Sponsored By:
Sponsored by CBS4 & my33 Sponsored by BankAtlantic - Florida's Most Convenient Bank Sponsored by The Herbert W. Hoover Foundation
 

Haiti Disaster Relief

Help for Haiti - Click here to donate online or call 305-597-4404

Neighbors4Neighbors is collaborating with AmericasRelief Team to facilitate donations of money and resources in Haiti. For reports on what is being accomplished with your donor dollars, please click here.

Bear Hugs for Haiti

Bears similar to this one are being handed out to Haitian children during some of the toughest times they have been through. The Adopt-a-Bear campaign is sponsored by CBS4's Neighbors 4 Neighbors, and donates teddybears to children who have been traumatized by natural disaster, abuse, or neglect. It's an important cause for Lacy Hoover, chairman of the Herbert Hoover Foundation, which is dedicated to the care and education of children. She immediately agreed to jump start the project. The foundation is donating $10,000 for the first wave of bears. UPS has also generously stepped in to support the campaign by waiving the shipping costs. "I hope that people jump on this campaign," said Hoover. "This is something that should be a permanent program,and people contribute to this because even beyond these kids in Haiti this is something I think should be a permanent program. (It) can help so many ways in this community and beyond. We are honored do be a part of this."

A donation of $10 will make one bear for an anguished child. Click here to donate online via our secure form.

Adopt-A-Family 2009

Thank you so much to everyone who participated in Adopt-A-Family 2009!

For the 17th year in a row the Neighbors 4 Neighbors Adopt-A-Family 4 the Holidays program has given families going through struggles and disappointment a reason to smile. This wouldn't have been possible without the help of the generous South Florida community. Visit the Adopt-a-Family page for more information about the wonderful donors and recipients of the 2009 program.

Donate to the Michael Brewer Fund

Michael BrewerOn October 12, 2009, fifteen-year-old Michael Brewer was surrounded by a group of neighborhood bullies. One of the suspects intentionally doused and poured a flammable liquid all over Michael's body. Another suspect took a lighter and he deliberately ignited it and set Michael on fire. Michael sustained severe burns covering approximately 80% of his body. Michael is currently at Jackson Memorial Burn Center, where he is expected to stay for at least the next six months as he undergoes numerous painstaking surgeries and skin grafts.

Please help us help Michael. His medical bills are insurmountable and will be overwhelming for his family. Many members of this community have already come together and offered their support. Neighbors 4 Neighbors will be taking in donations through the Family Fund for Michael Brewer. Click here to donate online, or call 305-597-4404. Additionally, fundraising events are being held in his honor all over South Florida. Visit our Michael Brewer information page to learn more.

Free Computer Literacy Classes from CILSF

Center for Independent Living of South Florida (CILSF) is a community based, not-for-profit organization serving anyone of any age with a disability in Miami-Dade County. CILSF is offering free computer training classes for adults with a disability who already have some computer experience. First preference will be extended to persons with a disability who are unemployed and interested in employment or job placement assistance. All services are provided at no cost.

Space is limited to 20 eligible participants. Classes resume January 4, 2010. Classes will be held from 2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays, at 6660 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33138. Instruction will include software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and Publisher. Students will learn how to surf the internet, use a digital or web camera to send photos, pay bills, and apply for services on line.

To register or to request an accommodation, contact Mary Fountain at (305) 751-8025, or e-mail mary@soflacil.org, or TTY (305) 751-8891.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Wish List 2009

Ronald McDonald House Charities takes tremendous pride in the high standards and outstanding reputation of the Ronald McDonald Houses, which is a "home-away-from home" for families who must travel hundreds, sometimes thousands of miles outside of their own community to seek medical treatment for a child. Families who stay at the House find other families with the same concerns and they also find staff and volunteers who listen and care during these difficult times. The Ronald McDonald Houses of Miami and Fort Lauderdale need everything your house needs, except on a much larger scale. Download the 2009 Wish List and get your office, school, or neighborhood to work together to collect items and help the families of ill children staying and the Houses.

