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I am a social worker who is interested in learning more about others' situations involving individuals with dual diagnoses, specifically, developmental disabilities and mental illness.  Over the past several years, I have come across many individuals whose needs are inadequately addressed due to a division in services between OMH and OMR.  Many of these individuals fall between the cracks and suffer tremendously, often times at the hands of service providers who are unequipped to meet their unique needs.  In the field, it is known that as cognitive impairments increase the likelihood of mental illness increases as well.  Yet, there are few agencies who successfully treat and address both needs of their clients.  I want to hear about others' experiences as workers, service providers, individuals, family members, and care providers.

I have experienced alot in my short 34 years. I had my daughter when I was 16 years old, moved into my first apartment at 17. I have lived life in a stable situation, and lived just one paycheck away from being homeless. All this has taught me is to be a stronger, more resourceful person. If I had to do it all over again with the information that I have now, it would be a piece of cake. I decided that I wanted to help people so I went back to college and am getting my degree in Human Services. This is a great profession for me as it has always been my dream to give back to the community that got me to where I am today. Today, I know where to get the things I need with no money. Almost any item that I can think of, there is a way to get it for very little if any money out of your pocket. This isnt a get rich scheme, and there is no red tape....its just a little bit of common sense. So, each week I will share a secret with you, we will be discussing it in detail, and soon you too will enjoy the extra cash in your pocket for these things you will not have to purchase....Save me to your favorite places, because odds are, there will be something on here that you didnt know about and could use!

The department of human resources in your state (or what ever Social Services goes by where you are) is a good place to start if you are having a problem. They even have emergency help for that once in a blue moon kind of thing. Be careful though because many states have a "life time limit" now, so if there is another way...

The phone book should have food bank listings though honestly around the holidays they are a bit hard to get help from them after a certain date. Also they tend to run a bit low in the summer when people forget that people get hungry. (So in July, if you have something to spare it's a great time to donate to your local food bank.)

If you or your child has a disability get to Social Security as soon as you can because even though it takes a minute to get approved, they take it all the way back to when you filed.

There are programs to help you get re-trained if you've lost your job. I need to look into the how and where of them so I'll get back to you on that.

Faith based groups often have programs or can tell you where there is help. Churches are great and there are even pagan centered programs here in the greater Detroit area. I'll post that at a later date also.

If you know there is a lay off coming try to set aside and buy ahead. I know when you are living pay check to paycheck that's hard but it's worth it when you are trying to pay those bills on a 40-60% of your pay. Green beans on sale? Buy an extra can for the Lay Off shelf. We wouldn't have made it through July without plotting ahead and the help of a good friend or two.

Your child's school is likely to have a few resources too, so check with them. It's better if you go to the social worker or a trusted teacher if you can.

There is programs to help with the heating and electric bills. The company them selves may have a program in place. There may be a state program.

Check into things BEFORE the crap hits the fan if you can. If you know that lay off is coming see if there is a program with the utility company that allows you to make a budget style payment. That way you are ahead of the game.

Sometimes there is no warning (like my hubby's recent 3 month sick leave) so it helps to keep a bit extra in the pantry. It's like not letting your gas tank get empty. Try to keep a little extra in the cabinet just in case. The kind of food that costs little but can go far... like rice, is a great extra food.

Hello All

My wife and I have been in ministry together for over 20yrs.  Not the tradidional church ministry, ministry for us has taken on the form of Human Services.  I have been in dirct care serving youth for over 20yrs, and my wife has been in direct care and working to build a community health center.  We have been blessed tremendously by touching many people's lives in a personal way.  For the past 2 years we have been working with youth who are considered to be high level who need specialized intervention in their lives.  The theraputic model we use with these kids is the Stress Model developed by Dr. Bryan Post.  We are working with Dr. Post to establish group homes in which we will work to meet the needs of kids that do not fit in traditional foster famiies because of their needs.  During the time of establishing these homes, my wife and I need personal financing as well as finances to sustain the group homes until they can generate enough funding to be self-sufficient.  One idea we had about this work being funded is for persons who have an interest in youth serving work and have the money to invest is to, set up an account with two million dollars, and allow us to used the interest generated from it for two years. The principle investement would go back to the person, or persons making the investment after two years.

By God's grace if willing investers in this idea read this and are willing to work with us, I can be reached at  mulima1@yahoo.com, or by phone 765 425 6021.

Thank you

 I am certified in crisis intervention for domestic violence and diversity training. I have a Bachelor in Public Administration/ Health Care, a Masters in Public Administration/ Organizational Management w/a minor in Clinical Psychology. My experience spans nearly 20 years and includes populations such as Substance Abuse, HIV/AIDS, at risk Youth, Community Corrections and the Homeless. I'm actually considering goin back to school in the fall for a PhD. in Public Policy for Human Services. Three years ago my health failed me and I have since been diagnosed permenantly disabled. So for right now my focus is on funding; to set my living expences right, to kick start my own consultant agency and of course to help pay for school.