Advocates for updating the formula note that Barack Obama indicated during the presidential campaign that he supported an improved measure as part of a broader strategy to reduce poverty.

Simon Norwood of Little Rock, Ark., 56, says he's still keeping faith in that promise. A lifelong construction worker who receives food stamps, Norwood hasn't had regular work for months once jobs dried up in the housing meltdown. He doesn't dare to think about getting sick or injured because he doesn't know whether he could cover the expenses. Now working a part-time, minimum-wage job, Norwood said it doesn't matter to him how the poverty numbers are sliced so long as people get a fair shake at getting assistance.

"I often tell my son, 'You've got to save your money. Live within your means,'" he said. "Because you never know when things might take a turn."

More information

· AARP

· Census Bureau

· Commerce Department

URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32690294/ns/business-us_business/page/2/

Mental Stress Training Is Planned for U.S. Soldiers

2009-08-18T23:42:00.006-04:00

This sounds promising and way overdue!

By BENEDICT CAREY

Published: August 17, 2009

Here's a blurb: "The Army plans to require that all 1.1 million of its soldiers take intensive training in emotional resiliency, military officials say.

The training, the first of its kind in the military, is meant to improve performance in combat and head off the mental health problems, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide, that plague about one-fifth of troops returning from Afghanistan and Iraq.

Active-duty soldiers, reservists and members of the National Guard will receive the training, which will also be available to their family members and to civilian employees."

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/18/health/18psych.html?_r=1&ref=health

NJ NASW

2009-08-15T18:05:00.007-04:00

Hey everyone,

Check out the NASW-NJ Blog: naswnj.blogspot.com

It's a good way to stay connected to our field!

Schizophrenia research

2009-07-02T00:17:00.002-04:00

July 1, 2009, 5:10 pm
"Hoopla, and Disappointment, in Schizophrenia Research"
By Nicholas Wade

There's still a long way to go in schizophrenia research:

"The principal news from the three studies is that schizophrenia is caused by a very large number of errant genes, not a manageable and meaningful handful . . . Schizophrenia too seems to be not a single disease, but the end point of 10,000 different disruptions to the delicate architecture of the human brain."

A New Approach to Orphanages

2009-06-29T01:53:00.008-04:00

“Fragile Tanzanian Orphans Get Help After Mothers Die”—New York Times
By Denise Grady
Photographed by Béatrice de Géa for The New York Times
Published: June 24, 2009

This is a great article on efforts focused on the surviving children of dead mothers in Berega, Tanzania. This article provides an example that there are other ways of offering child services that can be effective and healthy aside from traditional orphanages.

“ . . . Most of their mothers died giving birth or soon after — something that, in poor countries, leaves newborns at great risk of dying, too. The children are here just temporarily, to get a start in life so they can return to their villages and their extended families when they are 2 or 3 years old, well past the fragile days of infancy and big enough to digest cow’s milk and eat regular food.

And, in an innovative program designed to meet the infants’ emotional as well as physical needs, many have teenage girls from their extended families living with them at the orphanage . . . “

www.nytimes.com/2009/06/25/world/africa/25orphan.html?_r=1&ref=health

An Emotional Hair Trigger, Often Misread

2009-06-19T00:13:00.005-04:00

An Emotional Hair Trigger, Often Misread--New York Times

By Jane Brody

Published: June 15, 2009

Here's a blurb from the article: "Rather, affected individuals seem to be born with a quick and unduly sensitive emotional trigger. The condition appears to have both genetic and environmental underpinnings. Brain studies have indicated that the emotional center of the nervous system — the amygdala — may be overly reactive, while the part that reins in emotional reactions may be underactive."

I found this to be a really interesting article about the enigma that is Borderline Personality Disorder.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/16/health/16brod.html?ref=health

Report on Gene for Depression Is Now Faulted

2009-06-19T00:08:00.003-04:00

"Report on Gene for Depression Is Now Faulted" --New York Times

By BENEDICT CAREY

Published: June 16, 2009

The nature vs. nurture debate continues.

