KCHA NEWS - September 2009

A resource for King County Housing Authority residents


The H1N1 (swine flu) virus: what's real and what’s hype

By Public Health – Seattle & King County
Special to The Voice

In the spring of 2009, the H1N1 (swine flu) virus was all over the news. But with all the media attention, it’s hard to separate the hype from the real information. Is H1N1 flu really that serious?

Many people in the United States and around the world have been infected with H1N1 flu.At the time of this writing, almost all cases of influenza in the nation have been similar to the regular seasonal flu that we see every year.

But scientists and health experts are still concerned. We are still learning more about the origins of the virus and how it behaves.

If the new strain obeys conventional rules, we can expect its return this fall.

There is a possibility that the virus will mutate further and develop into a more deadly virus. While we plan for such a situation, at this point it is just speculation.

We do know that this is a new influenza virus, so few people will have any natural immunity to it from previous flu outbreaks.

Here are everyday behaviors to stay healthy and prevent the spread of influenza:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;

  • To further prevent the spread of germs, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth;

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it;

  • Avoid close contact with sick people;
  • Get a seasonal flu shot. Public Health -Seattle & King County clinics will give

    influenza vaccine by appointment. Influenza vaccine is usually given from October through January, as long as vaccine supplies are available. People should get flu vaccine even after influenza activity has started in the community. To find a clinic near you, go to www.kingcounty. gov/healthservices/health/locations. aspx;
  • If you are sick, stay home from work or school.

In addition, we anticipate that an H1N1 vaccine will be in King County in October. For more updates about that vaccine and other H1N1 news, please visit Public Health’s H1N1 Web page at www.kingcounty.gov/health/H1N1 or call the flu hotline at 877-903-KING (5464).

Flu background

The world has seen very severe types of the flu virus before – a virus that has the ability to spread from person to person quickly, and cause many deaths. In the last century, there were large serious outbreaks in 1918, 1958, and 1967.

The world is very different now than it was in the early 1900s, or even four decades ago. We have medicines to treat the flu illness. And we have a public health system that has planned for the possibility of a severe outbreak. That public health system monitors illness in our community to watch out for any changes in normal disease patterns.

Despite modern medicine and public health systems, health experts and local leaders are still taking precautions. We have coordinated with area hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies and developed plans for distributing medical resources in the community. We have worked with school districts to close schools when we thought it was a necessary precaution. We also have distributed educational materials so that the public has the information they need to protect themselves and their families.

The flu virus is unpredictable in many ways. There are some things that are certain though: public health and county officials will be continually monitoring the situation and keeping the public informed. Individuals and families can also prepare at home so that they are ready to take care of themselves and their loved ones in case of a severe flu outbreak.

 

Introducing Salmon Creek

Salmon Creek Apartments – the latest phase of housing to be completed at Greenbridge – began opening its doors to residents this summer. The development features a mix of 88 apartments and townhomes within 14 multifamily buildings. The units range in size from one to three bedrooms. The new housing is located on two previously vacant lots: one north of White Center Heights Elementary and one north of the Jim Wiley Community Center. Both blocks also are expected to host retail spaces – for businesses such as shops or cafes. All told, Greenbridge is now home to 275 units for families and 82 units for seniors and individuals with disabilities.




Public hearing on Draft 2010 MTW Plan set for September

You are invited to a public hearing to review and receive comment about the King County Housing Authority’s Draft FY 2010 Moving to Work (MTW) Annual Plan. The hearing will be at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at KCHA’s Administrative Offices, 600 Andover Park W., Tukwila.

As a participant in the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s MTW program, KCHA has been provided the flexibility to make program and policy changes to:
• Increase the housing choices available to low-income families;
• Help families become employed and achieve greater self-sufficiency; and
• Reduce costs and achieve greater cost effectiveness in federal expenditures.

The Draft FY 2010 MTW Annual Plan outlines KCHA’s objectives for participation in the MTW program and includes a listing of approved and ongoing MTW activities as well as new activities proposed for implementation in 2010 for which the Housing Authority will request HUD approval.

A copy of the Draft MTW Plan is available for review during normal business hours at the above address or can be viewed online at www.kcha.org. The Draft Plan also can be mailed or e-mailed to interested members of the public upon request by calling Judi Jones, MTW Program Director, at 206-574-1152.

Written comments regarding the Draft Plan can be submitted by mail prior to Sept. 9 to the following address:
KCHA MTW Draft Plan
Attn: Judi Jones, MTW Program
Director
600 Andover Park W.
Tukwila, WA 98188

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Judi Jones at 206-574-1152. Please go to www.kcha.org for directions to the hearing
location.

 

GENERATIONS

News for Senior and Disabled Residents of KCHA Communities

 

An apartment full of beauty

Casa Juanita resident showcases self-made doll collection, jewelry

By Heather Miller
King County Housing Authority

A tapestry of color, lace, and elegance emanates from three floor-to-ceiling display cases in Ninel Samarskaya’s bedroom at Casa Juanita.

One or two majestically dressed dolls sit on each shelf, donning ankle length-gowns, sparkling tiaras, and prim smiles.

Samarskaya constructed each one herself using parts from discarded dolls and sewing new outfits by hand with material from used clothing stores.

She started the hobby after moving into Casa Juanita several years ago. Originally from Russia, Samarskaya always has been accustomed to a busy life as a teacher with a lot of family members around her.

Now, most of her relatives live far away, and she wanted to find a fun way to spend her time.

