Electric, Gas and Water bill payment assistance

Catholic Social Services is now offering Electric, Gas, and Water bill payment assistance. The Application procedure is the same for all three programs.

People must call the office to schedule an appointment. Appointments can be reserved by phone every Thursday morning beginning at 9:00am.

The actual in-person appointment will be scheduled for the following week on a first come, first served basis. No walk ins will be accepted.

Catholic Social Services
640 North Main Street
Akron, Ohio 44310
Phone number to schedule appointment: 330-762-7481
Documents Needed: A photo ID and a shut off notice

Safe Surrender option begins today

Those wanted by the law for felony or misdemeanor warrants have the chance starting today to surrender peacefully in Akron.

The nationally recognized Fugitive Safe Surrender returns to Akron for four days starting today through Aug. 1 at the House of the Lord Church at 1650 Diagonal Road.

The program will run daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It was developed in 2005 by U.S. Marshall Pete Elliott of the Northern District of Ohio.

The last time it was offered in Akron in July 2007, 1,125 fugitives surrendered at the church.

Organizers expect to exceed the number at this year's event.

Officials say there are more than 10,000 people with warrants living in Summit County.

Safe Surrender is not an offer of amnesty in which charges are dismissed. Rather, it gives fugitives a chance to stop their run from the law in a way that is nonconfrontational.

During the program, church offices are turned into courtrooms. Sheriff's deputies, prosecutors, defense lawyers, police, motor-vehicle department employees and court clerks work to erase the warrant and move the case toward resolution.

More than 20,000 people have voluntarily surrendered during the program's history.

For more information, call 877-OH-SURRENDER (877-647-8773).

Help with School Supplies and School Uniforms

Free School Supplies
Cornerstone Free Methodist Church,
578 Killian Road in Akron,
Will provide free school supplies during a one-day event on Saturday
August 1 from 10:00am to 3:00pm.
The event is open to all children in need in Summit County.

Help with School Uniforms
Akron parents can find some relief if they're looking for a school shopping bargain. Goodwill Industries always has clothing for school age children, but area Spokeswoman Beth Galambos says they're working hard to cater to Akron Public Schools' uniform requirements.

There are special racks of clothes that feature clothing that fits into the district's dress code standards. Galambos says most items can be picked up for $2 each and she's anticipating plenty of interest after a great response last year.

"We started a little late, so we decided this year to get a head start," said Galambos. Galambos says the inventory changes every day. The Goodwill retail stores in Akron, Lakemore and Tallmadge have the clothing that fits Akron Public Schools uniform policy set aside.

Community Voice Mail Summit Poetry Contest Entries

Here are the two entries that Community Voice Mail Summit submitted to the CTK National Poetry Contest. We were fortunate enough to have these entries read by Keneasha Pitts, Akron Urban League Summer Intern. Please comment and let us know what you think. If you have any questions about Community Voice Mail Summit please visit www.cvmsummit.net

Career Fair in Cleveland Next Monday

Cleveland Job Fair

Date: Monday, July 27
Crowne Plaza Hotel Cleveland City Centre
777 St. Claire Avenue NE
Cleveland, OH 44114
Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Bring at least 30 resumes!

List of Companies that will be there:

96.5 KISS FM
Aaron's
Advantis Healthcare Solutions
Aflac
Assest Acceptance
ATS Institute of Technology
Bryant Stratton College
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Family Dollar
Farmers Insurance
Glamorousity
Kingston of Vermillion
Mary Kay Cosmetics
Mattress Warehouse
Primerica Financial Services
Prudential Financial
United States of Housing and Urban Development
US Army
VA Eastside Vet Center
and many more......

Community Voice Mail Summit Submits 2 poems to national contest

Community Voice Mail National hosted a nationwide poetry contest and CVMS was invited to describe “the heart of CVM” in a poem! We were fortunate enough to submit 2 entries and are waiting to hear how we did.