Here's a snippet from the article: "One of the most celebrated findings in modern psychiatry — that a single gene helps determine one’s risk of depression in response to a divorce, a lost job or another serious reversal — has not held up to scientific scrutiny, researchers reported Tuesday."

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/17/science/17depress.html?ref=science

Free chocolate:)?

2009-05-15T12:04:00.001-04:00

This looks like a pretty awesome deal for just about anyone:)
http://blogs.moneycentral.msn.com/smartspending/archive/2009/05/14/free-chocolate-every-friday-for-months.aspx

A testament to self care . . .

2009-05-11T23:20:00.002-04:00

Do Everybody a Favor: Take a Sick Day

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/12/health/12case.html?ref=health

P Star Rising

2009-04-25T23:21:00.002-04:00

Tonight a couple of gals and I went to see P Star Rising (a documentary that is part of the Tribeca Film Festival). I love a good coming of age story and this fit the bill. It's funny, outrageous, touching, and unnerving. And, I guess one of the best parts of the story is that P Star's story is just beginning.

Make sure to check it out!

www.pstarrising.com
Synopsis of the documentary:

At age 9, Priscilla, an adorable yet precocious little girl, tells her single-father, Jesse,: “I am going to become a rapper and fulfill your dreams of succeeding in the music business.” Moved by Priscilla’s passion and impressed with her natural talent and undeniable charisma, he begins to teach her all he knows about rapping. In the four years that follow there is no question that rapping has brought Priscilla closer to her estranged father, and that her success has made him proud. Before our eyes, this father-daughter duo go from a one-bedroom shelter in Harlem to a 4 bedroom apartment, from food stamps to shopping sprees, from rapping on street corners to sold out night clubs, and from sneaking under train turnstiles without the $2 fare to spare to being driven around in tinted SUV’s. It is further undeniable that Jesse has been reborn, from looking at old photos and bitterly reflecting on how he never was given the respect he deserved in the music business as a rapper himself to finding his own voice and self-respect as his daughter’s overzealous manager. But in the efforts to make her dad proud, Priscilla struggles to remain a child and finds herself trapped in a world of people twice her size and four times her age and doesn't know who to trust. Jesse himself is caught between wanting to protect his daughter’ innocence and exploiting her raw talent to fulfill his deferred dream. All they know is that the ride has just begun.

Student Loans

2009-04-23T20:01:00.004-04:00

Interesting article in the New York Times about student loan debt and the current economy. There is even mention of a loan forgiveness program that starts July 1st (but not sure how it's different from the current loan forgiveness programs out there--any clarification is appreciated).

Thanks Cara!!

Saving face in the face of unemployment

2009-04-07T11:31:00.002-04:00

Don't know if anyone saw this NY times article today: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/07/health/07mind.html

I think this concept really holds implications for those of us trying to help clients or friends get jobs or trying to get jobs ourselves. Also interesting in relation to the level of confidence/pride that we as social workers display about ourselves and our own work. And even the whole CBT concept of taking action and 'editing' thoughts changing feelings and behavior...

Thoughts?

NY Times Article

2009-04-03T11:39:00.003-04:00

this is an interesting article:

Downturn Puts New Stresses on Libraries
By SUSAN SAULNY and KAREN ANN CULLOTTA
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/02/us/02library.html

it just shows that they need us more than ever, and need more money and resources in social services. but also gives me ideas of where and how we can use our training to be helpful!

Social Work Podcast

2009-03-22T21:58:00.004-04:00

Hi Social Workers,

Found this website on all things social work, including a podcast on negotiating your salary.

http://socialworkpodcast.com/

Article: After Abuse, Changes in the Brain

2009-03-01T23:42:00.002-05:00

After Abuse, Changes in the Brain, by Benedict Carey.

Here's a snipet and the link to the entire article is below:

"The researchers found that the genes that code for these receptors were about 40 percent less active in people who had been abused as children than in those who had not. The scientists found the same striking differences between the abused group and the brains of 12 control subjects, who had not been abused and who died from causes other than suicide. “It is good evidence that the same systems are at work in humans that we have seen in other animals,” said Patrick McGowan, a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Meaney’s lab at McGill and the lead author of the study."

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/24/health/research/24abuse.html?ref=research

Job Fair!