“I prefer to do something beautiful,” Samarskaya said of her doll-making. “It’s my hobby.”

Each doll takes several weeks to complete. She likes the idea that she can reinvent a doll out of materials that someone else discarded.

“It’s not expensive; I go to Value Village,” Samarskaya said. “I can make a surprise for someone without spending a lot of my money.”

Doll-making isn’t Samarskaya’s only talent. She also is adept at making jewelry, mostly necklaces with intricate beads of all colors and styles.

“My friends like to do it with me, and sometimes we do it all together,” Samarskaya said.

Lately, health issues have made it hard for her to continue with her hobbies. But her crafts continue to fill her apartment with beauty.


Get help with your housework

By Catholic Community Services

Volunteer Chore Services (VCS) is committed to helping older adults and adults with disabilities remain independent in their own homes through a network of caring community members. These services are provided at no charge and serve as a safety net for those individuals who cannot afford to pay for assistance and do not qualify for paid chore assistance. Some of the services volunteers can provide include: light housekeeping, laundry, shopping assistance, transportation, cooking, and respite.

Volunteers generally provide two to eight hours per month assisting their neighbors, depending on their schedules and availability.

How do I apply to receive chore services?

To register as a client, you must qualify by meeting the following minimum requirements:

  • Persons who are older than 60 years of age, living on a fixed income with some health and/or mobility limitations

  • Persons younger than 60 who have temporary or permanent functional limitations

VCS does not have strict financial criteria. Its purpose is to serve as a safety net for those who do not qualify for DSHS chore and cannot afford to purchase services themselves.

What happens after my application is approved?

An in-home assessment will be conducted, and a volunteer will be match on priority of service or need and volunteer availability.

All volunteers are carefully screened with three references and a Washington State Patrol background check.

What kinds of services are available?

Services provided include: housework, laundry, shopping/errands, transportation, respite, cooking, communications, some kinds of personal care, and more.

 

Find transportation to senior meal programs

By Senior Services

There are more than 50 senior hot lunch programs throughout King County that serve delicious, balanced meals that meet one-third of the federal government’s recommended daily allowances. The lunch programs also give seniors the opportunity to socialize, enjoy birthday or holiday meals, and participate in other activities, improving the quality of their lives.

However, many seniors have a hard time getting to these lunch programs because they do not have any transportation. We can help!

Nutrition Coordination Program staff work with seniors to find the best way to get them to lunch. We coordinate transportation services with many different providers to improve access to the lunch programs.

Our services include:

  • Assistance applying for King County Metro’s ACCESS program

  • Troubleshooting difficulties with any transportation provider

  • Arranging rides on ACCESS while awaiting ACCESS eligibility certification

  • Arranging rides with volunteers driving their own vehicles

Call 206-448-5740 or 1-800-2825815 for ride information.

 

Free help line can help you with health care coverage questions

By Senior Services

The Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) HelpLine provides free, unbiased information about health care coverage and access to help improve the lives of all Washington state residents. We assist people of all ages with questions or complaints about health care coverage, including Medicare, Basic Health, prescription drugs, and more.

Trained volunteers provide free health insurance education, counseling, and assistance to all Washington residents.

Assistance is available in person at a community site in your neighborhood or over the phone. To speak with an advisor, contact us today at 206-727-6221 or 1-800-562-6900.

Senior Services and the Chinese Information and Service Center are proud sponsors of the SHIBA HelpLine in King County.

 

Let Words on Wheels bring the library to you!

By the King County Library System

If you have difficulty walking, carrying books, seeing the titles of books on shelves or are unable to drive and expect to need help for at least four months, Words on Wheels can visit you once a
month.

The Words on Wheels program of staff and volunteers – through the King County Library System – bring materials to people who can’t get to the library.

How does the program work?
Traveling Library Center staff visit once a month, bringing you the materials that you have requested. Or, let us make suggestions and selections for you. Words on Wheels brings: Books
in regular or large print, audio books, music CDs, audio cassettes, paperbacks, magazines, video tapes, and DVDs.

How can I apply?
To apply for service, call 425- 369-3456, or toll free 1-877-905- 2008.

 

You can take simple steps to avoid a fall

Unintentional falls are a threat to the lives, independence, and health of adults ages 65 and older. Every 18 seconds, an older adult is treated in an emergency department for a fall, and every 35 minutes someone in this population dies as a result of their injuries.

Gov. Chris Gregoire has proclaimed Sept. 17 as Fall Prevention Awareness Day in Washington state.

Although one in three older adults falls each year, falls are not an inevitable part of aging. Below are some ways you can help avoid a fall in your home.

• In your home, remove objects that you can trip over, such as papers, books, clothes, and shoes, from stairs and places where you walk.
• Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping.
• Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily within using a step stool.
• Use non-slip bath mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
• Improve the lighting in your home. Put in brighter light bulbs. Florescent bulbs are bright and are more energy efficient. Put a nightlight in the path from your bed to the bathroom so you can see where you’re walking. Some night-lights go on by themselves after dark.
• Wear shoes both inside and outside the house. Avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers.
• Get up slowly after you sit or lie down.
• Have your doctor or pharmacist review at all medicines you take, even over-the-counter medicines. As you get older, the way medicines work in your body can change. Some medicines can make you sleepy or dizzy and can cause you to fall.
• Have your vision checked at least once a year by an eye doctor. You may be wearing the wrong glasses or have a condition like glaucoma or cataracts that limits your vision. Poor vision can increase
your risk of falling.
• Begin a regular exercise program. Exercise is one of the most important ways to lower your chances of falling. It makes you stronger and helps you feel better. Exercises that improve balance and coordination (like Tai Chi) are the most helpful. If you don’t take classes, here are some exercises you can do on your own: walk for five minutes, do arm or leg weight-training exercises, and do stretch
exercises, particularly after other physical activity. Ask your doctor or health care provider about the best type of exercise program for you.
• Take care of your bones by eating a diet with adequate vitamin D and calcium.

