HEROES: From the Crises Line /211 Director

Judi Hampshire, LMFT*, Crises Line/211 Director, Contra Costa County Crises Center, sent us this information --- to expand upon the blog article, here, entitled, "TO SAVE THIS WORLD, WE NEED EVERY HERO WE CAN GET -- 211."  Thank you, Judi Hampshire-- for everything!

*LMFT = Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
[A gentle profession to grace the world]

2-1-1:

People know to call 911 for emergencies, 411 for directory assistance, and 511 for traffic information. Now, you can call 211 for assistance when you need help or a friend needs help, and you don’t know where to turn. 211 is information and referral for health and human services.

Available 24/7 in 150 languages, the 211 referral line connects callers with programs to aid in accessing food pantries, food stamps, shelter, affordable housing options, employment programs, treatment for addiction, health care, senior services, child care, legal aid, volunteer opportunities, and more. The support callers receive from trained specialists empowers them to more easily navigate a confusing maze of services. 

Instead of multiple calls leading nowhere, with one call to 211, people can reach a trained specialist who will assess a caller’s full scope of needs and explore what services might be available to address those needs in their community.

211 is also there during times of disaster, providing critical information about evacuation routes, food, and shelter. As of October 2011, 211 serves over 260 million Americans (more than 86.6% of the entire population) in all 50 states (including 37 states with 90%+ coverage) plus Washington DC and Puerto Rico.  In Contra Costa County, the Contra Costa Crisis Centerruns the 211 program for the community. Our website is www.crisis-center.org. More information can be found about 211 across the US at www.211us.org.

**********************

David-You may wish to add a separate section for the Crisis Center and the crisis lines-24/7 access for people coping with overwhelming problems and stress, relationship issues, mental health and physical health concerns, grief and loss, thoughts of suicide. Trained and compassionate staff and volunteers are available to provide support, explore problem-solving options, and enhance safety and connectedness when the burdens of life feel intolerable.

Yes, Judi, I certainly shall!

Tags: "Homelessness, Human Crises, Philosophy, MENTOR"

HELP: Need Special Access? FREE PHONES

0604 1910

Dear Readers,

Just heard about this wonderful government program on the TV.  This link takes to you full information, of course, but in case you wanted a quick glance at what's up, here's an excerpt from their "About" page.

Specialized Phones

Every day, specialized California Phones from the California Telephone Access Program (CTAP) enable over half a million Californians to stay connected.

There's a California Phone for every need. For example, there are amplified phones that make it easier to hear conversations. Big button phones that are easier to dial. Phones with lights that flash for incoming calls. Convenient portable phones – and more. We also offer phones that are specially designed for individuals with more significant disabilities.

California Phones are available to all eligible California residents. Individuals can receive free phone equipment with certification by a medical doctor, a licensed audiologist, a qualified state agency, or a hearing aid dispenser.

About Us

CTAP is a program of the California Public Utilities Commission Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program.

The program is funded by a small surcharge that appears on all telephone bills in California. This surcharge appears on your phone bill as "CA Relay Service and Communications Devices Fund."

The California Public Utilities Commission administers CTAP, as well as the California Relay Service, under the umbrella of the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program.

For more information, please visit www.ddtp.org



Tag: "Human Crises"

HELP: Sometimes, it's good to shrink a city, to make it village-like *******************

0629 1140 -- PLEASE NOTE:  I'm not worried about any slow start in this or any other related initiatives.  These things, quite reasonably, take time, promotion, and patient persistence to take hold -- for there are many hidden dimensions involved.  Plus, there needs to be an orderly system-framework for this Facebook component to plug into -- complete with: an easy interface to aid perspective and navigation; forums for deeper side-discussions of the issues; a whole panoply of useful web objects, integrated logically -- and all under construction.  I believe it's in the nature of my "overall master project" to do much of the work under the public eye -- therefore, much of what I present to you can be likened to a "rough draft," on the way to a smooth one.  However, the following new feature is here and ready to use, as is, whenever you wish -- it's going to be great getting to know one another.

PCJ NOW ON FACEBOOK!!!

7 June 2012

     

I am pleased to announce the creation of a Facebook page for YOU and the Pittsburg City-Journal (PCJ), called "MENTOR / City of Pittsburg, CA."   The whole idea is that the easier it is to talk and think together, the more likely we will be to do so.  

