Resource Connection Minds Matter Newsletter

/in /by

 

Your Resource Connection

The needs of consumers and families can be complex and at times seem never ending.  Therapists, social workers and caregivers naturally find themselves in the role of helper.  Although we strive to do the best for those we support, it is unrealistic that this care will remain in place through the entirety of a person’s journey.  People must learn to access resources naturally occurring in their community in order successfully navigate life.  Within our newsletter series, we hope to share with you relevant community resources – everything from housing to transportation to make these challenges a little bit easier for you or someone you know.

If you have a resource you’d like featured in an upcoming newsletter, please email us details at [email protected].

 

2019: A Year in Review & Looking to 2020

2019! What a year!  A huge thank you to our incredible team for one of our best years to date! Here are a few highlights of Minds Matter numbers…
  • 49 jobs or volunteer positions were obtained by consumers
  • 24,982 consumer sessions took place
  • 875,811 miles were traveled by Minds Matter staff
  • 275 people received community-based services for a brain injury
Additionally, 2019 saw…
  • the protected income level increase for individuals, resulting in significantly reduced and/or eliminated client obligations for consumers utilizing HCBS!
  • kids under the age of 16 are now eligible for brain injury waiver services
  • the definition was expanded to include acquired brain injuries, not just traumatic
  • Minds Matter opened an office in Wichita, our third physical office location in the state
  • We are now able to accept referrals for Cognitive Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, and TLS state-wide.

Also, for the first time ever, we are now in network with all three KanCare insurance companies – Aetna, United, and Sunflower!

We will have opportunities to present our outcomes to researchers and thought-leaders in brain injury rehabilitation throughout the course of the next year!

A huge thank you for all of your efforts this past year and we are excited about what 2020 holds!

 

 

Opportunity to Apply for Weatherization Program

What is Weatherization?
The Weatherization Assistance Program is the nation’s LARGEST residential energy efficiency program. The ECKAN Weatherization Program has been recognized as one of the best in the State of Kansas. The program is funded by federal Department of Energy (DOE) and Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) funds regulated by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation.Weatherization improves heating and cooling efficiency and energy savings by ensuring your home holds heat and air conditions while keeping hot and cold air out. At NO CHARGE to the client, income-eligible families receive a comprehensive home energy audit, which is an assessment of the entire home. A certified energy auditor will search the entire home, inside and out, looking for inefficiencies and safety concerns using advanced equipment and techniques. The energy audit will identify a customized account of areas for cost-effective improvements. The improvements will be provided FREE OF CHARGE by the ECKAN network of professional crews and contractors.

ECKAN assists elderly, handicapped and low-income families in the 16 Kansas counties.

Who is Eligible?
Eligibility is based on household income relative to federal LOW-INCOME GUIDELINES. (Household Income is less than 200% of the federal poverty level). If your household has someone who receives one of these:

  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits
  • Utility assistance from the Low Income Energy Association Program (LIEAP)

the household is automatically considered eligible for weatherization services.

How to apply?
Before completing one of these applications, please review it first and gather all necessary documents. Call ECKAN first before entering any information at 785-242-6413 if you have any questions or concerns.

Print this application. Once complete, mail/deliver (ECKAN Weatherization, PO Box 40, Ottawa, KS 66067) with proof of income and proof of home ownership (can also be a tenant if the landlord agrees to the terms of the weatherization program)

Please direct all questions to Valorie Lynn Carson, Community Planning Director at United Community Services of Johnson County at 913-438-4764.

Discounted Amazon Prime Membership Available

Amazon Prime members who register a valid EBT (including WIC, TANF, and SNAP) or Medicaid card can receive access to all Prime benefits at a discounted monthly charge of $5.99.
To verify your EBT or Medicaid card:

1.    Go to EBT and Medicaid Prime Offer
2.    Select Get Started
3.    Follow on-screen instruction

After completing the verification process, individuals will be eligible to receive a discount on Amazon Prime, including all Prime benefits. Prime benefits include: FREE two-day shipping on millions of eligible items, unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows, access to hundreds of playlists through Prime Music, and access to unlimited photo storage with Prime Photos. This offer does not include Household sharing of Prime benefits.

The discounted Prime offer is good for up to 4 years from the date a person signed up, contingent on a re-verification of EBT/Medicaid status every 12 months. They will receive an email when it’s time to re-verify eligibility. Unless they cancel, at the end of the fourth year of this discount Prime offer, they’ll have the option to sign up for a different paid subscription for Amazon Prime membership at then-current rates.