 

Residents with disabilities can seek Reasonable Accommodations

The King County Housing Authority is committed to providing accommodations to persons with disabilities so that their living arrangements are, as a whole, comparable to that of other applicants and residents.

Requests must be medically necessary and sufficiently tied to the individual’s disability. To request a reasonable accommodation, please talk to your property manager or resident services coordinator. Also, a copy of the reasonable accommodation request form for public housing applicants and residents is available on the KCHA Web site at www. kcha.org/currentresidents/sh_reasonable.aspx.

 

Back to school – for seniors, too

By the Healthy Aging Partnership

September is back to school time, but not just for kids. Older adults can take advantage of a myriad of lifelong learning opportunities as far-ranging as taking a cooking class, being tutored in computer skills, or visiting a public library.

Research shows that older adults can benefit both physically and mentally by continuing to learn throughout their lifetimes. The Healthy Aging Partnership, a coalition of more than 35 nonprofit and public organizations in the Puget Sound area, has these suggestions for fun and simple ways to keep learning this “school year.”

• Although signing up for community college or university courses is always an option (and classes are often free for students aged 60 and older), consider shorter-term classes offered through local community or senior centers, parks and recreation departments, libraries or clubs.
• Hands-on learning is appealing to nine out of 10 older Americans. To “learn by doing,” consider trading instructional skills with a friend or neighbor. If you’re an expert knitter, teach your craft to a friend
in exchange for her teaching you to paint. If you’ve always wanted to learn to fix your own car, ask a neighborhood mechanic to share his skills in exchange for your tutoring in woodworking.
• Find an educational activity that you can share with a grandchild or other young person. You might be able to tutor a teenager in math or reading and, in return, learn how to gather information from the Internet.
• Charities and community service organizations can pair educational and service opportunities. Learn about the latest research into fighting cancer when you volunteer to help the local American Cancer Society with a fundraising event. Keep your teaching skills honed by becoming an elementary school tutor in the Washington Reading Corps.
• Love Thai food? Determined to eat healthy meals without sacrificing taste? Ready to can those backyard blackberries? Food banks, natural food markets, and restaurants often offer free or low-cost cooking demonstrations.

For other information on lifelong learning opportunities, or for answers to any of your questions about life as an older adult, call 1-888- 4ELDERS (1-888-435-3377) or visit www.4elders.org. HAP is generously supported by its partner agencies and by Comprehensive Health Education Foundation and Public Health Seattle-King County.

 

HEALTHY FAMILIES

News for Families Living in KCHA Communities


Simple Delights

This month: Vegetable Paella

While a healthy diet is the cornerstone to good health, meeting that goal can be a challenge. The recipe below conforms to the recommendations contained in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. We hope you find it easy, tasty, and economical.

Vegetable Paella

Serves eight.

Ingredients:

1 large leek, white and tender green parts only, halved lengthwise

1/4 cup olive oil, divided

1 pound butternut or acorn squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch dice

1 medium-sized onion, chopped

1/8 tsp. tumeric

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

2 cups Valencia or Basmati rice (or regular long-grain rice)

2 cups low-sodium chicken stock

1 1/4 cups dry white grape juice

14 oz. can of whole tomatoes, drained and chopped

1 large zucchini, chopped

1/2 lb. Swiss chard, stems discarded, coarsely chopped

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Brush the leek with 1 tsp. of the olive oil, and place the cut side down on one side of a non-stick baking sheet. On the other side of the baking sheet, add squash and drizzle with 2 Tbsp. of olive oil and gently toss to coat. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden. Slice the leek halves into 1-inch lengths.

  2. Heat 3 Tbsp. of the olive oil in a 16-inch skillet, and sauté the onion over medium heat until softened. Add the tumeric and cayenne pepper, and stir for one minute. Add the rice, and season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook, stirring for about two or three minutes. Add the chicken stock, grape juice, squash, tomatoes, zucchini, and Swiss chard. Stir and simmer for five minutes.

  3. Lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees. Then, transfer the skillet to the oven, and bake for 30 minutes or until the rice is tender, and the stock is absorbed. Remove from the oven, and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Facts

Calories: 337

Total Fat: 9 grams

Saturated Fat: 1 gram

Cholesterol: 0 grams

Sodium: 315 milligrams

 

Survey: Nearly 90 percent of residents at family communities satisfied with KCHA staff

The vast majority of residents living in KCHA’s family Public Housing properties say they are satisfied with their management staff and maintenance crew, according to a recent survey.

“The staffing and maintenance crews are always professional and respectful at all times,” one resident wrote. “I am very happy here.”

KCHA administered the survey in an effort to find out how well we’re serving our residents and ways in which we could improve. The survey found that, of those who responded:

• Roughly 87 percent are satisfied with KCHA’s management services. “(Our manager) is a very patient manager,” one resident wrote. “She is always polite and respectful.”
• Roughly 88 percent are satisfied with KCHA’s maintenance services. “(Our maintenance staff) is very helpful and efficient – always cheerful and friendly,” one resident wrote.