The first poem was submitted by Frank Brown, who is a member of the Akron Urban League Summer Youth Program. Frank is interning at Info Line and has done a wonderful job embracing the spirit of Community Voice Mail.

I'm a single parent mother, with no money or phone

And if it hadn't been for my grandma's car, we'd be without a home

I'm trying my best to raise kids and find work

But I've been so unsuccessful, so I lean on God and the church

I feel like I'm at a brick wall and don't know what to do

How can I succeed in life, I don't even have a clue

And that's when I heard of CVM, an answer to my prayers

Even though nothing is guaranteed in life, I now have hope knowing that someone cares

The second poem that we submitted was created by the CVMS Coordinator and the Info Line Business Development Manager.

I'm Ready

by Mike Gibbs and Jennifer Kephart

Night air is getting cold, why won't they just phone?

Can't they see that I'm ready? To be on my way home

To date, I wait for that voice mail message - for someone to call

I'm finally going to reconnect - secure that janitor's job at the mall

On the lonely streets, that I now wander and roam

Community Voice Mail is my link to find a job and a home

Thank you for every one's support and I look forward to updating you on how we did in the contest.

Community Voice Mail: Reaching the "Phoneless" with HIV Information

By Michelle Samplin-Salgado

Last week we wrapped up our month-long series of blog posts for National HIV Testing Day. But there’s one more National HIV Testing Day collaboration story that we’ve been waiting to share with you. We’ve discussed how communities of color use new media (and that access to new media often has much more to do with the type of internet connection you have than any other factor); Community Voice Mail addresses another access issue—phonelessness. Forget broadband or dial-up for a minute. What if you didn’t have a phone?

Community Voice Mail (CVM) provides a free voice mail box to people in transition—connecting them to jobs, housing and hope. Nearly 41% of CVM clients are unemployed, 52% are homeless, 21% are disabled, and 11% are veterans. 40% of CVM clients report no income at all, and the average monthly income of a CVM client is $524.85. The people that benefit from CVM are some of the hardest to reach.

I first heard about CVM at a CDC-sponsored event about reaching the underserved. Steve Albertson, Director of New Initiatives for CVM, shared stories of people finding housing and jobs. And then he mentioned peanut products. CVM partnered with the CDC to share important health messages about the recent peanut-recall. That’s when it occurred to me that CVM could be an effective way for AIDS.gov to connect hard-to-reach people with HIV information and resources. In the months leading up to National HIV Testing Day, AIDS.gov collaborated with Steve and CVM, and received input from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Affairs and the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, to craft messages about the importance of getting an HIV test. The messages directed people to the CDCInfo hotline to find a testing site near them or, because CVM works with local agencies, provided information about where CVM clients could get an HIV test in their own community.

Two waves of National HIV Testing Day voice mails were sent to over 20,000 CVM clients and an additional 3,600 clients received an email message about HIV testing. They also sent broadcast voice and/or email messages to over 1,800 social service agencies in 45 cities. Over 40 CVM clients left us messages and gave feedback about the HIV Testing Day message. Steve told us, “overwhelmingly, our clients thanked us for the information, and many indicated they would share the number with others and call it themselves. Clients spoke about their fear of being tested, and how it was good to be reminded about how important it is to get tested. One client told us why she thought some people didn’t get tested (you can listen to her voice message here). Overall, I think voice messaging is a good way to deliver information about HIV testing; it’s personal and direct, but still very private.”

And CVM didn’t stop there. They blogged , used Twitter , Facebook and encouraged their sites across the country to use our badges and widgets. We even presented with CVM on a “mixed reality” panel at NetSquared’s N2Y4 Conference in San Jose and in Second Life . On the CVM blog they said, “It’s great to be able to communicate with so many people who are often hard to reach, and who can benefit greatly from this kind of information . . . we hope that a lot of people who might not otherwise think about it call the hotline, find a testing location, and get tested.”

