COUNCIL OF THE

   SOUTHERN MOUNTAINS

NEWSLETTER

 The “Head of the Dragon” Motorcycle Run is coming September 15, 2018.

Neighborhood Investment Program

The Clinical Director, Donna Turner, and the Executive Director attended the Neighborhood Investment Program meeting in Charleston on May 9, 2018.  THE NEIGHBORHOOD INVESTMENT PROGRAM (NIP) was established by the West Virginia Legislature in 1996 to increase charitable giving to local nonprofit organizations, thus increasing the capacity of such organizations to serve low-income persons in highly distressed neighborhoods. The program allows 501(c) 3 designated charitable organizations to apply for tax credit vouchers. These organizations then distribute the vouchers to businesses and individuals who contribute to the organizations. By donating to approved NIP organizations, contributors can support their communities and earn credits to reduce certain West Virginia taxes. The West Virginia Legislature sets aside $3 million annually in state tax credits for the NIP. To participate, a 501(c)3 organization must apply to the West Virginia Development Office. Applicants will be evaluated on a number of criteria before being approved by an advisory board. Approved organizations can use the credit as a tool for attracting donations from potential contributors. Businesses and individuals who contribute to NIP organizations are eligible to receive up to 50 percent of the contributed amount in the form of state tax credits. Donors may use the credits to reduce liability for the following West Virginia taxes: • Corporate Net Income Tax • Business Franchise Tax • Personal Income Tax.This is a new initiative for the agency so we ask for the Board’s support.  

Opioid Assistance Program

We will be discussing a possible new venture of offering the Fitness Center for recovering opioid abusers.  Physical exercise is an excellent diversion for the effects of recovery and we hope that we can be a “leader” in the State with this initiative.  As you know, WV is one of the leading States in this drug’s abuse and McDowell County routinely ranks first or second in overdose deaths.  As we say, we have talked enough, it is time for action.  We will keep the Board and community informed as we progress on this possible program.   

RIGHT FROM THE START

We are in discussion with representative from the Right From The Start program, a service for pregnant mothers and newborns up to one year of age who are at risk due to their socio-economic status.  We have lined up what we hope is a reliable nurse and we will allow her to use one or our vehicles to visit families to help reduce her costs.  This is a vital service for our community and we will keep the Board and community informed. 

 
McDowell County Federal Credit Union

         Council of the Southern Mountains Receives Credit Union Awards for 50 Years of Service

Danita Hiley, Senior Field Consultant of the WV Credit Union League presented the Gold Anniversary Award to Heather Mullins, CSM McDowell County Federal Credit Union Director.  
The McDowell County Federal Credit Union, during its annual audit was recognized for 50 years of continuous service to the residents of southern West Virginia.  Two awards were presented from the President of the Credit Union National Association and the President of the West Virginia Credit Union League. The awards stated, “On behalf of all members of the Organized Credit Union Movement, the WV Credit Union League proudly presents the Gold Anniversary Award.  Through this award, public recognition is given to the loyal and dedicated members of the Credit Union who, over a period of 50 years, have made this special occasion possible. The achievement of half a century of Credit Union service brings with it a challenge to continue to render the high standards of membership services, which have been established.”  The McDowell County Federal Credit Union was founded in 1968 and operates under the auspices of the Council of the Southern Mountains. The savings institution is headquartered in Welch, West Virginia at the central offices of CSM. The McDowell County Federal Credit Union is a federally chartered and federally insured credit union, operating within the regulations of the National Credit Union Association (NCUA) and being insured through the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF). The McDowell County Federal Credit Union services members through the service area of southern West Virginia.  Based on its asset size and net worth ratio, McDowell County Federal Credit Union is classified as a “well capitalized” small credit union.  McDowell County Federal Credit Union offers competitive deposit dividends for consumers and affordable loans to its members. Heather Mullins, Director of Community Services at the Council of the Southern Mountains serves as the Director of the Credit Union with Lyvonne Dyer, a Foster Grandparent at the Council, being the President of the Board of Directors.  For those interested in joining the Credit Union, contact Heather Mullins or Randal Johnson at 304-436-6800. 