    

FUNCTIONS OF THE NEW FACEBOOK PAGE

---

The New Facebook Page, "MENTOR / Pittsburg, CA," hopes to serve as:

• A PUBLIC THINKING SPACE -- A City-wide forum and public rendezvous and "electronic hang out," for all sorts of reasons -- including getting to know one another, so as to better discover the good things we can do together -- things which would be IMPOSSIBLE to do without this kind of knowledge and friendly interaction
• An easy way to ask questions and provide answers -- almost in real time -- so immediate, yet, not necessarily hurried
• A place for fellow residents to exchange information and unlock ideas, in order to better (1) identify and neutralize hazards and (2) create opportunities
• A social networking tool that connects us into one great common mind and "sense of community and belonging," and helps to focus and intensify the same, for common causes, of all sorts.  
• BASED UPON WHAT IS LEARNED HERE, FUTURE SYSTEMS CAN (AND WILL) BE DESIGNED TO MAKE THE WHOLE COMMUNICATION PROCESS EVEN EASIER.  THIS IS A CRUCIAL PRELIMINARY.
• A place to expand and expound upon significant announcements
• Another place to recognize and appreciate civic accomplishments, progress, and concerns.
• IN OTHER WORDS: a place for individual minds and souls to meet -- and do big and little things -- together with other minds -- all sharing a common territory -- and vitally concerned with many of the very same considerations

Getting to know one another, so as to turn our City into an even more secure, prosperous, and happy village is an incredibly useful thing to do.

THE INTERNET REVOLUTION CHANGES EVERYTHING.  SOCIETY IS STILL DISCOVERING ALL THE GOOD THINGS TO DO WITH THIS WORLD-CHANGING ACHIEVEMENT!!

EXPLANATION

---

1. In NO WAY is this meant to compete with all the marvelous Facebook sites out there. Rather, it is to help promote them and increase their chances for success. For they are serving some human need. And that's well worth supporting, if it's uplifting.

2. And it is a way FOR ANYONE to talk about things that might not be appropriate to discuss elsewhere -- or to reiterate things that need to be said, everywhere.

3. It's another way to tell people about all the other pages -- but not just Facebook pages. This is to raise awareness of ANY OTHER THING relevant to the well-being of the people of this most fortunate City -- and to the larger world our existence serves.

4. It's a place to put and ponder and discuss information, so as to not crowd out other Facebook sites and distort their missions.

SETTING A TONE

---

5. HERE, YOU ARE WELCOME TO SAY ANY RESPECTFUL, CONSTRUCTIVE, AND KIND THING YOU PLEASE -- but, sorry, nothing else.  

6. And, please do not worry, overly, about grammar, typos, spelling, punctuation, or logical errors (although "due care for CLARITY" is much appreciated -- WRITE FOR THE READER RATHER THAN FOR THE WRITER -- as it's so easy to be misunderstood or to befuddle a conversation and throw it out of whack, by the way we handle words) --  

MUCH OF THAT (but not all) IS JUST PACKAGING 
(which exposure, observation, and practice will cure, where it needs curing). 

We want and need the keys to wisdom contained in your every serious utterance
-- and the enjoyment of your non-serious ones --
AND SHOULDN'T BE DENIED, ON ACCOUNT OF TECHNICALITIES.

7.  For what it's worth: I can't resist inserting one of President Lincoln's favorite old quotes from the bible: "Judge not, lest ye be judged."  Not everyone has the time, experiences, opportunity, will, or ability to master everything.  (AND tired eyes or excited haste can hide errors, to be detected only after pressing "send").  Writing skill is just one skill -- though, perhaps, another one of humankind's greatest advantages -- but it's still one skill among many skills needed by the species.  No one can master them all, in one life-span -- though, we need not overly limit ourselves; circumstance will do that without our "help."

I'm sorry if the foregoing embarrasses anyone, but I know this to be a distracting issue for many who haven't had a chance to work out a more accommodating point of view on the subject.  Judgmentalism (or even the feeling of being harshly judged by others) would most certainly detract, unnecessarily, from the beneficial potential of this Facebook service offering
 -- and it's fullest possible enjoyment; hence, is worth the risk of speaking about it, frankly.

EVEN WORSE, IT COULD MEAN DENIAL AND WASTE OF SOME 

CRUCIAL INFORMATION FRAGMENT OR VITAL LESSON

8.  Any group of people who can TALK together easily and freely can THINK together more fully and WORK OUT useful things to do together.  It's usually a helpful advantage to have LOTS of viewpoints available, when considering important human topics.  It could tip the scales.  "In unity, there is strength."

---

WE are THE people 

and, by nature, people tend to be as good as their circumstances enable and allow!  

To change self, or anyone else, change the circumstances.  

Our human natures will normally take care of the rest.

