Somerset County Family Investment Administration office has had promising results in their FSP outreach work by dedicating staff to specific populations. In 2005 one staff person assists the elderly by going to their home and helping them fill out the application. Another staff person is dedicated to the college campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES). For more information, contact: Kevin McGuire, Executive Director, kmcguire@dhr.state.md.us, 410-767-7338.
Massachusetts The Department of Transitional Assistance (Food Stamp Program) designed an index card with a toll-free number for Food Stamp Program assistance that can be posted at grocery store check out counters. For more information, contact Denise Thomas at Denise.Thomas@fns.usda.gov The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and the Department of Mental Health (DMR) identified obstacles to group home participation in the FSP and developed a simplified process to increase enrollment among this population. DMR staff has been trained to act as authorized representatives for their clients throughout the State. For more information, contact: Lauren Arms, FSP Outreach and Participation Director, 617-348-5452, Lauren.arms@state.ma.us.
Michigan The Center for Civil Justice (CCJ) operates a toll-free statewide Food and Nutrition Program Helpline in partnership with the Michigan Department of Human Services and Michigan State University Extension (MSUE). Michigan residents may call the Helpline for a confidential eligibility pre-screening, counseling about the application process, and information on various food, nutrition, and educational resources. Callers are encouraged to call back if they encounter any barriers. For more information, contact: Center for Civil Justice, 436 S. Saginaw St. Ste.504, Flint, MI 48502, info@ccj-mi.org, 810-244-8044. The Center for Civil Justice (CCJ) offers a self-screening eligibility tool called the Food Stamp Calculator which is accessed via the web at www.foodstamphelp.org. Callers who desire additional advocacy services are helped by CCJ staff using non-federal funding. CCJ has advertised the Helpline through emergency food providers, faith-based organizations, community agencies, information and referral services, and the press. Demographic data is collected on the callers. Through an agreement with DHS and USDA, the Helpline number is now being provided to people who contact USDA‟s national toll-free number. For more information, contact: Center for Civil Justice, 436 S. Saginaw St. Ste.504, Flint, MI 48502, info@ccj-mi.org 810-244-8044. Since its inception in 2002, Michigan‟s Coordinated Access to Food for the Elderly (MiCAFE) has assisted over 2,500 seniors in applying for food stamps and other public benefits. As of May 2007, approximately 74 percent of households assisted have been eligible for benefits that average $70 a month. MiCAFE uses an internet-based application, visits senior and community centers, and trains volunteers to help seniors in 10 counties. Key partners are the Michigan Department of Human Services and the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging. For more information, contact: Kate White, Executive Director, Elder Law of Michigan, Inc., 3815 W. Saint Joseph St., Suite C-200, Lansing, MI 48917, kwhite@elderslaw.org 517-853-2368. The Family Independence Agency (FIA) designed a new and improved self-screening tool called MARS which is connected through Michigan‟s State agency web pages. For more information, contact: FIA Program Coordination and Support, 517-241-7040.
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