Senior Companion Program

Senior Companion ProgramSenior Companions are volunteers age 55 and over who make a difference by providing assistance and friendship to adults who have difficulty with daily living tasks, such as shopping or paying bills. We help these adults remain independent in their homes instead of having to move to more costly institutional care. Senior Companions give families or professional caregivers a much-needed time off from their duties, run errands, and often provide friendship for their clients. Volunteers receive pre-service orientation, training from the organization where they serve, supplemental insurance while on duty, and may qualify to earn a tax-free hourly stipend by working 15-40 hours weekly.  The Council of the Southern Mountains operates the largest Senior Companion Station in West Virginia. For information about becoming a Senior Companion, contact Gail Churchwell at the CSM Bluefield Office at 304-327-5305. 

CSM AND FREE TAX RETURN PREPARATION

The Council of the Southern Mountains conducts annually the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (V.I.T.A) program has resulted in thousands of southern West Virginia families being assisted with millions of dollars in State and Federal returns being generated for local tax payers.  This is a tremendous asset to our communityand the staff are certified by the Internal Revenue Service. All returns area filed electronically.  Tax payers report they have their refunds just as fast as any other way they have filed in the past and all of this is without charge to those families. The number of people served and the amount of the refunds sets a record for this social service agency as in a recent visit by an Internal Revenue Service representative, it was related that the agency is still third in the State of West Virginia in the number of returns and financial impact. The latest figures on the average cost of a professional income tax preparer to handle a typical tax return was $273. This includes an itemized Form 1040 with Schedule A and a state tax return, according to the National Society of Accountants.  As a result, the Council of the Southern Mountains saved area residents and average of over $170,000 in tax preparation charges for the last five years.  This money goes directly back into the local economy and helps people during this economically distressed time.The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (V.I.T.A.) program is an Internal Revenue Service approved program designed to help low and moderate-income taxpayers complete their annual tax returns at no cost. The concept is to provide local taxpayers with free tax return preparation in an effort to provide a valuable community service. The program has grown over the years from a small group to what is now a nationwide program that serves thousands of taxpayers.Every year, beginning in December and continuing until mid-January, certified volunteers receive training from the IRS to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country.   Consumers are not charged fees for this service. VITA sites generally assist people who make $55,000 or less or are eligible for Earned Income Tax Credits or other low income tax benefits.For help next year with your taxes, contact CSM at 304-436-6800.The purpose of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program is to supplement and expand the ongoing work of local social service organizations, both non-profit and governmental, to provide shelter, food and supportive services to individuals and families who have economic emergencies. Accordingly, EFSP funding is open to all organizations helping hungry and homeless people, as well as organizations that support those at risk of becoming hungry or homeless due to economic hardships.

Emergency Food and Shelter Program  

Emergency Food & Shelter Program The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) has again been awarded to CSM. This service is a federally-funded program administrated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Unlike FEMA’s disaster assistance programs authorized under the Stafford Act, EFSP is authorized by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 (PL 100-77). Implementation of the EFSP is not contingent on a Presidential disaster declaration, and funds are not to be used to provide emergency assistance for circumstances that are the immediate result of a disaster situation.CSM collaborates with two other local agencies and divides the monetary award equally among all three partners.  The other two entities are Catholic Charities and S.H.E.D.The CSM Executive Director is the local chairperson for the program.  For more information or to seek assistance, contact Latonia Foster or Randal Johnson at 304-436-6800.

                         No Heat Emergency Program

No Heat (and, if eligible, No Air Conditioning if medically necessary) Emergency ProgramApplications are  being accepted for the No Heat Emergency Program program which aids households at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines in need of emergency heat.  This may be the repair or replacement of malfunctioning or non-operable heating units or installation of new systems.  Air conditioning units may also be installed if there is a medical necessity. Applicant's homes primary heating system must have one of the following criteria to receive services:Have a non-operable or severely malfunctioning and/or unsafe heating system potentially endangering the household’s health and/or well-being.Is using portable heating devices such as electric and kerosene space heaters as a primary source of heat.Is using unvented gas/propane space heaters as a primary source of heat.Is using an unsafe fireplace or solid fuel. Have a fireplace or stove, but do not have access to, or the means to purchase solid fuel.Is using any type of gas fired cooking appliance as a heating source.If dwelling has been previously weatherized and the furnace has quit working after the warranty period, the home is still eligible for NHEP services.
To apply for the No Heat Emergency Program, please call the Council of the Southern Mountains so an application may be mailed to you or come by the office and you will be assisted with the application process. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and the telephone number is 304-436-6800.  For after hours emergencies, call Randal Johnson at 304-887-3069. 

END MAY, 2018 Newsletter 

FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM

The agency recognizes our Board Vice President and Foster Grandparent, Claudia Via, for outstanding dedication to the special needs children served by CSM. The Program is gearing up for another school year of 60 Foster Grandparents serving in seven counties.

RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

RSVP continues to serve four counties with 900 volunteers in Neighborhood Watch Groups, calls to seniors and disabled Veterans. 

BOARD MEMBERS TO ATTEND NATIONAL CONFERENCE 

Board President Bettina Premo and Treasurer April Mounts will be attending the national Community Action Partnership Conference in Philadelphia from August 29 -September 2. We look forward to hearing about the trip.

 CSM RECEIVES AWARD FOR V.I.T.A.

The internal Revenue Service pRESENTED CSM with an award for innovative services for the income tax assistance program.  The Community Involvement Award was made during the first ever NATIONAL webinar conducted by the IRS on April 26, 2017.  The national recognition was for “support, dedication and commitment to building stronger communities through the Volunteer Return Preparation Program.

Title XIX Waiver Program Review

The largest CSM program, Title XIX Waiver, was reviewed in July of this year for certification.  The review was EXCELLENT with no major findings that might have resulted in "paybacks.”                      

Congratulations Waiver staff! 

Youth Exposure Series Successful

The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) staff conducted the annual summer program for eligible youth.  The staff helped young people experience positive community events to help them have the experiences most children have and equal the “playing field” for our kids.  The group went to the Clay Center in Charleston, a water park, zoo, semi-pro baseball game and the WV State Fair.  Great Work CSGB!

WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The agency is working hard to help this struggling program succeed.  Four completions are on schedule for August and that will leave two needed to meet the production quota by September 30, 2017.

BOARD MEMBER RECOGNITION   

CSM recognizes Tom Morsi for this tremendous work in developing the McDowell County Youth Soccer League.  Also,  Ellen Valentine is commended for outstanding work as a Foster Grandparent.    

The Family Day Care Feeding Program needs referrals.  

The Mature Workers serving CSM are working on reduced hours due to funding cuts.  

The Bill Pay Service continues to grow. This is a needed service. Try it!



New Project

I have been working with UniCare, a managed care health organization in West Virginia, in order to fund possible needs of people with disabilities as identified by being on Supplemental Security Income (SSI).  Various ideas are being discussed such as building ramps and other unfunded specialized needs.  I will keep the Board informed of the progress on this project. 

Experience Works

A program we have had at the agency for several years is being taken over by another agency and there may be changes in the near future.  We have three workers, Garnet Edwards, Brenda Kelsor and Shirley Heath.  Discussions have been to reduce their hours down from 20 per week and even to reducing the number of trainees.   There are a total of 13 in McDowell County place at various organizations.  I will keep the Board informed as these staff are very useful to our agency and community.   ve economic and social self-sufficiency,” an effort the  Council has been at  for more than 50 years.

     A message from the          CSM Board President,              Bettina Premo

CSM CONSUMER SATISFACTION

SURVEY RESULTS - 2016

 cSM WEBSITES/SOCIAL MEDIA

In order to help CSM consumers attain services, four websites are maintained.  The first is the agency website describing available programs: councilofthesouthernmountains.com.  Next is our initiative to help low-income families obtain and maintain healthy homes at: healthyhabitathelp.com. Third is the economic development component to encourage tourism at: visitmcdowellcountwv.com.  The newest addition is the website still under development for the “Head of the Dragon” motorcycle run for diversification of the local economy: headofthedragonwv.com.

Please visit these sites and join us on Facebook at Council of the Southern Mountains and Visit McDowell County. 

CSM CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES/COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

Thanks to the CSBG staff, the agency provided Christmas presents and holiday refreshments to 350 McDowell County children.  The CSBG staff raised money and participated in the Christmas Gift Project at the Greenbrier Resort in order to ensure many children in the County received nice presents for the holiday.  Regina Sanders was instrumental in the planning and implementation of the Christmas Party, held December 17, 2016 with all the presents and food.  The Board should be very proud of the Ms. Sanders and the CSBG staff of Heather Eldridge and Latonia Foster.

CSBG staff, again led by Ms. Sanders, just received a $1,000 award from Walmart for the CSM youth activities. 

TOURISM INITIATIVE

The agency sponsored website: www.visitmcdowellcountywv.com has been updated thanks to Experience Works staff person Shirley Heath.  Ms. Heath has worked to improve the web site in the effort of alternative economic development endeavors in McDowell County.  The goal of this project is to show the positives of the County and offer potential visitors resources on lodging, food and local attractions.  Ms. Heath obtained permission from anyone that provided music or information for the site.  Please visit the web pages and let us know what you think. 

