cyber café community bulletin 11 16-12

Electronic Bulletin BoardNews, Schedules, and Other Information

of interest to Malden and neighboring communities

Today is Wednesday, May 3, 2023The time is 01:56 PM

Cyber Café @ Malden Square

Welcome to the Cyber Café @ Malden SquareWe invite you to become a member of our

community and use our facility/services• We try to minimize rules/regulations.• Our main requirement is simple:

Respect!– for other people– for our facility/equipment

We have adopted a fragrance-free policy to accommodate the growing number of people with allergic reactions to perfumes, colognes, body sprays, etc.

Please put your cell phone on vibrate or silent while you are in the Cyber Café.

Alert! Clients with EBT cards (cash or SNAP) EBT scam in other states; *may* hit Mass clients as wellClient receives text message

– told to call a toll-free # or their card will be de-activated

Clients who call the # are asked for their EBT Card #Never give out your EBT card numbers, pin’s, SSN’s, or

other personal info except to– A DTA worker– Your Case Manger– Or when it is needed for a transaction you trust!

When in doubt, call the 800 # on back of your EBT card

Cyber Café @ Malden Square hosts the Joomla! Boston User Group monthly

meetings 4th Wednesday of every monthLocation: Cyber Café Training RoomWifi available Register at http://bostonjoomla.org

Joomla! Boston User Group

December Meeting is on 12/5/12

http://bostonjoomla.org/

Everett G.B.A.R.C. Proudly Presents:

Friday November 30th, 2012

Cocktails 6:30 – 7:30 Dinner served at 7:30Anthony’s, 105 Canal St.

MaldenTickets: $40 Cash Bar781-629-5051PLENTY OF FREE PARKING

A Musical Sleigh Ride: An Evening of Dinner, Show & Dancing

Limited Seating, Tickets Must Be Purchased by November 23, 2012

LGBT Mystic Tea

Free Citizenship ClassOffered by the Immigrant Learning Center,

Inc. (ILC)For anyone planning to take the US

Citizenship Exam within the next 12 months.

Class meets Wednesdays from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m.

Prepares students for the citizenship exam and interview

Register in person at the ILCMonday, Tuesday Thursday: 9:00 AM - 12:00

PM and 1:00 -2:30 PM. Need more information? Call (781) 322-9777Location: 442 Main St, Malden, MA

Free Tax PreparationVITA Site is gearing up for

Tax Year 2012Volunteers Needed:

Inquire Within

Volunteers Needed – Inquire Within

• We are looking for volunteers with computer skills and/or customer service skills.

• Morning and afternoon shifts available

• Monday – Friday; 9:30 am – 5:00 pm

• Saturdays: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Want a volunteer application? Inquire within or

contact [email protected]

The Cyber Café @ Malden Square is currently looking for volunteers to join our staff.

mailto:[email protected]

Do You Know PowerPoint?

• Ongoing updates and maintenance of this Electronic Bulletin Board.

• 2-4 hours monthly may be needed.

• Onsite or Remote work – we’re somewhat flexible

• Other projects may be available.



PowerPoint Volunteer Needed


Website Volunteers – We Want You!

• Ongoing updates and maintenance of our website, maldensquare.org


• Onsite or Remote work – we’re somewhat flexible

• Other projects may be available.



Do You Know Joomla! CSM?Are you Willing to Learn it?


Volunteer Projects – Can You Help?

• Recategorize blogger-based sites and link to Delicious.


• Onsite or Remote work – the tools are all online, you can be too!

• Blogger, Delicious, and other tools.



Volunteers Needed for several online (web-based)

projects


Buses to Replace Orange Line until DecemberJuly 8 until Dec. 28

Buses replace evening Orange Line trains

Between Sullivan Square and Oak Grove stations

Sunday through Thursday.

On the affected nightsBus replacement service

will begin at 9 p.m. and run until the T closes.

For more information, go to www.mbta.com

Why You Should Get Tested for HIV

HIV Testing:IS Free, Simple, and ConfidentialIS a Smart Choice for Making Choices About

Your HealthIS available even if you don’t have health

insuranceMake the Smart Choice Today!