Scot More, CVM director in Houston told us, “Until there is a cure for HIV, we will never end homelessness. Life is hard enough for anyone living on the streets, but even harder for those infected with HIV/AIDS. Knowing your status is not in the forefront of one’s mind who is in survival mode and does not know where their next meal is coming from. CVM has the unique way to reach these individuals thru Broadcast Messaging. This message and the information sent is personal, private and coming from a trusted source. I believe we are making a difference in many people’s lives.”

Community Voice Mail has fully embraced new media as a way to reach its supporters and to raise awareness not only about their services, but about the issue of “phonelessness.” It certainly inspired us to think creatively about reaching those in transition. Do you know of other services and programs connecting people who are hard to reach with HIV information? How can new media support programs whose clients may not have access to new media themselves? Let us know what you think!

Open Interviewing Event!

Siffrin, Inc.

Thursday, July 23, 2009
From 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.


at

The Job Center
1040 E. Tallmadge Avenue
Akron, OH 44310


Direct Care Specialists
Full and Part-time positions available

Assist individuals with all aspects of
daily living in a residential setting

Pays $7.60 to $9.00/hr.

Akron/Hudson area

Some lifting required

Background & driver’s license checks & drug testing required

Will provide training

or

Apply in person at 2912 Whipple Ave. N. W.
Canton, OH 44708
330-478-0263

SUMMIT COUNTY DRUG REPOSITORY PRESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

UNUSED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS DONATED BY
NURSING HOMES ARE AVAILABLE AT LOW
COST TO SUMMIT COUNTY RESIDENTS IN NEED

Medications available vary from month to month based on donations and inventory. Medications do NOT include insulin products, medication requiring refrigeration or controlled substances (narcotics).

Summit County Health District is NOT collecting medications.

Who is Eligible?
• Summit County residents who have no or limited medication insurance coverage.

• 18 years of age or over

• Have no reasonable financial means to pay for the drug prescribed or be a patient of a nonprofit clinic

What is the Process?
• Complete Drug Repository Program Worksheet and the Eligibility Statement available at www.schd.org.

• If eligible, obtain written order for medication and meet with L. Stemple, RN to complete order sheet.

• Participant must provide payment to Buderer Drug Company before medication is mailed ($7.40 per prescription plus $7.00 shipping). Prescription is mailed to participant.

Questions? www.schd.org or L. Stemple,RN at (330) 926-5778

This program is a cooperative effort between Quality of Life 2010, Summit County Health District and Buderer Drug Company, Sandusky, Ohio

Community Events

Wednesday, July 15, 2009 3:30 PM
Barberton Farmer's Market
Downtown Barberton, Ohio

The 2009 Barberton's Downtown Farmer's Market will be held every Wednesday from July 15 through September 16th, 3:30-6:30 PM. The market will be located on W. 3rd Street between W. Park and W. Tuscarawas in Barberton. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs and flowers, jams, jellies and baked goods, there will be recipes and tips for food preparation, gardening demos, fitness programs and assorted health brochures. For more information on the market, call 330-472-0366.


Wednesday, July 15, 2009 7:00 PM
Prayer Vigil for Chuck Sandstrom
244 Grand Ave. in Akron

A prayer vigil will be held for Chuck Sandstrom on Wednesday, July 15th at 7 pm at 244 Grand Avenue in Akron. Mr. Sandstrom, the Executive Director of Barberton Community Foundation was assaulted on July 1st at the Grand Avenue address. For further information about the vigil, please contact Rick at (330) 212-2355.