In addition to asking about our own performance, the survey also asked about how safe residents feel at the KCHA property where they live and whether their quality of life had improved since moving in. The survey found that, of those who responded:

• Roughly 84 percent have an overall sense of safety within KCHA properties;
• Roughly 60 percent say their quality of life has improved during their stay at a KCHA property. “I love where I live,” one resident wrote.

The survey of family properties follows a similar survey at our senior and disabled Public Housing buildings, which found that nearly 90 percent are very or somewhat satisfied with KCHA’s maintenance services and the way they are treated by management staff.

“The results of both the family and senior/younger disabled resident surveys show just how much our teams care for the population we serve and the buildings we own and manage,” said Bill Cook, Director of Public Housing.

 

Sign your child up for free, reduced-price meals at school

By KCHA Staff

Your children could be eligible for free or reduced-price meals at school through the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program.

Both programs are designed to promote the health and well-being of children by providing nutritious meals to children in public and private schools and residential child care institutions.

How do I know if my children are eligible?

Your household income will determine if your children are eligible.

The eligibility guidelines are intended to direct benefits to those children most in need. For example, the 2009-10 guidelines specify that if you’re in a family of four, your children are eligible for free meals if your household’s pre-tax income is no more than $28,665 a year, or $2,389 a month. This year’s guidelines specify that if you’re in a family of four, your children are eligible for reduced-price meals if your household’s pre-tax income is no more than $40,793 a year, or $3,400 a month. Income includes wages, social security, pension, unemployment, welfare, child support, alimony and any other cash income.

How do I apply?

Any time throughout the school year, ask for a National School Lunch/School Breakfast Program application at your children’s school. Then, fill it out and return it to school personnel. Depending on your circumstances, you will need to provide your child’s name, the names of all household members, income by source for all household members and an adult family member’s signature.

What happens if my children are eligible?

They will be able to eat lunch at school for free or for a reduced price. Also, if your children are eligible for either free or reduced-price meals, they can eat breakfast at school for free. Plus, children in kindergarten through third grade who qualify for reduced-price meals can eat lunch for free.

What can you tell me about the food schools serve at breakfast and lunch?

All meals meet federal food guidelines and must contain one-third of the recommended dietary intakes for protein, calcium, iron, vitamin A and vitamin C. The meals also must have no more than 30 percent of the calories from fat and no more than 10 percent of the calories from saturated fat.

Students who are identified as disabled with special dietary requirements by their doctor may eat substitute foods at no extra charge.

 

Connecting kids with bright futures

By Angela Arzaga
Special to The Voice

Parent Nate Miles never worried about his child when he dropped him off at his local Boys & Girls Club before heading to work.

“I knew my child was in a safe and loving place,” he said.

Every day, staff members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County are working to change the lives of the youth they serve. A national study of Boys & Girls Clubs revealed that 85 percent of Club alumni said that Club staff helped them to know right from wrong, and 82 percent said that staff helped their self-confidence as a child. Parents like Miles rely on those staff to care for and nurture their loved ones.

“I’ll never let my kids forget about the Club because they taught them about so much more,” he said. “They taught them about love, and they taught them about integrity.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of King County seeks to inspire and enable all young people to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. The Club provides services for youth ages 5-18. Your child can stop by the after-school drop-in program and get help with homework during “Power Hour”, play games and make friends in a safe, positive place that they can call their own. Some Clubs offer free hot meals, and all Clubs provide snacks. Youth are mentored by caring staff that help them develop the skills they need to achieve their dreams.

Programs at the Clubs affect youth in three essential areas: academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and citizenship. Typically, an annual membership costs $30 or less. September is the perfect time to sign your child up for the 2009-10 school year. To locate your neighborhood Club, please visit www.positiveplace.org or call 206-436- 1800.

 

YWCA Job Search 101

This month: Introducing the Career Coaching Program

By Lisa Roy – YWCA Career Coach
Special to The Voice

The YWCA has started a new Career Coaching program that aims to help low-income residents of South King County earn living-wage jobs that enable them to stop living paycheck to paycheck. The program has a long-term focus on career advancement planning. Rather than just looking at getting a job in the short term, we help our clients think about what their next steps will be: Supervising? Going to school? Getting an even better job?

We try to help individuals learn to trust themselves again when it comes to making job and career decisions. We want people to know that it is alright to make a decision and know that it doesn’t have to be permanent. You can always make another decision. I want my clients to remember that they are resourceful, creative, intelligent, and whole as they are. When it comes to their job and career choices, they already have the answer within themselves.

The most important tip I can give to job seekers during this tough economic climate is to know and believe that there are people right now getting jobs that they love and that are better than where they were before. You could be one of those people as well. Here are some other tips:

• Look at your résumé and ask yourself: Would I hire myself based on my résumé? Ask yourself why or why not? If not, revise your résumé so that when you read it, you would want to hire yourself. Make sure that what you’ve written is true.
• Have other people look at your résumé and give you feedback. An employer may only look five to 10 seconds at your résumé. There needs to be something to attract their attention to call you for an interview.
• Read your résumé out loud and slowly. This helps catch missing words and awkward word order.
• Keep in mind that looking for a job is a numbers game. The more résumés you send out, the more likely it is that you’ll get an interview.
• If your résumé isn’t attracting attention, change it up. Test different approaches to see what works and what doesn’t.
• If you’re having trouble finding work in your field or want to change fields, try asking yourself what you’ve done that you’ve really enjoyed. Is there a particular aspect of a job or task that you liked? Volunteer work? A hobby?
• Go online to www.workforceexplorer.com; play with the variety of career-planning tools. There are assessments you can take that will take an occupational view of your interests, skills, and values. You also can read occupation descriptions and find out about related occupations as well as training and education opportunities. Plus, you can read labor market information about the outlook for a particular industry, wage expectations, and more.