Go to Cambridge Health Alliance for same-day results testing195 Canal Street, Malden, MA

Call the Free, Confidential Information Line: 617-591-6767Flyers/brochures available on the 2nd Floor of

Tri-CAP

The 2010 Campaign to promote HIV/AIDS awareness in Malden and Everett is sponsored by the Malden and Everett Boards of Health and the Malden-Everett HIV/AIDS Taskforce.

Social Security Public HoursMalden Social Security public hours

Monday through Friday, 9 AM – 3 PMAddress:

192 Commercial Street, Malden, MA (next to Ace Hardware)

1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778Many services can be conducted by

phone or on the web at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/

Parents: Free School MealsIf you receive SNAP (food stamp) benefits,

your child is automatically eligible to receive free school meals!

If you applied for free school meals and were denied, see if you qualify for SNAP; once qualified, your child will be eligible for free school meals.

Call the Project Bread Hotline, 1-800-645-8333Mon – Fri, 8 am – 7 pm; Sat, 10 am – 2 pm The Hotline can screen you for SNAP benefits

Child Nutrition Outreach ProgramPhone: 617-723-5000Email: [email protected]: www.meals4kids.org

Healthy Eating for Successful Living in Older Adults, 1

Six-week Healthy Eating Series

Learn how to make positive changes in your health!

All interested seniors must pre-registerEnrollment is limited to 20 participantsAll facilities are handicap-accessible Program offered to all seniors at no cost.**Voluntary donations will be accepted. Any donations are confidential and will contribute directly to the support and promotion of the Healthy Eating program.

Healthy Eating for Successful Living in Older Adults, 2Six-week Healthy Eating Series

Locations & Registration InfoEverett: Mondays, 8/13 – 9/24, 1:00 -

3:30 p.m. (No class on September 3rd)

Everett Armory, 90 Chelsea Street, Everett, MA

CALL Sandra Lisboa, Everett Older Adult Program Coordinator, 617-591-6741

Food, Cash Assistance, Health BenefitsSelf-serve web access for public benefits

recipientswww.mass.gov/vg/selfserveHead of Household (person who signed

benefits application) can create a username and log in to see status of their:Health Benefits

MassHealth, Commonwealth Care, Health Safety Net, Children’s Medical Security Plan, Healthy Start

Food/Cash Assistance BenefitsSNAP (food stamps) TAFDC (cash assistance) EAEDC (cash assistance)

http://www.mass.gov/vg/selfserve

SeniorsNeed “Extra Help” with Prescription Drug

Costs?DeductiblesPremiumsCo-paysThe “Donut Hole” Call the SHINE Program at Mystic Valley

Elder Services

781-324-7705, Ext. 164

Malden Senior Center EventsBlood Pressure: Mon, Tue, Wed: 9 AM – 1 PM

Sponsored by the Malden Council on AgingBlood Pressure with Chinese Translation

Every 4th Thursday: 12 Noon – 1 PMSponsored by Hallmark VNA

Writer’s Group: Tuesdays, 1 PMDigital Photography Class: Wednesdays, 1

PMComputer Classes: Thursdays, 3 PM – 7 PM

For more information call 781-397-7144

Council on Aging TransportationMalden Council on Aging Transportation

ProgramAll Malden seniors eligible for door-to-door

service for:Medical appointments to Malden, Medford,

Melrose, and StonehamGrocery shopping (local) Shuttle service to the Senior Center and

homeTuesdays and Thursdays

Call 781-397-7144 for an appointment

Hunger Network Malden, Medford, Everett

The 15-member Tri-City Hunger Network builds the capacity of local food pantries and meal programs by coordinating efforts, leveraging resources, providing technical assistance, etc. Locations and times for food pantries and soup kitchens in each city follow…

Hunger Network, Malden Food Pantry & Soup Kitchen

Bread of Life54 Eastern Ave (rear)781-397-0404

Food Pantry:4:00 – 6:00

Wednesday2:00 – 4:00 Friday1 visit every 4

weeks

Soup Kitchen5:30 – 6:30

Tuesday – Thursday

St. Paul’s Church 26 Washington

Street5:30 – 6:30 Friday

First Baptist Church 493 Main Street


Emmanuel Baptist Church20 Hillside Avenue781-322-5885

Food Pantry: 10:00 – 11:30 Monday, Wednesday, FridayNo Calls PleaseClosed on holidays and inclement weather


Haitian Nazarene Church12 Thatcher Street781-324-2692

Food Pantry: 9:00 – 1:00Wednesday and ThursdaySaturdays by appointment onlyPlease call first


