Approximately 150 individuals and families came out to rally against Governor Corbett’s proposed 20 percent cuts to human services.  On May 16, 2012, everyone gathered at Perry Square.  Several speakers told personal stories on how they will be impacted by the cuts.  Check out a video and article with more details at http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120517/NEWS02/305179929

On February 7, 2012 Governor Corbett presented the State Budget Proposal for the period from July 1, 2012 until June 30, 2013.  The proposal calls for a 20% reduction in Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (DPW) Program funding.  In Erie County, the reduction means there will be a minimum of $4,432,291 less money to provide services to: children, youth and adults with serious mental illness; individuals and families who are homeless; families receiving child welfare services; families who need emergency shelter and food; and individuals who are managing substance abuse.

The proposed reduction amounts to Erie County Programs are as follows:
Mental Health:  $3,022,663 decrease; Mental Retardation: $605,659 decrease; Homeless Assistance: $134,837 decrease; Human Service Development Fund: $72,620 decrease; Children & Youth Special Grants: $288,827 decrease; and Drug & Alcohol: $308,315 decrease.

No More Cuts:  Human Services Rally

on Wednesday, May 16th from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
at the Gazebo in Perry Square
(Rain or Shine)
Individuals and Families Impacted by the Proposed Cuts will Speak

-          Mark Your Calendars -
Presentation by Sharon Ward, Dir. of Policy & Budget Center
followed by a Panel Discussion
on Tuesday, May 29^th from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
at the Blasco Library

On February 7, 2012 Governor Corbett presented the State Budget Proposal for the period from July 1, 2012 until June 30, 2013.  The proposal calls for a 20% reduction in Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (DPW) Program funding.  In Erie County, the reduction means there will be a minimum of $4,432,291 less money to provide services to: children, youth and adults with serious mental illness; individuals and families who are homeless; families receiving child welfare services; families who need emergency shelter and food; and individuals who are managing substance abuse.

The proposed reduction amounts to Erie County Programs are as follows:
Mental Health:  $3,022,663 decrease; Mental Retardation: $605,659 decrease; Homeless Assistance: $134,837 decrease; Human Service Development Fund: $72,620 decrease; Children & Youth Special Grants: $288,827 decrease; and Drug & Alcohol: $308,315 decrease.

Many individuals and families will speak about how these cuts will have a direct impact on their lives.  Linda Parko, a mother of a son with Post -Traumatic Stress Disorder. Her son has been in the military for 12 years and has served two tours in Iraq.  She is currently taking the Family-to-Family mental health class hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Erie County because she wants to gain a better understanding of what her son is going through.  She would like to talk about how the cuts would impact programs and services that help families, such as the NAMI Family-to-Family Program.  Linda is available for interviews.  Dave Wooledge, a Certified Peer Specialist from the Mental Health Association, will host the human services rally.  He is an individual with mental illness who was homeless.  He is also able to speak on these issues.

The quality of life in our communities is being threatened by a little-noted provision in the Governor’s proposed budget – the elimination of General Assistance, (GA).  GA is a safety net program of last resort for people who have nothing else.  It is a subsistence grant of about $200 a month that 68,000 of the poorest people in the state receive.  People use this money in all kinds of ways – shelter fees, treatment programs, a room in a boarding house. Many use it to live on while they wait for federal SSDI to kick in, a process that can take up to two years.  In these cases the state then gets repaid.  Women use it when they flee abuse until they can get back on their feet. For some, it really is a bridge to self-sufficiency.

What happens if the General Assistance Fund goes away?  People with mental and physical disabilities who live in extreme poverty suddenly have no income.  What happens to this group of people?  Even if they were employable, (95% have a disability), and we didn’t already have an 8.5% unemployment rate, how would they apply for a job?  The end result is more people living on the streets.  More homelessness.  More police involvement.  More emergency room use.  More costs to the criminal justice system.  More demand for already overburdened local services.  According to the numbers from February, 2012, Erie County has 1,776 children and adults eligible for GA funds in Erie County.  Overall, 64,703 children and adults are eligible for medical assistance in the County (Source:  pacaresforall.org)

These cuts cost more money than General Assistance does:  The Governor’s proposed budget cut will cost taxpayers more money due to the fact that:

• If just 7% enter the criminal justice system,
  the $150 million “savings” becomes a $9 million cost 
• If just 1% enter psychiatric hospitals, add $20 million to the tab
• If just 20% end up in homeless shelters, add $23 million

The proposed funding cuts impacts people with physical disabilities, too!  The proposed state budget cuts services to persons with physical disabilities statewide by $6.5 million and the attendant care program by $5 million statewide.  Funding for Centers for Independent Living are being slashed 5%.  These cuts follow years of prior budget cuts, no provider rate increases since 2008, and many drastic changes to these services made without stakeholder or legislator input under Act 22, all threatening the services that many depend upon for their independence.

