Family Self-Sufficiency - DuPage County

New car seats available for DuPage families in need

26 new car seats were donated to the DuPage County Sheriff's Office for DuPage families in need.

If you need one, call social worker Ken Reid at (630) 407-2302 to be added to a list and make an appointment for the pickup and installation event Monday 01/06/20.

Illinois state law requires children younger than 2 be placed in rear-facing child seats unless they weigh 40 pounds or more or are 40 inches or taller.

The car seats are Evenflo SureRide

This is the season of generosity! instead of purchasing gifts to bring in the spirit, consider being generous with your time! Get in touch with your inner Do-Gooder! Organize a volunteer outing with friends, family and co-workers! Share your blessings and give back!

It's super simple to find opportunities which fit your schedule! Visit Giving DuPage's Volunteer website featuring 400 local nonprofit charities with 800+ volunteer & in-kind donation needs. http://www.givingdupage.org/volunteer.

(In the spirit of sharing - share this link on your page too!)

Opportunities | Giving DuPage

Prize winner!!!

Today is the day! See you at the celebration!!

Kindness is Contagious! Thank You Lynette for all your kind support!!!

DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform

We're so proud of our partner, DuPage Health Coalition, who is the leader among leaders on access to care. Making DuPage County one of the healthiest counties in Illinois only comes about with great teamwork.

This couldn't have happened without a long list of collaborating organizations, including the DuPage County Health Department and the DuPage Federation. And all the hospitals in DuPage, Central DuPage, Edward-Elmhurst, Amita Hinsdale, Marianjoy, Good Samaritan.

And many doctors, especially DuPage Medical Group. And Access Community Health Network and VNA Healthcare. And all the community partners who refer and take applications.

I'm sure I'm missing some partners so please fill in the blanks.

Big thank you to everyone who attended our annual Extravaganza and Celebration of Success! Special shoutouts to our administration and staff, all of our volunteers and the community for all your efforts. We hope everyone enjoyed themselves! Stay tuned for pictures!

Illinois Hunger Coalition

ATTENTION COLLEGE STUDENTS

As of January 1, 2018, low-income Illinois community college students enrolled in a Perkins- approved course of study will be eligible to apply for SNAP benefits, whether enrolled full or part-time.

SNAP or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides low-income households with a monthly amount of cash that can only be used for groceries. The cash is provided through an EBT or LINK Card.

To apply you will need to get a verification form signed by a school counselor or administrator. Verification forms can be found at www.chicagohomeless.org/verification. You will also need to bring a current copy of your transcript or class schedule to your SNAP appointment.

You can receive more information or get help to apply for benefits by contacting the Illinois Hunger Coalition's Hunger Hotline or the Application for Benefits Eligibility.

The article below is from Public News Service.

From Public News Service: 40,000 IL Students Eligible for SNAP

Seasonal Produce Guide - What's in Season? | SNAP-Ed Connection

Summer is a great time to be active and eat healthy foods!

snaped.fns.usda.gov

Su***de Hotline is a Life Saver

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of su***de, or are feeling overwhelmed and alone, contact the National Su***de Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK or the Crisis Hotline (630) 627-1700 and take the first-step in working toward wellness.

Trained counselors are a text message away. To reach the Crisis Text Line, text REACH to 741741. The Crisis Text Line serves anyone in any type of crisis, and provides access to free, 24/7 support and information.

All calls received by the Health Department through the National Su***de Prevention Lifeline, as well as the Crisis Hotline are answered by clinical staff who are trained in crisis intervention and have the skills to aid callers in distress.

Su***de is something that can affect anyone, including the recent deaths of celebrities Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade, to your family, friends and members of the community.

The DuPage County Health Department would like you to know of the importance of su***de prevention and the services offered. Su***de is preventable and with the proper education, everyone can become more aware of the warning signs and how help may be provided to someone struggling with depression.

A mental health crisis can be any situation where an individual is exhibiting extreme emotional disturbance or distress. Examples of mental health crises can include depression, trauma, eating disorders, substance abuse, self-injury and suicidal thoughts. If you or friend or family member are experiencing a mental health crisis, there are many resources available.

Getting an auto loan | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Money Smart Tip # 16

KNOW BEFORE YOU OWE! TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR AUTO LOAN

Whether you’re a first-time borrower or a pro, getting an auto loan can be complicated. Learn how to prepare so you can save money, reduce stress, and get the auto loan that’s right for you.

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/getting-an-auto-loan/

consumerfinance.gov Whether you’re a first time borrower or a pro, getting an auto loan can be complicated. Learn how to prepare so you can save money, reduce stress, and get the auto loan that’s right for you.