Imani Temple264 Salem Street781-324-3378

Food Pantry: 10:00 – 1:00Every 3rd Saturday of month


Maplewood Baptist Church729 Salem Street781-322-2636

Food Pantry: 9:30 – 11:30FridayPlease use side doorPlease call first1 visit every 3 months


North Shore Assembly of God77 Kennedy Drive781-321-2121

Food Pantry: 6:30 – 8:00Tuesdays1 visit per month


Philadelphie SDA Church575 Main Street781-397-9143

Food Pantry: 10:00 – 1:001st Sunday of month and on emergency basis

Required: ID’s and SignatureSoup Kitchen:

Wednesday12:00 – 2:00


Salvation Army213-219 Main Street781-324-1970

Food Pantry: 9:00 – 12:00 and 1:00 – 3:00Please call first1 visit per month

Hunger Network, MedfordFood Pantry & Soup Kitchen

Evangelical Church of Holiness55 Otis Street781-391-1443

Food Pantry: 2:30 – 4:30Last Saturday of month


Friends of Francis441 Fellsway West781-396-3400

Food Pantry: 3:00 – 4:30 ThursdayRequired: Picture ID, utility bill1 visit per month


Shiloh Baptist ChurchCorner of Holton and Bower StreetsWest Medford781-483-8850

Food Pantry: 6:00 – 7:00 / 2nd Tuesday of month10:00 – 11:00 / 3rd Saturday of monthMedford Residents Only


St. Raphael's Church33 Boston Avenue781-488-5444

Food Pantry: 11:00 – 1:00 TuesdayMedford Residents Only


Unitarian Universalist ChurchCommunity Cupboard Food Pantry

147 High Street781-396-4549

Food Pantry: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PMThursday

Hunger Network, EverettFood Pantry & Soup Kitchen

Bread of Life (Satellite location)460 Broadway857-888-3452

Food Pantry:3:00 PM – 5:00 PM3rd and 4th Thursday of monthEverett Residents Only

Hunger Network, EverettFood Pantry & Soup Kitchen

Immaculate Conception Church489 Broadway617-389-5660

Food Pantry:6:30 PM – 7:30 PM every other MondayPlease call firstEverett Residents Only

Low Cost Legal Immigration ServicesTemporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians

Assistance to Haitians applying for TPSDuration of TPS is 18 monthsPermits immigrants to stay and work in the United

States for the time that their TPS is activeContact: Marlane Codair, 781-321-2121Offered by Compassion Immigration Ministry

A ministry of the North Shore Assembly of Godwww.northshoreag.org

Authorized by the Board of Immigration Appears (BIA) to provide low cost legal immigration services with affordable fees

http://www.northshoreag.org/

Community Support Services, 1

Offered by Hallmark Health, 239 Commercial St, Malden

Healthy Families, 781-338-7550Statewide home visiting program for 1st-time

parents under 20WIC, 781-338-7578

Offices in Malden, Medford, Everett, Woburn, Wilmington

Mothers Helping Mothers Free Clothing Store, 781-338-7579Gently used infant & children’s clothing;

some baby equipmentMornings with Mom, 781-338-7578

For mothers and toddlers; offering support, play, & lunch

Community Support Services, 2Creative Coping, 781-338-7607

New mom’s group in the Fall & Winter; Reunion in the Spring

Community Health Education, 781-338-7561Classes in childbirth, breastfeeding, infant care,

anesthesia, new dad and mom, CPR, babysitting, and wellness

The Baby Café, 781-979-6455Offers breastfeeding support

Hallmark Health VNA & Hospice, 781-338-7900Asthma management and many other programs

Community Counseling Services, 781-338-7250Brian O’Sullivan, LICSW, Director

Want Your Message Displayed?Any local non-profit organization can get

information posted to our calendar and electronic bulletin board (EBB)

Date-specific information: send to [email protected] Include your contact info so we can verify

postingThese will also be posted to the EBB

General information (not date-specific) or ongoing programs/services: send to [email protected] Include your contact info so we can verify

postingProvided as a public service by the Cyber Café @ Malden Square



Tri-City Community Action ProgramTri-CAP’s 3 divisions and the services they offer follows…

Children and Family Services (CFS)

Advocacy and Community Services (ACS)