2009-02-23T00:29:00.002-05:00

This year's Master's Level Social Work Job Fair is going to be held at Columbia University-Lerner Hall, on Friday, April 24 (11am-3pm). I remember that alumni came to the job fair last year . . . the website only mentions students, but I would assume alumni can go too.

http://www.columbia.edu/cu/ssw/jobfair/

Article: In Turnabout, Children Take Caregiver Role

2009-02-23T00:21:00.004-05:00

Here's an article from the NY Times about children taking on the role as caregiver.

Below is a portion from the article:

"Across the country, children are providing care for sick parents or grandparents — lifting frail bodies off beds or toilets, managing medication, washing, feeding, dressing, talking with doctors. Schools, social service agencies and health providers are often unaware of those responsibilities because families members may be too embarrassed, or stoic.

Some children develop maturity and self-esteem. But others grow anxious, depressed or angry, sacrifice social and extracurricular activities and miss — or quit — school."

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/23/health/23care.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&hp

Recession Girl NYC

2009-02-22T10:00:00.003-05:00

Recession Girl NYC is a cute and clever website for those of us living in NYC with a hankering to get out and have some fun on a budget (especially useful for those of us living on a social worker's salary). Tips are given on how to get more for the money you spend ("Swindle of the Day"), free/low-cost events ("Low Roller Fun"), cheap or free items being given out ("Curb Alert"), and much more.

Check it out!!!

http://recessiongirlnyc.blogspot.com/

Prince of Broadway

2009-02-21T23:37:00.003-05:00

Does anyone know where or when the Prince of Broadway might be playing? I noticed that it's playing at BAM Rose Cinema on Tuesday at 4pm, but sadly I can't make it and it seems this is the only time to see it. It looks like an interesting story. And, BAM is currently having a film festival entitled: Best of the African Diaspora Film Festival

http://www.princeofbroadway.com/

Here's a synopsis:

Prince of Broadway is the story of Lucky and Levon, two men whose lives converge in the underbelly of New York's wholesale fashion district. Lucky, an illegal immigrant from Ghana, makes ends meet by soliciting shoppers on the street with knock-off brand merchandise. Levon, a Armenian-Lebanese immigrant, operates an illegal storefront with a concealed back room where counterfeit goods are showcased to interested shoppers. Lucky's world is suddenly turned upside down when a child is thrust into his life by a woman who insists the toddler is his son. While Lucky copes with his new domestic dilemma, Levon struggles to save a marriage that is falling apart.

Article: hildren in the Mental Health Void

2009-02-20T11:33:00.003-05:00

This article by Judith Warner, Children in the Mental Health Void, is an interesting look at our country's failing mental health care system.

http://warner.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/19/is-there-no-place-on-earth/

Check it out.

REMINDER!! LMSW study session

2009-02-19T14:47:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone,

Just a quick reminder that we will be having another lmsw study session/chat session on Saturday, February 28 at 11:30am. We plan to meet at the Barnes & Noble Cafe in Union Square.

See you then!

Suze Orman

2009-01-10T12:45:00.005-05:00

As a recent graduate looking at a new year ahead of me, I have been trying to put together the pieces that will build a healthy financial future. Trying to figure out all the pension, deferred compensation, loan repayment options, savings, and a regular budget has been a tad overwhelming thus far.

I was really excited to get notice from a friend that Suze Orman's latest book is available for FREE in a pdf file. I think it is only for a limited time, so save a copy for later if you can't get to it now.
I am hoping reading it and taking the actions she outlines will bring me some clarity and confidence!

Here is the link:
http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahshow/20081119_tows_bookdownload

Moira

Nonprofit finance workshop

2009-01-09T13:17:00.001-05:00

Non-profit professionals often find themselves at the precarious juncture of following their passion and being financially stable. It is especially important in these economic times when the financial markets are uncertain. Please, join YNPN-NYC for a panel discussion entitled:

How to live on a non-profit salary: The In's and Out's of Personal Finance for the Non-Profit Professional

This panel will cover personal finance issues such as:
Investing/Retirement
Credit
Taxes
Dealing with Debt
Student Loan
Consolidation & Management
Personal Budgeting
Federal Legislation on Non-profit Loan Forgiveness
Tips for managing a non-profit professional budget in NYC: From rent to non-profit professional deals

This event details are as follows:
Date: January 22nd
Time: 6 - 8 PM
Location: The Support Center for Nonprofit Management (305 Seventh Avenue, 11th Floor (@ 27th Street))
RSVP: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/250167257

We look forward to seeing you on the 22nd!

