DOVES: Hope, Help, and Healing

DOVES is a Domestic, Dating, and Sexual Violence Services and Prevention. The DOVES program can help you if you are living in an abusive relationship where you feel like you're going crazy. But, actually you are a sane person living in an insane situation. All services provided by DOVES are free and confidential. Some of the ways DOVES may be able to help you are:

• 24-Hour Hotline
• Safety Planning
• Safe Shelter
• Support making decisions and identifying resources
• Financial Assistance (rent, utilities)
• Transportation to work, school and necessary appointments
• Gas vouchers
• Bus Tickets
• Assistance with Protection Order Applications
• Court hearing support
• Attorney Referrals
• Medical Care
• Prescription Assistance
• Food Assistance
• Personal Hygiene products
• Household items (furniture, appliances, bedding, towels, dishes)
• Cleaning supplies
• Paper products
• Diapers and baby wipes
• Cell Phones for 911 calls
• English-Speaking Support Groups
• Spanish-Speaking Support Groups

If you are in danger you may call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE. DOVES is a really good program for those who are in need of getting out of an abusive relationship and for those who have kids that are dealing with these types of situations. Programs like this get lots of support from many different people and places.

Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program

The Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program is offered through the Cabinet for Family and Health Services. It provides assistance for single parents who doesn't get child support. This program helps to establish paternity and get child support and medical support from the absent parent. You can only get the K-TAP check for a period of three years. A family may apply for assistance through their county office. Most families who get this assistance doesn't work, but some of them do. If a family starts working this doesn't mean their assistance will stop. The earnings may not be counted for two months. Certain deductions are allowed when earnings are counted. A family may also get help with things needed in order to work. If the assistance is discontinued due to work, the family may still be eligible for food stamp benefits, Medicaid, and child care assistance as long as the family meets certain guidelines. The family may also get Work Incentive reimbursements for up to nine months.

National School Lunch Program

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a voluntary program available to all public schools, private schools, and residential child care institutions which agree to operate a non-profit program offering lunches meeting federal requirements to all children in attendance. The schools and institutions receive cash reimbursement for each meal served due to their participation in the program. The sponsors of the program must:

• Serve meals that meet federal requirements,
• Operate a non-profit program,
• Offer free or reduced-priced meals to eligible children based on household income,
• Not identify or discriminate against any eligible student, and
• Operate food service for all students without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the poverty level are eligible for free meals. Children from families with incomes between 130 percent and 185 percent of the poverty level are eligible for reduced-price meals. Children from families with incomes over 185 percent of poverty must pay full price, although their meals are still subsidized to some extent. Schools can charge no more than 40 cents for a reduced-price lunch. But, the USDA doesn't set a limit on the amount schools can charge for a full price meal.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether they are natural or man-made, including acts of terror. FEMA began during the Congressional Act of 1803. The Congressional Act was considered the first piece of disaster legislation, and provided assistance to a New Hampshire town following an extensive fire. During the following century legislation was passed more than 100 times in response to earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. In the 1930's, when the federal approach problems became popular, the Reconstruction Finance Corporation was given authority to make disaster loans for repair and reconstruction of some public facilities following an earthquake, and later , other types of disasters. The Bureau of Public Roads was given authority to provide funding for bridges and highways damaged by natural disasters in 1934. The Flood Control Act was also passed and gave the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers greater authority to implement flood control projects. Hurricane Carla struck in 1962, Hurricane Betsy in 1965, Hurricane Camille hit in 1969 and Hurricane Agnes in 1972. The Alaskan Earthquake hit in 1964 and the San Fernando Earthquake rocked Southern California in 1971. All of these events served to focus attention on the issue of natural disasters and brought forth increased legislation. The National Flood Insurance Act offered new flood protection to homeowners in 1968, and the Disaster Relief Act established the process of Presidential disaster declarations in 1974. when hazards are associated with nuclear power plants and the transportation of hazardous substances are added to natural disasters, more than 100 federal agencies are involved in some aspect of disasters, hazards, and emergencies. Other agencies among FEMA are:

• the Federal Insurance Administration
• the National Fire Prevention and Control Administration
• the National Weather Service Community Preparedness Program
• the Federal Agency of General Services Administration
• the Federal Disaster Assistance Administration

Billions of dollars of new funding were directed to FEMA to help communities face the threat of terrorism. In March 2003, FEMA joinede 22 other federal agencies, programs and offices in becoming the Department of Homeland Security. President George W. Bush signed into law the Post-Katrina Emergency Reform Act on October 4, 2006. The most devastating natural disaster in U.S. history was Hurricane Katrina, and it included a more robust preparedness mission for FEMA. FEMA's mission: to lead America to prepare for, prevent, respond to and recover from disasters with a vision of "A Nation Prepared" has remained the same for almost 30 years.

Kentucky Impact Program

The Kentucky Impact Program provides services to children and adolescents with disabilities. In order to qualify for this program the child must be younger than eighteen years, must have a clinical diagnosis psychiatric disorder. The child must experience two of the following:

• limited ability for self-care
• difficulty building interpersonal relationships
• difficulty in daily life activities
• have been disabled for at least one year
• must require service planning from at least two agencies

To apply for this program call the state office for Kentucky Impact at (502)564-7610. You will need to ask for a nomination form. Once the nomination form is completed, a committee of professionals will review the form to determine if Kentucky Impact is suitable for the child. If Kentucky Impact is not the best source of assistance for the child, then the child will be referred to the appropriate agency. If the child is accepted to the program, a service coordinator will help create a team of adults that will work closely with the child.