Energy (Weatherization and Fuel Assistance)

Tri-CAP Children and Family Services Division, Head Start, p1Tri-CAP Head Start has operated since 1980

Provides a comprehensive child development program Meets the educational, social, health, nutritional, and

emotional needs of income eligible families with children 3-5 (three to five) years old who reside in the Tri-City Area and surrounding communities

Emphasis is on parent involvement Philosophy: parents are the primary educators of their children

Provides foundation of physical, emotional, & intellectual stability

Helps parents improve their child-rearing skills in a constructive, supportive manner

Many families find that Head Start strengthens their family life

Tri-CAP Children and Family Services Division, Head Start, p2Children spend half days or extended-days in a rich

learning environment supervised by licensed pre-school teachers

Play is an essential ingredient in a child's health development

Head Start experiences: Complement children's individual developmental skills Strengthen their socialization skills Strengthen their ability to interact cooperatively Help develop positive self-esteem Carefully balance the need to experience success and the

opportunity to face and overcome challenges The children's sense of self is enhanced by giving them

choices and various opportunities for creative expression.

Tri-CAP Children and Family Services Division, Head Start, p3Head Start provides children with a variety of health

services Particular emphasis on early identification of problems

All children receive complete physicals, immunizations, and health screenings

Parents are helped to enhance their advocacy skills Parents also receive training in such areas as

nutritional cost allowances menu planningbudget counselingfood preparation food related activities

Children receive at least one third of their daily nutritional needs at the Center.

Tri-CAP Children and Family Services Division, Head Start, p 4Licensed Nutritionist assists in identifying children's

nutritional needs, making recommendations, and explaining nutrition’s role in preventative health care

Multi-cultural experiences include a variety of ethnic foods, which foster an appreciation of different backgrounds

Social Services enable families to cope with their problems

Staff utilize their extensive community networks to make referrals, advocate, and empower parents ensure that families receive the best available services

Staff identify gaps in services and target these gaps in their broad-based advocacy efforts

Tri-CAP Children and Family Services Division, Head Start, p5Mental Health staff work closely with children and

families to ensure that children reach their fullest potential

As needed, children are observed and evaluatedTheir psychological needs are then further discussed

with the parents to ensure all services needed are received.

Educational trainings and parent workshops assist parents in further understanding: child development, assertiveness training, and

behavior management Mental Health Consultant is available to meet with

parents on an individual basis

Tri-CAP Children and Family Services Division, Head Start, p6Parent Involvement links all the family services

components together. All parents may participate in family nights, parent groups, and special events.

Parents are given many opportunities to participate in decision-making about virtually every aspect of the Head Start program from specific activity committees to the Policy Council.

The Policy Council is comprised of parents and community representatives, who plan, monitor and evaluate the program to ensure it meets the needs of the families being served.

The Policy Council represents a tremendous opportunity for parents to develop their leadership skills and exert an important impact on their program.

Tri-CAP Children and Family Services Division, Head Start, p7Head Start believes all children are special Head Start is mandated to offer at least 10% of its

enrollment opportunities to children with "disabilities" or "special needs”

A child may come into the program with a diagnosed special need or it may be determined through ongoing assessmentHead Start and the parent would make a referral for

evaluation Collaboration within Head Start and with the community is

fostered to ensure appropriate services for children with special needs are implemented in a timely fashion

A developmental approach allows staff to address children at their particular stage of development

Parent training on related laws, specific disabilities and approaches to accommodate them are also provided

Tri-CAP Advocacy and Community Services Division (ACS), p1Advocacy and Community Services provides

Information and referral Clothing Housing assistance Benefits and health care advocacy Pro bono legal assistance and advocacy

to all low-income Tri-City residents Provides housing counseling and case management

for people with HIV/AIDS in partnership with Cambridge Health Alliance.

Mobile Homeless Outreach Team (MOHT) provides assistance to homeless individuals seeking housing, income, and mental health/substance abuse services.

Tri-CAP Advocacy and Community Services Division (ACS), p2Housing, Stan Kaszanek House

Offers housing to 11 homeless males and females

Collaboration between Tri-CAP and Heading Home, Inc.

Offers supportive services to residentsSkills trainingAnger management, etc.

