NYPL Blogs: Community Information

Get Moving NYC: Where’s Your Fitness Fun?

Jaqueline Woolcott, Ask NYPL — Fri, 25 May 2012 12:35:28 -0400

Every year, spring sparks my desire to get out of my stuffy apartment, stretch my legs, and enjoy what the city has to offer. I want to enjoy a little time outside or find an event that requires some movement.

Certainly getting out, exercising, and discovering a new activity has many great benefits to your general health, but finding the activity that puts a smile on your face can also give you something to look forward to after a hard day at work or add a little fun to your Mondays.

With so many positives, how can you argue?

My first spring in the city I was bit lost where to start but spotted an ad for New York City Parks and Recreation. Deciding to check it out and see what my new city's parks have to offer, I found lots of free and inexpensive fun all around the boroughs. There are some real gems out there if you're willing to go a tad off your normal trail and try something new.

Enjoyable activities in the NYC Parks and recreational centers are plentiful and waiting for you. Take a walk, join in on some African Dancing, learn to swim (or join the swim team), you can even have an adventure with a Park Ranger.

Are the programs offered not your pace? BeFitNYC invites you to create your own activity with their Facebook App.

Love the parks and want to be even more involved this season? There are lots of volunteer oppourtunities.

Parks and Rec doesn't actually plan activities for all the parks in the city. You'll want to check the offical calendars for some of the different parks throughout the city.

For instance, Bryant Park offers yoga, fencing, juggling, tai chi, and other fun activities.

Central Park has several events each month. While they don't share the same popular appeal as the events Bryant Park offers, they are a great excuse to get out and try something different or learn something new about a favorite spot. I always keep an eye on the Central Park Calendar for new and interesting walks and events.

Same goes for Prospect Park Events in Brooklyn.

New York Public Library also has health and wellness events at a few of our branches. Check out our events calendar for more information.

Need some music to get you moving? Download DRM-free music for your iPod or MP3 player with Freegal and your library card.

If these events don't fit your schedule, I've included some library materials you might find helpful.

Children's Books

The Busy Body Book: A Kid's Guide to Fitness
Rockwell, Lizzy

From Head to Toe
Carle, Eric

Get up and Go!
Nancy L. Carlson

Keeping Kids Fit: A Family Plan for Raising Active, Healthy Children
Len Saunders

Strong Kids, Healthy Kids: The Revolutionary Program for Increasing your Child's Fitness in 30 Minutes A Week
Fredrick Hahn

Teen Books

Seventeen Presents 500 Health & Fitness Tips

Breathe: Yoga for Teens
Mary Kaye Chryssicas

Toning for Teens: The 20-minute Workout That Makes You Look Good and Feel Great!
Joyce L. Vedral

Adult Books

Working Out Sucks! (and Why It Doesn't Have To) (also available as an eBook)
Chuck Runyon

LL Cool J's Platinum 360 Diet and Lifestyle: A Full-Circle Guide to Developing your Mind, Body, and Soul
LL Cool J

The Longevity Prescription: The 8 Proven Keys to A Long, Healthy Life
Robert N. Butler

Champions Body for Life: 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical Strength

Strength for Life: The Fitness Plan for the Best of your Life
Shawn Phillips

T.O.'s Finding Fitness: Making the Mind, Body, and Spirit Connection for Total Health
Terrell Owens

NYPL has more resources and fun stuff for you to check out. One of my favorite blog posts: Start a New Hobby with the Help From NYPL's Periodical Collections!

This post on 50+ Fitness Fairs also has information on local organizations that promote fitness for all ages.

Have any hidden treasures in the city for us to discover? Share in the comments.

See you outside!

Government Information: A Quick Overview of Core Resources at NYPL

Kenneth Johnson, Science, Industry and Business Library — Fri, 11 May 2012 11:59:31 -0400

Let's face it; many different research tasks cause people to want, and in a lot of cases need, government information. Government information is on the Internet: result - happiness. Government information disappears from the Internet (or becomes nearly impossible to find, which is sort of the same thing): result - unhappiness. And then there are libraries.

Libraries, and in particular the New York Public Library, have traditionally played a major role in providing government documents and other government information to researchers. NYPL has been a Depository Library (a place where government information has been officially deposited for public use) for:

United States Federal Government Documents since 1884; and
New York State Government Documents since 1956.

New York City: Although we are not a depository for New York City (for that, visit the City Hall Library), we have thirstily collected local documents and information as fully as has been feasible.

Other States and Local Jurisdictions: NYPL, primarily in the General Research Division at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, has selective holdings of older, historical, legislative materials from other states — a fabulous trove of resources available at few other institutions. SIBL has a strong collection in labor and other economic data for other states, including through our statistical databases.

International Organizations - a quick list:

United Nations: full depository since 1946; partial depository since 1995.
European Union: depository since the mid 1950s.
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
International Monetary Fund
World Bank

Other Countries: Last but not least, SIBL has substantial holdings for financial, labor, economic and general statistical material, including Central Bank publications. Holdings for legislative materials of other countries are currently part of collections in the General Research Division at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building.

As the title of this post states, this is only a very quick overview of government information sources. It will be the first entry in a series of explorations of government information, and in particular of the highly in demand historical legislative materials available at SIBL and other NYPL locations. So stay tuned...

How to Research and Employ an Attorney

Matthew Boylan, Ask NYPL — Mon, 07 May 2012 11:10:21 -0400

At some time in their life, most New York City residents will need to employ an attorney. This may reflect the need to make a will, a landlord-tenant dispute, a divorce, an accusation that one has committed a crime or as a result of a foreclosure or a business dispute. While there are certain legal resources available to those who have limited financial means and there are always attorneys from the larger and more expensive law firms who are employed by landlords, banks, corporations or the wealthy, many other New Yorkers may have a need for legal representation and may not know how or where to find it.

In New York City, there are resources for those of moderate means who need to find an attorney, and then wish to find out more about that attorney. For example, one can obtain the name of a lawyer or law practice, contact information and often certain other background information including education and practice specialties at the Science, Industry and Business Library ("SIBL") of the New York Public Library by consulting the current and back editions of the Martindale-Hubble Law Directory in print or online. It is also possible to do one's own legal research at SIBL. Other online directories that permit you to search for an attorney by practice area and location are the FindLaw Lawyer Directory and HG.org.

If you are thinking of employing any attorney — whether obtained from a directory or other source — you should first verify the most basic information about him or her: whether the lawyer is licensed to practice in the State of New York; office location, the number of years in practice, and law school. This information is always available at the Attorney Search database maintained by the Uniform Court System of the State of New York or by contacting attyreg@courts.state.ny.us or 212-428-2800.

You may wish to contact the Referral Service of the New York City Bar ("LRS") that is available by telephone at: (212) 626-7373 and in Spanish at: (212) 626-7374. There is no charge for the conversation or the referral. Any attorney that LRS refers you to holds a license, is not the subject of any malpractice or disciplinary proceeding and has experience with the relevant legal issue. You are then entitled to an initial consultation of up to a half hour with the lawyer you are referred to. That consultation is free if it concerns an injury due to an accident or a faulty product, the negligence of a doctor, or a worker's compensation or Social Security claim. If you obtain a referral about any other legal problem, a half hour consultation will cost $35.

The LRS also frequently runs at no charge a "Monday Night Clinic." At this clinic — which does require an appointment in advance at LRS telephone numbers above — an attorney will meet with you for a half hour at no charge to discuss specific issues: Landlord-Tenant; Family Law (Divorce; Child Support; Domestic Violence); Consumer Rights (including Foreclosure, Credit Card Debt and Consumer Fraud); Bankruptcy Proceedings and Employment Rights and Discrimination in the Workplace (as to Race, Sex or Sexual Preference).

Other ways a New York City resident may obtain legal representation:

If you employ an attorney to represent you, any fee — whether in a civil or a criminal action — may be the subject of a negotiation.
There are a number of programs for those over age 60 with no means test, including those of the New York City Department for the Aging. Other programs address: Medicare, Medigap and Medicaid, Consumer Fraud, Living Wills and Powers of Attorney and other legal issues that affect those over 60.
Contingent Fee Matters where there is no "upfront" payment by the client. If you have been harmed by another (e.g., in an automobile accident, at the workplace, or by a doctor) an attorney may represent you on a contingent fee basis (at no cost to you — unless you obtain a Judgment or Settlement from the responsible party — in which case the attorney may receive up to one third of the recovery.) Attorneys advertise to obtain clients on this basis. However, it is always a good idea to check the attorney's level of experience, areas of expertise and honesty.
There is also an effort to provide those of moderate means with greater access to legal assistance on certain matters: Consumer's Rights, Family Law Issues, Home Mortgage Foreclosures, Bankruptcy, and Small Business issues. Many organizations that provide legal assistance to those of lesser means are flexible with respect to means tests.

How to Find Free or Low Cost Legal Services in New York City

Matthew Boylan, Ask NYPL — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:20:04 -0400

These services are generally available only to those of limited financial means. However, there are also certain legal services that are available for those of moderate means. If you are a person of limited financial means who faces a civil legal issue — one that is not a criminal offense — certainly the most comprehensive source of information about your legal rights is LawHelp.org. Its assistance is also available in Spanish at AyudaLegalNY.org. If you click on words, terms or agencies on this website, you will encounter a variety of providers of legal assistance to tenants, consumers, senior citizens, small business owners and victims of discrimination. Certain organizations specialize in providing legal assistance to persons who encounter specific problems with the law. A very partial list of these organizations would include:

Civil and Other Actions

Landlord-Tenant Disputes: Manhattan, Bronx, Staten Island, Brooklyn and Queens
Divorce: Basic Information, Child and Spousal Support, Other Legal Channels and Custody and Visitation
Gender: Sex Based Discrimination, Filing a Complaint: Federal, State, New York City
Sexual Orientation: Filing a Complaint: State, City and Civil Rights Generally
Domestic Violence: Hotline: 800-799-SAFE, Legal Assistance and Shelters
Immigration Issues: "Green Card", Working, Deportation and Removal
Discrimination and Civil Rights: Racial or Ethnic, at the Federal, State and City levels
Disabilities: Rights and Representation, Filing a Complaint: Federal, State and City
Other Civil Actions: LawHelp.org and Legal Services NYC

Telephone Help: Another immediate source of free legal advice for income for New York City residents in English or in Spanish is the New York City Bar's Legal Hotline that operates Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at: 212-626-7383. And another excellent source of information for those of low income facing civil or criminal issues is The Legal Aid Society of New York and you may telephone that organization in English or in Spanish at: 212-577-3300.

If you wish to research the law yourself, a great deal of New York legal research may be conducted at The Science, Industry and Business Library of The New York Public Library.

How is "Limited Means" defined by those who provide legal services to New York City residents?

The various providers of legal services to the indigent generally define this by the use of specific "Income Guidelines" that — in an attempt to recognize the high cost of living in New York City — are often set at 125% or 187.5% or 200% of what the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services determines are the 2012 poverty guidelines.

"Moderate Means" There has also been an effort by The New York City Bar Association Justice Center and other organizations to provide people of moderate means with greater access to legal assistance with certain family law issues, home mortgage foreclosures and certain issues confronting small business owners.

Criminal Actions

Every person charged with a crime of consequence in the State of New York has the right to an attorney. In the Unified Court System of the State of New York and within the New York City Criminal Court the court may appoint an attorney to represent you. Many of those with limited financial resources charged with various criminal offenses at the state and city level are represented by members of The Legal Aid Society that has branches in all five boroughs.

In certain cases, the court may also appoint a lawyer under a program commonly known as "18B." A variety of other organizations also provide free or low cost representation to criminal defendants including in Manhattan the New York County Defender Services, Bronx Defenders, Brooklyn Defenders and the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers maintains a Directory of other organizations that represent indigent defendants.

At certain times an attorney in private practice may be appointed or otherwise represent a criminal defendant "pro bono" — that is, in the public interest and not for a fee. If you are charged with a federal crime, the federal district court or appellate court may appoint a member of the Federal Defenders of New York for the Southern and Eastern Districts that provides counsel to residents of all five boroughs.

The Correctional Services Program of the New York Public Library also provides a variety of books and other useful information to those who are currently incarcerated in federal, state and city facilities as well as Connections [PDF] to help the recently released seek work.

LawHelp.org also assists those who need to understand the civil consequences of a criminal charge or conviction.

Legal Resources at NYPL and Elsewhere in New York City

Matthew Boylan, Ask NYPL — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 13:28:53 -0400

Without a doubt, the best location in the New York Public Library to conduct legal research about legal issues that arise in either the state or the city of New York is the Science Industry and Business Library. SIBL has a selective law library that contains such essential New York legal research tools as McKinney’s Consolidated Statutes of New York (annotated with New York and federal cases and state agencies that cite the statutes) and these statutes online without annotations.

Visit the Science Industry and Business Library for:

most of the decisions of the Unified Court System of the State of New York including the decisions of this state’s highest court, the Court of Appeals, that are available in print and online since 1990, the Appellate Division decisions are also available in print and online since 2003 and the New York Supplement also includes certain other New York decisions.
many New York City laws including the Charter and Administrative Code that includes the Building and the Construction Codes with a print index or that are available online as well as the Zoning Resolution and Updates and the local laws and many other New York City ordinances and regulations.
all published opinions of the federal courts including the United States Reports of the Supreme Court in print and electronically since 1893, the Federal Reporter Series, the Federal Supplement and a comprehensive guide to research in the Congressional Record.
a number of legal manuals and other works designed for the non-lawyer that are useful for legal research that may be found in the Catalog as well as useful pathfinders Legal Materials on the Web and Government. And there are numerous NYPL databases that address law and related matters as well as good sources of information on the internet.

SIBL does not have access to Lexis/Nexis or Westlaw. However, a great deal of legal research can be conducted online at FindLaw’s Cases and Codes that provides access to many federal, state and municipal decisions, statutes and ordinances. Also, those in need of the law of other jurisdictions and more obscure practice manuals or law reviews may obtain a METRO card from the NYPL for onsite research at law school libraries in New York City.

Outside the New York Public Library, each of the five boroughs of New York City are also separate Counties of New York State. And each one has a Public Access Law Library listed by county name: Manhattan (New York County), the Bronx (Kings County), Staten Island (Richmond County), Brooklyn (Kings County) and Queens (Queens County) that can be found in this Directory of the New York State Unified Court System that are open to the public during business hours and that do have access to Lexis/Nexis and limited access to Westlaw.

The Legal Information Institute of Cornell Law School also includes a wide variety of federal and state case law and legislation. And the United States Department of Justice maintains a list of “Open Access” law reviews and journals. Google Scholar also provides access to certain law journals and the alumni of any university that has a law school may have access to its law libraries.

50+ Fitness Fairs: Free and Low-cost Activities to Get (or Keep!) You Fit

Brigid Cahalan, Teaching & Learning, Literacy and Outreach — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:01:57 -0400

It’s official: Spring is here! As I peer into its etymology, I see the English word "spring" comes from the Old English "springan," which means “to leap, burst forth, fly up.” I have indeed been seeing New Yorkers bursting forth from their abodes in short sleeves and sandals, ready to enjoy the (even) warmer weather. Maybe the leaping and flying up will come later.

Three of NYPL’s branches will be hosting 50+ Fitness Fairs to share spaces and ways for New Yorkers to not only leap, but walk, hike, canoe, swim, lift weights, kayak, exercise, and enjoy nature right here in the Big Apple. St. Agnes Library will kick off the fun on Wednesday, April 11, followed by Mosholu Library in the Bronx on Saturday, April 14, and 96th Street Library on Saturday, April 28.

What’s happening at the fairs? A lot of organizations will be coming with — or sending — information, including maps and schedules of upcoming activities.

Find out what’s happening at:

There will be exercise demonstrations/workshops, giveaways, free raffles, inspirational presentations, and FUN!

See you there!

Winter Storms Can Be Hazardous to Your Federal Benefit Check!

Brigid Cahalan, Teaching & Learning, Literacy and Outreach — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 07:58:37 -0500

I'd like to share an important message on behalf of Go Direct®, a campaign of the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Bank from guest blogger Michelle Kloempken, campaign manager for Go Direct®.

With electronic payments, you can count on your money despite severe weather.

If you get federal benefit payments by paper checks, you should know that you are required by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to switch to an electronic payment method. By getting your money electronically, you will help save taxpayers millions of dollars each year. You must make the switch by March 1, 2013, but you don’t have to wait for the deadline. The winter months are the perfect time to switch and take advantage of the reliability and ease of electronic payments.

Ice, snow, and subzero temperatures can leave you trapped in your home and temporarily interrupt important services like mail delivery. If you rely on paper checks for your federal benefit payments, a winter storm can leave you without access to your money at a time when you need it most.

With electronic payments, your money won’t be slowed down by winter weather and you won’t need to leave your home to cash or deposit a check. To switch to direct deposit or the Direct Express® card, contact your federal benefit agency office, visit the Treasury Department’s Go Direct® campaign website, or call the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center at (800) 333-1795. For direct deposit to a checking or savings account, you can also make the switch at your local bank or credit union.

Also, see this blog post on the topic from Rosie Rios, Treasurer of the United States.

Legal Aid and Information in New York City

Ursula Murphy — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 09:42:12 -0500

From criminal cases to income tax law, legal issues are part of our everyday life. Finding the information you need can be confusing and difficult. Luckily there are organizations in the city to help you out at no or low cost. Here are a few to turn to if you need legal help.

New York Bar Association Services
The New York Bar Association offers a number of free services to the public: legal referrals, an advice hotline and access to a variety of informative legal clinics. If you need a lawyer and don’t know where to turn, the Bar Association makes referrals for insured, interested attorneys, who have been pre-screened for suitability and experience for your specific legal matter. There is no cost for a referral. Call 212-626-7373 (Hablamos español? 212-626-7374)

The City Bar Justice Center Hotline (212-626-7383) is a free advice telephone line dedicated to low-income NYC residents. The hotline connects you with counselors, attorneys and paralegals. Counselors will provide free simple legal advice on a range of civil issues such as family law, consumer debt, bankruptcy, employment and landlord-tenant law. Counselors are available to answer questions: Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 pm. New York Bar Association Law Clinics Monday Night Law Clinic This free clinic runs from October through August. It is scheduled on specific nights throughout each month. At the clinic, attorneys will meet with clients for one-half hour appointments to discuss a variety of legal topics, such as bankruptcy, consumer issues, matrimonial, basic employment and landlord-tenant. There is no charge for this service. A client must schedule an appointment for the Monday Night Clinic through the LRS hotline 212-626-7373 (English), 212-626-7374 (Spanish). Walk-ins are not permitted. Brown Bag Law Lunch The Legal Referral Service sponsors a speaker’s bureau called Brown Bag Law Lunch. Through this program, your office, community group, school, or organization can schedule a skilled attorney to give a free presentation on any area of law you may wish. Each presentation is followed by a question and answer session, and the entire program can be completed in one hour. Brown Bag Law is a public service; attorney speakers will not solicit business from workshop attendees. Our enjoyable, innovative presentations are designed to answer basic questions about topics ranging from “When and How to Hire a Lawyer” to “Estate Planning” to “The ABC’s of Buying a House/Coop/Condo.” Legal Referral Service is happy to tailor a speaking engagement to suit your needs, and we look forward to having an opportunity to visit with your group or organization. For more information or to schedule a guest speaker, please contact Allen Charne at 212-382-6775. Tax Clinic The Tax Clinic is a component of Monday Night Law and meets on designated dates each month. At the Tax Clinic, individuals may meet with a lawyer for a one half-hour session to discuss their federal, state or city tax questions and concerns that affect their individual or business tax status. There is no charge for this service. A client must schedule an appointment for the Tax Clinic through the LRS hotline 212-626-7373 (English), 212-626-7374 (Spanish). Walk-ins are not permitted. The New York Bar Association also publishes informational materials on subjects from Animal Rights to Wills and Estates. Legal Services NYC Legal Services offers free legal help to the public for housing, family, domestic violence, public benefits, income tax, employment, education, consumer rights and economic development issues. Legal Services NYC is “the largest organization exclusively devoted to providing free civil legal services in the United States, with neighborhood offices in every borough of New York City.” For more detailed information, visit their website. Legal Aid Society The Legal Aid Society also provides legal services to low income families and individuals living in New York City. They have a “comprehensive city-wide legal services program for clients centering on three major practices - Civil, Criminal, and Juvenile Rights. Society staff members represent clients at literally every level of the State and federal trial and appellate courts as well as in State and federal administrative proceedings.” "The Civil Practice represents low-income families and individuals in legal matters involving housing, benefits, disability, domestic violence, family issues, health, employment, immigration, HIV/AIDS, prisoners' rights and elderlaw. The Criminal Practice provides representation in criminal trials and appeals as well as parole revocation defense hearings. The Juvenile Rights Practice provides representation for children who appear before the Family Court in matters involving child protective proceedings, juvenile delinquency, and PINS (people in need of supervision) and in appellate cases involving children.” LawHelp.org An online tool to connect the public with legal information nationwide, “LawHelp.org provides referrals to local legal aid and public interest law offices, basic information about legal rights, self-help information, court information, links to social service agencies, and more in your state.” Contact nyinfo@lawhelp.org for more information. For Spanish, visit www.ayudalegalny.org.

NYC Civil Service Examinations

Ursula Murphy — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 08:36:11 -0500

Many jobs within the City of New York government are filled through competitive, citywide examinations, which are administered by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services or DCAS. Positions like Police Officer, School Safety Agent and Correction Officer are all filled on a yearly civil service exam schedule. Take a look at the exams for jobs booklet or this informational website if you have additional questions. Also available through DCAS, scheduled licensing exams for skilled tradespeople. Check here for general licensing examination requirements.

You can apply to take an exam with the City of New York Online Application System or OAS or by printing out a copy of this form and sending it in. Or request a copy of the application be sent to you along with a self-addressed stamped envelope to DCAS Application Unit, 1 Centre Street, 14th floor, New York, NY 10007, postmarked no later than the application deadline. Be sure to check the requirements before applying.

There are two testing locations, 210 Joralemon Street in Brooklyn, or 2 Lafayette Street in Lower Manhattan, 2 blocks south of City Hall.

Test Preparation

Civil service exam books are available at the branch libraries, be sure to leave plenty of time before the test though, they tend to circulate frequently as the dates come up. Please note that not all exams have published companion books.

You can also buy copies at many bookstores including: Civil Service Book Shop, 89 Worth Street, New York, NY 10013-3411, (212) 226-9506.

Test guides and resource booklets are made available 60 days before the exam through the New York Department of Civil Service. Online test preparation for the some of the exams is also available through LearningExpressLibrary, a database freely available at the branch libraries and from anywhere with your library card. If you are registering from your library, please create a Username and Password, enter your e-mail address, and click the "Register" button. Your Username and Password must be at least 6 characters and should not include spaces. This will allow you to save information about the practice tests you have taken.

If you have any questions regarding the exams and positions, you should contact DCAS at 311 or OASys@dcas.nyc.gov.

Public Assistance Resources in NYC

Ursula Murphy — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 09:47:43 -0500

Are you confused about the numerous benefit and assistance programs offered by New York state and city government and whether you qualify? There is a lot of information to digest out there and it's constantly changing. Both Access NYC and My Benefits are two helpful sites that allow you to screen for your eligibility for public assistance. You can do so anonymously or by creating an account. You will be asked to enter some basic information about yourself and your family to determine eligibility.

If you know which program you want to apply for, take a look at this NYC Department of Social Services directory, outlining the various programs it administers to residents of the city. Applications for many NYC assistance programs can be found here.

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance also has FAQs on a variety of state assistance services.

Call 311 with any questions.

Want more background information? Below are some additional resources. Click on the title to reserve at your library today.

Social Welfare: Fighting Poverty and Homelessness by Melissa J. Doak
All You Can Eat: How Hungry is America? by Joel Berg
Repairing the U.S. Social Safety Net by Martha R. Burt and Demetra Smith Nightingale
The Welfare State Nobody Knows: Debunking Myths About U.S. Social Policy by Christopher Howard

A Helping Hand from Food Stamps

Ursula Murphy — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 11:13:56 -0500

The United States Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known more commonly as the Food Stamp Program, provides support to low-income New Yorkers including working families, qualified immigrants, the elderly and the disabled to increase their ability to purchase food. A household must qualify under eligibility rules set by the federal government to enroll in this program. To determine your eligiblity for this or other goverment assistance programs, click here.

You can get an application by calling 311 or 877-472-8411 or at a Food Stamp Center. Select your borough below to find out specific locations, hours and telephone numbers. You can also download an application here.

Brooklyn Food Stamp Centers
Bronx Food Stamp Centers
Manhattan Food Stamp Centers
Queens Food Stamp Centers
Staten Island Food Stamp Center

Once you submit your application, you'll need to set up an interview. The following documentation will be necessary for your interview:

Proof of identity (driver’s license, ID card)
Proof of address (lease, electric, gas, water or phone bill, rent receipt, or mortgage statement)
Social Security numbers of all applicants.
Proof of the amount of all earned and unearned income before taxes or deductions (pay stubs for the past month or two, employer wage statement, benefits letter from Social Security unemployment compensation, Veterans Administration or pensions).
Household composition
Proof of shelter costs.
Proof of immigration status for non-citizens who are applying for Food Stamps.
Proof of child support payments (support order, separation agreement, child support records).
Proof of out-of-pocket medical expenses if you are age 60 or older or receive federal disability benefits (doctor or hospital bills; prescription receipts, receipts for over-the-counter medical expenses if prescribed by a medical practitioner; transportation costs to get to medical care)
Proof of child care expenses if you are working or looking for work or in training.

If you have questions about your documentation, contact your local Food Stamp Center.

To see what you can and can't purchase with food stamps, visit this website from the US Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service.

Here are some additional resources for more information.

Free GED Preparation in Manhattan

Ursula Murphy — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:18:52 -0500

Looking for free GED programs in Manhattan? Here’s a list by zip code. Also, see below for PDF flyers for NYC Department of Adult and Continuing Education locations and programs. See this previous post for additional programs located in Harlem. Know of any other free GED programs? Please make a comment to alert us. Thanks!

Community Impact, Inc
Earl Hall, Columbia University.
Access GED- Manhattan Access
500 Eighth Avenue, 11th floor New York, NY 10001
Phone: 212-244-1274 Chelsea Hudson Guild GED
441 West 26th Street New York, NY 10001
Phone: 212-244-1274 OACE at Alternative Education Complex
500 8th Avenue New York, NY 10001
Phone: 212-868-1650
CVanabl3@schools.nyc.gov34 The Way to Work
52 Broadway, 6th floor New York, NY 10004
Phone: 212-244-1274
Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC)
Center for Continuing Education
199 Chambers Street, Room S-752
New York, NY 10007
Phone: 212-346-8890 The Door
555 Broome Street
New York, NY 10013
Phone: 212-941-9090 OACE at Norman Thomas H.S.
111 East 33rd St. New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-868-1650
CVanabl3@schools.nyc.gov43 Manhattan Learning Center
317 West 52nd Street New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-244-1274 Midtown Community Court
314 West 54th Street 6th floor New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-244-1274 YMCA ELESAIR
5 West 63rd Street
New York, NY 10023
Phone: 212-630-9600 HANAC GED Testing Center
55 West 125 Street, 9th floor, New York, NY 10027 Youth Build Manhattan
4 West 125th Street New York, NY 10027
Phone: 212-244-1274 Oace at Mid-Manhattan Adult Learning Center
212 West 120th St. New York, NY 10027
Phone: 212-666-1919 CVanabl3@schools.nyc.gov59 Little Sisters of the Assumption, Family Health Service
Flor de Maria Eilets, Director of Community Programs
feilets@lsafhs.org GED Program in Spanish
333 East 115th Street, NY 10029
Phone: 212-987-4422 CO-OP Tech High School
321 East 96th Street New York, NY 10029
Phone: 212-244-1274 PHASE: Piggy Back, Inc.
262 West 145th Street New York, NY 10030
Phone: 212-244-1274 Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation
Adult Literacy
76 Wadsworth Avenue New York, NY 10033
Phone: 212-822-8325 Youth Action and Homes Program
206 East 118th Street New York, NY 10035
Phone: 212-244-1274
Stanley Isaacs Neighborhood Center 1792 First Avenue New York, NY 10128
Phone: 212-244-1274

Energy Assistance Benefits

Ursula Murphy — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 09:22:09 -0400

The cold weather is approaching and heating costs can get expensive. The New York State Department of Energy Research and Development Authority has some tips on how to save on energy costs, weatherize and find emergency heating assistance near your home. As well, you might qualify for government assistance to help pay for heating and/or utility costs. HEAP and UAP are two programs offered to citizens of New York. You can check here for eligibility and information or call 311 or 800-692-0557.

You can also take a look at these resources on how to save energy and weatherize:

Green $ense For the Home: Rating the Real Payoff from 50 Green Home Projects Eric Corey Freed and Kevin Daum
Energy Savers: Tips on Saving Energy & Money at Home: Cool Summer Tips (government document)
Weatherize Your Home - Caulk and Weather Strip (government document)

Get Up, Stand Up! Information for Voters before Election Day

Ursula Murphy — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 12:19:18 -0400

The New York State General Election is November 2, 2010. Both Senate seats and a gubernatorial election are up to be voted on as well as many other races. The voter registration deadline is coming right up, read below for more information.

http://www.elections.state.ny.us/
If you are registered already, find out where to vote.
If you aren’t sure if you are registered or not, you can enter some basic personal information here to check.
FAQ from Voter Assistance Commission [PDF]

POLLS OPEN AT 6 AM - CLOSE AT 9 PM

Learn more about the candidates here:

2010 General Election Voter Registration Deadline

MAIL REGISTRATION Sec. 5-210(3)
Applications must be postmarked not later than October 8th and received by a board of elections not later than October 13th to be eligible to vote in the General Election.

IN PERSON REGISTRATION Secs. 5-210, 5-211, 5-212
You may register at your local board of elections or any state agency participating in the National Voter Registration Act, on any business day throughout the year but, to be eligible to vote in the November general election, your application must be received no later than October 8th except, if you have been honorably discharged from the military or have become a naturalized citizen since October 8th, you may register in person at the board of elections up until October 22nd.

Qualifications to Register to Vote (via elections.state.ny.us)

be a United States citizen;
be 18 years old by December 31 of the year in which you file this form (note: you must be 18 years old by the date of the general, primary or other election in which you want to vote);
live at your present address at least 30 days before an election;
not be in jail or on parole for a felony conviction and;
not claim the right to vote elsewhere.

Where to register:

Voter Registration form [PDF]
Your local board of elections, use this clickable New York State county map
Any New York State Agency-Based voter registration site

Information about absentee ballots

Who cares about your health care?

Christopher Larson, 96th Street Library — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:56:43 -0400

If you think you can’t afford, or don’t qualify for low cost or free health insurance, maybe it’s time to get the facts.

Too many people don’t know whether they qualify or not because they’re misinformed about existing programs offered by the city, state and federal government.

For New Yorkers who suffer without health insurance, starting the application process for free or low cost health care is a daunting task. Those who do qualify may feel overwhelmed trying to understand the requirements for free health insurance programs such as Medicaid or Family Health Plus. Simply finding information on free and low cost health care can be stressful - especially for people without access to a computer or the skills to search for information online.

If you're one of the hundreds of New Yorkers who don't have health insurance and would like to learn more about these health care benefit programs, come to the 96th Street Library’s Free and Low Cost Health Care Program, where you will learn about options for eligibility, qualifications and the application process for public health insurance. And while not everyone will qualify for free health care, information about alternative low cost health care will be provided.

This program was started at the 96th Street Library back in October of 2009 with the idea that people in our local community should have greater access to free and low cost health insurance information. The idea worked! Since then, many people who’ve attended this program have found they’ve qualified for health care benefits and were able to begin the application process after speaking with a health care advocate from the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House.

The 96th Street Branch Library and the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House invites you to our health care program:
Date: Tuesday, August 24th
Time: 5:30pm
Location: 96th Street Branch Library (auditorium)

This program is hosted once a month at the 96th Street Branch Library and is open to the public. Next month, we will host this program at 5:30pm, on Thursday, September 23rd.

If you can’t attend this program but you have access to the Internet, here’s a quick list of online resources to point you in the right direction for health care and public insurance related information:

1. Access NYC
2. Medicaid and Medicare
3. New York State Health Insurance Programs