Wednesday, August 17, 2011

NJ Resource: Social Services

NJ Resource: Social Services: "I know-the dreaded word- WELFARE !! But do not be ashamed or emabarressed. The social services in NJ is there to help you out. Remember, alt..."
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Monday, August 15, 2011

Social Services

I know-the dreaded word-WELFARE!! But do not be ashamed or emabarressed. The social services in NJ is there to help you out. Remember, although the workers can at times be rude and seem to be unhelpful, they are overloaded with cases, and I am sure it is fustrating to know that they want to help some people but they cant. Here are some helpful hints to make the trip to your local social service office a little less painful-for you and your worker.
I have what I call my HELP ME packet and I make sure that I bring it with me whenever I need to apply for any type of assistance. Heres what I ALWAYS bring with me-
  • Copy or Lease/Mortgage
  • Copies of all current utility bills
  • Copies all all birth certificates of everyone living in the home
  • Copies of all social sercurity cards of everyone living in the home
  • Copy of current monthly pay stubs or unemployment payment records
  • Copy of all childcare bills
  • Copy of all current or past due medical bills that have not been covered by insurance (if you are lucky to have it)
When going to social services these are ALL the documents you will need to complete your applications. I can almost promise you that your worker or person that is processing your application will not only appreciate you being prepared, they will be nicer and more willing to expidite your application. In monmouth county the office has 30 days to process your paperwork and make a determination so it is not wise to harrass your worker with phone calls before the full 30 days have passed, and remember always be nice when you are asking-being pushy will not get you anywhere!

These are the things that you can apply for (there might be more):
  • Food Stamps
  • GA (general assistance-money for those without kids)
  • TANF (temp. assistance for needy families-money for those with kids)
  • Emergency Housing Assistance
  • Health Insurance
  • Child Care
Here are the web address' for the county websites-I always like to make an appointment so you do not have to wait too long at the office. You can usually pre-qualify online (sorry they are not in alphabetical order.)
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It's Been a Long Time!

Hello Everyone!! I know it's been a long time since I posted and I am so sorry! I have been working hard to share with all of you the best resources that I can find to get the things that you need for cheap or even better for free!!! Please stay tuned, and be patient with me-with two little boys and a little girl on the way, life gets crazier every moment!! I will post later today some resources and web address for social services and any housing help here in NJ!
Have a good one and please be careful-it's wet out there today!
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Monday, July 18, 2011

This ones for US Veterans and Active Duty Military

Coming from a strong military family, I feel it is neccessary to have a day dedicated to the men and women, and families that provide us the freedom that we so often take for granted. These heroic indivduals put their lives on the line for us, and when they come home from overseas there are issues that they face. My grandfather is a WWII vet (Airborne-Pacific), and my father served as a Navy Submarine man and I am proud to say that they are both active in supporting the rights of their fellow military family.

Beaches
  • Belmar
    • Active Duty and Vets (Gulf War to present) can get access to this beach for free. Just show military ID and you're in. Famlies still have to pay, but depending on who is selling the passes, they may be able to get in for free as well
  • Seaside Heights
    • This is a VERY military friendly beach town.  All over the boardwalk, you can see stores and food places with the red, white, and blue military discount signs. 
  • Sandy Hook
    • While there is no "official" military discount, depending on who is manning the booth to get it, you can get in for free or half price-this weekend my family went to this beach and my boyfriends father (who is active in the Army) showed his ID and we got in for $5.00 (regular price is $10.00).
Vet to Vet Peer Support Program
This program allows Veterans to be part of a group that is facilitated by fellow Veterans.
  • Information shared is confidential
  • Groups are facilitated by two trained Veterans
  • Participants listen, learn and support each other
  • Groups provide for growth and recovery through education and sharing of experiences.
Weekly Groups Available:
  • Grief Workshop
  • Mindfulness Workshop I & II
  • Self Esteem/Pathways to Recovery
  • Sobriety Support Group
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Support and Education
  • Wellness and Recovery
To participate and learn more: Contact the Behavioral Health Outpatient Services Team (BHOST) at (909) 825-7084 ext. 2862.
Note: You must be enrolled in BHOST service or participating in Relapse Prevention Group.


Vet 2 Vet Hotline

           I really love this program! I became aware of it because my dad is one of the veterans that you can get into contact with if you need to talk to someone. This is open to all veterans, NOT just NJ residents.

The toll free helpline, which is accessible 24 / 7 by dialing 1-866 VETS-NJ 4 (1-866-838-7654) will be coordinated by UMDNJ’s University Behavioral HealthCare, and will feature peer counseling, clinical assessment, assistance to family members, and will provide veterans and their families with access to a comprehensive Mental Health Provider Network of mental health professionals specializing in PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and other veterans issues. All services are free and confidential.

I will add to this list as I get more information, or more resources. Please, if you have any that I have missed (and I am SURE that I have missed many), please let me know so I can add them on!

