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Community Resources for Independent Living

Recent News

Possible Reprieve for IHSS Trigger Cuts - On December 1, the U.S. District Court issued a
Temporary Restraining Order stopping the state from sending out notices to IHSS recipients about the pending cuts. The Order was issued in response to a suit filed by Disability Rights California asking the court to block the planned 20% reduction in hours. A hearing is set for January 19th, when the Judge will consider issuing an injunction that would block the state from cutting IHSS hours.

Prepare to Prosper! 
When you make your next shopping list, remember to add one of these emergency preparedness items to it.  Some gently used items, like camping supplies, can be found a second-hand stores.  After six months, you will have a “Ready Go Kit” to help you prosper when an emergency or disaster occurs! 

• Whistle
• First Aid kit
• Granola Bars / Beef Jerky / Canned Meats
• Bottled Water
• Plastic Ziplock Baggies / Large Trash Bags
• Small Fire Extinguisher (ABC)
• Battery-powered Radio
•  “Rescue My Pet” Signs + Pet Food
• Pocketknife / Toolset / Can Opener
• Flashlights of all sizes + Batteries
• Glow Light Sticks
• Camping Gear (tarp, sleeping bag, Sterno stove, tent)

Did you know that CRIL offers FREE Disaster Preparedness workshops at various locations throughout the year?  If you want to attend a workshop and receive a free 3-day emergency food and water kit, contact Abril Tamayo, Tri-Valley Coordinator, at 510-881-5743 x 5941or 925-371-1531 or Abril.Tamayo@cril-online.org to sign up!

Please mark your calendars and RSVP for the following upcoming, free events and workshops:

* January - April, 2012: FREE Tax Preparation Services through the Earn It, Keep It, Save It! program. 
CRIL is a certified EKS site for free tax preparation services for qualifying low-income Alameda County residents. If you are low-income and had any earned income during the 2010 year, you may qualify for earned income tax credits and a refund!  Call CRIL in early January 2012 to find out if you qualify and to secure a tax appointment date with one of our IRS-certified tax preparers.  Languages spoken: English, Spanish, Cantonese.
WHEN:      January 27th - April 13th
DAYS:        Mondays and Fridays
TIME:         3:00 - 7:00 PM
WHERE:    CRIL's Hayward office; 439 A Street, Hayward, CA 94541
RSVP - BY APPOINTMENT ONLY: Call 510-881-5743

* January 18, 2012: Care Provider Support Group
This is a monthly support group for attendants and home care workers. Learn new skills and tips to improve your homemaking and personal care tasks.
WHEN:        Wednesday, January 18, 2012 + every third Wednesday of each month
TIME:          2:00 - 4:30 PM
WHERE:     CRIL's Hayward office:  439 A Street, Hayward, CA 94541
RSVP:         For more information or to register, please contact Esperanza Diaz-Alvarez: 510-881-5743 x 5938 or Esperanza.Diaz-Alvarez@cril-online.org  

* January 20, 2012: Attendant Management Workshop
Do you need help with household chores or personal care?  Do you have a difficult time finding, hiring, supervising or firing a care provider?  Then this FREE workshop is for you!  Come and learn helpful tips on effectively hiring and managing a home care worker.
See attached flyer for more information: CLICK HERE for PDF.  CLICK HERE for accessible text.
WHEN:        Friday, January 20, 2012
TIME:          2:00 - 4:30 PM
WHERE:     CRIL's Hayward office:  439 A Street, Hayward, CA 94541
RSVP:         For more information or to register, please contact Esperanza Diaz-Alvarez: 510-881-5743 x 5938 or Esperanza.Diaz-Alvarez@cril-online.org  

* January 24, 2012: Next Alameda County VOAD Meeting! 
Please join us for our next Alameda County-wide meeting of faith and community based agencies interested in participating in a collaborative approach to responding to local emergencies and disasters. 
WHEN:        Tuesday, January 24, 2012 (NOTE: Date change)
TIME:           9:30 – 11:00 AM (coffee and snacks provided)
WHERE:     San Leandro Library: 300 Estudillo Avenue, San Leandro, CA 94577 (free parking)
PRESENTERS: YOU!  Everyone will have a chance to share a little bit about the resources from your organization.  Simply bring your self and be ready to share. Learn from two amazing community organizations about the role they play during a disaster and how you can partner together: Church of Latter Day Saints and United Sikhs
RSVP :        ALCOVOAD@gmail.com

* Ongoing: Job Club / Employment Support Group - NEW beginning in January 2012! 
Are you interested in obtaining assistance and support with Job Search Skills, Local Job Leads, Resume Creation and Updates, Interviewing Skills and Tips or just thinking about getting a part-time or full-time job?  Then come to CRIL’s new Job Club on the first Wednesday of each month!
WHEN:      Wednesdays + every first Wednesday of each month
TIME:         3:00 – 5:00 PM
WHERE:    CRIL’s Livermore branch office:  3311 Pacific Avenue, Livermore, CA 94550
RSVP:        For more information or to register, please contact Alejandra Hernandez: 510-881-5743 x 5944 or 925-371-1532 or Alejandra.Hernandez@cril-online.org

* Ongoing:  Weekly Independent Living Skills Classes
Increase your independence, self-reliance and knowledge through weekly life skill classes: money management & budgeting, disability benefits, self-advocacy and employment skills/job readiness.  Classes are FREE.
Please RSVP your attendance. 
WHEN:      Fridays
TIME:         3:30 - 5:00 PM
WHERE:   CRIL’s Hayward office:  439 A Street, Hayward 94541
RSVP:       Wayland Wong:  510-881-5743 x 5935 or Wayland.Wong@cril-online.org  

* Ongoing: Disability Benefits 101
Learn about eligibility and coverage changes to Medi-Cal and Medicare, SSI, In-Home Supportive Services, and other disability benefits. Please RSVP your attendance.
WHEN:      Thursdays
TIME:         2:00 - 3:30 PM
WHERE:    CRIL's Hayward office: 439 A Street, Hayward, CA 94541
RSVP:       Wayland Wong: 510-881-5743 x 5935 or Wayland.Wong@cril-online.org

* More information about these and other events in the 2011-12 winter/spring edition of CRIL News!