Rabbi Jacob Horowitz, Executive Director50 Melnick Drive, Monsey, NY 10952

Tel: 845-356-9600 | Fax: 845-356-9612

AT COMMUNITY OUTREACH CENTERour mission is to build a stronger community, one family at a time. Our knowledgeable advocacy is available to you free of charge.

To help us serve you, and others, better, we ask you to leaf through this reference guide to understand our services and procedures before calling to make an appointment. As an informed consumer you will be your own best advocate.

Community Outreach Center has coordinated with other government and private agencies to educate you on the exceptional number of qual-ity services available throughout the community.

We hope you find this guide useful.

Rabbi Jacob HorowitzExecutive Director

A MESSAGE FROM OUR

EXECUTIVEDIRECTOR

MeDicAL coverAGe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

SociAL SecuriTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

SSi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

SecTioN 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

FooD STAMPS, TeMPorArY ASSiSTANce . . 7

Wic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

PASSPorTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

NoN-DriverS LiceNSe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

HeAP & NeiGHBor FuND . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

iMMiGrATioN / viSAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

eMPLoYMeNT couNSeLiNG . . . . . . . . . . 11

ADuLT eDucATioN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

MiSc. ServiceS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

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Prenatal CareassistanCe Program

m e D i C a i DMedicaid covers health and dental services, and prescriptions, for low-in-come individuals. There is no cost to join.

m a n ag e D C a r eWhen you are notified of your acceptance in the Medicaid program, you are given 60 days to select a Medicaid Health Plan (managed care) for ser-vices besides dental and prescriptions. You can choose the plan that has the doctor(s) you wish to see.

Fa m i lY H e a lt H P lU sFamily Health Plus is New York State’s health care program for adults ages 19-64 who do not have insurance but whose income is too high to qualify for Medicaid. For detailed information please call coc at 356-9600.

C H i l D H e a lt H P lU schild Health Plus provides free or low-cost health insurance for children who qualify up to age 19. even if the parents’ income is too high for Medic-aid, the children might be eligible for coverage under child Health Plus B. For detailed information, please call coc at 356-9600.

H e a lt H Y n YHealthy NY provides more affordable insurance for:

• Small business owners & employees• Sole proprietors• Those whose employers do not provide health insurance.

Healthy New York has more generous income guidelines for eligibility (e.g. up to $25,000 for 1 person or up to $66,000 for a family of 6) but is not cost free. Premiums cost less than on the open market and there are many plan choices based on what you can afford. Applications can be picked up at coc and staff is available to assist you. Applications and first payment are mailed directly to the chosen HMo.

P C a P – New York State provides free health insurance for many pregnant women with limited income regardless of their immigration status and resources, through Medicaid and PcAP. Pregnant women who participate in PcAP can receive a wide range of services designed to ensure a healthy pregnancy, including prenatal visits, health education and specialty medical care. Ser-vices continue until two months postpartum for mother and until age one year for the infant.

How Do i know wHiCH meDiCal insUranCe Program to aPPlY For?

one application is used to apply for all of the following programs: child Health Plus A and B, Family Health Plus, Medicaid, PcAP, and Wic. Based on the informa-tion you provide, you will be assigned to the program you and/or your child(ren) may be eligible for.

wHere sHoUlD i sUbmit mY aPPliCation?Applications can be submitted at the Department of Social Services, Building L, Sanatorium road, Pomona, on Tuesday - Thursday, 8:00 - 3:00. Applications can also be submitted at the satellite office at 23 robert Pitt Drive, Monsey, on Mondays and Thursdays from 9:00 - 4:00.

is tHere anY CHarge For tHese insUranCes?For most families, health insurance is free. other families may have to pay a small amount (child Health Plus B). coc has an income chart as a guide, but the in-come levels change annually.

wHat serviCes are CovereD bY tHese insUranCes?covered services include medical and dental check-ups, prescription drugs, hos-pital care, eye exams, eyeglasses, mental health services, and much more. There are no deductibles or co-payments for children’s health insurance.