EXTRA RATIONALE

The whole idea is	that the easier it is to talk and think together, the more likely we will be to do so.
Everyone has so much good to bring to the table	We all contain the seeds of greatness. The trick is to get at it, unlock it, share it, combine it, develop it -- and do wondrous things never thought possible before -- simply because we never had the right tools before -- or hadn't yet noticed that they were there, merely waiting to be picked up and used.
Why live with things as they are, when they could be made so much better?	Why settle for less, when we can so easily create more and more good things -- virtually without limit? Humans have always combined to meet common challenges. But, with large collections of humans, like cities, time and distance and great numbers of us have always been barriers to be overcome. But much less so now. Thankfully, the changing times are breaking up those barriers -- as only dreamed of, before.
Someone, just next door or on the other side of town or the county or even the world,	could hold the very keys we're looking for (or didn't even know to look for) -- to doors previously locked or hidden away -- who would have gladly shared them, had we known but to ask, watch, listen -- using the convenient tools now available to us.
What a sad waste to pass these by, never realizing what we're losing out on	-- when the right set of words and ideas were well within our easy grasp. Life is so full of surprises and opportunities -- and hazards -- best dealt with, with others. The more the merrier.
Who says we can't change almost anything for the better,	if we get our heads and hearts together, so as to maximize our power to do the big and little things, with style -- sometimes, to almost instant good effect? We're in this together. May as well make the most of it, while we can. Life is often stingy about second chances -- though, thankfully, it's getting much better, every day.
The choice is easy.	Leave things as they are or seize better opportunities, just as soon as we can see that that's what they are.

.

Tag: "Blog Admin," "Facebook," "Mentor"

All Original Content © 2012 , The MENTOR Enterprises / ELMS, All Rights Reserved -- BUT, I hereby suspend those rights, to this extent: You may freely copy and pass this along, if you think it will do some good -- as long as its free of charge, unchanged, and you include this statement.

HELP: GRANTS! Because every personal success is in the national interest!!

Friends, helping one another is what it's all about.  We're not supposed to go it alone!!!  It's what I've been saying all along (click here to go deeper) That's what this blog is about.  That's what WE'RE about! -- David N.

Senator Boxer`s Grants Outreach Newsletter

On Mon, Jun 11, 2012 at 5:41 PM, U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer <barbara.boxer@boxer.enews.senate.gov> wrote:

If you are having trouble viewing this message or would like to share it on a social network, you can view the message online.

