Alyssa Bordeleau

The Community Immigration Law Center (CILC) offers free legal help with immigration issues. CILC provides legal information regarding immigration to individuals and groups who might otherwise not have access to the legal system. CILC does this through walk-in legal clinics, know-your-rights presentations, and other community education and outreach activities. CILC grew out of a series of meetings with people from various legal, social, and faith-based organizations who shared a concern about the lack of affordable legal services for noncitizens in our community.

Spanish-language interpreters will be available. If you require interpretation in another language, please contact us ahead of time and we will arrange for a qualified interpreter to be there. Childcare is not provided. CILC’s services are free! However, as a non-profit organization, donations are welcome and encouraged.

SERVICES

• Brief consultations on basic legal immigration issues.
• Case assessment and legal advice provided by our volunteer immigration lawyers.
• Assistance with immigration forms and fillings.

WHAT TO BRING

• Copies of all documents relating to your immigration case.
• Copies of all documents relating to any criminal cases you may have had.
• Any other documents relating to your case that you think might be important or about which you have questions.

The Center is open to the public the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month.
Hours: 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
First come, first served. No appointments needed.

Contact Information:
Community Immigration Law Center
C/O Christ Presbyterian Church
994 East Gorham Street
Madison, WI 53703
Tel: (608) 257-4845
Fax: (608) 257-4490

El Centro Comunitario Legal de Inmigración provee información legal sobre asuntos migratorios a personas y a grupos que de otra manera no tendrían acceso al sistema legal. CILC cumple con este propósito a través de una clínica legal, orientaciones a los derechos de los inmigrantes y otras actividades de orientación para la comunidad.  El CILC se estableció como consecuencia de una serie de reuniones entre personas de varias organizaciones legales, sociales y religiosas que se preocupaban por la escasez de asesoría legal para grandes números de personas del extranjero de nuestras comunidades.

Habrá intérpretes de habla española. El CILC no provee cuidado de niños. Los servicios del CILC son gratuitos. Sin embargo, siendo una organización sin fines de lucro, el CELC acepta donaciones.

SERVICIOS

• Consultas breves y confidenciales sobre asuntos migratorios
• Evaluación de casos por abogados de inmigración
• Ayuda con formularios de inmigración

TRAER CONSIGO

• Copias de toda documentación relacionada a su caso de inmigración
• Copias de toda documentación relacionada a cualquier caso penal que haya tenido
• Cualquier otra documentación relacionada a su caso que le parezca importante o sobre la cual tiene dudas

La clínica se dan el segundo y el cuarto viernes de cada mes de las dos hasta las cinco de la tarde en la iglesia Christ Presbyterian Church, ubicada en 944 East Gorham, en Madison.

Jim Krueger

I remember my father talking about being ready to retire from his job and my mother responding with “What are you going to do when you retire? You need to find something to do before you retire.” My father would then rattle of a few things he would do and my mother would tell him those things would only keep him busy for a few months, and then what would he do? Too many people get so engaged in their jobs that they forego learning new hobbies or doing other things they enjoy. When they finally do retire they have nothing to fall back on to keep them active and engaged in the larger community. They spend a great deal of time at home sitting around, watching TV and complaining that they have nothing to do. They are hesitant to try new things or engage in things they have not done for a long time. Soon their health and their mind start to deteriorate and life just isn’t very fun anymore but they will continue to live on for a number of years longer.  As we begin talking about retirement we need to prepare for all of the changes that it brings to make it a more enjoyable and less stressful time in our lives.

Beginning in February of 2012, the North/Eastside Senior Coalition will host a Preparing for Retirement Series on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at the Warner Park Community Recreation Center. Begin to evaluate and plan your financial health, mental health, physical health, travel opportunities, hobbies, volunteerism, wills and trusts, and getting your home ready for retirement. The series is intended for adults (and their loved ones) thinking about retiring in the next five years or so but is open to all ages.  Pre-registration is required for each of the seminars and space is limited. Check out the Golden Times or the NESCO website next month for more details. Happy Holidays to you and your family.

Jim Krueger, NESCO Programs Director

Laura Sherrington

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 605 Spruce St., Madison WI 53715, 608-251-8405
Offers a free traditional Thanksgiving meal, held at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 605 Spruce St, Madison. Meal served 12:00 pm-1:00 pm on Thanksgiving Day 2011. Everyone in the community is invited to attend. No advanced reservations are required to attend the meal. Homebound people may request home-delivered holiday dinners. Call South Madison Coalition of the Elderly at (608)251-8405 by Monday, November 21, to request home delivery if elderly or handicapped.