Thursday, July 16, 2009 10:00 PM
Akron Water Department Fire Hydrant Flushing
Downtown Akron

The Akron Water Department will beflushing fire hydrants in the Downtown Akron area and the West Akron area beginning approximately Thursday, July 16. The Water Department will be flowing hydrants from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. on Sunday through Thursday nights toreduce the inconvenience to the public. The Downtown Akron area is boundedapproximately by:
W. Exchange Street to the North
Russell Avenue to the South
S. Broadway Avenue to the East
East Avenue to the West
The West Akron area is bounded approximately by:
Wooster Avenue to the North
Kenmore Boulevard to the South
Manchester Road to the East
Romig Road to the West
Customers cancall our automated phone system to get a nightly update on streets that are tobe flushed by dialing 330-375-2554, selecting Frequently Asked Questions andfollowing the prompts. Water customerscan also log on to www.ci.akron.oh.us andselect News Releases to get the latest hydrant flushing updates. Shouldthe water user have any questions or need assistance, they are advised to call330-375-2420.


Friday, July 17, 2009 11:00 AM
Storytelling Festival
Akron Main Library

The Akron Main Library (60 S. High St. in Akron) will hold its fourth annual Akron Storytelling Festival July 17 and 18th. Friday workshops will be 11am-Noon, and 1:30pm-3:30pm. On Saturday workshops will be 9:30am-11:30am, 1pm-3pm, and 3:30pm-4:30pm. All events are free and open to the public. Books and recordings will be available for purchase. For more information, visit www.akronlibrary.org . To register for the workshops, please contact History & Humanities at 330-643-9040 or e-mail hhdiv@akronlibrary.org


Friday, July 17, 2009 11:30 AM
Performance by Jen Stancil
Mustill Store in Akron

Join us Friday, July 17th from 11:30am to 1pm for Live Music on the Mustill Store Porch (Cascade Valley Park off North St. near the N. Howard St. Intersection), performed by singer, songwriter and music educator, Jen Stancil. Beverages are available for purchase. In case of bad weather, well move inside. Call 330-374-5625 for more information.


Friday, July 17, 2009 4:30 PM
Springfield Farmers Market
Springfield Lakefront

A Farmers Market will be held July 17th through October 9th from 4:30pm to 7:30pm at Springfield Lakefront (Canfield Rd. in Springfield Twp.). Each Friday the Farmers Market will open prior to the Springfield Rocks concerts. For more information call 330-414-7438.


Friday, July 17, 2009 6:00 PM
St. Joseph's Fair
St. Joseph's Parish

St. Josephs Ox Roast Fair begins on Friday July 17th from 6:00pm to 11:00pm, Saturday July 18th from 3:00pm 11:30pm, and Sunday July 19th from Noon to 10:00pm. There will be food, entertainment, games, and rides. St. Josephs is located at 11045 St. Joseph Blvd. in Mantua Twp. off Pioneer Trail. For more information, please check out St. Josephs website www.stjosephmantua.com or phone the parish office at 330-274-2253.

Horizon House Expands

Community Health Center is trying to fill a gap in the wefare system a few young people at a time.

It's aimed at Akron's young adults who graduate out of the foster care system, but have nowhere to go. CHC Spokeswoman Chrissy Lockhart says the Horizon House program started a few years ago with one house that become a home for four people at a time. Now there are three Horizon House facilities, each housing four people between 18 and 22 years old.

It's not free housing. Residents are required to work at least part time or be in school, plus contribute to the cost and upkeep of their house.

Horizon House has been supported by the Akron community since its inception. Lockhart says the program can turn lives around when those involved put effort into it. "These kids are here for a new start and this can help them become productive members of society," said Lockhart.

NEED A JOB?

Job Postings for the week of July 13, 2009

Employer: Akron Beacon Journal
Position: Sales Rep (Independent Contractor)
Details: No Experience Necessary
Requirements: Great Attitude, Hard Worker
For More Info: Call Tim 330-996-3207 or Sue 330-996-3606

Position: Delivery Person (Independent Contractor)
Details: Must Have Valid License and Insurance
Requirements: Own Mini Van or Cargo Van
For More Info: Apply in Person at 4240 Sunnybrook Rd. Kent, Ohio

Position: Customer Service/Sales
Details: Flexible Schedule
Requirements: Good Customer Service Skills
For More Info: Call 330-836-0455