Can CoC HelP me Fill oUt mY aPPliCation?Assistance with completing the application process is available at coc daily be-tween 9:30am and 3:30pm. By appointment only.

MEDICAL COVERAGE

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wHY woUlD i neeD a new soCial seCUritY CarD?if the name on your social security card does not match your other forms of iD (names must be spelled exactly the same) you will not be able to apply for a passport or obtain certain other documents or programs. To take care of a dis-crepancy, you must apply for a new card.

wHere Can i aPPlY For a new soCial seCUritY CarD?This can only be done at the Social Security office in West Nyack,240 West Nyack road, West Nyack, NY 10994Tel: 845-623-1245 or 845-624-0030, Fax: 845-627-6640, Toll Free: 800-772-1213

How Do i get tHere From monseY?Directions: rte. 59 east past the Nanuet Mall. Go left onto college Ave @ the cor-ner of Wendy’s. keep right. cross 304 at the light. Social Security is on your left, across from cable vision.

Do i neeD to make an aPPointment?You cannot make an appointment. Walk-in and wait. There is a computerized waiting system that works well if you have your documentation.

wHat Do i neeD to bring witH me?To apply for a NeW cArD (meaning the person has Never had social security number before, e.g. a baby), you will need proof of age, of identification and of citizenship or legal status. To apply for a DuPLicATe cArD (same name and same number) bring proof of identity. To apply for a DuPLicATe cArD different name, bring legal proof of new name.

wHat is ProoF oF age?Birth certificate, valid passport, adoption record

wHat is ProoF oF iDentitY?Driver’s license or valid passport, employee iD, marriage or divorce record, health insurance card, or legal name change record.

wHat ProoF Do i neeD For a babY?For a baby, you must have proof of identity for both the mother (see above) and the baby (health insurance card and birth certificate).

Can i bring PHotoCoPies oF tHese DoCUments?No. All documentation must be originals or certified copies. No PHoTo coPieS.

sOCIAL sECuRIty sOCIAL sERVICEs

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s s iCan YoU HelP me ColleCt ssi?To collect SSi you must be medically disabled for at least one year. You and your doctor must complete extensive paperwork and be interviewed in order to determine your eligi-bility. The approval process can take up to six months. if your application is approved, you will be paid retroactively to the date of your application. To start the process, you should go to the Social Security office with your social security card and a doctor’s note describ-ing your disability. For travel directions refer to page 6.

s e C t i o n 8Can YoU HelP me get seCtion 8?our staff will be glad to assist you with the completion of the application and gathering of the documentation necessary for the initial appointment. You must submit you papers and meet with case workers at the office in your town or village.

Town of Ramapo Housing Authority / 357-7171 / 38 Pondview Dr., Suffern, NY 10901Village of Spring Valley/ 517-1153 / 200 N. Main St, Spring Valley 10977County of Rockland Community Development Office 574-4850 / 185 N. Main St., Rm. 211, Spring Valley 10977

seCtion 8 Homeowners Program: There is a new Section 8 Homeowners Program. There are too many details to this program to elaborate on here, but you may call coc for information on workshops and individual counseling on how to apply.

F o o D s ta m P sHow Do i know iF i am eligible For FooD stamPs?our staff can provide guidance in preparing the paperwork for your application. Note that food stamp eligibility is based on iNcoMe and FAMiLY size. There are no resource limitations.

temPor arY assistanCewHat is temPorarY assistanCe?Temporary Assistance provides aid in paying rent, utilities, food stamps, Medicaid and in certain cases even spending money. To determine your eligibility you must make an appointment at the Dept. of Social Services, 845-364-3100.

w i C –Wic is a program to improve the nutrition and health of women, infants and children under age 5. Wic provides families with nutritious food, such as infant formula, milk, juice, cheese, eggs, cereal, dried beans and peanut butter. Wic also gives families nutrition and health education, and refers families to other health services. Wic is free for all eligible families.Applications can be picked up at coc. completed applications and supporting docu-mentation must be taken to the local Wic office at 23 robert Pitt Drive, Monsey, N.Y. By appointment only. 845-426-6351. With the completed forms, the applicant must bring a medical referral, proof of identity, proof of pregnancy or birth certificate for infant, proof of income, address, household size, and proof of immunizations for an infant or child.

women, inFants,CHilDren (UP to 5Yrs)

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wHere Can i get aPassPort aPPliCation?