The YNPN-NYC Professional Development Committee

Job posting

2009-01-07T13:39:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone!

I have just received a job postings for the SUNY-Research Foundation. Here are some details and if you want more just email me:

TITLE: ATTAIN Instructional Technology Coordinator

OFFICE: Farragut Community Center ATTAIN Lab

LOCATION: Brooklyn, New York

SALARY: $40,000 - $42,000

FUNCTION & SCOPE: ATTAIN (Advanced Technology Training and Information Networking) is a Statewide technology initiative funded by New York State. ATTAIN’s goal is to provide urban and rural communities access to state-of-the-art technology. Through innovative technologies ATTAIN provides under-served and under-educated community residents academic, vocational, life skills and workplace readiness training.

Skills

2009-01-06T14:17:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone,

I was thinking that it has been six months since I started my job and a little more since we've graduated (yikes!) and was trying to recall all the projects I've worked on and skills I've gained at work so far. I really couldn't remember much off the top of my head, which scared me;);) But when I started to think, a few things came to mind. So, I decided to create an ongoing doc where I could record all the things I've worked on/skills I've learned so far. I figure it will be good to refer back to if I ever want to look for a new job or need to describe what I do for professional purposes ('analyst' isn't the clearest job title). Also, it was kind-of a nice new years self-esteem boost because its easy to forget day to day that I've learned a ton since starting work.

Hope this is a helpful idea:)

Article: Enlisting the Aid of Hairstylists as Sentinels for Domestic Abuse

2008-12-14T22:22:00.004-05:00

I thought this was a great article. Stylists are being taught how to recognize the signs of domestic abuse and how to refer their clients for help. This seems like such a smart and effective way of reaching women who really need help!

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/20/nyregion/20salons.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=domestic%20violence%20and%20hair&st=cse

Article: Suing to Raise a Payment of Last Resort

2008-12-09T23:43:00.003-05:00

Interesting article from nytimes.com regarding NYS welfare.

Here's a blurb:

New York State has not raised its basic payment for people on welfare since 1989, forcing many recipients to skip meals, wear hand-me-downs and spend many days confined to their homes because they lack the $4 needed for a subway trip, according to a lawsuit filed on Monday.

For the entire article, go to:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/nyregion/09welfare.html?pagewanted=1&ref=nyregion

LMSW Prep Class

2008-12-07T14:11:00.004-05:00

So, a few of us went to the lmsw prep class yesterday at Hunter College. I think I can speak for all of us and say that the class is well worth the money. The instructor was fantastic and alleviated some of my fears over the test.

If you were thinking about taking the class I would say go for it.

Now I just have to sign up for the test!!!!

Eloisa Cartonera y Radio La Colifata

2008-11-23T10:55:00.007-05:00

hey everyone,

i'm in buenos aires and just wanted to share two awesome projects that i read about in the BsAs TimeOut for Visitors. it's always exciting and inspiring to hear about all the creative projects that people are using to bring positive change around the world!

the first is Eloisa Cartonera, an innovative publishing company uniting cartoneros, who sift through garbage for recyclables, with well respected South American authors.
i couldn't find a link to the TimeOut article, but here are two that explain it better than i could. check it out:
http://www.socialdesignsite.com/content/view/245/72/
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/10/eloisa_cartoner.php

the second is Radio La Colifata (Crazy Radio in BsAs slang), the first radio show to broadcast live from a psychiatric hospital, started by Alfredo Olivera in 1990. the article was about how manu chao loves and supports the project, and collaborated with them on a cd, and apparantly there's a documentary in the works. here's a bbc article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4120397.stm
and their website:
http://lacolifata.openware.biz/index.cgi

suerte!