Position: Call Center Representative
Details: Light Computer Work
Requirements: Great Customer Service Skills
For More Info: 330-869-9249

Position: Hotel - All Positions
Details: Part Time/ Full Time
Requirements: Must Pass Drug Screening
For More Info: Apply In Person at 1025 Interstate Pkwy Akron, Ohio 44312

Employer: Groundskeeper LLC
Position: Groundskeepers
Details: Temporary Position
Requirements: No Experience Necessary
For More Info: Fax Resume to 330-686-7866

Position: Flexo-Graphic Press Operator
Details: Full Time - 3rd Shift
Requirements: Experience Necessary
For More Info: Call Chris at 330-935-0301

Position: Servers, Bartenders and Food Prep
Details: Full Time/ Part Time
Requirements: Experience Necessary
For More Info: Call 330-869-8787

PlusOne Communications

OPEN INTERVIEWS

Thursday, July 23

12:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Room 122 & 125

The Job Center
1040 E. Tallmadge Avenue
Akron, Ohio 44310


Information Technology Resource Representative

• Pays $9 per hour with 50 cent increases possible at 60 and 90 days of tenure
• Potential $350 per month performance bonus
• Health and dental insurance and paid vacation

Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide solutions to Internet-based technical problems. Maintain performance standards and levels. Help create and maintain positive work atmosphere. Provide constructive feedback to management staff. Complete work assignments within requested time frame. Attend mandatory company meetings/events. Maintain a flexible schedule and work additional hours as necessary to support the business need. Observe client confidentiality standards. Help maintain a drug free / smoke free environment.

Qualifications:

Excellent organizational and time management skills. Ability to motivate co-workers/staff. Positive attitude a must. Contribute to positive culture. Ability to communicate with all levels of management. Technical competence with computers and Internet navigation. Knowledge of the Microsoft Office or similar products. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Independent work ethic with the ability to multi-task. Complete 5-panel drug testing, credit and criminal background checks.

Free health care weekend rescheduled in Cleveland

CLEVELAND: A free health care event scrapped in early May because of swine flu concerns has been rescheduled for later this month in Cleveland.

Doctors, nurses, dentists and various specialists will provide their services to the uninsured and underinsured at no charge on July 25 and 26 in the city's University Circle area.

Patients will need to call to schedule a timed appointment at either of two locations.

Medical professionals had originally planned to hold a free health care festival at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds during the first weekend in May. But that was when swine flu worries were rising, and state health officials said it probably wasn't a good idea to bring together thousands of people, including many with health problems.

Need a Job?

Position: Experienced CDL and Non-CDL tow truck drivers
Details: All Shifts
Requirements: Background Check
For More Info: Apply at 208 W. Waterloo Rd Akron, Ohio

Position: Associate Representative
Details: Flexible Schedule
Requirements: Will Train
For More Info: Call 330-836-0455

Employer: River City Gift Shoppe
Position: Retails Associate
Details: Part Time
Requirements: Must be available nights and weekends
For More Info: Apply at 1265 South Cleveland Massillon Rd. Akron, Ohio

Position: Leasing Agenct
Details: Part Time
Requirements: Prior Leasing Experience
For More Info: Fax resume and salary requirements to 330-491-1559

Position: Call Center Representative
Details: Flexible Schedule
Requirments: Light Computer Work
For More Info: Call 330-869-9249