Applications for passports can be picked up atcoc. our courteous and knowledgeable staffare available to assist you with completing thepaperwork.

wHere sHoUlD i sUbmit mYaPPliCation?

Passport applications may be submitted at the Monsey Post office on Melnick Drive on the following days and hours, if you arrive with everything you need. Daily Hours: Monday - Friday 10:00am - 4:00pm.You may call the Post office at 732-3100 for any questions you have about the passport application process or any other post office matters.

wHat Do i neeD to bring witH mY PassPort aPPliCation?• An official birth certificate with a raised, embossed or multicolored seal, or pre-

vious passport, or original naturalization or citizenship certificate. (No coPieS of required documentation are permitted).

• Official picture identification (i.e., Driver’s License)• Two passport pictures• The applicant’s social security card• A check or money order - NO CASH

wHat Do i neeD to bring to obtain PassPorts For mY CHilDren?Minors under 16 must present a birth certificate listing the names of both par-ents, and their old passport, if they have one. Also, please note that children under 16 must be present with both parents. An applicant 16-17 years old may apply with only one parent present.

wHat Do i neeD to know aboUt PassPort PiCtUres?The government does not permit the wearing of headgear in passport pictures. Anyone who wears religiously mandated headgear that shows in a picture (yar-mulke, hat, scarf covering the head, etc) must include with their application a signed affirmation of religious purpose. A form is available at coc.

Please note that the names on all of your forms of identification must match ex-actly in order to be accepted.

wHat is a non-Driver’s iD?if you do not drive, you may apply for a Non-Driver Photo identification card from theDepartment of Motor vehicles. This iD card has the same personal identification informa-tion, photo, signature and special safeguards against alterations as a license.

Can i get mY non-Driver’s iD From CoC?For the convenience of our community, the DMv Mobile outreach Program ac-cepts applications at coc twice each year. Notification of the dates of these ses-sions is published in the rockland Bulletin or you may call coc for information at 356-9600. Mv44 and Mv45 Forms are always available at coc.You may also obtain the iD from the DMv, 50 Samsondale Plaza, Haverstraw. The hours are 8:30 - 4:00 on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. Thursday hours are 10:00 - 6:00. You can call 800-342-5368 for more info.

Do i neeD an aPPointment at CoC?Please note that walk-ins are not accepted for DMv sessions at coc. You must call 356-9600 to make an appointment. DMv processes approximately 100 app-lications at each session. Please note that if you arrive late to an appointment, the DMv representative may refuse to serve you.

wHat Do i neeD to bring?Bring a completed form Mv-44 (Mv45 for applicants under 21) and bring one of the following sets of identification (originals only - no copies will be accepted.)

Option 1: Social Security card, u.S. PassportOption 2: Social Security card, Birth certificate, Marriage certificate,

card with full name (Medicaid/Food Stamps, etc.) Option 3: (under 21) Social Security card, Birth certificate

Please note that with Option 3, the applicant must be accompanied by a parent with their own Photo License or ID, or a set of ID from Option 1 or Option 2.

How sHoUlD i PaY?DMv will accept your personal check (made payable to NYS Dept. of Motor ve-hicles) or credit card. No cASH AccePTeD.

Note: Your name on your passport must match the name on your Social Security Card. If not, you must first apply for a corrected Card

PAssPORt NON DRIVERs ID

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Applications for passports can be picked up atcoc. our courteous and knowledgeable staffare available to assist you with completing the

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Passport applications may be submitted at the Monsey Post office on Melnick

PAssPORt

Can i get mY non-Driver’s iD From CoC?

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wHat is HeaP?The Home energy Assistance Program (HeAP) is a federally funded program that assists eligible low income households pay an outstanding energy bill where there is a threatened shut-off. in some cases HeAP will cover a furnace repair or replacement.

wHo Can aPPlYFor HeaP? wHere?