First Congregational Church, 1609 University Ave, Madison, WI 53726, 608-233-9751
Offers a free traditional Thanksgiving meal of turkey, potatoes, and gravy, stuffing, rolls, and pumpkin pie. Meal is served 12:00pm-3:00 pm on Thanksgiving Day 2011. Everyone in the community is invited to attend. No advanced reservations are required to attend the meal. For those who are lacking  transportation, home delivery in Madison is available by calling (608)233-9751 by 4:30 pm on Monday November 21.

First United Methodist Church, 203 Wisconsin Ave, Madison, WI 53703, 608-256-4357
Offers a free traditional Thanksgiving meal.  Doors open at 10:30 and the meal served 12:00pm-2:00pm on Thanksgiving Day 2011. Everyone in the community is invited to attend. No advance reservations are requires to attend the meal. Homebound people may request home- delivered holiday dinners. Call (608)256-4357 Wednesday, November 23, 3:00pm-5:00pm, to request home delivery.

Lakeview Lutheran Church, 4001 Mandrake Road, Madison, WI 53726, 608-244-7120
Lakeview Lutheran Church is also serving a Thanksgiving meal. Call ahead, ASAP, to reserve a meal at Lakeview.

Christmas Meals (not a complete list)

 Madison Senior Center, 330 W. Mifflin St., Madison WI 53703, 608-251-8405
Offers a free traditional Christmas meal, held at the Madison Senior Center, 330 W. Mifflin  Street Madison. Meal and entertainment from 11:30-2:30 pm on Christmas Day 2011. Everyone in the community is invited to attend. Please reserve by Monday, December 19th to attend the meal and entertainment  activities. Homebound people may request transportation. Call South Madison Coalition of the Elderly at (608)251-8405 to request transportation or to reserve a meal.

First United Methodist Church, 203 Wisconsin Ave, Madison, WI 53703, 608-256-4357
Offers a free traditional Christmas meal.  Doors open at 10:30 and the meal served 12:00pm-2:00pm on Christmas Day 2011. Everyone in the community is invited to attend. No advance reservations are requires to attend the meal. Homebound people may request home-  delivered holiday dinners. Call (608)256-4357 Wednesday, November 23, 3:00pm-5:00pm, to request home delivery.

We are still working on gathering the Christmas Meal sites.

Drew Simonsen

It’s beginning to look a lot like winter.  Football season is off and running, the days are getting shorter, and the weather is getting colder.  Hope you all are staying warm and getting ready for the holiday season.

First, we would like to thank everyone who was involved with our fall fundraiser, AppleFest.  Despite the challenging road construction on Northport Drive, AppleFest was well attended this year and over $13,800 in revenues was raised.  With great prizes, baked goods, books, entertainment, and Bucky Badger, the event was great fun.  So thank you to all of the staff, volunteers, donators, and attendees for a great event.  We hope to see you all next year on September 29, 2012 for the next AppleFest.

Next on our list of things to say is, Halloween has come and gone.  We hope you had big fun at a party or trick-or-treating this year.  But the holidays are just starting.  In three weeks, Thanksgiving will be taking place.  So break out the turkey and gravy and have some fun with the family.  Then, get ready for the Christmas season.  Remember, Santa’s watching you.

NESCO will also like to spend some time with our seniors these holiday seasons.  On Tuesday, November 15^th and Tuesday, December 20^th, our senior dining site at Warner Park will be holding special holiday meals in celebration of Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Friends and family of our NESCO seniors are welcome to join us.  Please call (608) 243-5252 by noon the day before to make a reservation.  We hope to see you there.  In the mean time, stay warm.

Cheryl Batterman

Although it took us several months to find a replacement for Liz Mensing, we’ve finally hired another strong staff member!

Alyssa Bordeleau has a Bachelors in Social Work from Concordia University, with minors in Social Welfare and Justice Public Policy. She also completed Specialized Cultural and Diversity Training at the University of the Nations (Maui, HI). She has extensive experience working with senior adults through Home Instead Senior Care (caregiver), Woodside Manor Assisted Living (dietary aide), and Cedar Springs Health & Rehab Center (Social Work intern).