LMSW Test Prep

2008-11-09T09:56:00.006-05:00

Hey Everyone,

Moira sent us information about signing up for the LMSW test prep class on Dec. 6. I decided to enroll for it as well; I just want to get this thing over with.

http://www.naswnyc.org/ContinuingEducationProgr am.htm

"To Register Click Here"

I had my NASW ID number (which I found on the back of my membership card). I'm not 100% positive that you need to have your ID number, but I would imagine you would to get the $85 rate. You can call the NASW-NYC office (212) 668-0050 to find out your ID number.

DATE: Saturday, December 6, 2008

SESSION HOURS: 6 hours (10:00AM-5:00PM)

LOCATION: Hunter College School of Social Work 129 E. 79th St. 1st Floor Auditorium

PRESENTER: Dawn Hall Apgar, PhD, LSW, ACSW

LMSW Test Preparation
This workshop will provide attendees with test-taking strategies for correctly answering examination questions. A framework for critical analysis of examination questions will be presented, and the instructor will use sample questions to illustrate important concepts. ractice questions will be used to familiarize attendees with items in each content area. Attendees should bring highlighters with them to this workshop. A 257 page manual (only available to attendees and included in the fee) will be distributed at the workshop.

VOTE!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-04T16:44:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone got their vote on today!!!!

Mint personal finance

2008-11-02T23:44:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone,

I commented below, but I just tried out www.mint.com (thanks to Katie's suggestion) and so far it looks really helpful. I was a little afraid, because you have to put in all of your banking info (username, password, etc.), but it really gives me a clear picture of how I'm using my money and how my reality is that I simply don't make enough :)

Get your vote on!!!!!

2008-10-31T19:21:00.001-04:00

If you don't know the location of your polling site, you can do one of the following:

Search with the http://gis.nyc.gov/vote/ps/index.htm
Call the Voter Phone Bank at 1.866.VOTE.NYC
E-mail your complete home address to vote@boe.nyc.ny.us and you'll be e-mailed your polling location. (Please put in the subject line the borough in which you reside.)

Polling sites are open 6:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.
--EXPECT LONG LINES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Polling places are located throughout the city. You can vote ONLY at your designated polling place. Make sure you are at the correct polling site and Election District/Assembly District (ED/AD) for your address.

Article: Mental Health in Iraq

2008-10-28T14:54:00.001-04:00

This is an interesting story on the state of mental health services in Iraq:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/10/28/iraq.mental.health/index.html#cnnSTCText

Doctors work to rescue patients in Iraq's mental health system

Patients crowd filthy rooms at Iraq's sole facility for treating severe mental disorders
Doctor says the mentally ill men and women have nowhere else to go
But health workers hope change for the better will come

By Phil Black
CNN

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- The man sits gently rocking on the bed, one hand clutching a cloth, the other hiding his face from view.

Few patients ever leave Al Rashad hospital, doctors say.

He doesn't look up and he doesn't want to talk. His body language screams despair.

Across the tiled room, other men are sitting on thin, filthy mattresses atop metal bed frames.

"Our life is miserable. It is dirty. The food is bad. Life is very bad here," says one of them, Abu Ismaeil. "I'm always hungry. I do not want to lie. Shame on me if I lie."

Yet, in Iraq, these are some of the luckier ones, and even Abu Ismaeil agrees. Without the hospital. "I would commit suicide," he said.

Their clothes and surroundings may be drab, but these mentally ill people are fortunate to be in Al Rashad Hospital, Iraq's only treatment facility for severe psychiatric disorders.

More than 1,000 patients, most of them suffering chronic schizophrenia, call the bleak buildings home.

Through their individual stories, there is one overwhelmingly common theme -- abandonment. In a country where life is difficult for the healthy, the mentally ill are seen to bring shame and greater hardship to families.

Dr. Raghad Issa Sarsam, a psychiatrist, says most of his patients have been rejected by their loved ones. Without the hospital, they would be wandering outside, begging, he said.

"They have no place else to stay but here," he said. "Otherwise, they would be on the streets, and I think that would be inhuman."

But once in the hospital, few ever go home again.