ABOUT THE SENATOR CONSTITUENT SERVICES ISSUES & LEGISLATION PRESS CONTACT - - - - - NEWS FROM BARBARA BOXER, UNITED STATES SENATOR FROM CALIFORNIA - - - - - June 11, 2012 This summary of federal funding announcements, brought to you by the Office of U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, is a service aimed at helping Californians become aware of funding opportunities offered through our nation’s federal grant-making agencies.  The summary for June 2012 includes 31 new or updated opportunities in the following areas: Agriculture & Rural Development Commerce Defense Education Energy Environment Health & Human Services Homeland Security Housing & Urban Development Humanities Native Americans Transportation Members of Senator Boxer’s California staff will be organizing Federal Grants and Resources workshops throughout the state in 2012 for local governments, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations.  These workshops provide a variety of information from the federal agency representatives in attendance regarding grant and loan opportunities offered through their respective agencies. We encourage you to visit the Grants Assistance section of Senator Boxer’s website (http://www.boxer.senate.gov/en/services/grants/newsletter.cfm) to learn of upcoming workshops throughout California.  Members of the Senator’s staff are also in attendance at these workshops and look forward to speaking with you about how our office may be able to support your federal grant application. Because not all federal grant-making agencies list grant opportunities each month, constituents are encouraged to visit grants.gov, the federal grants web site that allows users to electronically find and apply for current competitive grant opportunities from all federal grant-making agencies.  In addition, users may sign up for email updates to receive new grant postings via email as soon as they become available. Application deadlines and guidelines may change.  Please check with the awarding agency before applying. Agriculture & Rural Development U.S. Department of Agriculture Public Television Digital Transition Grant Program Current Closing Date for Applications: July 17, 2012 Expected Number of Awards: 15 Estimated Total Program Funding: $3,000,000 CFDA Number: 10.861  --  Public Television Station Digital Transition Grant Program For more information, go to: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=171574 U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Business Opportunity Grant Current Closing Date for Applications: August 6, 2012 Expected Number of Awards: 35 Estimated Total Program Funding: $2,370,000 CFDA Number: 10.773  --  Rural Business Opportunity Grants For more information, go to: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=174953 U.S. Department of Agriculture Integrated Forest Products Research Program Current Closing Date for Applications: July 6, 2012 Expected Number of Awards: n/a Estimated Total Program Funding: $1,260,000 CFDA Number: 10.200  --  Grants for Agricultural Research, Special Research Grants For more information, go to: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=172653 Commerce U.S. Department of Commerce Advanced Manufacturing Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge Current Closing Date for Applications: July 9, 2012 Expected Number of Awards: 12 Estimated Total Program Funding: $26,000,000 CFDA Number: 11.307  --  Economic Adjustment Assistance 11.611  --  Manufacturing Extension Partnership 17.268  --  H-1B Job Training Grants 59.007  --  7(j) Technical Assistance 81.086  --  Conservation Research and Development For more information, go to: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=172695 Defense U.S. Department of the Army Lung Cancer Research Concept Award Current Closing Date for Applications: August 23, 2012 Expected Number of Awards: 11 Estimated Total Program Funding: $1,760,000 CFDA Number: 12.420  --  Military Medical Research and Development For more information, go to: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=174796 Education U.S. Department of Education Technology and Media Services for Individuals With Disabilities--Models Promoting Young Children's Use of Assistive Technology Current Closing Date for Applications: July 19, 2012 Expected Number of Awards: 3 Estimated Total Program Funding: $1,200,000 CFDA Number: 84.327  --  Special Education_Technology and Media Services for Individuals with Disabilities For more information, go to: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=174073 U.S. Department of Education Comprehensive Centers Program Current Closing Date for Applications: August 6, 2012 Expected Number of Awards: 22 Estimated Total Program Funding: $50,000,000 CFDA Number: 84.283  --  Comprehensive Centers For more information, go to: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=174594 U.S. Department of Agriculture Capacity Building Grants for Non Land Grant Colleges of Agriculture Current Closing Date for Applications: July 6, 2012 Expected Number of Awards: n/a Estimated Total Program Funding: $4,500,000 CFDA Number: 10.326  --  Capacity Building for Non-Land Grant Colleges of Agriculture For more information, go to: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=173073 Energy U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Formula Grants Current Closing Date for Applications: August 1, 2012 Expected Number of Awards: 34 Estimated Total Program Funding: $65,000,000 CFDA Number: 81.042  --  Weatherization Assistance for Low-Income Persons For more information, go to: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=143073 U.S. Department of Energy Innovative Biosynthetic Pathways to Advanced Biofuels Current Closing Date for Applications: July 10, 2012 Expected Number of Awards: n/a Estimated Total Program Funding: n/a CFDA Number: 81.087  --  Renewable Energy Research and Development For more information, go to: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=172693 U.S. Department of Energy Plug and Play Photovoltaics Current Closing Date for Applications: June 18, 2012 Expected Number of Awards: n/a Estimated Total Program Funding: n/a CFDA Number: 81.087 -- Renewable Energy Research and Development For more information, go to: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=164933 Environment U.S. Department of the Interior Fish & Wildlife Service Coastal Program Current Closing Date for Applications: n/a Expected Number of Awards: 500 Estimated Total Program Funding: $6,000,000 CFDA Number: 15.630  --  Coastal Program For more information, go to: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=137793 U.S. Department of the Interior Fish & Wildlife Service Partners for Fish and Wildlife 2012 Current Closing Date for Applications: September 28, 2012 Expected Number of Awards: 4,600 Estimated Total Program Funding: $22,000,000 CFDA Number: 15.631  --  Partners for Fish and Wildlife For more information, go to: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=137933 U.S. Department of the Interior Fish & Wildlife Service Cooperative Landscape Conservation and Adaptive Science Current Closing Date for Applications: June 4, 2013 Expected Number of Awards: 250 Estimated Total Program Funding: $16,000,000 CFDA Number: 15.669  --  Cooperative Landscape Conservation 15.670  --  Adaptive Science For more information, go to: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=173973 Health & Human Services U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Grants