Potential residents must be referred by Tri-CAP See your Tri-CAP case manager for information

Tri-CAP Advocacy and Community Services Division (ACS), p3

Housing, Single-Room OccupancyOctober 2008, Tri-CAP opens 14-bedroom Single Room

Occupancy (SRO) house at 115 Washington Street, Malden This house was established to provide an opportunity for

homeless and low-income individuals to achieve stability in their lives.

Tenant agree to a one-year renewable lease this can become permanent housing if they choose Some look at this as a stepping-stone to acquiring a one or

two bedroom accommodation in the futureTri-CAP also provide four rooms that are available to non-

clients (people from the general community) in the tri-city area

For more information, call Fernanda Brito at 781-322-4125


Housing Resource CenterOpened July 1, 2009 for residents of Malden,

Medford, & Everett Serves needs of homeless or almost homeless

familiesTargeted to at-risk families/individuals –

particularly elders, people with disabilities, or people in need of housing resources

Coming Soon: HRC will host a Hot line service and web-based housing-related

resource bank Links to Tri-CAP’s legal services Special funds, emergency food and shelter funds Benefit specialist services in Tri-CAP’s ACS and

Energy divisions


Pro Bono Legal Project (PBLP)Provides legal information, advice, advocacy,

referral, and representation to low-income people with civil legal problems related to Housing Family law Unemployment Disability

Pro Bono Legal Project staff provide services directly and through a panel of volunteer attorneys who offer their services to the program.

Tri-CAP Advocacy and Community Services Division (ACS), p6Community Organizing is currently focusing on elderly

residents at Heritage Apartments in Malden Resident were hit with a 35% rental increase over 5 months

Tenants formed the Heritage House Tenant Association andPicketed for better communications from the building ownerSuccessfully developed a working relationship with the

property advisor and building management Hold regular meeting for and with tenants

Tenants stimulated legislation that passed through Congress to ameliorate their rent situation

Oct 2010 Update: Received $10.8M funding for renovation and $2M for maintaining affordability! Renovations start soon for November 2011 completion!


Hunger NetworkThe 15-member Tri-City Hunger Network

builds the capacity of local food pantries and meal programs by coordinating efforts leveraging resources providing technical assistance, etc.

Brings together operators of food pantries and meal programs to improve the community’s capacity to respond to hunger


Cyber Café @ Malden SquareOffers free access to computers and the InternetLow membership fee (required)

1-day or 1-week pass available for low fee Basic computer assistance and training available IRS-certified VITA Site

VITA = Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Formed and operated by Tri-CAP, the Office of

Representative Christopher G. Fallon, Malden Access TV, Murray Learning Associates, and The Career Place

http://maldensquare.org or call 781-397-2970

Tri-CAP Energy, p1Fuel Assistance

Fuel Assistance serves over 4,000 households in Everett, Medford, Malden, Winchester, Stoneham, Melrose, and Woburn. helps low-income homeowners and tenants pay a

portion of the cost of heating their homes. payments can be used toward oil, gas, and

electric costs and toward rent, if heat is included in the rent.

open for six months each year, November through April.

When combined with utility discounts and energy conservation measures, Fuel Assistance helps make energy costs affordable for low-income families.

Tri-CAP Energy, p2 Weatherization, 1

Weatherization provides energy conservation measures to low-income homeowners and tenants in Everett, Malden, Medford, Woburn, Winchester, and Stoneham.

Funded by the Department of Energy, Weatherization can provideweather stripping insulation of attics and wallsheating system improvements health and safety checks

Tri-CAP Energy, p3Weatherization, 2

KeySpan/NGrid Weatherization Program provides weatherization services to low-income tenants and homeowners who have gas as their primary source of heat.

The scope of work is similar to the Department of Energy-funded Weatherization.

Tri-CAP Energy, p4

The Heating Systems ProgramThe Heating Systems Program is a heating emergency

assistance program for low-income Fuel Assistance-eligible homeowners who are in no-heat or dangerous situations due to faulty systems.

Primarily designed to assist with heating emergencies, the program may also improve heating system safety and efficiency.

Scope of work done by the program may include: repairsnew burnersheating system replacementrelated asbestos abatement

Tri-CAP Energy, p5Appliance Management

ProgramsAppliance Management Programs help low-

income families save money by reducing their electric usage.

Tri-CAP provides on-site assessments of electric appliances.