Alyssa is fluent in Spanish and loves to travel, as proven by her impressive and expansive travel log: Peru—Was a resident of Peru as an English Professor, studied Spanish at a Lima university, and took online classes from the United States for an entire school year; she’s also made multiple return visits. Nicaragua—Translated for a VOSH eye clinic and worked on a construction crew for a community development project/refugee camp for two weeks. Mexico—Has made multiple trips, working to develop impoverished communities, delivered basic resources to impoverished communities, and fundraised to give financial support to local programs. Philippines—Volunteered with a community development project, worked to combat social injustices with local schools, churches, and community leaders; she also taught English at an orphanage. Thailand—Raised funds to sustain a community development program established in three remote villages on the border (humanitarian trip). New Orleans—Volunteered for Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief by conducting “home visits” to members of the community (advocacy, counseling, and needs assessments).

Alyssa’s hobbies include art, photography, painting, music, and traveling. She also enjoys playing several sports: golfing, biking, hiking, softball, basketball, volleyball, and “anything outdoors.” Welcome!

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NESCO is extremely fortunate to be the hosting agency for our first Masters of Social Work student!

Porsia Vang is currently in her last year in graduate school at UW-Madison and is required to complete a 400-hour internship during the 2011-2012 academic school year. She selected NESCO for her internship due to our strong Case Management program but also our two Cultural Diversity programs (African American and Latino). Porsia is fluent in Hmong and “conversational” in Spanish—which she hopes to improve this year during her internship by working with our Spanish-speaking seniors.

Originally from Green Bay, she enjoys watching football (what a surprise!). She will work this semester on Mondays (8 am-2 pm), Wednesdays (8 am-4 pm), and Fridays (8 am-noon)—while also taking several graduate level classes! “I’m amazed with the numerous community resources for senior adults—I look forward to learning about them all during my year at NESCO,” Porsia said.

Sarah Oestmann

It’s already time again to enroll in or change your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan!  In previous years, that enrollment period has been between November 15 and December 31^st.  However, in an effort to avoid a rush of applicants so close to the holidays, the annual enrollment has been changed to October 15 through December 7^th.  This annual enrollment period is for people who already have Medicare and haven’t had a Medicare Part D Plan and need to enroll in one, or for people who want to change their Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.

How do you choose a plan?

Medicare has created a ‘plan finder’ website that allows you to search for a Prescription Drug Plan that meets your needs.  The ‘plan finder’ website can be found at : https://www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan/questions/home.aspx

How can you enroll?

In order to enroll, you will need to contact the plan provider directly and enroll either over the phone or through a paper application.

Need help searching for a plan? 

Mary Beth, a volunteer from the Madison community, will be offering her time to assist residents of the North/Eastside side, search for an appropriate plan. Mary Beth will be in the NESCO office on Tuesdays from 9am-12pm; and Wednesdays from 1pm-4pm.  Please call NESCO at 243-5252 if you are interested in setting up a time to meet with Mary Beth.

Need help paying for your prescriptions? 

You can apply for ‘Extra-Help’, also known as the ‘Low-Income Subsidy’ through the Social Security Administration Website.  You can complete this application online at http://ssa.gov/prescriptionhelp/  or you can call 1-800-772-1213.

Besides Medicare Part D, are there other options for obtaining prescription drug coverage?

Yes!  Some people choose to enroll in SeniorCare.  SeniorCare is Wisconsin’s Prescription Drug Assistance Program. Those persons 65 and older who meet the enrollment rules can enroll.  The rules are: you must be a WI resident, you must 65 years of age or older and you must pay the $30 one-time annual enrollment fees.  The amount you pay for monthly premiums, deductibles, co-pays and coinsurance depends on your income.  To learn more, you can visit the website for the department of Health and Human Services for Wisconsin at: http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/seniorcare/   or you can call the Senior Care customer service hotline at 1-800-657-2038.

Cortney Doescher-Hino

Mental Health Needs of Family Caregivers. Identifying, Engaging and Assisting.
Many family caregivers experience burden and stress. Highly stressed family caregivers are at increased risk for psychological and physical health problems, such as depression, emotional and cognitive problems, and increased rates of coronary heart disease, strokes and mortality.  The U.S. Administration on Aging, in partnership with the American Psychological Association, will hold a webinar to explore the mental health needs of family caregivers and effective interventions and resources to support those needs.

 Date: Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Time:  1 – 3 p.m. 

