Waiver Provider Newsletter For Florida Caregivers

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----- Forwarded Message -----To: fndfllistserv@...Sent: Monday, October 24, 2011 9:23 AMSubject: [FND Heart Network] FW: For Florida Caregivers

SHARING Family STAR of FND

For The Caregivers,

A Special Edition

This newsletter is for the caregivers, both family members and professional caregivers, who are so often undervalued by our society. In these difficult economic times, your jobs and your wages have been repeatedly slashed. Many of you are unemployed or underemployed, having an awful time making ends meet. Over the last few years, many excellent and dedicated providers have closed their agencies. Still somehow many excellent providers have managed to survive.

You got into the helping profession because you truly wanted to make a difference in this world, and you are making a difference. Unfortunately, your compassion is being used as an excuse to underpay you. The thinking is that you should not earn a living wage because you enjoy your career.

I usually focus on the effect this has on families and the people we serve. However, today I decided to focus on the caregivers. You know your families need you, they tell you that every day. Here are a few things you can do for yourself.

1.) Network with other providers. I've made this easy and free. In hard times, people need a support circle, and not all caregivers have made a lot of connections yet. The most intimate way to connect with others is through our own social network site (similar to facebook) called Florida Unites. It's for people who are PASSIONATE about helping people who have disabilities. You can search for and make connections with people who live in your area. http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=15895158 & msgid=374750 & act=8378 & c=160084 & destination=http%3A%2F%2Ffloridasupports.ning.com%2FAnother way you can communicate with each other is through our message boards. You do not have

to sign in or use your name. You can post your questions, thoughts, and ideas as long as they are related to disabilities in some way. http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=15895158 & msgid=374750 & act=8378 & c=160084 & destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bulletinboards.com%2Fv2.cfm%3Fcomcode%3DFLSC

2) Go back to school if you can. Most people don't regret their education. Most of you will qualify for either the pell grant, which is a loan you never pay back, or a substantial tax credit.

Pell grant is a loan up to $5500 that does not have to be repaid. There are income limits, you have to be low income. Also, if you already have a bachelors degree you don't qualify. http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=15895158 & msgid=374750 & act=8378 & c=160084 & destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww2.ed.gov%2Fprograms%2Ffpg%2Findex.html

If your income is too high to qualify for the pell grant, The American Opportunity Tax Credit provides up to $2500 in tax credits in 2011 and 2012. 100% of the first $2,000 in qualifying education expenses will be refunded in a tax credit. The catch- you have to be enrolled at least half time in one semester and you can't have a bachelors degree.

Don't qualify for the Pell Grant or the American Opportunity Credit? Almost everybody qualifies for the lifetime learning credit. It is available for any post-secondary tuition, including graduate school or undergraduate education beyond four years, and is available for any course-load. It provides a tax credit of 20% of tuition expenses, with a maximum of $2,000 for a year. A single person can earn 50K, a married couple $100K and still be eligible.

3) Do something fun for yourself that's free.

November 11th, 2011 is free national park day. This also includes Florida State Parks, such as the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in Spring Hill. http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=15895158 & msgid=374750 & act=8378 & c=160084 & destination=http%3A%2F%2Ffloridastateparks.org%2Fthingstodo%2Fdeals.cfm

November 5th and 6th Museums on Us (free entry into select museums) if you have a Bank of America credit card or debit card. To get in free, you must bring your own card. http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=15895158 & msgid=374750 & act=8378 & c=160084 & destination=http%3A%2F%2Ffloridaonabudget.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fmarch-2011-free-and-cheap-things-to-do.html

4.) Quit smoking or help a loved one quit. Florida wants you to quit smoking so badly that they will provide you with free nicotine patches or gum. Call or visit their website. This is not a gimmick or a scam, Florida really wants you to quit. . http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=15895158 & msgid=374750 & act=8378 & c=160084 & destination=http%3A%2F%2Ffloridaquitline.com%2F

Call to Advertise your company & be listed on our websites. We want people to have a true choice.

WaiverProvider.Com - SupportCoordinators.Com

FloridaGroupHome.Com - FloridaUnites.com

FloridaAutism.org - FloridaGuardianship.com

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aiverProvider.com Newsletter October 2011 # 2

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Nangle

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Websites to help People With Disabilities & Advocates

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