To learn more about the YWCA’s Career Coaching program, please call 206-336-7000 in the Southwest area or 425-226-1266 ext. 1049 in the Southeast area.



Girl Scouts seeks troop leaders at five Eastside KCHA communities

By Melissa M. Tuttle – Area Manager, Girl Scouts East King County Regional Office
Special to The Voice

Girl Scouting makes a difference for children by helping girls build courage, confidence, and character and offering them a safe and supportive environment. By partnering with caring adults, girls
can design fun and challenging activities that empower them to discover, connect, and take action around issues that concern them. That’s where you come in.

Girl Scouts of Western Washington is looking for adults to help lead troops in their communities – at Avondale Manor, Green Leaf, Juanita Court, Juanita Trace, and Kirkwood Terrace – through the 2009- 2010 school year. As a volunteer, you can choose to work with girls from ages 5 to 17 and help them develop leadership skills, explore new things, and learn about themselves.

I don’t know anything about the Girl Scouts, can I still volunteer?
Of course! No previous Girl Scout experience is needed, and you don’t have to have children of your own to join a troop.

If you aren’t sure what to do with your troop, that’s okay. There are adult learning courses, handbooks, online tools, volunteer meetings, dedicated staff members, and a mentor to help you along the way.
Plus, you don’t lead a troop alone; you volunteer with a team of caring adults. As a team, you can set the location, duration, and frequency of troop meetings to fit your schedules.

How do I know if I would make a good troop leader?
Our volunteers must be willing and able to have fun and be excited about the idea of helping girls grow, either directly or indirectly. You must be resourceful, selfmotivated, flexible, caring, sensitive, and
enjoy having the freedom to develop your own volunteer path and create a troop experience that works for you and the girls.

What requirements are there?
• You must complete a volunteer application process and background check and become a registered member of GSUSA, which involves a $12 annual fee, though assistance may be available.
• For some volunteer opportunities, free or low-cost certificates are required.
• You must be available evenings and/or weekends for troop meetings (one to two hours per meeting), occasional trips/activities (to be determined by volunteers and troop), and preparation time (one to two hours per week). You can have the summer off if you like!

How can I sign up?
If you live at one of the Eastside properties listed above and are interested in helping to lead a troop, please contact KCHA’s Amy Moe at 206-574-1147 or at amym@kcha.org.

 

TRANSLATIONS

Translated Articles for Our Families

Sign your child up for free, reduced-price meals at school

Запишите своего ребёнка на бесплатную или по сниженной цене еду в школе

Ваши дети могут иметь право на получениебесплатной или по сниженной цене еды в школе через программы National School Lunch и School Breakfast.

Право ваших детей на эти программы определяется в зависимости от дохода вашей семьи. Установки на 2009-2010 год определяют возможность для ваших детей получать бесплатную еду, если ваша семья из четырёх человек имеет годовой доход (до уплаты налогов) не больше 28665 долларов, или 2389 в месяц. Если ваша семья из четырёх имеет доход (до уплаты налогов) не больше 40793 в год, или 3400 в месяц, то ваши дети имеют право на получение ланча по сниженной цене.

Доход включает в себя зарплату, социальное обеспечение, пенсию, оплату по безработице, велфер, оплату на содержание детей, алименты и другие денежные доходы.

Вы можете подать заявление в любое время школьного года, попросив бланк заявления на National School Lunch/ School Breakfast программу в школе вашего ребёнка и вернуть заполненное заявление в администрацию школы.

Вы должны будете указать имя вашего ребёнка, имена всех членов вашей семьи, источники дохода всех членов семьи и представить подписи всех взрослых членов семьи.

Если ваши дети имеют на это право, они смогут получать бесплатный или по сниженной цене ланч и бесплатный завтрак в школе. Дети, посещающие детский сад до третьего класса, имеющие право на ланч по сниженной цене, могут получать его бесплатно.

Вся еда соответствует федеральным требованиям и должна содержать треть дневного рациона белка, кальция, железа, витамина А и витамина С.

Sign your child up for free, reduced-price meals at school

U diiwaan geli caruurtaada cuntada iskuulka oo bilaash ah ama qiimeheeda la dhimay.

Imahaagu waxay heli karaan in ay bilaash ku cunaan ama qiimo yar bixiyaan. Barnaamijka waxaa bixiya barnaamijka qadada dugsiyada dalka iyo barnaamijka quraacda dugsiga. Tusaale ahaan shuruudda sanadkaan waxay ogolaanaysaa in ilmaha qoys ka kooban 4, lacagta sanadkii soo gashaana aysan ka badnayn canshuurta ka hor

$ 28,6650 ama 2,389 bishii. Waxay xaq u leeyihiin in ay helaan cunto bilaash. Sidoo kale qoys ka kooban 4 oo ay soo gasho sanadkii 40,793 cunshuurta ka hor ama $ 3,400 bishii waxay xaq u leeyihiin cunto qiimo jaban. Dakhliga qoyska waxaa ka mid ah lacagaha duqowshinka la siiyo, benshanka, lacagta lagu qaato shaqo la’aanta, cayrta iyo midda laga qaado waalidka guriga ka maqan ee lagu saacido caruurta iyo hooyadood iyo dhamaan dakhliyada kale ee aan inta ku qornayn oo caddaan kugu soo gala.