The agency sponsored website: www.visitmcdowellcountywv.com has been updated thanks to Experience Works staff person Shirley Heath.  Ms. Heath has worked to improve the web site in the effort of alternative economic development endeavors in McDowell County.  The goal of this project is to show the positives of the County and offer potential visitors resources on lodging, food and local attractions.  Ms. Heath obtained permission from anyone that provided music or information for the site.  Please visit the web pages and let us know what you think. 





Neighborhood Investment Program

The Clinical Director, Donna Turner, and I attended the Neighborhood Investment Program meeting in Charleston on May 9, 2018.  THE NEIGHBORHOOD INVESTMENT PROGRAM (NIP) was established by the West Virginia Legislature in 1996 to increase charitable giving to local nonprofit organizations, thus increasing the capacity of such organizations to serve low-income persons in highly distressed neighborhoods. The program allows 501(c) 3 designated charitable organizations to apply for tax credit vouchers. These organizations then distribute the vouchers to businesses and individuals who contribute to the organizations. By donating to approved NIP organizations, contributors can support their communities and earn credits to reduce certain West Virginia taxes. The West Virginia Legislature sets aside $3 million annually in state tax credits for the NIP. To participate, a 501(c)3 organization must apply to the West Virginia Development Office. Applicants will be evaluated on a number of criteria before being approved by an advisory board. Approved organizations can use the credit as a tool for attracting donations from potential contributors. Businesses and individuals who contribute to NIP organizations are eligible to receive up to 50 percent of the contributed amount in the form of state tax credits. Donors may use the credits to reduce liability for the following West Virginia taxes: • Corporate Net Income Tax • Business Franchise Tax • Personal Income Tax.

This is a new initiative for the agency so we ask for the Board’s support. 

Opioid Assistance Program

We will be discussing a possible new venture of offering the Fitness Center for recovering opioid abusers.  Physical exercise is an excellent diversion for the effects of recovery and we hope that we can be a “leader” in the State with this initiative.  As you know, WV is one of the leading States in this drug’s abuse and McDowell County routinely ranks first or second in overdose deaths.  As we say, we have talked enough, it is time for action. 

I will keep the Board informed as we progress on this possible program.  

RIGHT FROM THE START

We are in discussion with representative from the Right From The Start program, a service for pregnant mothers and newborns up to one year of age who are at risk due to their socio-economic status.  We have lined up what we hope is a reliable nurse and we will allow her to use one or our vehicles to visit families to help reduce her costs. 

This is a vital service for our community and I will keep the Board informed. 

McDowell County Federal Credit Union

         Council of the Southern Mountains Receives Credit Union Awards for 50 Years of Service

Danita Hiley, Senior Field Consultant of the WV Credit Union League presents the Gold Anniversary Award to Heather Mullins, CSM McDowell County Federal Credit Union Director. 

The McDowell County Federal Credit Union, during its annual audit was recognized for 50 years of continuous service to the residents of southern West Virginia.  Two awards were presented from the President of the Credit Union National Association and the President of the West Virginia Credit Union League. The awards stated, “On behalf of all members of the Organized Credit Union Movement, the WV Credit Union League proudly presents the Gold Anniversary Award.  Through this award, public recognition is given to the loyal and dedicated members of the Credit Union who, over a period of 50 years, have made this special occasion possible. The achievement of half a century of Credit Union service brings with it a challenge to continue to render the high standards of membership services, which have been established.” 

The McDowell County Federal Credit Union was founded in 1968 and operates under the auspices of the Council of the Southern Mountains. The savings institution is headquartered in Welch, West Virginia at the central offices of CSM. The McDowell County Federal Credit Union is a federally chartered and federally insured credit union, operating within the regulations of the National Credit Union Association (NCUA) and being insured through the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF).

The McDowell County Federal Credit Union services members through the service area of southern
West Virginia.  Based on its asset size and net worth ratio, McDowell County Federal Credit Union is classified as a “well capitalized” small credit union.  McDowell County Federal Credit Union offers competitive deposit dividends for consumers and affordable loans to its members.

Heather Mullins, Director of Community Services at the Council of the Southern Mountains serves as the Director of the Credit Union with Lyvonne Dyer, a Foster Grandparent at the Council, being the President of the Board of Directors. 

For those interested in joining the Credit Union, contact Heather Mullins or Randal Johnson at 304-436-6800. 