Free Stuff Around Town

Tuesday, July 07, 2009 5:00 PM	Metro Parks Serving Summit County
Summit County Metro Parks presents Music By the Lake on Tuesdays, June 9, July 7 & August 11; 5 - 8 p.m. Enjoy an evening of free lake swimming and a one-hour performance by the Metro Parks Ensemble. Concert starts at 6:30 p.m., and Friends of Metro Parks will serve free dessert while supplies last. Concert will be cancelled if it rains. If wet weather is in the forecast, call 330-865-8060 for status after 4 p.m.
Thursday, July 09, 2009 12:00 AM	Anna Dean Farm Centennial Presentation	Anna Dean Farm Barn No. 1, Barberton
The Barberton Historical Society will host a brand new slide presentation on the construction of O.C. Barber's Anna Den Farm, on Thursday, July 9. The presentation is Free and open to people of all ages. Barn No. 1 is at 115 Third Street, SE, at the corner of Third and Portsmouth Avenue. Everyone is asked to bring a folding or lawn chair to sit on. for more information, visit Barbertonhistsoc@aol.com.

Job Postings for Week of June 29th

Employer: Tech Center
Position: Medical Biller
Details: Full Time
For More Info: Call 330-762-6212

Employer: Tech Center
Position: Factory Machinist
Requirements: Knowledge of CNC and Lathe
For More Info: Call 330-762-6212

Employer: Tech Center
Position: Mailroom Clerk/Operator
Details: Full Time
For More Info: Call 330-762-6212

Position: Operator/Mechanic
Requirements: Must have experience
Details: Full Time
For More Info: Email proexc1@yahoo.com

Position: Call Center Representative
Requirements: Good Customer Service Skills
Details: Flexible Schedule
For More Info: Call 330-869-9249

Enter CVMS Poetry Contest - Help us Win

Hi, this is a challenge to all you poets out there! Community Voice Mail is hosting a nationwide poetry contest and you are invited to describe “the heart of CVM” in a poem!

All poems must be 4-8 lines long. You can submit your poem directly by emailing it to info@cvm.org or you can send the poem to me and I will submit it for you. When entering the contest, you will need to give your full name & location, and your CVM number.

If the winning poem comes from CVM Summit, the CTK Foundation will split $10,000 between the National CVM office and the CVM Summit Program! That money will be used to help fund CVM service for you and the 40,000 other users nationwide!

And check this out … the winning poem will become the basis of a song, written and produced by Los Lonely Boys! Los Lonely Boys will even make it into a video for community awareness about CVM.

The deadline for this contest is July 13th, so don’t delay, because that is only two weeks away! (Hey, maybe I’m a poet but just didn’t know it!).

OK, the challenge is on! Be deep, be zany, rhyme or don’t rhyme … just write a poem about why Community Voice Mail is important to you and let’s win this contest!

Education Opportunities

Akron Institute of Herzing College
1600 South Arlington Rd.
Akron, Ohio 44306

Areas of Interest:

• Medical Assisting
• Dental Assisting
• Medical Billing
• Insurance Coding
• Computer Networking
• Security Technology
• Nursing
• Business Administration

Financial Aid ( for those who qualify)
Placement Assistance
Convenient Location
Day and Evening classes available

For more information please call 1-888-639-5627 or visit: www.akroninstitute.com

Job Postings for Week of June 29th

Employer: IncoCision
Position: Call Center Representative
Details: Full or Part Time Positions
Requirements: Must have excellent communication skills
For More Information: call 1-800-210-6269 ext. 9294

Employer: Champion Windows
Position: Window Installers
Details: Full Time Positions
Requirements: Must have own tools and truck
For More Info: Call Dave 330-678-2345

Position: Leasing Agent
Details: Part Time
Requirements: Must work occasional Saturdays
For More Info: Fax Resume 330-491-1559

Employer: ACS Industries
Position: Laborer
Details: Entry Level - Full Time
Requirements: Must work first shift
For More Info:
Apply In Person
ACS Industries
2151 Mogadore Rd.
Kent, Ohio 44240
9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Employer: Vector Marketing
Position: Customer Service
Details: Flexible Schedule
Requirements: Excellent Customer Service
For More Info: call 330-836-0455

Position: Laborer
Requirements: Valid Drivers License and Own Transportation
For More Info:
Send Resume to
F.O.A.
PO Box 3709
Akron, Ohio 44314