Is diiwaan gelinta qati kasta ee sanad dugsiyeedka, weydii maamulka dugsiga ajriga barnaamijka qadada dugsiyada dalka iyo midka quraacda dugsiga ee dugsiga caruurtaaadu dhigato. Buuxi ajriga ama foomka. Kadibna ku celi iskuulka. Inta badan waxaa lagu waydiindoonaa magaca caruurta, macluumaad ku saabsan dakhliga qoyska iyo meelaha ay idinka soo gelaan. Tirada uu qoysku ka kooban yahay iyo waliba qof weyn oo saxiixa arjiga waa lagama maarmaan.

Haddii imlahaaga loo ogolaado barnaamijkan, waxay helayaan cunto bilaash ah ama qiimeheeda la dhimay. Midkastoo ilmahaagu ka mid noqdaanba, waxaay helayaan quraac bilaash ah. Caruurta dhigata kindergartenka ilaa iyo fasalka saddexaad ee xaqa u leh cuntada la qiimo dhimay, waxay leeyihiin qado bilaash ah. Cuntooyinka iskuulka laga cuno oo dhan waxay waafaqsan yihiin shuruucda cuntooyinka u degsan dawladda dhexe. Ardayda naafonimo ku cadahay dhakhtarkooduna cadeeyey waxaa loogu badali karaa cunto loogu talo galay haddii loo baahdo oo aan lacag dheeri ah laga qaadeyn. Waxay dhamaan cuntooyinkaanu leeyihiin nafaqo lagu taliyey sida Portein, calcium, Iron, feetamiin A iyo feetamiin C.

GHI TÊN XIN CHO CON EM ĐƯỢC ĂN TRƯA

Ở TRƯỞNG MIỄN PHÍ /HAYGIẢM GIÁ

Con em của qúi vị có thể hợp lệ để được ăn trưa miễn phí hay giảm giá ở trường qua Chương Trình Ăn Trưa Quốc Gia và chương trình Ăn Sáng Ở Trường.

Mức lợi tức trong gia đình của qúi vị sẽ giúp quyết định xem con em qúi vị có hợp lệ hay không. Mức qui định lợi tức của 2009-2010 qui định ra rằng nếu gia đình 4 nguời, có mức lợi tức chưa trừ thuế không quá $28,665 hoặc $2389/ mỗi tháng, thì con em đuợc ăn trưa miễn phí . nếu gia đình 4 nguời, có mức lợi tức chưa trừ thuế không quá $40,793 hoặc $3,400 mỗi tháng, thì con em đuợc ăn trưa giảm giá .

Nguồn lợi tức gồm lương do đi làm, tiền an sinh xã hội, tiền trợ cấp, tiền thất nghiệp, tiền cấp dưởng, tiền quả phụ và bất cứ lợi tức tiền mặt khác.

Qúi vị có thể nộp đơn xin bất cứ lúc nào trong suốt mùa học bằng cách hỏi xin đơn từ chương trình Ăn Trưa Quốc Gia và chương trình Ăn Sáng Ở Trường, điền đơn và nộp đơn lại ở văn phòng trường nơi con em qúi vị đang học.

Qúi vị sẽ phải cung cấp tên con em qúi, tên mọi nguời trong nhà, các nguồn lợi tức, và một người lớn trong nhà phải ký tên vào đơn.

Nếu được hợp lệ, con em qui vị sẽ được ăn trưa miễn phí hay giảm giá và được ăn sáng miễn phí ở trường. Trẻ em từ lớp Mẫu Giáo đến lớp 3 mà được hợp lệ giảm giá, thì được ăn sáng miễn phí.

Mọi bữa ăn hội đủ tiêu chuẩn thực phẩm theo qui định liên bang, gồm 1 phần ba dinh duỡng cần thiết như đạm, chất vôi, chất sắt, sinh tố A, và sinh tố C.


TRANSLATIONS

Translated Articles for Our Senior and Disabled Residents

Dadka kaarka caafimaadka dawlladda ee Medicaidka haysta xaqbay u yeelan karaan gaadiid qaada.

Haddii aad haysato caarka madicaidka ayna dhibkaa haysato tegitaanka ballamaha, ogsonoow inaad xaq u yeelan karto caawimaad gaadiiid ku geeya ballamahaas ee kaarkaagu ogol yahay ayna bixiso ahy’adda hopelink. Adeegan waxaa laguu ogolyahay had-dii aad haysato kaarka caawimaadda medicaidka, aadna degen tahay King County, aadna aadayso ballan caafimaad oo uu kaarku daboolayo kuuna dhaw.

Fadlan nasoo wac ugu yaraan laba maalmood ka hor ballantaada saacadaha xajisku waa 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Isniin illaa Jimce. Haddii aadan aadaynin ballantaada, fadlan nasoo wac labo saac ka hor. Waad nala soo xiriiri kartaan 24 saac/todobada maalmood ee asbuucaba, waa haddii aad su’aaal qabtaan, kansalid, ama aad aadayso ballan deg-deg ah oo caafimaad. Gaadiidka loogu baahana yahay sidaas deg-degga ah waxay ku xiran tahay hadba sida loo heli karo.