to Support the Hispanic Health Services Research Grant Program Current Closing Date for Applications: June 20, 2012 Expected Number of Awards: 1 Estimated Total Program Funding: $200,000 CFDA Number: 93.779  --  Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Research, Demonstrations and Evaluations For more information, go to: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=171233 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Administration for Children & Families Regional Partnership Grants to Increase the Well-Being of, and to Improve the Permanency Outcomes for, Children Affected by Substance Abuse Current Closing Date for Applications: July 16, 2012 Expected Number of Awards: 32 Estimated Total Program Funding: $16,000,000 CFDA Number: 93.087  --  Enhance the Safety of Children Affected by Parental Methamphetamine or Other Substance Abuse For more information, go to: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=171394 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Administration for Children & Families Head Start Grantee: Cities in Los Angeles County Current Closing Date for Applications: July 18, 2012 Expected Number of Awards: 2 Estimated Total Program Funding: $10,710,985 CFDA Number: 93.600  --  Head Start For more information, go to: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=166060 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Service Area Competitions – various locations Current Closing Date for Applications: varies by location Expected Number of Awards: n/a Estimated Total Program Funding: $346,000,000 CFDA Number: 93.224  --  Consolidated Health Centers For more information, go to: http://www.hrsa.gov/grants/apply/assistance/sac/ U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Affordable Care Act - Consumer Assistance Program Grants Current Closing Date for Applications: July 9, 2012 Expected Number of Awards: 56 Estimated Total Program Funding: $29,900,000 CFDA Number: 93.519  --  Affordable Care Act (ACA) - Consumer Assistance Program Grants For more information, go to: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=175077 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Community Transformation Grants Current Closing Date for Applications: July 31, 2012 Expected Number of Awards: 50 Estimated Total Program Funding: $70,000,000 CFDA Number: 93.737  --  PPHF 2012: Community Transformation Grants -Small Communities Program financed solely by 2012 Public Prevention and Health For more information, go to: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=173114 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Partnerships to Demonstrate the Effectiveness of Supportive Housing for Families in the Child Welfare System Current Closing Date for Applications: July 30, 2012 Expected Number of Awards: 5 Estimated Total Program Funding: $5,000,000 CFDA Number: 93.670  --  Child Abuse and Neglect Discretionary Activities For more information, go to: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=173374 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Assistance to Torture Survivors Through Direct Services Current Closing Date for Applications: August 6, 2012 Expected Number of Awards: 30 Estimated Total Program Funding: $10,000,000 CFDA Number: 93.604  --  Assistance for Torture Victims For more information, go to: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=175153 Homeland Security U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program Current Closing Date for Applications: July 6, 2012 Expected Number of Awards: n/a Estimated Total Program Funding: $337,500,000 CFDA Number: 97.044 Assistance to Firefighters Grants For more information, go to: http://www.fema.gov/firegrants/afggrants/index.shtm Housing & Urban Development U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development Project Rental Assistance Demonstration Program Current Closing Date for Applications: July 31, 2012 Expected Number of Awards: 16 Estimated Total Program Funding: $85,000,000 CFDA Number: 14.326  --  Project Rental Assistance Demonstration (PRAD) Program of Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities For more information, go to: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=170818 Humanities National Endowment for the Humanities NEA GAP: Art Works Current Closing Date for Applications: August 9, 2012 Expected Number of Awards: n/a Estimated Total Program Funding: n/a CFDA Number: 45.024  --  Promotion of the Arts_Grants to Organizations and Individuals For more information, go to: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=174253 National Endowment for the Humanities Enduring Questions Current Closing Date for Applications: September 13, 2012 Expected Number of Awards: n/a Estimated Total Program Funding: n/a CFDA Number: 45.163  --  Promotion of the Humanities_Professional Development For more information, go to: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=173233 Native Americans U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Administration for Children & Families Tribal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (TMIECHV) Grant Program Current Closing Date for Applications: July 16, 2012 Expected Number of Awards: 7 Estimated Total Program Funding: $1,500,000 CFDA Number: 1 93.508  --  Affordable Care Act (ACA) Tribal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program For more information, go to: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=170797 U.S. Department of Education State-Tribal Education Partnership Current Closing Date for Applications: July 13, 2012 Expected Number of Awards: 3 Estimated Total Program Funding: $1,977,000 CFDA Number: 84.415  --  State Tribal Education Partnership (STEP) For more information, go to: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=173033 Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration Capital and Training Assistance for Over-the-Road Bus Accessibility Program Current Closing Date for Applications: July 7, 2012 Expected Number of Awards: 100 Estimated Total Program Funding: $8,800,000 CFDA Number: 20.518  --  Capital and Training Assistance Program for Over-the-Road Bus Accessibility For more information, go to: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=169733 U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Commercial Driver's License Program Improvement Current Closing Date for Applications: July 2, 2012 Expected Number of Awards: 65 Estimated Total Program Funding: $25,000,000 CFDA Number: 20.232  --  Commercial Driver's License Program Improvement Grant For more information, go to: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=118873 U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration Air Emissions and Energy Initiative Current Closing Date for Applications: July 9, 2012 Expected Number of Awards: 3 Estimated Total Program Funding: $1,500,000 CFDA Number: 20.817  --  Air Emissions and Energy Initiative For more information, go to: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=169653 To respond to this message, please click here.  This link will take you to a webpage where you can reply to messages that you receive from Senator Boxer’s office. To visit the Grants Assistance section on the  Senator's website, Tell a Friend E-mail: E-mail: E-mail: E-MAIL UPDATES Yes, please periodically send me e-mail updates.* Click Here *By subscribing to my e-mail updates, you are authorizing me to send regular e-mail updates from my office to your e-mail account.