Food Stamp Benefits

Food Stamp Benefits helps people with little or no money buy food at participating stores. Any household who meets basic income and other requirements may be eligible to receive food stamp benefits. Adult children who are over 21 years old who live with their parents may qualify for their own food stamp account if they purchase and prepare food separately from their parents. Adult siblings who live together, but not with their parents, who purchase and prepare meals separately may also have separate food stamp accounts. People who must be included in one household account, regardless of whether or not they buy and prepare meals separately are spouses of any household member, parents living with natural, adopted or stepchildren who are age 21 or younger and children younger than 18 who are dependents of an adult household member. Only citizens of the United States and some legal immigrants of the United States may receive food stamp benefits. Household members who are 16 to 60 years old and can work must look for and accept work. Some exceptions apply to this requirement. Members of the household are only to have up to $2000 in cash and bank account assets. If there is a member who is 60 or older, they may have up to $3000 in resources. The amount of benefits a household may receive depends on the size of the household. All wages or other payments received by someone in the household are counted as income. The household may qualify for deductions from income such as rent, utilities, legally obligated child support paid to someone outside the household and babysitting expenses. If there are disabled or someone over age 60 in the household, you may be allowed deductions for medical costs. To apply for food stamps the head of household or an authorized representative must be interviewed by a food stamps caseworker. The head of household or authorized representative should complete your application and turn it in as soon as possible. Benefits will begin the date of your application is received. If your household needs benefits right away, you may be able to get them within a few days after applying. Otherwise, you will receive a letter within 30 days telling you whether or not you will receive benefits. You will receive an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card and a Personal Identification Card (PIN) in the mail to access your food stamp account. Your benefits will be deposited to the EBT card each month.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is to assist low income households, particularly those with lowest incomes that pay a high proportion of household income for home energy. To be eligible for assistance a household's income must not exceed 150 percent of the poverty level or 60 percent of the State median income. Households with the highest home energy costs or needs in relation to income get help before those who have lower energy costs. The Federal government does not send or take applications for LIHEAP assistance unlike other programs. LIHEAP State grantee (A number of State LIHEAP offices provide toll-free numbers and websites for public inquiries.) There is a Community Action Service that provides LIHEAP assistance in Montgomery County, Kentucky. In order to apply you must bring your energy bill, proof of income, Social Security numbers of everyone in the household, and a valid identification.

The Child Care Assistance Program

The Child Care Assistance Program can help families pay childcare costs for children up to age 13, and for children with special needs up to age 18. The program pays childcare costs for qualifying families while they work, look for work, or attend school. To qualify for assistance the families have to comply with child support enforcement if applicable for all children in the family. Care for the children must be provided by a licensed child care facility, a certified child care provider, or an approved registered provider. Children must live with family whose income does not exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty level. To promote parental responsibility, families with a monthly income above $900 may have to pay a co-payment. The families who receive child care assistance are responsible for paying the payment directly to the child care provider. Assistance is also provided parents who receives, or needs to receive, protective or preventive services without regard to income and the parental co-payment may be waived. Some of the work requirements are that the parent must be employed for a minimum of 20 hours per week or be enrolled in an education or training program and works for wages at least 20 hours per week. When applying for child care assistance be sure to have verification of income for all household members, names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and copies of current immunization records for children needing care.

Supplemental Security Income For Disabled Children

Supplemental Security Income For Disabled Children is also known as SSI benefits for children. In order for a child to be eligible for SSI benefits, the child must be either blind or disabled. A child may be eligible for SSI disability benefits beginning as early as the date of birth. There is no minimum age requirement. A child may get these benefits until they reach eighteen years. When the child reaches eighteen, they are evaluated for impairments based on the definition of disability for adults. If a child has a visual impairment they may be eligible for SSI blindness benefits if the impairment meets the definition of blindness. The conditions must have lasted or be expected to last for at least twelve months or end in death. In most states if a child gets SSI benefits they can get Medicaid to help pay medical bills. If you have questions or need more information on SSI benefits for children or adults contact your local Social Security Office or call 1-800-772-1213.

Medicaid

Medicaid is an entitlement program that is jointly funded by the states and federal government, and is managed by the states. People that are served by Medicaid are eligible low-income parents, children, seniors, and people with disabilities. If an individual is poor or very poor this doesn't neccessarily qualify them for Medicaid. The largest source of funding for medical and health-related services for people with limited income is Medicaid. Medicaid was created to help low-income individuals who are eligible to pay for some or all of their medical bills. Eligibility rules differ from state to state, but all states must follow the same basic framework. Some eligibility requirements are age, pregnancy, disability, blindness, income, resources, and a person's status as a U.S. citizen or a lawfully admitted immigrant. Children may be eligible for Medicaid regardless of their parents eligibility status as long as they are a U.S. citizen or a legal immigrant. In some states beneficiaries are required to pay a co-payment for medical services. If a person wants to apply for Medicaid they need contact their counties office of Cabinet for Family and Health Services.

WIC Program

WIC is also known as a Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. WIC is a nutritional program that helps pregnant women, new mothers, and children up to age five. The program is offered to low-income families. Studies show that prenatal WIC participation for low-income Medicaid women results in longer pregnancies, fewer premature births, and fewer infant deaths. Also, more women are breastfeeding due to their participation in the WIC program, because they provide them with information on breastfeeding. Children enrolled in the program are more likely to have a regular source of medical care and have more up to date immunizations. WIC significantly improves children's diets. Some examples of where you might find WIC services are county health departments, hospitals, mobile clinics, community centers, schools, public housing sites, migrant health centers, and Indian Health Service facilities.