Here is an update on the budget: 

http://betterchoicesforpa.com/pa-senate-approves-budget-deep-cuts-remain

Missi Berquist (left), was recently presented with a certificate for outstanding volunteerism by the Junior League of Erie with the nomination of a RAVE (Recognizing Achieving Volunteers in Erie) Award.  Denise L. Kolivoski, MBA (right) from the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Erie County (NAMI), nominated Missi for the special honor to recognize her ongoing dedication to NAMI’s Family-to-Family mental health education program. 

On Wednesday, April 25th, NAMI of Erie County presented information on stress management techniques to managers representing 75 regional Country Fair locations. This presentation was sponsored by the Highmark Local Workforce Initiative. A Certificate of Appreciation was presented following the event. Pictured below from left to right: James W. Martin, CFRE, Community Affairs Director from Highmark, Steve Seymour, Director of Personnel, Denise L. Kolivoski, MBA, Executive Director at NAMI, and Mathew Sipple, DO, NAMI Board Member and Presenter.

NAMI of Erie County offers several educational programs each year to provide update information on various topics concerning mental health. For Spring 2012, NAMI of Erie County focused on estate planning for families with mental illness. Attorney Jerome C. Wegley from the Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett Law Firm presented information on special needs estate planning. Attorney Wegley was licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in Pennsylvania and previously worked at Ernst & Young.

On February 7, 2012 Governor Corbett presented the State Budget Proposal for the period from July 1, 2012 until June 30, 2013.  The proposal calls for a 20% reduction in Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (DPW) Program funding.  In Erie County, the reduction means there will be a minimum of $2,539,648 less money to provide services to..

            Children, youth and adult serious mental illness

            Individuals and families who are homeless

            Families receiving child welfare services

            Families who need emergency shelter and food

            Individuals who are managing substance abuse

The proposed reduction amounts to Erie County Programs are as follows:

            Mental Health:  $1,129,390 decrease

            Mental Retardation:  $605,659 decrease

            Homeless Assistance:  $134,837 decrease

            Human Service Development Fund:  $72,620 decrease

            Children & Youth Special Grants:  $288,827 decrease

            Drug & Alcohol:  $308,315 decrease

Caring for those in need is a top priority in Erie County.  Our concern is that the proposed budget cuts will prevent our most vulnerable residents from receiving the services they need.  If you or your loved ones are at risk of being impacted by these reductions, you may send a letter, e-mail, or call your Legislators/State Representatives.

Click here to find your Legislator:  http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/findyourlegislator/#address.

Learn more about the State Budget Proposal here:  State Budget Overview

Here are some important points to consider with the proposed cuts: Budget Talking Points

We encourage you to write a letter and tell your legislator the importance of NAMI and its programs to individuals and families in the Erie community.  Here is a sample letter:  Sample letter for State Legislator

NAMI of Erie County Presents It’s Spring Speaker Series:

Special Needs Estate Planning

Many families face the challenge of planning for a loved one with mental illness.  Families need to have a comprehensive financial and legal plan.  It takes a specialized plan to ensure the continuation of care for your loved one with mental illness.

Please join us on Monday, April 23, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. at the First Niagara Community Room, located at 801 State Street

Featuring Attorney Jerome C. Wegley from the Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett Law Firm

For more information or to register for the event, please contact the NAMI of Erie County office at
814-456-1773.

This event is FREE and OPEN to the PUBLIC.

NAMI is proud to announce that Family-to-Family teacher, Missi Berquist, has been nominated for a RAVE Award (Recognizing Achieving Volunteers in Erie). The Junior League of Erie, in partnership with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, is hosting the RAVE Awards on May 1st. All nominees will be recognized for their work in the community. We’re excited to have Missi receive this special recognition for her hard work and commitment to helping families at NAMI through the Family-to-Family program.