Tags: "US Congress - California Delegation," "Federal Grants," "MENTOR"

HEROES: POLICE DOG FUNDING DRIVE (6/30 - 7/1)

HELP PROTECT THE DOGS THAT HELP PROTECT US 

-- and give your own beloved dogs a treat, at the very same time

IN A NUTSHELL
This is a way to pamper your well-deserving pooches AND contribute to making other dogs -- those loyal, beautiful, invaluable police dogs -- more secure -- with "bullet-proof K-9 vests and other life-saving K-9 equipment." 
What you do is, wash your dog at any PET FOOD EXPRESS, this weekend (June 30 / July 1), and ALL proceeds go toward this very sensible cause.  What a wonderful way to do two nice things, at the very same time.
There even exists a non-profit organization, "Cover your K-9" (also on Facebook).  In their own words:

"We help keep K-9s safe with bulletproof vests, Trauma Kits, Heat alarms for patrol cars and a retired K-9 Emergency Medical Fund for our hardworking police and sheriff's dogs around Northern California."

THE PRIMARY SOURCES

0630 0355 -- This morning, I spotted this information on our Police Department's Facebook page -- which also led to this flyer.  Sorry for the short notice.

And, while we're talking about guarding our domestic tranquility:
Each August, the City has held "National Night Out" at our truly lovely Small World Park.  It's a delightful time for all -- a big party -- a chance to meet and see and talk with our "first responders" (and one another).  It's one of those good and simple things we can do for ourselves and with those extraordinarily brave human beings (and their dogs) who serve us on the "front lines" of a hazardous world.

Please note:  The City hasn't stated their intentions for this year, yet, so this is 
just an "early heads-up," with more information to follow, as it becomes available.

Here's what the national organization says on their website:

"National Night Out has proven to be an effective, inexpensive and enjoyable program to promote neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships in our fight for a safer nation."

And here is the link for more information: http://www.nationaltownwatch.org/nno/

Here's to an ever-safer, ever-happier 
village-like City!

Tag: "Pittsburg Police"

HEROES: To help save this world, we need EVERY HERO we can get & 211

First posted: 7/1/12

EIGHT THINGS WORTH REMEMBERING 

ABOUT THREE LITTLE NUMBERS
2-1-1
HELP For Self, Friends, Strangers, ANY FELLOW HUMAN In CRISES!  
Not just the homeless.... ANYONE!

A reasonable way to overcome this life's greatest injustices and profoundest pain is by settling the smaller, more manageable, miseries that comprise them ... once and for all... non-stop... till there's nothing left to do.  The generations (present, future and, in a sense, past) are counting on US!!

1.  THERE'S A GOOD CHANCE YOU DIDN'T KNOW (AND IT COULDN'T BE SIMPLER)
that if you tell homeless people (or anyone in need - anyone in crises) to call "211" -- from most any place in our nation -- you are also telling them exactly where to find the nearest free CLEAN:

• water, 
• food, 
• shelter, 
• clothing, 
• warmth and light, 
• safety and security,
• information, knowledge, and ideas, 
• skilled counseling and support,
• other barest necessities for achieving normalcy in this life, 
• finally, some realistic first and second chances,
• AND adoption into the system -- on the way to their permanent rescue.
• NICE, HUH? Souls are worth saving. We all know this.  Now we have another practical tool to help get the job done.
• This is an exciting find; comments (below) from those in the know (and, of course, others), most welcome; the 211-network can use as much material assistance as it can get -- for resources are surely limited; but this is a re-start and a re-awakening; long may it last, till it's no longer necessary.)
• Along that line, if you are so moved, you can make one-time or recurring donations to Contra Costa County's 211 service (see their site).  Or, if you live elsewhere in the Bay Area, see this site.  Google will lead you to the rest of them.

PLEASE SPREAD THIS WORD, FAR AND WIDE, ACROSS THE ENTIRE NATION, EVEN -- and, if you can give the homeless (or others in crises) nothing else, give them this!!

If you're in your car, with no time to stop, you might (if safe) even shout something like: "Call 211, they'll help, big-time."  It may take repetition from many of us, for it to really sink in.  Fortunately, many (but certainly not all) of our unfortunate friends (and future friends) can get to cell phones.  And, as you'll soon see, even the lack of a cell phone is "fixable."

"211" IS ALSO A NUMBER THAT CAN ASSIST ANY ONE OF US IN TIMES OF AREA-WIDE DISASTERS!!!

2.  IF YOU LOOK
about 1/3 of the way down the "Quick Access" page (elsewhere on this blog), you'll see some more pertinent details. ALSO, PLEASE SEE THIS BLOG's ARTICLE, ENTITLED "From the Crises Line/211 Director."

3.  ANYONE AT ALL 
might need something from the various forms of assistance available at 211 and is welcome to it. Truly, there is much magnificence to be found in the human spirit (and on the other side of that phone number).

4.  THAT "QUICK ACCESS" PAGE
also explains about the availability of FREE CELL PHONES (along with necessary services) for those in need.  These mobile phones are no longer a "luxury" -- they are indispensable. PUBLIC PAY PHONES ARE VITUALLY NON-EXISTENT, NOW.  How can we save anyone, if they can't connect with us -- and us with them?

5.  THIS IS SERIOUS BUSINESS; A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH for individuals and well-being for the rest of us.  

• And all of this, very reasonably, promises a favorable chain-reactive effect on other social illnesses.  