S.T.E.P.S. in the Right Direction Offering Services to Seniors

S.T.E.P.S. in the Right Direction, Inc. is accepting referrals to address the following service needs of eligible seniors over 60 in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties:

Click here to download the flyer and referral form, then submit the form via fax (786) 621-3991 or by email to info@stepsflorida.org.

Funding for these services is available only until 12/31/09. For more information call (305) 231-9936. Sponsored by Alliance for Aging, Inc. and State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs.

Florida Department of Health H1N1 Swine Flu Hotline

Florida health officials have set up a hotline to field concerns about the H1N1 virus. The hotline number is 1-800-342-3557.

Covenant House Florida Holiday Needs

Covenant House Florida, a shelter for homeless teens, needs your help this holiday season. Their kids need everything from school supplies to new socks. View their Holiday Wish List at www.covenanthousefl.org or call 954-568-7946.

Donations of Goods to the Salvation Army Fall Drastically, and the Organization Asks For Your Help

The Salvation Army Family Stores have been a great help to the community during the economic nightmare this area has been going through. Great low prices on gently used items have helped those who could not afford new, and sales from the stores fund their rehabilitation programs to help even more. But according to Captain Henry Hudson, administrator of The Salvation Army Ft. Lauderdale Adult Rehabilitation Center ("ARC"), donations of goods at all six family stores in Broward County are down by 26% overall.

The ARC is a residential-care center serving men with social, emotional, spiritual, or substance abuse problems, and provides housing, nutrition, counseling, and social case work at no cost to the men or their families in order to help the men re-enter society and return to gainful employment and a normal life. "Now we need the community's help with donations so we can continue to help the community. If this shortage continues vital programs will have to be cut," Hudson said.

To schedule a pickup or for store locations to drop off merchandise please call 954-463-3725, or visit www.satruck.org.

Very Special Job Seekers Available for Work or On-the-Job Training

According to Michelle Diament, Disability Scoop, July 2, 2009, unemployment for the disabled is 14.3%. Yet, employers continue to pass over the most loyal, most dedicated, and most appreciative work group available in today's marketplace. Career Connection of Broward, Inc. prides itself in bringing this viable and lucrative work population to market either as employees or trainees. Employers can benefit with Work Opportunity Tax Credits, professional assistance is learning how to get the most from the disabled worker, and great savings in advertising and screen costs to select a new employee. Career Connection of Broward, Inc. offers employers two ways to benefit by hiring the disabled.

FIRST -- Direct Job Placement. Select an employee from the list of candidates. If you want assistance is getting your new employee acclamated to the work required, a professional job coach is available at no cost to the company. In addition, your company may be eligible for a Work Opportunity Tax Credit. Often the worker is limited to what he/she can earn and no health insurance is required. That's even more savings to the company.

SECOND -- Career Connection of Broward, Inc. has some individuals who require skill training. Selected one of the interested OJT candidates, and the State of Florida will pay the full salary, workmen's compensation, and other payroll taxes as required for other employees. This pre-determined and agreed upon fee will continue throughout the training period. Following training, the employer may hire that individual. Or, a job placement specialist will find them work elsewhere.

Reach out and help a fellow resident of Broward County. Visit www.careerconnectionofbroward.org for more information and a list of available employees.

SHINE Helps Seniors Make Informed Decisions on Health Care

In our community, there are elders and people with disabilities struggling to navigate today's health care systems. Many of them are also sacrificing to pay for the medications they need, or even doing without their medications altogether to help make ends meet. Some of these same individuals may not be enrolling in or applying for valuable Medicare benefits, including Medicare Savings programs and other public and private medical and prescription assistance options. The problem, however, is that many of those who need the help the most don't even know about these valuable benefits. SHINE is a statewide, volunteer-based program offering free Medicare and health insurance education, counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families and caregivers. Their volunteers educate consumers and empower them to resolve problems and make informed decisions on health insurance issues.