Senior Companion Program

Senior Companions are volunteers age 55 and over who make a difference by providing assistance and friendship to adults who have difficulty with daily living tasks, such as shopping or paying bills. We help these adults remain independent in their homes instead of having to move to more costly institutional care. Senior Companions give families or professional caregivers a much-needed time off from their duties, run errands, and often provide friendship for their clients. Volunteers receive pre-service orientation, training from the organization where they serve, supplemental insurance while on duty, and may qualify to earn a tax-free hourly stipend by working 15-40 hours weekly.  The Council of the Southern Mountains operates the largest Senior Companion Station in West Virginia. 

For information about becoming a Senior Companion, contact Gail Churchwell at the CSM Bluefield Office at 304-327-5305.

SEE THE STATEWIDE CHART BELOW ON THE SIZES OF ALL SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAMS IN WV  


CSM AND FREE TAX RETURN PREPARATION

The Council of the Southern Mountains conducts annually the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (V.I.T.A) program has resulted in thousands of southern West Virginia families being assisted with millions of dollars in State and Federal returns being generated for local tax payers.  This is a tremendous asset to our communityand the staff are certified by the Internal Revenue Service. All returns area filed electronically.  Tax payers report they have their refunds just as fast as any other way they have filed in the past and all of this is without charge to those families. The number of people served and the amount of the refunds sets a record for this social service agency as in a recent visit by an Internal Revenue Service representative, it was related that the agency is still third in the State of West Virginia in the number of returns and financial impact. 

The latest figures on the average cost of a professional income tax preparer to handle a typical tax return was $273. This includes an itemized Form 1040 with Schedule A and a state tax return, according to the National Society of Accountants.  As a result, the Council of the Southern Mountains saved area residents and average of over $170,000 in tax preparation charges for the last five years.  This money goes directly back into the local economy and helps people during this economically distressed time.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (V.I.T.A.) program is an Internal Revenue Service approved program designed to help low and moderate-income taxpayers complete their annual tax returns at no cost. The concept is to provide local taxpayers with free tax return preparation in an effort to provide a valuable community service. The program has grown over the years from a small group to what is now a nationwide program that serves thousands of taxpayers.

Every year, beginning in December and continuing until mid-January, certified volunteers receive training from the IRS to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country.   Consumers are not charged fees for this service. VITA sites generally assist people who make $55,000 or less or are eligible for Earned Income Tax Credits or other low income tax benefits.

For help next year with your taxes, contact CSM at 304-436-6800.

The purpose of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program is to supplement and expand the ongoing work of local social service organizations, both non-profit and governmental, to provide shelter, food and supportive services to individuals and families who have economic emergencies. Accordingly, EFSP funding is open to all organizations helping hungry and homeless people, as well as organizations that support those at risk of becoming hungry or homeless due to economic hardships.

Emergency Food & Shelter Program 

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) has again been awarded to CSM. This service is a federally-funded program administrated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Unlike FEMA’s disaster assistance programs authorized under the Stafford Act, EFSP is authorized by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 (PL 100-77). Implementation of the EFSP is not contingent on a Presidential disaster declaration, and funds are not to be used to provide emergency assistance for circumstances that are the immediate result of a disaster situation.

CSM collaborates with two other local agencies and divides the monetary award equally among all three partners.  The other two entities are Catholic Charities and S.H.E.D.

The CSM Executive Director is the local chairperson for the program.  For more information or to seek assistance, contact Latonia Foster or Randal Johnson at 304-436-6800.

No Heat (and, if eligible, No Air Conditioning if medically necessary) Emergency Program

Applications are  being accepted for the No Heat Emergency Program program which aids households at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines in need of emergency heat.  This may be the repair or replacement of malfunctioning or non-operable heating units or installation of new systems.  Air conditioning units may also be installed if there is a medical necessity. 

Applicant's homes primary heating system must have one of the following criteria to receive services:
Have a non-operable or severely malfunctioning and/or unsafe heating system potentially endangering the household’s health and/or well-being.

Is using portable heating devices such as electric and kerosene space heaters as a primary source of heat.

Is using unvented gas/propane space heaters as a primary source of heat.

Is using an unsafe fireplace or solid fuel. Have a fireplace or stove, but do not have access to, or the means to purchase solid fuel.

Is using any type of gas fired cooking appliance as a heating source.

If dwelling has been previously weatherized and the furnace has quit working after the warranty period, the home is still eligible for NHEP services.