Fadlan ha kuu diyaar ahaadaan dhamaan:kaarka Madicaidka, cinwaankaaga, magaca iyo cinwaanka dhaqtarkaaga. Saacadda iyo maalinta aad ballanta leedahay, nooca ballanta iyo weliba markaad soo noqonayso . dadka cusub waxaa la weydiindoonaa suaalo kale.

Markaad codsato gaadiid, waxaan isku dayeynaa inaan ogaano nooca gaadiidka kugu haboon. Waxaa na ka mid ah public bus tickets iyo bille, foojarka shidaalka, baabuur ku qaada ama taksi, faananka naafada qaada iwm. Si aad u codsato gaadiid ku qaada, fadlan soo wac. King County 1-800-923-7433

Meeyey Gaadiidkeygii: 1-800-5952172 TTY: 1-800-246-1646

Medicaid recipients can get transportation help to eligible services

Получатели Медикейда могут иметь транспортное обеспечение

Если вы получаете Медикейд и имеете проблемы с транспортом для визитов к врачу, то, возможно, вы имеете право на поездку для ваших визитов к врачу через программу Hopelink. Вы можете иметь право, если у вас есть действующая карточка Медикейд, если вы проживаете в округе Кинг и если вы идёте на визит к местному врачу, который оплачивается вашей страховкой.

Позвоните, пожалуйста, не позже чем за два рабочих дня до назначенного визита. Время для заказа с 8-ми до 5-ти с понедельника по пятницу. Если вам надо отменить поездку, позвоните, пожалуйста, хотя бы за два часа до назначенного времени.

Наш центр связи работает ежедневно и круглосуточно для ответов на вопросы, отмен поездок и для резервирования поездок на срочные визиты. Поездки на срочные визиты могут быть назначены при наличии возможности.

Перед тем, как позвонить, имейте перед собой свою карточку Медикейд, точный адрес вашего места отправления, имя, полный адрес и номер телефона вашего врача, точную дату , время и цель вашего визита, время вашего возвращения ; звонящие впервые должны будут ответить на дополнительные вопросы.

Когда вы звоните для назначения поездки, мы согласовываем с вами и с вашим врачом, какой вид транспорта вам больше всего подходит. Самые распространённые виды транспорта включают билеты и талоны на городской автобус, талоны на горючее, талоны на такси, микроавтобус с подъёмником.

Для назначения поездок в округе Кинг звоните по тел. 800-923-7433. Если вы не знаете, в каком районе ваш визит, звоните 800-595-2172. Телетайп 800-246-1646.

NHỮNG NGƯỜI CÓ MEDICAL COUPON CÓ THỂ ĐUỢC HỢP LỆ ĐỂ GIÚP PHƯƠNG TIỆN DI CHUYỂN

Nếu qúi vị có medical coupon và gặp khó khăn đi khám bịnh, qúi vị có thể hợp lệ để đi xe đuợc trả lệ phí bằng medical coupon để đến khám bịnh, qua chương trình của Hopelink.

Qúi vị có thể hợp lệ nếu có medical coupon có hiệu lực, và cư ngụ trong quận King, và đi khám bịnh ở các nơi trong vòng cộng đồng của qúi vị.

Xin vui lòng gọi cho chúng tôi ít nhất là 2 ngày trước khi có cuộc hẹn. Giờ để gọi xin xe là từ 8 giờ sáng đến 5giờ chiều, từ Thứ Hai đến Thứ Sáu. Nếu từ bỏ hẹn xin xe, thì gọi ít nhất là 2 tiếng trước khi xe đến đón.

Trung tâm Liên Lạc của chúng tôi mở của 24 giờ mỗi ngày, 7 ngày một tuần để trả lời các câu hỏi, nhận các cuộc hủy bỏ hẹn và nhận các cuộc hẹn khẩn cấp. Xin Xe chuyên chở cho các cuộc hẹn khẩn cấp tùy vào việc có sẵn xe hay không.

Xin vui lòng có sẵn các thứ sau đây khi gọi xin xe: thẻ medical coupon, địa chỉ nơi xe đến đón, tên và địa chỉ , số điện thọai của nơi khám bịnh, chính xác giờ hẹn khám bịnh, giờ ra về, nếu quí vị là người gọi xin xe lần đầu tiên, thì qúi vị có thể sẽ bị hỏi thêm nhiều câu hỏi.

Khi quí vị gọi xin xe, chúng tôi làm việc với qúi vị và nơi chăm sóc sức khỏe của qúi vị để nhận định phưong tiện xe nào đáp ứng cho nhu cầu của qúi vị. Phần lớn phương tiện xe cộ gồm có: thẻ đi xe bus, thẻ mua xăng, lọai xe nhỏ, xe taxi, hay loại xe van có dụng cụ nâng nhấc.

Để xin xe, xin gọi

Nếu ở quận King: 1-800-923-7433

Nếu không thấy xe đến đón , hãy gọi cho 1-800-595-2172.

TTY (cho người khiếm thị) 1-800-246-1646

 

WHITE CENTER SCENE

News About the Greenbridge and Park Lake II Communities

 

Eat, play, learn at Southwest Boys & Girls Club

By Emily Slagle – Executive Director
Special to The Voice

It’s always fun.

That’s how many of our members describe the time they spend here at the Southwest Boys & Girls Club in White Center.

“There are lots of games to play,” said Blessing, one of our club members.