Electric use is reduced through the installation of efficient light bulbs, water conservation devices, and, in some cases, replacement of high-use refrigerators.

Tri-CAP Children and Family Services, p1

Head StartHead Start provides comprehensive child and

family development services to income-eligible residents of the Tri-City area, Melrose, Stoneham, Wakefield, Reading, North Reading, and Winchester.

The program runs center-based child care centers for preschool aged children.


Preschool Teacher Training program

Provides an opportunity for individuals with limited work history to gain experience and skills as preschool teachers

Offers a 9-month supervised experience assisting in preschool classrooms.

College credit provided by Bunker Hill Community College Trainees are placed in child-related jobs at the

end of the program year

Tri-CAP Children and Family Services, p3Summer Lunch Program in

EverettThe Summer Lunch Program provides free

lunches for Everett children under the age of 18.

Lunches are provided throughout the summer at several Everett Parks.

The program operates during July and August Sponsored jointly by

Tri-CAP Massachusetts Department of Education Project Bread


Extended Day ProgramFull-day, full-year Head Start classroom for

Head Start children Available to children whose parents are

working, studying, or participating in a training program

Families already enrolled in the Head Start program are prioritized for services

Information for ImmigrantsESLHealth Care Resources Information on Use of Public Benefitsfollows…

Low Cost Legal Immigration ServicesTemporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians

Assistance to Haitians applying for TPSDuration of TPS is 18 monthsPermits immigrants to stay and work in the United

States for the time that their TPS is activeContact: Marlane Codair, 781-321-2121Offered by Compassion Immigration Ministry

A ministry of the North Shore Assembly of Godwww.northshoreag.org

Authorized by the Board of Immigration Appears (BIA) to provide low cost legal immigration services with affordable fees

http://www.northshoreag.org/

ESL: Conversational English1-2:30 PM, every

Wednesday, Malden Public Library

For beginning English speakers to practice and learn new words

ESL (English as a Second Language)

110 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148

Voice: 617-671-1276 Cell: 508-451-3985

Learn Englishwith

Muslim American Cultural

and Civic Association

Health Care Resources for Immigrants, p1

OrganizationsMassachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy

Coalition, Toby Guevin, 617-350-5480 x216, www.miracoalition.org

MA Law Reform Institute, 617-357-0700, www.masslegalservices.org

Health Care for All – MA, 617-350-7279, www.hefama.org

National Immigration Law Center, www.nilc.orgU.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services,

www.uscis.govGreater Boston Legal Services (Immigration

Unit), 617-371-1234, www.gbls.org


Other ResourcesHealth Care for All Consumer Health Helpline,

1-800-272-4232Public Health Insurance and Immigrants

Webpage, http://www.hcfama.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=page.viewpage&pageid=785

National Immigration Law Center: Immigrants & Public Benefits: Health Care Webpage, http://nilc.org/immspbs/health/index.htm


For Victims of DiscriminationHealth and Human Services Office for

Civil Rights, http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/, to file a complaint, visit: http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/office/file/index.html

MA Civil Rights Division, 617-727-2200, http://www.mass.gov/ag

Immigration and Public Benefits, p1

Will benefits hurt my chances of getting a Green Card or Becoming a

U.S. Citizen?If you do not have a green card yet It will not hurt your chances of getting a green card if you, your children or other family members use:Health Care, such as: MassHealth, Healthy Families, WIC, prenatal care, other free or low-cost medical careFood Programs, such as: Food Stamps(SNAP), WIC, school meals, and other food assistanceOther programs that do not give cash such as: public housing, disaster relief, childcare services, job training, transportation vouchers

Immigration and Public Benefits, p2Will benefits hurt my chances of

getting a Green Card or Becoming a U.S. Citizen?

If you do not have a green card yet You might have a problem getting your green

card later only if:You use Cash Welfare such as: TAFDC,

Supplemental Security Income (SSI), EAEDCOr your family’s only source of support is cash

welfare received by your children or other family members

Or you are in a nursing home or other Long-term Care paid for by MassHealth or other government funds



If you are a victim of abuse: Who has filed a self-petition under the Violence

Against Women Act (VAWA), use of cash welfare and other programs will not count against you.

