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| Community Safety and Preparedness Fair (Video Update):
Event Held at Rim High School
By Michael P. Neufeld, ~ Rimoftheworld.net
Cheryl Nagy, a spokesperson for Hearts & Lives, provides insight into the 2nd Annual Community Safety and Preparedness Fair held June 5, 2010:
Lake Arrowhead, CA Mountain residents know all too well that it is impossible to predict when a disaster may strike so the free event — starting at 10 a.m. and lasting until 2 p.m. — was designed by Hearts & Lives along with the California Highway Patrol, Kids' Plate, Safe Kids Inland Empire, Mountain CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) and Rim Communities COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster) to promote all around family safety and preparedness. The Second Annual Community Safety and Preparedness Fair offered something for every member of the family.
Click here to read article.
Carseats provided by: www.kidsplates.org
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Financial Literacy - Curriculum and Case Management Available Fall 2010
Objective: To educate financial literacy to clients participating in the Life Skills Program.
With the number of emergency assistance requests on the rise and limited resources for help in the mountain region, individuals and families are in critical need for relief. Hearts & Lives has responded to the deepening recession. Our roster of new clients seeking relief is not a crutch for the neediest. We have experienced “the next layer” of people who are finding themselves in crisis for the first time.
Upon assisting individuals and families with immediate and intermediate needs, it was evident that our community was lacking a system to assist families in the area of financial literacy services. With limited access to services in the mountain region, individuals and families are encouraged to take action in creating a life skills plan that provides the necessary steps to grow stronger by creating goals towards self-sufficiency. Our intent is to motivate people to make significant changes in their lives that will allow them to support themselves in the future.
Financial Literacy through Life Skills Case Management:
Hearts & Lives implemented the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Money Smart Adult Financial Education Curriculum into the Life Skills program. The Money Smart curriculum is appropriate for low-income audiences. Clients participating in the Life Skills programs and services will be assessed by case managers. The program will give clients additional support in financial literacy skills and training to maximize their ability to maintain and sustain self-sufficiency.
Hearts & Lives serves approximately 30 unduplicated households per month. Households represent a mix of individuals or families with children indicating unmet and/or emergency needs.
This program was selected because The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) recognizes the importance of financial education, particularly for people with little or no banking experience. Money Smart is a training program to help adults outside the financial mainstream enhance their money skills and create positive banking relationships.
Financial education fosters financial stability for individuals, families, and entire communities. The more people know about credit and banking services, the more likely they are to increase savings, buy homes, and improve their financial health and well being. The Money Smart curriculum helps individuals build financial knowledge, develop financial confidence, and use banking services effectively. Curriculum is available at the Hearts & Lives Blue Jay facility. |
An Impressive Record of Real Accomplishment ~ '07 Wildfires:
As a result of the work done following the 2003 Old Fire, San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors named Hearts & Lives as "Lead Agency' to coordinate rebuilding efforts following the Grass Valley and Slide Fires.
To better serve the Rim Community, a Running Springs satellite office was opened immediately after residents were allowed to return to the mountain. This new office was funded 100% by donations and remained open from November 2007 through January 2009 to better serve the mountain residents in the following areas:
- As with the '03 Old Fire resources (food, clothing, furniture, household items and emergency financial assistance) distributed for emergency needs as well as informational seminars on debris removal, insurance issues, building codes, and rebuilding needs were made available at no cost.
- Used a $20,000 grant from the Community Foundation to distribute gift cards for food and clothing.
- Hearts & Lives partnered with Rim O? The World Realtors Association to create a listing of 1,100 rental homes available for families who needed housing prior to rebuilding their homes
- Over 4,800 hours of volunteer services were donated for Immediate and Intermediate needs by community members the first year following the ?07 fires.
- Case management conducted with 461 families helping over 1,500 residents.
- Helped with emergency financial assistance to pay utilities
- Provided Christmas toys, gift cards and food to 44 families.
- Conducted multiple clothing and toy drives for distribution to fire survivors.
- For "Long Term Recovery" over $800,000 was collected allowing 10 fire victims, who were under insured, the opportunity to rebuild.
- Facilitated "resource puzzle" for those impacted by the fire through coordination and working closely with and FEMA, SBA, American Red Cross, United Way and Salvation Army and other governmental agencies at the County, State and Federal levels.
"Not only has Hearts & Lives met the serious challenges of multiple major fires and disasters in the San Bernardino mountain communities of recent years, but they have consciously developed a most valued and needed “best practice” model and methodology that can be (and should be) adapted in nearly any community in the United States”
Daniel Foster, President/CEO
The Community Foundation
"Not only has Hearts & Lives met the serious challenges of multiple major fires and “Out of the ashes comes hope that has been our family’s motto after our hose burned in the Slide Fire. Hearts & Lives has given us so mush Hope, Help and Peace. We cannot thank them enough.”
The Black Family
’07 Fire Survivor
"For someone who lost their home and possessions, one cannot imagine the healing it brings to be helped by another, especially a stranger. Hearts & Lives has done this for many, many people.”
Local Licensed Contractor |
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| Hearts & Lives Coordinates Rebuilding of Pineridge Bridge following 2003 Old Fire ~ Cedar Glen |
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| Community leaders gather to celebrate rebuild of Pineridge Bridge. Fifty three parcel owners now have access to their properties and can begin rebuilding. |
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| Completed Pineridge Bridge. It take a "Community Network" to rise from the ashes. |
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| See Hearts & Lives Video ~ 2003 Old Fire: |
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