Now is your child’s chance to sign up for after-school fun in a safe, age-appropriate environment. Here at the Southwest Boys & Girls Club, we’re excited that annual membership registration for the 2009-10 school year begins Sept. 9. Our yearly membership fee has increased to $25 per child, which turns out to be around $2.50 per month. We do have scholarships available, but no child is turned away due to inability to pay.

Our trained, professional staff members promise to provide fun, engaging programs and activities that foster a safe and positive place where all members can thrive and develop socially and emotionally. We focus on the following core areas of youth development:

  • Academic success – Improving grades, reducing high school drop-out rates, and teaching kids to see themselves as learners.

  • Good character and citizenship – Encouraging community service, reducing juvenile crime rates, and instilling an attitude of engagement.

  • Healthy lifestyles – Teaching healthy behaviors, reducing drug use and childhood obesity, and fostering a positive self-image.

The Southwest Boys & Girls Club has a daily guarantee to parents and/or guardians:

  • We make sure that all of our youth get homework help and tutoring every day. All of our members are asked to complete 30 minutes of homework when they arrive before they can proceed to other activities.

  • A free, hot dinner is served daily at 4:30 p.m. Nutritious meals are home-cooked in our kitchen.

  • We have an action-packed Teen Room and offer a teens-only late-night program every weeknight and Fridays until midnight.

  • We have a state-of-the-art technology center and a recording studio where youth can lay down beats and write rhymes.

  • Our athletic program includes youth and teen basketball, football, toss ball and other seasonal traditional and nontraditional games, leagues, activities, and programs.

  • We go beyond arts and crafts and teach a variety of visual and performing arts for all ages. “My most favorite thing about the club is the games in the computer lab,” said EJ, a club member.

We also work with a diverse group of community partners to bring experts to run special programs and activities. The programs we run vary by season and are always changing and rotating. Most programs are free for members though some fees are associated with specialty programs.

 

Fall and winter vegetables

If you have a space where you can garden, you can enjoy fresh vegetables most of the year. Many cool-season crops produce well in the fall and in mild-winter areas of the Pacific Northwest. You can plant some of these vegetables as late as August or September.

Some cool-season crops include: mustard greens, lettuce leaf, kale, turnips, spinach, and multiplier onions.

As the weather turns colder, you should stay attuned to weather forecasts that predict the arrival of frost. Your main concern should be to harvest all ripe, tender crops before they are chill damaged.

Also, protection from incessant rain can extend the life of a winter garden dramatically. By covering your winter crops with a cold frame (a transparent roof enclosure), a row cover, or other protective structure, you can extend the growing season.

For more information about fall and winter gardening in the Northwest, please go to extension.oregonstate. edu/catalog/html/pnw/pnw548.

Source: Oregon State University Extension

 

White Center Food Bank sprouts edible garden

By Heather Miller
King County Housing Authority

Bright red strawberries, nutritious collard greens, fresh peppermint, and many other tasty plants have sprouted up in a new edible garden at the White Center Food Bank.

Originally the vision of food bank Executive Director Richard Jump, the new edible garden came about through an effort led by Aviva Furman with Community Harvest of Southwest Seattle. The newest garden spaces are scattered throughout the food bank’s parking lot and building front.

Donations of supplies and seeds from a wide variety of community organizations

– including compost donated by Cedar Grove Composting and plants donated by South Seattle Community College’s horticulture program – made the garden possible.

Alison Guinn, a South Seattle Community College horticulture student and intern at Community Harvest, designed the garden. Then, Seattle Works volunteers came out on two different Saturdays this spring to dig up the planting areas and plant seeds. Now, the edibles are thriving, and food bank clients have volunteered to help keep it that way.

“I am excited to see the interest that food bank clients have taken in the garden,” Fur-man said. “My hope is that this project will not only provide healthy fresh food to the food bank but will also serve as an inspiration for people to grow some of their own food.”

A second edible garden that was planted last year in the food bank’s side yard also is flourishing. KCHA AmeriCorps members have both helped create and tend to that garden.

“My hope is that food bank clients see that if I can do it, so can they,” said Mike Pierce, who helped with the side garden and recently graduated from KCHA’sAmeriCorps program.

Rick Jump, the food bank’s Executive Director, said he’s grateful to everyone who has helped make the gardening projects possible.

“They have contributed countless hours to get it going and make sure it is sustainable,” Jump said.

People who do not have access to gardening spaces are welcome to participate in a new community garden at the St. James Lutheran Church annex at 9421 18th Ave. S.W., just north of White Center. This garden – named The Garden of 1,000 Tomatoes – has begun with more than 50 tomato, pepper, and tomatillo starts donated by South Seattle Community College. Volunteers from the White Center community who would like to help tend the garden and enjoy the harvest, should call 206-762-0604 or e-mail info@ gleanit.org.

 

News Notes

White Center library

  • Game On!: 2:30 p.m. Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30.

  • Family Story Time: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30. Join us for stories, songs, finger plays, and fun!

  • World Language Story Time: 6 p.m. Sept. 22. Join us for Vietnamese stories, songs, rhymes, dances, and more!

The White Center Library is at 11220 16th S.W., Seattle. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, please call 206-243-0233.

Highline Public Schools

  • Sept. 9: First day of school for students

  • Sept. 18: Early dismissal for K-12 to allow professional collaboration time for teachers

  • Sept. 25: Early dismissal for K-12 to allow professional collaboration time for teachers