Former English teacher Um Ibrahim has not seen her husband and children in three years, since being admitted.

"I want to go to my family," she said in the women's ward.

But they don't want her, and that is common among the patients, Sarsam said.

"They are already rejected by their families because of their chronic illness. They don't want them anymore, even if they become a bit better."

Doctors at Al Rashad Hospital say the numbers of people needing help will continue to grow because of the nationwide trauma suffered during and since the overthrow of President Saddam Hussein in 2003.

Some hope that Iraq's health minister, Salih al-Hasnawi, himself a psychiatrist, might begin to effect change.

The doctors are right to have some cause for optimism, according to Dr. Mohammed Al-Uzri, an Iraqi-born psychiatrist now based in Leicester, England, who was recently with al-Hasnawi in Baghdad for Iraq's third National Conference on Mental Health that agreed on five themes to make improvements.

"There is so much need, you can make a huge difference without much of a budget. We have huge human resources [in Iraq] and a huge amount of resilience," said Al-Uzri, who chairs a subcommittee on Iraq for Britain's Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Al-Uzri acknowledged the huge challenges that lie ahead for the mental health service and broader health system, which suffered through decades of neglect in the Hussein era and continues to do so amid the war. While he said Iraq did not have to start from scratch, as it had a history of good health care, he agreed that organizing care for the mentally ill remains rare right now.

"Mental health services are providing for a small part of the population. [Most needs] are being met -- or unmet -- by whatever else is available. Families are taking the burden of that."

But there is the will to change things, said Al-Uzri, who was able to meet health workers at this month's conference, which was held for the first time inside Iraq -- itself a visible sign of progress.

And the need for mental health care is likely just to grow and grow, even as Iraq becomes more peaceful, Al-Uzri said.

"We are beginning to see, with the security improving, all kinds of services are needed, " he said.

"A year ago, all people worried about was staying alive and having something to eat. Now, it's becoming more and more involved."

Loan Consolidation

2008-10-24T22:18:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone,

Not sure if anyone still needs this kind of information, but in case you are interested in consolidating your student loans you can go to this website: http://loanconsolidation.ed.gov/. You can fill out an application online or you can call (800) 557-7392 to have an application mailed to you (I also called and asked some questions).

I hadn't realized it, but apparently no other lenders are consolidating loans due to some legislation that went into place last October I believe.

Style tips from Seniors

2008-10-10T20:09:00.001-04:00

One of the things I most loved about working with seniors was their style! They have seen numerous fashion trends come and go, they are not afraid to take fashion risks, they dress in what pleases them, and they love to accessorize.

If your having a hard-time coming up with new and fantastic outfits to wear, take a tip or two from some of the seniors featured in Advanced Style. From dapper three-piece suit, gobs of funky jewelery, vividly colored and patterned fabrics to monochromatic dressing, these seniors will become your fashion muses.

California Voter Info

2008-10-10T19:05:00.000-04:00

For Californians living outside the state, here are some handy links to keep you in the loop. Voter registration deadlines are approaching fast!!!

Free theater tix!

2008-10-09T16:49:00.000-04:00

Another tip to be cool and enjoy a night out.
Sign up for free tickets for fun shows.
I have tickets for October 23rd. If anyone's interested, let me know.

http://www.freenightoftheater.net/

Free/Cheap Software for Non-profits

2008-10-09T11:57:00.001-04:00

www.techsoup.org offers donated or super cheap software to non-profits:)

Useful Computer Tips

2008-10-08T09:53:00.000-04:00

We spend bulk of our time in front of the computer and thought these tips might be helpful!
Especially when your boss is popping behind your back and you have to switch from the gchat to a excel spreadsheet..

TECHNOLOGY October 2, 2008 Pogue's Posts: Tech Tips for the Basic Computer User David Pogue Last week, I wrote an entry on my blog that began like this: “One of these days, I’m going to write a book called, ‘The Basics.’ It’s going to be a compendium of the essential tech bits that you just assume everyone knows–but you’re wrong. “(I’ll never forget watching a book editor at a publishing house painstakingly [...]