SHINE is funded through a grant from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and administered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs in partnership with the Alliance for Aging. Approximately 400 SHINE volunteers throughout Florida provide information, counseling and assistance on Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare supplemental insurance, long-term care insurance, prescription assistance and Medicare fraud. Counseling services are provided in person at counseling sites and via telephone. In addition, SHINE has a strong community education and outreach component. Volunteers make educational presentations on Medicare and health insurance to a variety of community groups, and they disseminate information at hundreds of health and senior fairs throughout the state. Education and outreach activities focus on health promotion, beneficiary rights and consumer protection.

For more information about SHINE, please call 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337) or visit www.floridashine.org.

Job Opportunities in South Florida

When available, Neighbors 4 Neighbors will post information regarding job openings in the South Florida area. Please note that jobs may get filled quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on our site so that you can find the most current list of what job opportunities are available.

If YOU have a job you'd like to post on our website, please contact the Neighbors 4 Neighbors office at (305) 597-4404.

Click here to view or download the job listings in PDF format.

For other job opportunities, please visit any of these websites below:

Donate Furniture to Help Individuals With Disabilities Live Independently

The Center for Independent Living of South Florida, Inc., (CILSF) a not-for-profit community-based organization serving anyone of any age with a disability in Miami-Dade County, is in need of donations of furniture (tables and chairs, lamps, dressers, mirrors, headboards) for individuals with disabilities who are moving from institutions, such as, nursing homes and group homes, into their own apartments in our community. Donations are tax deductible and pick-up service is available. Please contact:

The Center for Independent Living of South FL, Inc.
6660 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33138.
Phone: (305) 751-8025 Ext. 110
Email: Mary@soflacil.org
Website: soflacil.org

Be a Hero for Animals

The Humane Society of Broward County is looking for heros! Pledge to make a difference in the life of a shelter pet, and raise funds so that the shelter can help other pets. By pledging to volunteer your time to the Humane Society, Purina's "Be a Hero" campaign will donates $5 to the shelter. To learn more, please visit www.bemyhero.com.

The Agency for Workforce Innovation Begins Payments of Extended Unemployment Benefits to Qualifying Floridians

The Agency for Workforce Innovation announced that payments have begun for Floridians who applied and are eligible for Extended Unemployment Compensation Benefits, recently made available through a change in state law and underwritten by the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. An estimated 250,000 Floridians who have exhausted all other unemployment compensation will be eligible for the program, which lasts through the end of the year. Payments began today and will be retroactive to February 22 for eligible Floridians. The initial retroactive payments may be as high as $5,100 for some people, with additional payments of as much as $300 a week for up to a total of 20 weeks. To date, AWI has received more than 73,000 applications for Extended Benefits, which may be applied for online at www.floridajobs.org.

To receive Extended Benefits, individuals must:

OR

Eligible Floridians are invited to apply online at www.floridajobs.org, which is the most efficient way to process claims. For those who do not have internet access, forms are mailed from the Agency for Workforce Innovation to Floridians identified as potentially eligible and may be filled out and returned with an enclosed self-addressed stamped envelope.

For a comprehensive list of questions and answers about Extended Benefits, please visit http://www.floridajobs.org/unemployment/EB/EB_FAQ.html. For more information about AWI's unemployment compensation programs, including Extended Benefits, please visit http://www.floridajobs.org/unemployment/EB/EBonepager.pdf or call 800-204-2418. For more information about Florida's use of the federal recovery dollars made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, please visit www.FlaRecovery.com.

Department of Defense Highlights Civilian Jobs Worldwide

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is launching a public awareness campaign focusing on civilian career opportunities at all levels of the labor market, from students, entry-level job seekers, people with disabilities, veterans, mid-level careerists and senior level executives. To kick off the campaign, the DoD is releasing a new series of PSAs called "Making A Difference." The 4-spot campaign focuses on civilian employees in various positions, Medical Professionals, Language Specialists, and Engineers, who do meaningful work supporting the military and are "Making a Difference" for their country. The campaign also steers viewers to a revamped website, www.goDefense.com, the primary portal for DoD civilian job seekers.