Webinar Overview:
Participants of this webinar will learn about:  (1) the increasing number of family caregivers and the diversity among this population and in their  experiences;  (2) the range of mental health issues that may occur in family caregivers; (3) strategies to identify and engage family caregivers experiencing strain, to overcome reluctance to utilize services, encourage self-care, and refer to mental health services when needed; (4) effective interventions that are proven to be effective in addressing caregiver stress and burden, and (5) the availability of a wealth of resources to support the strengths and address the problems of family caregivers including the American Psychological Association’s Family Caregiver Briefcase  http://www.apa.org/pi/about/publications/caregivers/index.aspx.

Presenters:       
Barry J. Jacobs, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist, family therapist, author, educator and Director of Behavioral Sciences for the Crozer-Keystone Family Medicine Residency Program in Springfield, PA

William E. Haley, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist and Professor at the University of South Florida, School of Aging Studies

Deborah A. DiGilio, MPH, Director, American Psychological Association Office on Aging and immediate past Chair of the National Coalition on Mental Health and Aging.

Moderator:       
Greg Link, MA, Aging Services Program Specialist, U.S. Administration on Aging

To register for the online event:
1. Go to https://aoa-events.webex.com/aoa-events/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=664734221
2. Click “Register”
3. Complete the registration form and click “Submit”

Once your registration is approved, you will receive a confirmation email message with instructions for how to join the event.

Sarah Holm

In these tough economic times, do you ever find yourself wondering if there is financial assistance available to you that you don’t know how to access?  You are not alone.  There are many people who are struggling to make ends meet and are not aware that there are federal, state and local programs designed to help individuals and families weather the recession.  To search for such benefits, The National Council on Aging has created ‘The Benefits CheckUp’ tool which is available on their website at: http://www.benefitscheckup.org// .  The Benefits CheckUp is set up like a survey; it will ask you a series of questions about your current income and benefits, and in the end will provide you with a summary of federal, state and county benefits for which you qualify.  Some areas of assistance that may be available to you include:  paying for prescription drugs, buying food, assistance paying your utilities, etc.   If you need assistance navigating the website or completing applications, case managers at the North/Eastside Senior Coalition are available to assist.  Please call 243-5252 and ask for the case manager on intake to set up an appointment.

Jim Krueger

“Living Well with Chronic Conditions” is a six-week series of 2 ½-hour sessions designed to empower those living with challenges such as arthritis, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, heart problems, emphysema,  cancer and others to better manage and improve their health.  Taught weekly by specially trained volunteer leaders, most of whom have health conditions themselves, the series is evidence-based and was created at Stanford University.

Participants will learn to manage their symptoms, stress, and medications, deal with depression and other emotions, set personal goals and problem solve, improve lifestyle choices and feel better about life.  “The workshops put me back in charge of my life, and I feel great,” writes one participant.  “Now I have more energy than I’ve had in years.  I’m calmer and more confident about my health,” adds another.   Members of the small-group sessions become very supportive of each other and sometimes continue to meet independently after the series has ended.

Upcoming Living Well workshops are planned throughout the Madison area.  If you or someone you know wants to ‘put life back into your life,’ call Janie at 261-9700 for more information or to sign on.

Next workshop available:

Date: Wednesdays starting the 31st of August. (31st August, 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th September, 5th October)
Time: 3-5:30pm
Location: Warner Park Community Recreation Center
To Sign Up: Call Lynne Robertson, Outreach Specialist, at 836-9810, or Janie Riebe, Aging Program Specialist at 608 261-9700.

I am interested in getting involved as a Lay Leader or my organization would like to host a Living Well with Chronic Conditions workshop.  Who should I call?

Please contact Lynne, e-mail  lrobertson@charter.net.

Laura Sherrington

As we age, we gradually lose the ability to regulate our body temperature, this causes our seniors to over dress in the summer time because they do not feel heat the same way anymore. Older skin thins and provides no protection from the sun. We all want to be comfortable and cool in the summer, here are some tips for ways to deal with the warm weather.

Tips for Dealing with Heat and Humidity:
- Eat smaller meals, more frequently.
- Drink plenty of water, especially when working outdoors or doing physical activity. Guideline: drink 8 oz. of water for every 20 minutes of activity.
- Try to complete outdoor work early or later in the day.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
- Protect your skin by wearing a wide brimmed hat and applying sunscreen continuously.
- Wear light weight, light-colored loose-fitting clothing. Cotton is considered to be the most breathable.
- Take a cold shower or bath to cool off.
- Seek shade and air to keep cool.
- In the morning, keep your house cool by drawing the blinds and drapes so the house stays darker and thus cooler.
- If you have venetian blinds, close them or angle them upwards. That way, light is reflected up and into the room and direct rays of the sun are not let in.