Good Personal Finance Website

2008-10-03T21:59:00.000-04:00

www.mint.com keeps track of everything you spend for you... good for making a budget;)

YNPN(Young Nonprofit Professionals Network)

2008-10-02T11:21:00.000-04:00

Their email list is quite resourseful with job posts, events, q&a...You can advertise your event too! This is where I got the infomation about fitness for nonprofit.

Their website is http://www.ynpnnyc.org and you can sign up for the email list there!

*Courtney, do I get any prize for being an active blogger? ;P

Seeing the Show Without Breaking the Bank

2008-10-02T11:05:00.000-04:00

http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/10/05/travel/05Weekend.html?ei=5070&emc=eta1

Yes, this is how I saw Rent(4times), AvenueQ, Wicked, In the heights(2times) in the front row for $25 or something.

Fitness for Non-profit professionals

2008-09-30T10:09:00.000-04:00

This is the email I got from ynpn mailing list and I thought it can be helpful to someone.
They offer reduced price class for non-profit professionals and teachers, and have fitness programs for obese children.
I would love to do a training in the park but Brooklyn is just too far...
But training sesh (instead of study sesh? lol) and farmer's market on Saturday morning sounds very appealing!

***
Are you a Non-Profit Professional or Teacher looking for a fun, budget-friendly way to get into shape?

Our Fit 4 Life NYC Fitness Boot Camp is the go-to place for the busy New York City Non-Profit Professional or Teacher who wants to get fit and healthy.

What you will receive:
Classes designed for all levels of fitness.
Lose weight and inches off the waist, thighs and hips.
Tons of variety including our popular Kickboxing Calorie Burn class.
Increase your strength while toning and sculpting your body.
Boost your energy to get you through those long days.
Reduce stress!
Supportive, small group environment.
Convenient Morning and Evening classes
Try out one of our complimentary classes:
Monday, September 29th
7-8 a.m. (Fort Greene park)
6:30-7:30 p.m. (Studio

Thursday, October 2nd
6:30-7:30 p.m. (Studio)

Saturday, October 4th
10-11 a.m. (Fort Greene Park - check out the Farmer's Market after class)

Studio Location: 310 Atlantic Avenue b/t Hoyt and Smith Streets
By Train: F or G to Bergen; 2 or 3 to Hoyt; A or C to Hoyt/Schermerhorn; 4 or 5 to Borough Hall

Fort Greene Park: Fort Greene, Brooklyn
By Train: B, Q, R to Dekalb Ave.; G to Fulton; C to Lafayette; 2, 3, 4, 5 to Nevins

To take advantage of the complimentary classes or to register for the 4-Week October Slim-Down Boot Camp please contact us at 718-210-3374, email to fit4lifebootcamp@gmail.com or visit www.fit4lifenyc.com.
What Non-profit Professionals & Teachers are saying about the program:
"This is the first time in years I put on my summer clothes and they weren't tight!" - Alicia, Teacher
"The boot camp class for me is a fun alternative to the gym and I can feel muscles getting stronger." - Laura, Manhattan - Non-profit arts and education Program Coordinator
"The Boot Camp classes are so different from regular workouts because they are challenging and fun. I really look forward to them all day and feel great afterwards." - Kelly, Non-profit Program Associate
"I have lost a few pounds after only a few weeks. More importantly, I feel so much better." - Gerry, Brooklyn - Non-profit Development Associate
"The community and positive atmosphere make it enjoyable. It's not isolating like a gym." - Jackie, Manhattan - Non-profit Media Organization
"Boot Camp is the best thing since sliced bread." Tahira, Bronx - Afterschool Program Coordinator
Have a Happy & Healthy Day.
Emil Ramnarine, FounderFit 4 Life NYCFit 4 Life Kids718-210-3374 fit4lifenyc@gmail.com www.fit4lifenyc.com

Cheap Bus Options

2008-09-30T09:31:00.000-04:00

Here's an article from nytimes about cheap buses that are cleaner and less sketchy than chinatown buses.

http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/09/26/travel/escapes/26bus.html?ei=5070&emc=eta1

Preparing for Rising Energy Costs

2008-09-29T22:55:00.000-04:00

I ran into a social worker who was training at DFTA and she sent me the info for this free conference:

"Managing Energy Costs? Use the power of action."
October 15, 2008
8:30am to 11:30am
National Grid Auditorium
One MetroTech Center, Brooklyn NY 11201
RSVP by October 9th

Topics to be addressed include:

What's on a gas bill? For instance, what exactly is a “Gas Delivery Charge”?
How do rising energy costs impact National Grid bills and customers?
How can we all use “The power of action” to do something about it?
How can customers access important resources, like HEAP?
Are there any National Grid programs might be able to help with energy and cost management?