• There are many social ills that will never be fully resolved until this one is.  WE CAN FIX THIS.  Never have we had such an intelligent, tightly-connected human network as we now have.  AND, SINCE WE CAN FIX IT, WE MUST.  Anything less wouldn't be what we pride ourselves in being -- HUMAN.

• We are wasting enormous resources in at least three massively harmful ways: (1) the human material that never gets enough chances to prove its worth; (2) the increased social costs necessary to sustain the unproductive weight; and (3) the unknowable, but certain, opportunity costs of unrealized human potential.  How many "Einsteins," "Michealangelos," and "Mozarts" are we losing, every second?

6.  PEOPLE SIMPLY MUST STAY FULLY CONNECTED  with at least the most basic of our human sub-networks or they are DOOMED "lost souls," destined to perish, untimely and largely unnoticed, at the hands of a complicated, brutal, uncaring world (as it surely must seem, when connections to it are faulty or non-existent).  

7.  People just can't prosper without other people -- nor are they likely to survive as long as they could have.  So, if you're not connected with the rest of us, you are in, perhaps, the worst possible human situation (and escape is inconceivable, without a lot of help).  Quite likely, if you are in this condition, you are constantly:

• Isolated and alone, no reliably stable place to keep life organized and secure for a safe, productive existence in a dangerous, stingy-seeming world.  No sure way to bounce back from life's heavy blows.
• Tormented by the desire for things one can never hope to have and by all the heart-breaking evidence of a better life, always out of reach. 
• Subject to bullying and unrequited criminal abuse, from which there is little escape.  Injustices small and large abound.
• Unable to reliably produce anything that yields even close to a fair day's wage.  Good feelings of self-worth, forever denied. 
• Unable to reliably promise to one's children and spouse and other kin or fellow human beings ANYTHING GOOD.  
• Always feeling like so much debris, cluttering up life's playing fields.  
• Looked down upon as so much trash.  Nothing to point to, with pride.  
• Ridiculed and insulted, more often than not.  Never taken seriously.  Shunned like pestilence.  Every door closed.  Rudeness unbridled.
• Movements restricted to the radius in which one has energy to walk -- limited by how far one is willing to distance himself from his scant possessions.  Or hers.   
• Living from a grocery cart -- sleeping on any horizontal surface or on the move or vertically.  
• Much darkness. Much filth.  The beauty of life hidden -- never to be known or fully appreciated.
• No certainty as to the timing (or occurrence) of the next wholesome meal, or the smell of clean air, or the feel of peaceful slumber, or .... 

8.  THERE, BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD, GO I
Yes, the outlooks are dim, indeed, for those poor, unhappy souls -- until enough "compassion-power" is fully applied.  No one should ever miss out on the basic joys of a good life -- to anxiously await erasure from a horrid world -- glad to leave. 

Certainly, even the meanest among us is often spared all the misery and suffering possible. What, then, about the innocent?  The victims of something over which they have so very little control?  The extremely unlucky? Perhaps those not very well-equipped for this complex world?  Perhaps the sadly, badly mistaken; un-informed as to how to best proceed -- no one to tell or show them -- no sufficiently "productive-life-model" nearby or available long enough to understand and copy?  Failed, perhaps, by one's own family limitations.  People who lack the security and stability of a personal support system to allow them to make (and recover from) mistakes? (They pay a heavy price for their errors.) And, of course, the mentally or physically ill or deprived.

• If we put ourselves into those smelly, worn-out, old, occasionally available shoes, it becomes very easy to want to do something about it, yes?

• It could have easily been any one of us crushed by similar misfortune.  Just by a slender margin of chance good fortune, we were not.  A coin toss. I imagine anyone in their situation would see a world of things and experiences they can never have and feel profoundest sorrow over the cruelest of fates which entraps them.

• They need heroes to come to the rescue! NOW, not later!  We all do.  We would surely want that, were we in those saddest of shoes -- suffering such misery, in a bountiful land, largely because, first, they didn't have the information or guidance -- and second, some shortage of persistent (even heroic) and cheerful moral and material support.  But then, we are a nation of heroes -- a whole world of them -- once enough candles light the dark corners so we can all see what needs doing.

• HOW VERY SAD THE PRESENT CASE IS -- BUT NOW, THERE IS GREATER HOPE -- if we share three simple little numbers -- and do the other needful things.  We're talking about a very sound investment in the future of our entire species -- the return on investment will be enormous -- AND THAT'S UNDENIABLE!

End of sermon --  If this is a sermon, it's also a sermon to myself.  For life sometimes makes me forget that this is going on, right now -- and needs regular attention.  Must not forget that many are enduring these very horrors, this very instant -- and will continue until we have fixed this.  Who else is going to?  Who else can, better than we?  

With the advent of the internet and other technologies (like cellular telephony) -- and the new level of public consciousness these help us nurture -- the chances have never been better -- in all of human history -- to spread freedom from such bitter want, which has stolen so much from human destiny.