To apply for HeAP you must be the homeowner or the tenant of record, and must have the o&r bill in your name. clients living in Section 8 housing and not paying for heating gas are not eligible.Most applications can be submitted at coc. exceptions are:• Applicants on Temporary Assistance or Food Stamps must apply through their case worker.• Applicants with a Termination Notice must make an appointment at the HEAP office in

Building L. You must call 845-364-2000 for an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted only for those whose utilities have already been shut-off.

wHat DoCUmentation Do i neeD to bring wHen i aPPlY For HeaP?• You will need birth certificates, social security cards, alien cards, American Passports for

every person in the household.• Last 4 weeks pay stubs for every member of the household 18 years of age or older (or

show proof of full-time student status).• Any member of the household 18 years or older, who is not working and is not a full-

time student, must submit a letter stating when they last worked.• Unearned income for the entire household, including SSI, SSA, unemployment, child

support, support from family and friends, workers compensation, rental income, pen-sions, veterans benefits, etc.

• Landlord letter /receipt OR mortgage statement if homeowner applicant• The latest O&R bill

wHat is tHe o&r neigHbor FUnD assistanCe grant?The Neighbor Fund Assistance Grant provides households with one-time assistance to help pay their energy costs, no matter what type of fuel is used. Grant money does not have to be repaid, and there are no age limits or income guidelines to be met. Grants are typically $250 for an electric only account and up to $400 for an electric and gas account.

How Can i QUaliFY For tHis grant?• Have an account with O&R• Have exhausted all other community resources for financial assistance• Provide supporting documentation of emergency/crisis circumstances (medical bills,

unemployment notification, etc.)

OtHER C.O.C. sERVICEs HEAP

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g r e e n C a r DCan YoU HelP me get mY green CarD?if you are having difficulty receiving approval for your alien card or struggling with other immigration/visa matters, the staff at coc can clarify issues for you and advocate for you at your congressman’s office in Washington D.c.

emPloYment CoUnselingcoc provides job counseling and placement services at its offices. Services are provided:Mon. - Thurs. 9:30 - 3:30, Friday 9:00 - 12:00. By appointment only. Please call 356-9600.

a D U lt e D U C at i o ncoc provides several opportunities for continuing adult education:masters Program - in collaboration with TTi, coc operates a program for those with a B.A. to obtain a Masters degree in Special education. All registration and fees are han-dled by TTi. All courses are offered at coc offices. call 356-9600 for more information.ComPUter sCHool - With a minimum enrollment of 16, coc forms classes for training in basic computer skills and a course for learning excel, Quickbooks and Microsoft Word. There is a minimal charge for the daytime courses that run for 8-10 weeks.

r e F e r r a l sif you do not know where to go for the assistance you need, feel free to call community outreach center at 845-356-9600. our courteous and knowledgeable staff will be able to answer your questions and refer you to the appropriate place if you have an issue we cannot handle at our offices.

s e n i o r C i t i Z e n s g r o U Pcoc hosts a daily senior citizens group for Holocaust survivors. The program offers a variety of stimulating programs to lessen their sufferings and lighten the emotional bur-dens caused by their common painful past. The survi-vors enjoy a special exercise program, meaningful and uplifting lectures, daily hot nutritious meals and oppor-tunities for nature outings, shopping and socialization. By registration only.

r o C k l a n D b U l l e t i ncommunity outreach center publishes a monthly newspaper that keeps the community informed on lo-cal, national and world news. The newspaper staff works diligently to ensure the reader gets the latest word on new projects, legislation, community improvements and notices that affect our area.

NON-PROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE

PAIDMONSEY, N.Y.PERMIT #70

Vol XI Number III / January 2008

World Newspage 4

Community Newspage 6

Metro Newspage 16

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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Yossele the

“Holy Thief” . . . . . . . F-2

Balabusta’s Corner . . . F-4

Quiz: Germs . . . . . . . F-5

Oy Mamala . . . . . . . . F-6

Auto Beat. . . . . . . . . . F-7

Health Beat . . . . . . . . F-7

The Sweetest Revenge F-8

The Perfect Garden . . F-9

dbukhhypt gahshtpage 34 xghhb gktetk

More than 3 mill ion

people will have to wait until

February to get their tax

refunds because of Congress’

late fix to the alternative

minimum tax, the IRS said.