If you are a Refugee or Asylee You can use any benefits, including cash

welfare, health care, food programs, and non-cash programs, without hurting your chances of getting a Green Card



If you already have a green card You cannot lose your green card if you, your

children, or other family members use:Health care, food programs and other non-cash

programsCash welfareLong-term care

Important Information for AllFree Services for Low-income ResidentsCommonwealth Care Brief Facts follows…

EligibilityIncome GuidelinesHealth Care ProvidersHealth Care Providers

Free Services for Low-Income Residents, p1

Nutrition (Food Stamps)Supplemental Nutrition Assistance ProgramIncome-based; family size also countsCall for appointment and list of documents

you’ll need to bring781-322-4125

Health Insurance SignupsIncome-based; other requirements for non-

citizensMassHealth, Commonwealth Care, Medical

Security Program, Children’s Medical Security Program

Call for appointment and list of documents you’ll need to bring781-322-4125

Free Services for Low-Income Residents, p2

Tax PreparationJanuary through April and beyondIRS-certified volunteer tax preparersCall for appointment and list of documents

you’ll need to bring866-833-2823

Part of the IRS VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program

Accepting volunteers year-round at # above

Commonwealth Care Brief FactsUninsured? Not enough money to pay for health insurance? You may qualify for Commonwealth Care. Private Insurance at lower rates for low-income residents!

Tri-CAP’s Benefits Specialists may be able to help you determine if you qualify and help you apply. Call 781-322-4125 to ask about an appointment!

Commonwealth Care EligibilityHealth insurance for adults

Age 19 and older *uninsured meet certain eligibility requirements.

You may be eligible for Commonwealth Care if: Your family’s income before taxes meets the income

guidelines specified on the next screen You are uninsured, You are a U.S. citizen/national, or you are an alien with

special status who has had that status for at least 5 years,

*persons under age 19 may be eligible for MassHealth benefits Tri-CAP’s Benefits Specialists may be able to help you

determine if you qualify and help you apply. Call 781-322-4125 to ask about an appointment!

http://www.mass.gov/masshealth/

Commonwealth Care Income Guidelines

Family Size

Income is at or

Below

Family Size

Income is at or

Below1 $ 32,496 5 $ 77,3762 $ 43,716 6 $ 88,5963 $ 54,936 7 $ 99,8164 $ 66,156 8 $111,036

Note: Income guidelines used to determine eligibility change every year on March 1.


https://www.mahealthconnector.org/portal/site/connector/template.MAXIMIZE/menuitem.3ef8fb03b7fa1ae4a7ca7738e6468a0c/?javax.portlet.tpst=2fdfb140904d489c8781176033468a0c_ws_MX&javax.portlet.prp_2fdfb140904d489c8781176033468a0c_viewID=content&javax.portlet.prp_2fdfb140904d489c8781176033468a0c_docName=Income%20Guidelines&javax.portlet.prp_2fdfb140904d489c8781176033468a0c_folderPath=/About%20Us/Connector%20Programs/Eligibility/&javax.portlet.begCacheTok=com.vignette.cachetoken&javax.portlet.endCacheTok=com.vignette.cachetoken

Commonwealth Care Health ServicesIn Commonwealth Care, all health plans

offer the same medical services.Benefits of being a Commonwealth Care

Member include: Your own health care provider.Preventative care checkups.Care when you are sick or injured. Prescriptions at your local pharmacy. Treatment for alcohol, drug abuse, and

mental health problems. Vision care.Dental care (available to some members

only).Tri-CAP’s Benefits Specialists may be able to help you determine if you qualify and help you apply. Call 781-322-4125 to ask about an appointment!

Commonwealth Care PlansPlans may offer different extra services,

such as programs for weight loss or diabetes management.

Some offer telephone help lines or discounts at fitness centers.

You will have a choice of which plan to sign up for.

3 types of plans available, based on your income.All providers offer these 3plans.

Premium costs vary according to your income and the plan you choose.


Commonwealth Care ProvidersCommonwealth Care plans are offered by:

Boston Medical Center (BMC) Health Net Plan,

CeltiCare Health Plan, Fallon Community Health Plan, Neighborhood Health Plan Network Health

Availability of these plans varies by region of the state.

Go to http://mahealthconnector.org for more informationTri-CAP’s Benefits Specialists may be able to help you

determine if you qualify and help you apply. Call 781-322-4125 to ask about an appointment!

http://mahealthconnector.org/

cyber café community bulletin 11 16-12

Documents