On August 7, 2009, the Citizens for Citizens, Inc. WIC (Women, Infants & Children) Program, now in its 30th year of serving the Greater Taunton Area, began its 18th Annual Celebration of Parenthood. This activity took place in downtown Taunton, at Liberty Union Park, in conjunction with World Breast Feeding Week.

The setting at Liberty Union Park resembled a Ringling Brothers Circus location, with magic shows; face painting, balloons tethered to strings, and plenty of fun-filled games for the families who attended the celebration. An early part of the event found many of the children dancing to the music of DJ Al Martinez from Spinn Productions. Dancing and keeping fit was highlighted as being a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle.

D J Al Martinez from Spinn Productions

Organizers of the Celebration of Parenthood program also made sure that vital nutrition information was disseminated to the gathering of WIC parents and other visitors to the park.

Samples of the new WIC food packages, which now emphasize whole grain bread, brown rice, canned fish and other healthy foods, were distributed. Read WIC Director: Karen Swass Welcome Letter

Several awards were presented for three categories:

Breastfeeding Awards presented to:
Andrea Beuttel and Kelly Murray

Parenting Awards presented to:
Yvette Antonelli and William Cameron

Sponsor Awards
Platinum Sponsor: Future Graphics
Gold Sponsor: BMC HealthNet Plan
Gold Sponsor: Percy, Tedeschi & Associates, PC
Community Service Award: Future Graphics
Community Project Award: Taunton Home Depot & Community Care Services’ Crossroads Program

Elected officials were on hand to commemorate the occasion. Presentations of official commendations were made by State Representative James H. Fagan, and Traci Herrick, who represented State Senator Marc R. Pacheco. Taunton Mayor Charles Crawley also sent a representative to the event.

State-Representatives James H. Fagan Pat Haddad presenting-greetings from the House of Representatives

The WIC Program provides valuable nutrition and health education, healthy food, and other services free of charge to Massachusetts families who meet the qualification guidelines.

To obtain more information on the WIC program and learn how to apply for assistance, please visit the Massachusetts WIC website here.

Program eligibility is determined by household income. To see if you qualify please check the income guidelines here.

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Tags: WIC by amello
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Receipt of grant funding from the Fall River Women’s Union made a summer wish become a reality for 75 children enrolled in the Citizens for Citizens, Inc. (CFC) After School Day Care Program. On August 6, 2009, two school busloads of After School Day Care Program children and staff left Fall River and headed for Water Wizz , a water theme park located in Wareham.

Eloise Carrier, the CFC Director of the After School Day Care Program, described the day’s activities. “While riding to Water Wizz, the children were curious about their new adventure. Most of the children had never been to a water park and had no idea what to expect. When the buses pulled up to the gate of the park, there was an explosion of excitement as the children saw the slides and other fun activities waiting for them. The staff was busy preparing the children for the park activities as the children excitedly discussed which of the water stations would be the most fun or require the most bravery. After a morning snack, the children were divided into groups and the rules were reviewed. It was then off to the water slides and playgrounds for a fabulous day of wet and crazy fun for everyone! On the ride home, the children kept asking if they would be making a return trip to Water Wizz next year. This field trip was a wonderful treat, thanks to the bighearted support of the Fall River Women’s Union.”

The photographs shown below capture the fun and excitement of the children as they enjoyed a special summer outing at Water Wizz.

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Tags: familychildcare by amello
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Webster Bank, N.A. once again will lend a hand to the CFC Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) with a $5000 donation for the 2009 – 2010 program year.

Elizabeth Berube, LIHEAP Program Director, has noted that the Webster Bank funding will be used to assist low/moderate income Southeastern Massachusetts families with heating or electric utility bills in situations where their regular fuel grant aid was not sufficient to cover the winter months and help with the restoration of utility connections. These households are made up of many elderly/handicapped individuals and working families with children. Eligibility for the LIHEAP Program is based on gross household income, family size, and annual heat consumption. The income guidelines for the program are established by the federal government.

Citizens for Citizens, Inc. is pleased to partner with Webster Bank, N.A. in an effort to ease the burdens of poverty for low-income residents of our service area.

For income eligibility information about the Fuel Assistance Program please see our Fuel Assistance 2009-2010 Income Guidelines.

Liz Berube accepting 5,000 dollar donation from Webter Bank officials

Tags: Uncategorized by amello
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Eligibility Requirements
Labor Requirements Under American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Essential Reading
Application Procedure
Contacting Us

Eligibility Requirements

In order for contractors to be eligible to perform work for the CFC Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), each contractor must meet Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Labor (DOL), and MassSAVE (training) qualification requirements:

• A Contractor Supervisor License Insulation Specialty License valid in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• Home Improvement Registration in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• Lead Safe Training (Must provide certificate)
• Insurances
• General Liability: $1 Million
• Automotive: $1 Million
• Worker’s Compensation: $500,000
• Equipment
• Cellulose Blowing Machines (Force 1 or 2, AccuOne)
• HEPA Vacuum
• Blower Door diagnostic kit

Labor Requirements Under American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

All American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) contracts are subject to the Davis-Bacon Act (DBA) and therefore all workers must be paid prevailing wages as determined by the Dept of Labor. Weekly payroll certification is also required under DBA. The wages are listed on their website dol.gov.

CFC’s service area is in Bristol and Plymouth counties.

Essential Reading

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD’s) Technical Manual for the Weatherization Assistance Program can be downloaded here. All applicants will be expected to have familiarized themselves with the policies and procedures therein.

Click here [pdf] to download a listing of upcoming weatherization contractor and worker trainings.

Application Procedure

Contractors that are looking for work should contact Citizens for Citizens, Inc. using the information found below.

After providing documentation of eligibility, the contractor will then be asked to demonstrate competence in dense pack insulation installation, air sealing using blower door equipment, and other basic weatherization methods. If the contractor performs to standards, CFC, Inc. would arrange with DHCD for a similar site visit with the contractor to demonstrate competence and familiarity with DOE requirements (by then, contractor should be familiar with DOE technical manual available above.) A one day training from an air sealing/insulation consultant will be required as part of DOE contractor approval.

Once a contractor has been approved and signed a contract with CFC, Inc., a contractor can then be assigned work within the DOE weatherization program.

Contacting Us

When a contractor has met the qualification requirements and has proof of qualification documentation, the contractor should email Madeleine Cormier or phone her at Citizens for Citizens, Inc. The number is 508-675-2157 ext. 287.

Tags: Uncategorized by Dan Delisle
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