Congress put a one-year

freeze on growth of the

alternative minimum tax,

shielding many middle and

u p p e r - m i d d l e - i n c o m e

taxpayers from first exposure

to the tax. But the late action

means the Internal Revenue

Service won’t be able to start

processing five AMT-related

forms unti l February,

delaying potential refunds for

those people unti l that

month. The average refund in

2007 was $2,324, the agency

said. As many as 13.5 million

people will have to wait until

Feb. 11 to start filing with

the five AMT-related forms,

but the IRS said f i l ing

patterns show only 3 million

to 4 million of those people

f i le during the early tax

season anyhow.

Millions CouldHave to Wait for

IRS Refund

The first cases of seasonal

influenza have been confirmed

in Rockland, according to the

Health Department. Sporadic

cases of the flu have been

reported in many other counties

and in New York City.The number of flu cases

usually peaks in January and

February. Even though the flu

season has started, people should

still consider getting the shot. The county has given more

than 10,000 doses of flu vaccine

at public clinics at the County

Health Department and clinics

at senior centers and other

locations in the county. Because the department

still has at least 800 doses, the

county has decided to offer

additional clinics from 1 to 3

p.m. every Friday beginning

January 11, by appointment

only. Residents 9 years old and

over may get the shot by calling

845-364-2534. The vaccine is free for

Rockland residents 60 years and

older. People younger than 60

will be charged $20. Every year, 5 percent to 20

percent of the population gets

the flu, according to the

National Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention. More

than 100,000 people annually

are hospitalized from flu

complications, and about

36,000 die.

YARC Pays Tributeto Superintendent

Dr. MitchellSchwartz

On Sunday over 40

members of the Yeshiva

Association of Rockland

County gathered at a luncheon

in honor of Dr. Mitchell

Schwartz, superintendent of

the East Ramapo School

District, and a friend to the

community for over 22 years.

Dr. Schwartz announced his

retirement plans a short while

ago, effective February 29. Rabbi Jacob Horowitz,

Executive Director of YARC,

chaired the luncheon and

shared warm opening remarks

with the crowd. He noted that

Dr. Schwartz’s retirement plans

were met with mixed emotions

from friends and colleagues.

His retirement plans will

enable him to spend time with

family and lecture about

education; however it is a

tremendous disappointment

to the entire public and

nonpublic school system in the

county. Dr. Schwartz has been

a devoted friend to everyone

in the field of education.

St. LawrencePledges Unity in

SpeechIn his eighth State of the

town address, Supervisor

Christopher St. Lawrence

promised a united community

with input on crucial issues from

a cross section of residents and

officials.St. Lawrence did not

mention his opponents or their

agenda against the town’s zoning

policies. He acknowledged,

though, that different groups had

different needs and priorities.The supervisor told the

audience that the town needed to

come together and work in unity.

He also spoke of battles that had

been won – an Orange and

Rockland Utilities rate freeze and

a $16 million investment by

United Water New York

infrastructure improvements. St. Lawrence spoke of the

many sidewalk construction

projects, including installations

along both sides of Maple

Avenue in Monsey. He also said

the town was on track to retire

debt within a decade, and was

working to expand its economic

base with clean technology

businesses.

Flu Cases Reported in Rockland County

Rabbi Horowitz ment-

ioned Dr. Schwartz’s

unsurpassed devotion to the

special education students in

the community. He made sure

that no student was left

behind, and every child

received undivided care. Mr. Eli Wizman, director

of Funded Programs for East

Ramapo School District, spoke

about Dr. Schwartz’s dedica-

tion. He said he personally

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ALPHAPHONEsee page 7

CommUnitY oUtreaCH Center50 Melnick Driver, Monsey, NY 10952

rabbi Jacob HorowitzExecutive Director

Phone: 845-356-9600 | Fax: 845-356-9612e-mail: info@coconline.org

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