You’ll get answers to these questions and more. Attendees will also have an opportunity to pose questions to our panel of experts, including a representative from HRA - HEAP!

Our goal is to leave you better able to assist energy consumers - from understanding the bill, to lowering it, and getting help to pay for it when necessary.

This FREE event is open to all. Please see the attached flyer for details, and feel free to distribute it widely. Don't miss the opportunity to take home free giveaways and maybe win our raffle drawing for a "Green" gift basket! To RSVP, please reply to Karla.Ayala@us.ngrid.com or Renee.McClure@us.ngrid.com.

If you have any questions or wish to be excluded from future National Grid Consumer Advocacy Department communications, please respond to this email.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Nicole D'Anna
Consumer Advocate
National Grid
1 MetroTech Center, 2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Tel: 718-403-2095
Fax: 718-403-2818
Email: Nicole.DAnna@us.ngrid.com

Forward

LMSW Study Sesh: October 11

2008-09-27T17:26:00.000-04:00

Hey! So, our next study session will be:

Date: Saturday, October 11
Time: 11:30am
Location: Barnes and Noble (Union Square) cafe on the 3rd floor

Food Bank for New York City

2008-09-24T23:03:00.000-04:00

Last weekend I was at the Last Supper Festival and met some representatives from the Food Bank for New York City. Apparently they have programs for school-aged children and seniors (and I asked about regular ole' adults and the person I spoke with said they work with everyone).

Anyway, I was told that they educate people on how to eat healthy and how to use their food stamps in the best way possible.

http://www.foodbanknyc.org/

After exploring the website I also found that they offer free tax assistance too!

Here's a little more information about their "CookShop for Adults" educational program:

"CookShop for Adults focuses on two groups: adult food stamp recipients and seniors.

The CookShop for Adults food stamp recipient initiative provides monthly workshops that improve the ability of participants to prepare home-cooked, nutritious meals for themselves and their families. Program participants learn how to best find, store and cook fresh, in-season food as well as the benefits of a healthy diet based on whole, minimally processed food — with a special emphasis on locally grown produce."

Free Yoga

2008-09-24T22:50:00.001-04:00

Lauren Taylor recommended I get in touch with a woman who offers free yoga "to those among us whose spirit has been challenged by illness, abuse, neglect, addiction and other life obstacles."

She has trained people and is apparently looking for sites to place her trainees at. I have not spoken with her yet so I can't say much about my experience, but definitely check out the website.

http://www.kulaforkarma.org/theboard.html

The Coalition for Debtor Education

2008-09-23T09:43:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone:)

Courtney was asking if anyone had ideas for potential seminars for her students. I sent her this info by e-mail, but I thought it was a good opportunity to post a resource.

The Coalition for Debtor Eduation "is a not-for-profit organization whose continuing mission is to assist consumers, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable populations, in understanding and improving their ability to manage their financial affairs."

http://www.nyls.edu/pages/1438.asp

Being a social worker paying off columbia loans I'm sure I could benefit from some of this info as well;) Hope the information is helpful!

Katie

Oh and . . .

2008-09-21T22:52:00.001-04:00

OK, so I know I tried something like this on Facebook, but it hasn't really taken off. Hopefully this format will work better for everyone. Please bookmark the blog and contribute as often as possible, because if each of us does not contribute we'll have a sittin' blog!

Hola!

2008-09-21T22:28:00.000-04:00

Welcome!

Today I was talking with several social work gals and we decided that as new social workers we need a place to share resources for our clients and ourselves.

If you need something or want to share something that could help your fellow social workers you can do that here!