NYWe-works: Issue No. 2

June 2004

(See all NYWe-works Issues)

This issue:
Funding and Grant Information
*    Community Economic Development Discretionary Grant Program
*    Sister Fund
*    SAMHSA
*    van Ameringen Foundation
News Briefs
*    Americans with Disabilities Act
*    Bazelon Center
*    MTA Reduced Fare Card
*    Workforce Investment Board
*    WTC Health Registry
Publications
*    Center for Urban and Metropolitan Policy
*    Community Service Society
*    National HIRE Network
*    SAMHSA
Education
*    American Association of Psychiatric Administrators
*    American Mental Health Services and Education Center
*    Workforce Professionals Training Institute

Funding and Grant Information:

• (7/12) Community Economic Development Discretionary Grant Program: A total of $11 million (15-17 grants) via the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Services will be awarded to community development corporations (CDCs) that create employment and business development opportunities for low-income individuals. For more information go to: http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/grants/open/HHS-2004-ACF-OCS-EE-0019.html
• (7/1) Sister Fund: grants are available to organizations that serve and are led by women most affected by mental, physical, and economic oppression. Visit the web site at: http://www.sisterfund.org (6/25) SAMHSA's, Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), is accepting applications for Fiscal Year 2004 grants to assist in the transformation of the mental health system by providing consumers with necessary skills to foster consumer/peer-run programs. Applications for SM 04-011 are available by calling SAMHSA's clearinghouse at 1-800-789-2647, and by downloading from the following link: http://www.samhsa.gov/grants/index.html Click on FY2004 Funding Opportunities and locate SM 04-011. Also available from SAMHSA/CMHS are several funding opportunities called Real Choice Systems Change Grants for Community Living. Check deadlines for applications at: http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/consumersurvivor/listserv/0611b03.asp
• (7/1) van Ameringen Foundation: grants are available to assist organizations in their services to increase accessibility to the poor and needy with mental health, preventive and early intervention strategies. Call 212-758-6221 and visit their web site at: http://www.vanamfound.org/

News Briefs:

• Americans with Disabilities Act: The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the rights of individuals with disabilities in the case Tennessee vs. Lane, 02-1677. The margin was narrow with a ruling of 5-4 allowing individuals with disabilities to sue for money damages under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The case pertained to courthouse accessibility. To view the Supreme Court web site go to: http://www.supremecourtus.gov
• Bazelon Center: The Senate passed S. 1248, a bill to reauthorize the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), on a vote of 95-3. This bill is a positive step for students with disabilities protecting basic civil rights and providing access to opportunity. For more information go to: http://www.bazelon.org/newsroom/5-13-04SenateIDEA.htm
• MTA Reduced Fare Card: There is a newly revised application making the MTA reduced fare card easier to obtain. For more information go to: http://www.mta.info/nyct/fare/rfindex.htm
• Workforce Investment Board: on May 21st the Executive Committee of WIB was informed by the New York City Department of Small Business Services that NYCDSBS has elected to enter into discussions with the following organizations designated as Business Services vendors in the One-Stop System: DB Grant & Associates of Queens, Wildcat Service Corporation of the Bronx, Brooklyn Alliance, Seedco of Upper Manhattan, and SUNY Research Foundation of Staten Island. This was based upon the results of the One-Stop System RFP.
• WTC Health Registry will allow health professionals to compare the health of those most exposed to the events of 9/11 with the health of the general population. It is a comprehensive and confidential health survey of those most directly exposed to the events of 9/11. Those who enroll will answer a 30-minute telephone survey about where they were on 9/11, and be asked to report the status of their health. Go to: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/wtc/

Publications:

• Center on Urban and Metropolitan Policy did a study called The "State" of Low-Wage Workers: How the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Benefits Urban and Rural Communities in the 50 States. The study looked at IRS data on receipt of EITC in the tax year of 2001 and revealed the benefits of EITC in both urban and rural communities. To view in pdf go to: http://www.brookings.edu/dybdocroot/es/urban/publications/20040203_beru be.pdf
• Community Service Society conducted a study as part of its annual report called a Crisis in Black Male Employment: Unemployment and Joblessness in New York City, 2003. Goto: http://www.cssny.org/pubs/special/2004_02labormarket.pdf
• National HIRE Network has written a summary of the most effective strategies for employers and individuals with criminal records called Model Practices to Promote the Employment of People with Criminal Records. To view click on the title.
• SAMHSA: a publication called "Mental Health and Work" looks at the significance of mental health in the workplace and specifically examines appropriate management of mental health consumers in a work setting. Go to: http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2000/WHO_MSD_MPS_00.2.pdf

Education:

• (6/18) American Association of Psychiatric Administrators will be holding its 2004 annual meeting at The New York Academy of Medicine, 2 East 103rd Street, NY, NY on June 18th from 8:30-1:30. The theme is Personalized Recovery Oriented Services PROS and Cons: "Medicaiding" Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services. Three hours of CME credits, Category 1 can be obtained from this event. For further information call 718-468-6501.
• American Mental Health Services and Education Center is the online training arm of The Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services. A variety of courses are offered including approved NASW mental health courses. To visit the web site go to: http://www.amhsec.org/
• (6/21 & 30) Workforce Professionals Training Institute is offering a two day training- Employability Strategies for Persons with Criminal Records. Seats are limited and space is being offered on a first come, first serve basis. To download the application go to: http://www.workforceprofessionals.org/

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NYWe-works is a monthly electronic newsletter for mental health and rehabilitation providers in New York City. NYWe-works contains news briefs, information on publications, funding information, and educational resources.

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