Protecting Your Social Security

By Vonda VanTil, Public Affairs Specialist at Social Security Administration At Social Security, protecting your personal information is more important than ever. We continue to evaluate and improve our robust cyber-security program to safeguard your information. The thing is, we can’t do it alone. You can help us secure your information by taking one of these steps: Open your personal my Social Security account. A … Continue reading Protecting Your Social Security

10-key pad calculator

Home Heating Tax Credit

By Jadranko Tomic-Bobas, Managing Hotline Attorney One thing Michiganders love most about living in the beautiful state of Michigan is the ability to experience all four seasons in their full glory. Sometimes, we even get to experience them all in one day. However, the drawback to this is that the winters can be bitter, miserable and even dangerously cold, especially for many low-income families and households who … Continue reading Home Heating Tax Credit

coloring pencils forming a heart

September is Healthy Aging Month

By Rachael Savoie, Office Manager September is Healthy Aging Month! Healthy Aging Month was first introduced about two decades ago when baby boomers were about to turn 50. Healthy Aging Month is centered around adults ages 45-plus, to provide information and practical ideas to help improve physical, mental, social, and financial well-being. The creator of September is Healthy Aging Month is Carolyn Worthington. She is also the … Continue reading September is Healthy Aging Month

Be An Angel Day 2017

By Jennifer Blanck, MiCAFE Network Coordinator Jayne Howard Feldman started Be An Angel Day back in 1993 as a way to encourage people to do random acts of kindness. Although it is nice to have an official day to raise awareness, it really should be a part of our daily lives that we never need reminding. It is much easier than we think, and more impactful than … Continue reading Be An Angel Day 2017

green leaf and vegetables

USDA SNAP Recipes 

By Nicholas Goodman, MiCAFE Network Specialist There are many resources available to support SNAP recipients with accessing nutritious meals. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)  has a website called What’s Cooking? USDA Mixing Bowl in an effort to increase awareness and provide tools for healthy eating. On the “Recipes” tab, you can search and filter recipes that are compliant with various program guidelines. Program filtering options include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), … Continue reading USDA SNAP Recipes 

Assistance Dog Day

by Ron Tatro, Vice President Did You Hear That? Today is Assistance Dog Day. Many people with disabilities have service dogs. Also, many seniors have assistance dogs or emotional support animals that provide companionship and comfort. Although these dogs are remarkable with their skills and training, it is important to remember that they are not machines and can be affected by loud noises. Whether an animal … Continue reading Assistance Dog Day

Two people walking on a pier in the rain.

Simplify Your Life

by Sheila Robison, MiCAFE Network Coordinator Who would like more peace and calm in their day? Who would like personal power, appreciation and happiness? How about gaining increased self-esteem, self-respect and a fulfilled feeling of gratitude? You can have all this and more. You can have all that life has to offer. In one word, the benefits from all of these issues stems from simplicity in life. … Continue reading Simplify Your Life

Embrace Your Geekness Day – July 13th

by Kathryn Larlee, J.D., Hotline Attorney When Star Wars came out with The Phantom Menace in 1999, I took my seven year old son to the midnight showing. . . with light sabers. Harry Potter book release at midnight? We were there, drinking butter beer and stocking up on Bertie Botts Every Flavor Jelly Beans. Geeks. If you have ever been called a geek, or … Continue reading Embrace Your Geekness Day – July 13th

Firefighter wearing helmet and mask.

Fire Prevention Week

by Chris Jackson, Communications Coordinator and Project Administrator Did you know that smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years? Once a year, you should check your smoke alarms to review their date of manufacture. If the date is more than ten years old, you should replace the unit with a new smoke alarm. Additionally, you should test your smoke alarms monthly by pressing the … Continue reading Fire Prevention Week

Side view mirror with traffic reflected in it.

Tips and Resources for Aging Drivers 

by Dawn Kepler, Project Administrator Older adults (age 65 and up) comprise just under 20% of all drivers licensed in Michigan, and this number is projected to increase. Similarly, recent Michigan vehicle crash data reveals that older adult crashes are also increasing, up to 45,864 in 2015 from 36,997 in 2006. Older drivers were more likely than other age groups to engage in the following crash … Continue reading Tips and Resources for Aging Drivers