As Americans struggle with high unemployment, the DoD initiative is a positive story that provides a hopeful, realistic avenue to career success. For students, DoD provides valuable on-the job experience and scholarship opportunities. For mid-level DoD positions, creative, team-oriented workers are needed to bring leadership potential to existing workplaces. Executives and managers are needed who can lead change and foster high ethical standards that will enable DoD to serve the American people effectively. The website points out that as the nation's largest employer, DoD employs thousands of workers with disabilities and values the skills of our nation's veterans.

Experience the Super Bowl Like Never Before!

The Volunteer Services Department of the South Florida Super Bowl Host Committee is looking for friendly faces to welcome visitors and provide event information about Super Bowl XLIV and Pro Bowl 2010 activities. Dedicated and hospitable Ambassadors are instrumental to the production and success of Super Bowl XLIV and Pro Bowl 2010 activities and positively affect the economic impact to South Florida.

Ambassadors will be able to select their own volunteer activity and shift from a wide selection of opportunities. Some activities include NFL Experience, Guest Relations at South Florida Airports and Hotels, Youth Clinics, South Florida Super Bowl Host Committee Parties. Detailed descriptions of activities and duties can be found on our website at www.SouthFloridaSuperBowl.com.

CLICK HERE TO BECOME AN AMBASSADOR TODAY!

Super Bowl XLIV is February 7, 2010 at Dolphin Stadium. You can contact the South Florida Super Bowl Host Committee at 305-614-7564, or send an email to Volunteers@SouthFloridaSuperBowl.com.

Applications available for the City of Miami's Foreclosure Prevention Program for Low-Income, City Homeowners

The City of Miami's Department of Community Development Foreclosure Prevention Program has monies available to assist eligible, low-income homeowners within City of Miami limits who are facing foreclosure. The program offers eligible homeowners with up to $7,500 in assistance towards late fees and delinquent payments associated with their home loan.

In order to be eligible, the homeowner must meet the following qualifications: 1.) have received a foreclosure notice from their mortgage lender; 2.) be 80% average median income or below as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development; 3.) the property must be located in the City of Miami, be single-family, and owner-occupied (have a homestead exemption); 4.) the property's maximum tax assessed market value cannot exceed $300,000; 5.) the homeowner must prove that delinquency on their home loan was due to a significant loss of household income, such as loss of employment, sudden medical illness, death in the family, predatory lending practices, etc.; 6.) the homeowner must demonstrate their ability to make future mortgage payments after the assistance is received and provide a revised monthly budget.

The applicant cannot own any other property at the time of assistance and if eligible, must undergo foreclosure prevention counseling from a HUD-certified counseling agency. Applications are currently available at the Department of Community Development, 444 SW 2nd Ave., Second Floor, Miami, FL 33130 and on the web for downloading at www.miamigov.com/communitydevelopment. Applications will be accepted at the Department of Community Development. Assistance will be provided on a first-come, first-ready, first-served basis. For additional information on the program, please call 305-416-2016 or 311.

Trinidadian Baby Needs Financial Help for Heart Transplant

Karine Rampersad is a beautiful 4-month old baby from Trinidad who has a congenital heart defect. She's already undergone one surgery at Jackson Memorial Hospital, but she's in need of at least two more and health care. The International Kids Fund is working to help raise money for her, but they're going to need a lot of assistance to reach their goal - they need to raise $50,000 to move forward with the surgeries. Without these surgeries she has very little chance of survival. To donate money to help Karine get these life-saving surgeries, please contact the International Kids Fund by mail, phone or online.

International Kids Fund
Re: Karine Rampersad
P.O. Box 2020
Miami, FL 33101
Toll Free: 1-877-IKF-KIDS (1-877-453-5437)
www.internationalkidsfund.org

4 Your Money

Volunteers from Work Force One, Work Square Florida, Human Services Coalition, and the Financial Planning Associations of Miami-Dade and Broward counties joined the Neighbors 4 Neighbors/CBS4 4 Your Money Phone bank. Als '4 Your Money' segment has also featured Foreclosure Prevention Specialists, to help those South Florida homeowners who are facing foreclosure. Hundreds of calls have already come through, putting many in our community in touch with resources that can help them make the most of their money during these difficult economic times, and we will continue to be available in the coming weeks to answer your financial questions.