David Nelson

"The life you save may eventually be your own"

PLEASE PASS THE WORD, FAR AND WIDE (I know you will -- and, if enough of us do this, perhaps our net will save them all)

SPEAK THREE LITTLE NUMBERS AND CHANGE THE WORLD!!!

FOR MORE DETAILS, ALSO SEE THIS BLOG ARTICLE, ENTITLED "From the Crises Line/211 Director" AND THE "Quick Access" PAGE

Tag: "Homelessness," "Human Crises," "Philosophy," "MENTOR"

HEROES: Speaking of Heroes! "EAST BAY STAND-DOWN" Strikes a Mighty Blow!

Posted:  1 Jul 12

Brought forward: 7 Feb 13 -- (to raise awareness and, perhaps, to help inspire more volunteerism, consistent with Pittsburg Mayor Nancy Parent's 2013 theme -- next EBSD event will be 2014 -- but many others are awaiting our help, now)

EAST BAY STAND-DOWN!
A Very Big Humane Act That Makes One Even Prouder to Be Human

I didn't hear of this magnificent event, the "East Bay Stand-Down," until two years ago, when I had the privilege of volunteering and seeing for myself.  The inspiration carries a long way -- I can't wait to do it again.  Here is the Google-link which accesses their website (and a whole lot more).  And here is the direct link to the actual site, which says it all, much better than I ever could -- but, I needed to add a personal testimony (a work-in-progress, with more to be added, as circumstances permit -- just didn't want to hold off telling, until I perfected my statement).  Maybe you'll help pass the word?

THE 2010 STORY 

Every two years, toward the end of summer, the Alameda County Fairgrounds is taken over by more than 1,000 professionals and us "ordinary" volunteers -- under auspices of the Veteran's Admistration.   Denver Mills, the dynamic leader of the Concord Vet Center, orchestrates and energizes this HUGE, compassionate undertaking, masterfully.

NOTE:  This is not unique to the East Bay.  It is a Veterans Affairs system-wide service, as can be seen at this link.  We are blessed to belong to a compassionate nation.  You'll note a glaring over-sight not to see the Eastbay event listed there -- but, believe me, it happens like clockwork -- and here is their local site to prove it.  (We're working to correct the record)

A TINY GLIMPSE AT ITS PURPOSES

It is a way to save the human future -- nearly 1,000 struggling veterans (usually homeless) at a time.  I know it's sad to have to exclude anyone, when you consider that EVERYONE has much value -- and EVERYONE who stumbles is worthy of the effort it takes to get them sorted out.  But the Veterans Administration has to stay focused -- and is counting on others to take care of the rest of our people (like passing the word TO EVERYONE IN CRISES about dialing "211" to begin their rescue process).  We all should know about this -- because it's a beautiful, inspiring story which shows what is being done -- AND WHAT CAN BE DONE -- to make a HUGE difference.  

THEY THINK OF EVERYTHING

Huge tents, equipment, and supplies are set up, everywhere.  Then, hundreds of veterans, down on their luck -- often with little families in tow -- are bused in, to spend four productive days, living in many of those tents -- hot showers, clean beds, good food, new clothes, service to most every significant aspect of life, entertaining fun, and more.  The attention to virtually every detail is almost super-human -- and gets better, every single time!

Lots of active military, retirees, veterans, fire and police officers, medical teams, chaplains, civilian volunteers and more -- all good-hearted souls -- take part to render needful, individualized aid -- at kiosk type tents and all around the grounds.

Of course, there is a full range of physical and mental health services provided -- including a mobile dental office; even acupuncture, massage, and the holistic panoply!  Hair cuts and beauticians, of course.

The children and parents are taken to local shopping centers to equip the little ones with new clothing and school supplies, and much else they need.

Retired judges are gathered in one of the big tents and are authorized to review and clear up all sorts of misdemeanors which hinder the "clientele" from making an unfettered new start.  THEN, in the very next tent, the DMV helps them get vehicular licenses, often so crucial to normalcy and employability.

In the evenings, there are live entertainment and singing, relaxing, and communing together around bonfires.

At the end, each "client's" photo is taken, to add to the great album.  Smiles abound.  The record of success is astounding.  Lots of lives turned around.  Absolutely breath-taking and pleasing.  You'd be proud of the whole, wonderful thing!

And many, many of the rescued return, each time, as volunteers, to help pull their remaining "brothers and sisters" forward -- to "give back" -- to keep the great human chain-reaction rolling onward, favorably, toward the best possible future.  Goodness is contagious!

There's so much more -- but, you almost have to see it to believe it.  It seems especially appropriate to do this on the fair grounds, for a fair is exactly what it feels like -- a fair to end all fairs!

David Nelson

Tag: "Human Crises, Homelessness, Veterans Admin"