Cultural Orientation Guide (Hispanic) - continued (page 5)

A Guide to Doing Well in Bowling Green
Written by Marty Deputy, Director of the International Center

GOALS

Short-term goals are goals we want to reach in a few weeks or months. Long-term or lifetime goals may take years to reach. Goals in the United States may be different from those in your home country. You will be surprised at what you can do when you set a goal.

Here are some examples of goals you may want to set when settling into a community:

Short-Term Goals

1. Find a job
2. Save for a deposit on an apartment and your first month's rent
3. Open a savings and/or checking account (children too)
4. Pass the driver's test
5. Save enough cash for a used car
6. Speak some English­practice with neighbors, watch TV, take a class
7. Make a plan for building assets

Long-Term Goals

1. Buy a home
2. Become fluent in English
3. Have enough assets to live comfortably in old age

ASSISTANCE

When calling agencies for assistance ask the following so that you can prepare all the paper work needed to make the transaction easier.

• Is there an income limit to receive that agency's assistance? For example, do you have to be working and if so what is the income scale to qualify?
   
• What documentation does that agency require before you get assistance? For example, does the agency need to see a Social Security Card, Green Card, proof of income, proof of address, etc?
   
• If you do not have the documentations that the agency is asking for can that agency still help you? If not can they refer you to another agency that can? For example, if you cannot produce a legal Social Security Card or legal Green Card some places cannot offer you assistance.
   
• How often can you receive assistance from this agency?
  
• Does the agency assist with past due bills?
   
• What days and hours are they open to offer assistance?
  
• If the agency is helping you with food ask what kind of food do they have? There are two reasons for this, one, because of cultural difference, your family might not like the food or even know how to prepare it, and two, if you ask and you find out this is not food of interest to you, that can be made available to someone else.

One of the most important things to remember when asking for assistance is to be honest with yourself. Do you really need this assistance, if so, that is fine that is why these agencies exist. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Your Bowling Green Community is always willing to help one of their families.

Public or Government Helping Agencies
Community Based Services 746-7850

Food stamps, cash assistance, and medical assistance may be available through Community Based Services. You or your children may qualify temporarily or permanently. You must have social security cards and immigration status to qualify. People that do not have legal status might sometimes qualify.

Food Stamps provide food to people with low incomes. Documented residents and documented family members of undocumented people may be eligible for food stamps. Applicants must complete forms that require proof of income, social security card, and other personal information. The amount of food assistance is based on family size and income. Food stamps can be used to buy food items only.

Cash Assistance or K-TAP is for low-income families who have children under 18. Applicants must complete forms that require proof of income and other personal information. K-TAP cash assistance is limited to 60 months in a person's life. There are requirements to receive the cash, such as active participation in a job search or regular attendance at training programs.

Medicaid is for low-income families. It pays for many medical and dental bills. Unless the family income becomes very high, families may keep the Medicaid card as long as a year after the parents find jobs. Medicaid pays for dental work, eye examinations and eyeglasses for children. We advise families to get their health care completed while they have Medicaid. Pregnant women usually qualify for Medicaid whether or not they are documented.

K-CHIP is a medical card for children under 18 years of age. Ask at the Health Department or at Community Based Services to see if your children qualify.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program for people 65 and over or who have a disability.

COMMUNITY ACTION 782-3162
Community Action sponsors several programs including Headstart, Heat Assistance and other community programs.

HEAP Program — Energy assistance is a program which helps people with low incomes pay their heating expenses. Applicants must complete forms that require proof of income and other personal information including Social Security Numbers. HEAP applications are usually available in November and sometimes in other emergency times.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT 781-2490
The Health Department provides and offers several medical programs for the community. They have programs such as WIC for pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under age 5. It also can assist you with vaccinations and physical examinations that are needed for some jobs and school.

BUREAU FOR SOCIAL SERVICES
The bureau for Social Services is an agency that provides professionals to assist with families that need assistance with family issues. This agency is also an advocate for children and adults that might find themselves in family situations not safe or suitable.

LIFESKILLS
Lifeskills is an agency that assists with social adjustment and with mental health problems. There is a special telephone line where someone will listen to your worries 24 hours a day. 843-4357

SALVATION ARMY
The Salvation Army offers temporary emergency shelter, food and clothing.

PRIVATE HELPING AGENCIES
Churches not only serve as a place of worship, but may also offer a variety of services. Some churches have libraries or weekday classes for children: some distribute used clothing and furniture: some help with emergency food needs; and others offer programs for newcomers or the elderly.

Volunteer workers, relatives, and friends may help you find your way around your new community. With their help, you can:

• find a decent place to live
• collect household furnishings and clothing
• obtain a Social Security Card needed for employment
• learn to find your way around Bowling Green
• begin to learn about American customs and laws
• enroll your children in school
• find a job
• learn about the U.S. money system and how to manage your money
• arrange for a medical examination or follow-up medical care
• find English language programs or volunteer tutors
• learn about community services available in Bowling Green

St. Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army, the International Center (Habla Espabol), and H.O.T.E.L., Inc., have free clothing. The Salvation Army offers temporary emergency shelter and food as well as clothing.

St. Joseph's Catholic Church (Habla Espanol), La Lucia Del Mundo (Habla Espanol), and several other churches are ready to assist.

Most agencies require proof of income or a note from someone who knows your income. Some private agencies require your Social Security Number.

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