You can call the 4 Your Money Phone Bank at (305) 597-4404,
every Monday Evening (except holidays) from 5-6:30PM.

Help Former Foster Children Transition to Independent Living

The Department of Children and Families and the City of Pembroke Pines created a residential Transitional Independent Living pilot program for adjudicated youth who have aged out of the foster care system. In addition to former foster care youth, the residential facility will be home to mothers with young children who are transitioning from a Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center, a residential substance-abuse treatment program, into this innovative and affordable housing option. All residents pay their own rent while continuing their transition but the apartments are unfurnished. That's where you come in!

Please consider donating any of the following items. Donations can be new or gently used and are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please contact Robin Ullman at 954-267-4051 to arrange pick up or delivery of your donation.

  • 6 night stands
  • 6 bed lamps
  • 3 coffee tables
  • 6 end tables
  • 3 couches
  • 6 table end table lights
  • 6 living room chairs
  • 6 televisions
  • 12 sets of bedding

Miami Residents to Receive Increased Food Stamp Benefits

City of Miami individuals and families receiving food stamps will receive additional monthly benefits beginning April 1, 2009, as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This legislation increases the amount families can receive from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program.

Miami residents can apply for their benefits at the 13 Neighborhood Enhancement Team (NET) Offices and utilize the Benefit Bank, which electronically connects the State's and City's application processes and offers clients a common web-based application form for all benefits. Residents can to go to one location and complete one application to apply for SNAP, child care, TANF, Earned Income Tax Credit, Medicaid, School Nutrition programs, Income Tax Preparation, and other services.

Most families on SNAP will see their benefits go up by about $20 per family member. The extra benefits will be added automatically to clients' Electronic Benefits Transfer cards, and clients do not have to take any additional action to initiate the benefit. The extra benefits can be used to buy food at local grocery stores. Clients can visit "My ACCESS Account" on the Access Florida website to see how the increase has affected their benefits. For more information on ACCESS Miami, the public can call (305) 416-2181.

Volunteer With Local Art Organizations

Arts Connection is a hands-on, short-term volunteer program of the Arts & Business Council of Miami. You can sign up for the Arts Connection Volunteer E-Newsletter, which features local arts organizations looking for volunteers on a short-term basis. To find out more, visit the ABCM website or call 305.326.1021.

Tax Credits for First Time Home Buyers

President Obama's economic stimulus bill, signed into law on February 17, 2009, includes a hefty tax credit for qualified first-time home buyers. It would give back up to $8000 to those who meet the requirements. To find out more about the program and to check whether you qualify, please visit FederalHousingTaxCredit.com.

City of Miami Unveils FREE Online Connection to Federal Benefits

On March 18th, City of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz and Florida Department of Children & Families Secretary George Sheldon held a press conference to inform Miami residents about utilizing the new FREE Direct Connect to Benefit Bank Services to file their income taxes and connect with state and federal benefits. The Direct Connect service aims to expedite the application and qualification for benefits and delivery of services to those who are eligible through the Benefit Bank. Programs include Food Stamps, children's health insurance, Medicaid, federal income tax preparation, and free application for federal student assistance (FAFSA), and voter registration, just to name a few. The service is available at the City of Miami's 13 NET offices and is made possible by Solutions for Progress.

To find the closest NET office or to obtain more information on the Benefit Bank services, please visit www.accessmiamijobs.com or call 311.

Volunteer In Your Community

Spring is near, a time for growth and renewal. Renew your commitment to helping your fellow man by sharing your time as a volunteer! It's is a great way to help your community and meet new people. Check out the opportunities in Dade and Broward by going to the following links: www.handsonmiami.org or www.volunteerbroward.org

  Neighbors 4 Neighbors Board of Directors

8900 NW 18th Terrace, Miami, Florida 33172
(305) 597-4404
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