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Friday, July 15, 2011

Great FREE Sites!

Ok here we go! Here are some great sites that I have used and use on a daily basis to get everything and anything FREE!!!  This is so helpful as times are so hard and if you are not against used items-these are the spots for you!
  • FREECYCLE
    • This site is AWESOME!! You can access is by going to http://www.freecycle.com/   Here in Monmouth County, NJ the freecycles are mostly moderated by yahoo groups. You can go to http://www.groups.yahoo.com/ and then search freecycle. There is usually a small application form that the moderators use to insure that you are subscribing to the group for the correct reason.
    • What it is
      • Freecycle is a website/source that was created to limit the items that are put into the landfills. The idea is, why throw it away when you can recycle it for free (hence the word Freecycle) to people that can really use it! It is set up as a posting system where you can post Wanted ads or Offer ads for items that you need or wish to give away. The items vary, but some examples of items that I have recieved are: assorted baby items (co-sleeper, exersaucer, double jogging stroller, etc..), maternity clothing, toys,  and even a five piece sectional sofa in almost brand new condition amoung other items, and some items that I have given away are : the same double jogging stroller (when I was not using it), a wooden easel, bath items, etc.
    • How it works
      • When you have made contact with the person giving/recieving the items (via private email) you create a pick up/drop off point. Most people will send their address and leave the items outside with your name on it and vice versa. For those of you who are not comfortable with that method, you can always make a pick up/drop off place. I have met people at the local Target parking lot for example.
  • Money Saving Mom
    • If you are on Facebook, look her up and like her so you can add her to your news feed! She ALWAYS has great freebees and coupon offers. I refer to this "friend" every day, more than one time! You can also always just go to her website at : http://moneysavingmom.com/ and subscribe to her emails there as well
  • My Free Product Samples
    • Again, if you are on Facebook, look this name up and like her so she can add you to her news feed. She also has a daily email that comes out so you can go directly to her website thats found at http://www.myfreeproductsamples.com/  to look around and subscribe. She has AWESOME items that are usually totally free!!
  • Krazy Koupon Lady
    • This is another great side that I found on Facebook, you can like her and be added to her news feed, but she also has a GREAT website that can be found at http://krazykouponlady.com/ You might also recognize her from her appearance on TLC's Extreme Couponing!
  • Pampers.com
    • Don't despair, even if you do not use their products, you can still get items from them for free. They have a great program called, Gifts to Grow. All you need to do is enter codes found on products as well as codes you can find on the internet and you can trade your points in for free stuff! I have over 300 points so far and I have yet to buy anything from them! Here are the codes that I have used so far. Not sure if they are still valid, but you are more than welcome to try! http://www.pampers.com/
      • GETSTARTEDNOW10  (10)
      • GTGCOUPONPOINTS   (10)
      • GTGREWARDS4MOMS   (10)
      • PAMPERS4MOMJFM1 (10)
      • CAREFORNEWBORNS (10)
      • PAMPERSGTG10PTS   (10)
      • WELCOME2VILLAGE   (10)
      • WELCOMEGTGPTS10 (10)
      • WELCOME2PAMPERS   (50)
      • JOINNOW4REWARDS   (50)
      • 2BEGINEARNING50   (50)
      • GIFTSTOGROW4MOM (50)
      • 10PTSFREECODE4U   (10)
      • WELLCABABYEMAIL   (10)
      • FAC711PHWGNXRD7   (10)
Thats all for now-have a great weekend and please subscribe. In the upcoming days, I will make a Facebook account so you can follow me there as well. Please send me any helpful comments or suggestions and I would LOVE to include them! Have a great weekend!!!
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An apology

I want to apologize to everyone who was reading this for the nasty comment that was left yesterday. It was mean and hurtful and worst of all unhelpful! If there are any issues with me personally, lets be adults and take it private and address it that way. This blog is meant to be helpful to anyone and everyone that needs it-single moms, single dads, families-whomever! I hope that the immature acts of that one individual (and I do know who it was) does not deter anyone from reading and contributing to this blog!
Thanks again for reading-look out this afternoon for my first post on some GREAT free sites!
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Thursday, July 14, 2011

Who I am and what I am trying to do to help!

Hello Everyone,
 This is my first attempt at a blog so please be nice and patient with me!  As a single mom of two small boys with one on the way, I am always looking for ways to save the little money that I have. I have also found that there are many companies and organizations that are out there that can help with bills, but there is not one central place to find all of these places. My idea, and my intent is to try and centralize all of these websites, and locations in one spot to make it easier! I do not know everything (unless your my kids, then I am the all knowing) so I am also looking for input from all of you. Since I do live in the very expensive State of NJ, initally I will be only dealing with that state, but if you have any information about anywhere else, I would love to add it here!
Thanks so much for reading and I hope we can all save togeher!
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