The Ultimate Guide to Renting an Apartment When You Have Bad Credit

Great tips! The rental market is tight and competitive. We often tell participants to get a letters of recommendation from your current landlord. It shows you’re serious about being a responsible renter!

thepennyhoarder.com When your credit sucks, everything becomes a challenge. Here’s how to get an apartment with bad credit.

Affordable Housing and Section 8 Scam Prevention Guide - Affordable Housing Online

https://affordablehousingonline.com/housing-scam-prevention-guide

affordablehousingonline.com The internet is usually the first place we go to search for something, and that’s especially true when looking for a place to live. While the internet offers fast search results, it can also lead to websites that are waiting to take advantage of you. This Guide is designed to make you aware of com...

> Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Money Smart Tip # 15

KNOW BEFORE YOU OWE! PAYING FOR COLLEGE

Get help to make informed financial decisions about how to pay for college. Start by comparing financial aid offers or understanding student loan repayment options.

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/paying-for-college/

consumerfinance.gov Whether you’re enrolling in college soon, are a current student, or already have student loans, our resources can help you make the best decisions for you.

Money Smart Tip # 14
PAYING DOWN YOUR DEBT
Beware of debt settlement scams. Think twice about any debt settlement company that have the following warning signs:
• Charges you a fee before it reduces your debt
• Promises to make your debt go away
• Tells you to stop talking to the companies you owe money to
• Tells you to stop paying your debts
• Tells you it can stop calls from collectors
Information is from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

How to spot a scammer | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Money Smart Tip # 12

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FRAUD AND SCAMS

• Don’t give out your passwords, account or credit card numbers, or Social Security numbers.
• Never make an up-front payment for a promised prize. If you’re told that you have to pay fees or taxes to receive a prize, it’s a scam.
• Don’t fall for someone telling you that you need to pay immediately. For example, they may ask you to wire the money, send it by courier, or put the money on a prepaid card and send it to them. Once you send the money, it’s likely gone for good.
• Don’t cash a check from someone that asks you to return a portion of the check to them. When the check bounces, you’ll have lost the money that you sent.
• Ask yourself why someone is trying so hard to give you a "great deal." If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Information is from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – Check out their blog on Scammers here: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/how-spot-scammer/

consumerfinance.gov Here’s what to do if someone calls you with the offer of a prize or sweepstakes that you have to pay for.

Money Smart Tip #11

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS WHEN A DEBT COLLECTOR CALLS

If the debt is several years old, before making a payment or agreeing to a payment, plan for a debt that is old, find out what your state’s statute of limitations is for filing a lawsuit to collect the debt. Legal time limits can apply, and after the limit you might be able to argue that the creditor or debt collector is barred from starting a lawsuit against you. You may want to consult an attorney or the applicable law in your state.

Information is from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Ask CFPB | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Money Smart Tip #10

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS WHEN A DEBT COLLECTOR CALLS

If you recognize the debt; You can contact the debt collector and try to work out a repayment plan that makes sense for you.

If you don’t think the debt is yours: Write and dispute the debt, and ask for formal written verification, including: The name and address of the original creditor (if different than the current creditor), How much you owe and proof that the debt is yours.

If the debt is not yours: Write the debt collector to tell it the debt is not yours and that you do not want to be contacted about it again.

More information about your debt collection rights is available at www.consumerfinance.gov/askcfpb

consumerfinance.gov Ask CFPB

Money Smart Tip #9

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS WHEN A DEBT COLLECTOR CALLS

When a debt collector calls, your best response is to confront the
situation head-on. Your first instinct may be to hide or ignore the situation and hope it goes away. But that can make things worse.

First, be sure the debt collector and the debt are legitimate

Find out:
* Who you’re talking to (get the person’s name)
* The name of the debt collection company
* The company’s address and phone number

Ask the debt collector for:
* The amount owed
* The name of the creditor
* How you can dispute the debt or verify the debt is yours

If the debt collector doesn’t tell you this information the first time it contacts you, ask for the information in writing. It is a good idea to get this written notice before you agree to pay the debt
collector or try to negotiate.

Information is from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Money Smart Tip #8

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS WHEN A DEBT COLLECTOR CALLS

Harassment is illegal. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act says people collecting debt for someone else can’t harass, oppress, or abuse you or anyone else they contact.
For example, debt collectors can’t:
• Make repeated phone calls that are intended to annoy, abuse, or harass you or any person answering the phone.
• Use obscene or profane language.
• Make threats of violence or harm.
• Publish lists of people who refuse to pay their debts (this does not include reporting information to a credit reporting company).
• Talk to you without telling you who they are.
• Information is from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau