We're on MassAppeal!
Springfield Partners Executive Director Paul Bailey and Director of Energy Programs Joe Kerigan were in the 22 News MassAppeal studio yesterday - check out their segment below!
We are urging people to call us TODAY to make an appointment for Weatherization Services - don't wait until the winter! Call 413-263-6500.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
Letter to the Editor
Board Member Dan Pouliot, wrote a letter to the editor that was published in this week's Reminder.
To Whom It May Concern:
Now that our congressional representatives have averted the risk of a government default, I hope that we will all take some time to reflect on the direction in which our country is headed. The toxic nature of the debate leading up to the last-minute deal is certainly alarming, but more alarming, at least in my opinion, is the fact that we seem to have lost our moral compass as a nation. We no longer seem to be a nation that looks out for and helps its most vulnerable citizens. Rather, we seem to be placing blame at the feet of those citizens for our current financial situation and cutting aid to the poor at a time when they need it most and when more and more citizens are struggling to make ends meet. I have seen clear evidence of this at both the national and local level, and am writing to express concern about this trend and hope that we can re-connect with the values that have made this country what it is.
A recent Heritage Foundation report titled, “Air Conditioning, Cable TV, and an Xbox: What is Poverty in the United States Today?” uses ownership of material items like those in the report’s title to suggest that families considered to be living in poverty (as defined by the US Census Bureau) are not really poor. This report paints a very broad brush over those living in poverty and tries to make the case that because poor families can afford “luxury” items like a refrigerator, they do not really need government assistance.
Likewise, WWLP (Channel 22) recently used that same broad brush when their I-Team did an investigative report into people receiving government support through the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). This report focused on some of the material possessions of those going into the office to infer that those receiving assistance are either not truly in need or are misusing the funds given to them by the state.
I think most people would agree that welfare fraud is clearly a serious issue and those perpetrating it should be prosecuted. However, I have serious concerns about the way that these two reports seem to categorize those living in poverty and receiving government assistance as living high on the hog and/or abusing the system for their own personal gain.
In 1961, the author Oscar Lewis coined the term “culture of poverty” to describe certain personal attributes that he felt were common to those living in poverty. Lewis believed that the poor were similar in terms of their personal makeup and therefore, if you’ve seen one poor person, you’ve seen them all. This notion is still widely-held today and serves as the backdrop for the Heritage Foundation report and the recent 22 News story. When combined with these reports, the culture of poverty concept helps reinforce the notion that all poor people are taking us taxpayers for a ride and that government needs to stop funding their extravagant lifestyle.
I have the pleasure of serving on the Board of Directors for Springfield Partners for Community Action. Our organization seeks to improve the overall quality of life in the community by helping those in need to become economically self-sufficient. The individuals we work with on a daily basis are as diverse as any other segment of society, so we know that the concept of a culture of poverty is just plain wrong and does a disservice to all those seeking to improve their lives.
Which brings me back to my concern having watched our representatives in Washington come up with a plan that increases the debt limit by slashing programs for those most in need. This action can be justified if seen through the lens of the culture of poverty evidenced in the Heritage Foundation and 22 News reports. However, when put up against the experience of organizations like ours that deal with poverty on a daily basis, it really seems like we have lost our sense of community and concern for our fellow man.
We are better than this.
Sincerely,
Dan Pouliot, Board Member
Springfield Partners for Community Action
To Whom It May Concern:
Now that our congressional representatives have averted the risk of a government default, I hope that we will all take some time to reflect on the direction in which our country is headed. The toxic nature of the debate leading up to the last-minute deal is certainly alarming, but more alarming, at least in my opinion, is the fact that we seem to have lost our moral compass as a nation. We no longer seem to be a nation that looks out for and helps its most vulnerable citizens. Rather, we seem to be placing blame at the feet of those citizens for our current financial situation and cutting aid to the poor at a time when they need it most and when more and more citizens are struggling to make ends meet. I have seen clear evidence of this at both the national and local level, and am writing to express concern about this trend and hope that we can re-connect with the values that have made this country what it is.
A recent Heritage Foundation report titled, “Air Conditioning, Cable TV, and an Xbox: What is Poverty in the United States Today?” uses ownership of material items like those in the report’s title to suggest that families considered to be living in poverty (as defined by the US Census Bureau) are not really poor. This report paints a very broad brush over those living in poverty and tries to make the case that because poor families can afford “luxury” items like a refrigerator, they do not really need government assistance.
Likewise, WWLP (Channel 22) recently used that same broad brush when their I-Team did an investigative report into people receiving government support through the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). This report focused on some of the material possessions of those going into the office to infer that those receiving assistance are either not truly in need or are misusing the funds given to them by the state.
I think most people would agree that welfare fraud is clearly a serious issue and those perpetrating it should be prosecuted. However, I have serious concerns about the way that these two reports seem to categorize those living in poverty and receiving government assistance as living high on the hog and/or abusing the system for their own personal gain.
In 1961, the author Oscar Lewis coined the term “culture of poverty” to describe certain personal attributes that he felt were common to those living in poverty. Lewis believed that the poor were similar in terms of their personal makeup and therefore, if you’ve seen one poor person, you’ve seen them all. This notion is still widely-held today and serves as the backdrop for the Heritage Foundation report and the recent 22 News story. When combined with these reports, the culture of poverty concept helps reinforce the notion that all poor people are taking us taxpayers for a ride and that government needs to stop funding their extravagant lifestyle.
I have the pleasure of serving on the Board of Directors for Springfield Partners for Community Action. Our organization seeks to improve the overall quality of life in the community by helping those in need to become economically self-sufficient. The individuals we work with on a daily basis are as diverse as any other segment of society, so we know that the concept of a culture of poverty is just plain wrong and does a disservice to all those seeking to improve their lives.
Which brings me back to my concern having watched our representatives in Washington come up with a plan that increases the debt limit by slashing programs for those most in need. This action can be justified if seen through the lens of the culture of poverty evidenced in the Heritage Foundation and 22 News reports. However, when put up against the experience of organizations like ours that deal with poverty on a daily basis, it really seems like we have lost our sense of community and concern for our fellow man.
We are better than this.
Sincerely,
Dan Pouliot, Board Member
Springfield Partners for Community Action
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Join the Wellness Tour!
Springfield Partners is one of several agencies partnering to offer FREE health screenings at a series of Springfield locations.The first stop for the big red Wellness bus is at Walgreens, 707 State St., from Noon to 6 p.m. on Thursday July 21, in the parking lot. FREE screenings, music, food and prizes!
Screenings are available for:
- Bone Density
- Glucose
- Blood Pressure
- Body Mass Index
- Cholesterol Levels
- Waist Circumference
Check out our web page for info: http://www.springfieldpartnersinc.com/newsevents/healthwellnesssumm/
Thursday, June 30, 2011
A quick post before the long weekend
We wish everyone a safe and happy Independence Day. Why is that we tend to say July 4th instead of Independence Day? Any thoughts on that?
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We will once again host the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation this coming Saturday as they present debit cards to tornado victims. The cards are worth several hundred dollars and are a wonderful gift from a wonderful organization. If you have time at one o'clock on Saturday, come by and take part in their short, but extremely moving presentation - group prayer, group song and a brief history of the foundation.
Above is a photo of ED Paul Bailey, thanking the Foundation for helping the people of Springfield.
And some very pleasant news; Development Specialist Jennifer Picard was married to John Christopher last Saturday. Everyone here at Springfield Partners wishes them the very best.
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Above is a photo of ED Paul Bailey, thanking the Foundation for helping the people of Springfield.
And some very pleasant news; Development Specialist Jennifer Picard was married to John Christopher last Saturday. Everyone here at Springfield Partners wishes them the very best.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Tornado and Conference
We have been busy with food, clothing, bed and mattress, and toiletry item distributions. And we will continue to hold distributions as long as needed. And many thanks to the donors. We could not have held any of the distributions without your generosity and your caring.
Several staff attended the Southern New England Community Action Conference in Falmouth, MA on Monday and Tuesday of this week. Of course, the tornado was a topic of conversation. People were interested in the need, the numbers and in our response.
And the world of Community Action also responded. So many people and agencies need to be thanked! Massacusetts Association for Community Action, Connecticut Association For Community Action, the Connecticut Department of Social Services and many, many individuals from many Community Action Agencies. It is all extremely moving and we are overwhelmed with your response and your generosity. Thank you!
Governor Patrick announced on June 15 that the state would receive FEMA. State officials documented the cost of damages to uninsured buildings, road and infrastructure, plus the cost of essential overtime and materials as approximately $25 million. the minimum amount necessary for federal assistance is $8.5 million. We have more than three times the minimum amount of damage!
FEMA officials urge everyone who was impacted by the tornado to apply for help.
The Conference was extremely informative and well worth attending. Staff attended workshops on various topics including Succession Planning, Creating a Culture of Philanthropy, Dealing with Human Resource Issues, and much more. Since the conference was held at the newly renovated Sea Crest Conference Center in Falmouth, MA, we were all able to dabble our toes in the ocean in between workshops. Definitely a perk!
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Several staff attended the Southern New England Community Action Conference in Falmouth, MA on Monday and Tuesday of this week. Of course, the tornado was a topic of conversation. People were interested in the need, the numbers and in our response.
And the world of Community Action also responded. So many people and agencies need to be thanked! Massacusetts Association for Community Action, Connecticut Association For Community Action, the Connecticut Department of Social Services and many, many individuals from many Community Action Agencies. It is all extremely moving and we are overwhelmed with your response and your generosity. Thank you!
Governor Patrick announced on June 15 that the state would receive FEMA. State officials documented the cost of damages to uninsured buildings, road and infrastructure, plus the cost of essential overtime and materials as approximately $25 million. the minimum amount necessary for federal assistance is $8.5 million. We have more than three times the minimum amount of damage!
FEMA officials urge everyone who was impacted by the tornado to apply for help.
The Conference was extremely informative and well worth attending. Staff attended workshops on various topics including Succession Planning, Creating a Culture of Philanthropy, Dealing with Human Resource Issues, and much more. Since the conference was held at the newly renovated Sea Crest Conference Center in Falmouth, MA, we were all able to dabble our toes in the ocean in between workshops. Definitely a perk!
Friday, June 3, 2011
Food & Personal Care Items Distribution TODAY
Springfield Partners and several other agencies are teaming up to distribute meals and personal care items TODAY to those in need due to the tornado.
Come down to the back parking lot of Springfield Partners 721 State St. offices today, Friday June 3, at 2:30 p.m. Use Monroe Street and park in the lot across the street (next to St. John's food pantry.)
The Food Bank of Western Mass. will distribute food and water. The American Friends Service Committee and BMC HealthNet will be distributing personal toiletries during this time. Partners for a Healthier Community and Small Smiles will also distribute oral hygiene products.
Springfield Partners also has beds & mattresses (twin and bunk) available for distribution.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Tornado Hits Springfield and Surrounding Towns
As you read this, we are still assessing the level of need in the greater Springfield area. We are working with the American Red Cross and the city's Department of Health and Human Services to determine the best way for us to help.
Our building is standing and our staff are all safe. And we are all ready and willing to help in any way we can. We are already collecting hygiene items, food items and children's clothing for distribution. Will get the date out as soon as we are ready.
We will post as soon as we have concrete options for people. Right now, here is a link that will help with referrals to programs and services in the area. http://www.springfieldpartnersinc.com/aboutus/directoryofprogram/
Our building is standing and our staff are all safe. And we are all ready and willing to help in any way we can. We are already collecting hygiene items, food items and children's clothing for distribution. Will get the date out as soon as we are ready.
We will post as soon as we have concrete options for people. Right now, here is a link that will help with referrals to programs and services in the area. http://www.springfieldpartnersinc.com/aboutus/directoryofprogram/
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