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The SICIL Newsletter – August 2020

Lifeline for Disabled Islanders

“Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason someone feels loved and still sees the goodness in people.”

Roy Ta Bennet

Affordable Housing for Rent

Dear Friends of Staten Island Center for Independent Living:

We wish to inform you that applications are now being accepted for affordable senior housing at Fountain Seaview B1 Senior Apartments. The building includes 69 newly constructed units available through the Housing Connect lottery, with one-bedroom units. Amenities: community/senior support service room (by appointment only), bike room, laundry room, outside recreation area, parking* (*additional fees apply) Transit: Buses: Q8, B13, B83, B84 No fee to apply * No broker’s fee * Smoke-free building

Annual household income required ranges from: $0-$45,4500

Apply online at www.nyc.gov/housingconnect or write to request a paper application, with a self-addressed envelope to: Fountain Seaview B1, 1044 Northern Blvd. – 2nd Floor, Roslyn, NY 11576. DEADLINE is Aug 10th, 2020. Late applications and duplicates will not be accepted.

This is a lottery. Applicants not selected will be waitlisted.

Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the following groups and workshops will be facilitated by phone. Dates and times are subject to change. Please contact us to confirm

WOMEN’S PEER SUPPORT GROUP

The group meets year-round on alternating Fridays from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm. Topics include life experiences, relationship issues and other issues of interest. To join or to get additional information, please call Carla at 718-720-9016 ext. 206

SICIL’S MENS CLUB

This group at SICIL is designed for our male consumers and takes place on alternating Fridays. Men of all ages and backgrounds come together and are able to discuss the issues that are impacting their lives in a safe and caring environment. To join or to get additional information, please call us at 718-720-9016

MONTHLY HOUSING MEETING

We will be having monthly Housing meetings to discuss various issues and concerns related to housing. For more information or to attend, please call us at 718-720-9016 for the upcoming dates and times. Caretakers & family members are also welcome to attend.

COMPUTER LITERACY PROGRAM

(This will be on pause during the Covid-19 Pandemic)

SICIL continues to offer its free computer classes focusing on basic computer skills along with developing an understanding of the Internet. Classes are given in a relaxed atmosphere with a no pressure curriculum. To register for upcoming classes or to get additional information, please call us at 718-720-9016

AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE CLASSES

(This will be on pause during the Covid-19 Pandemic)

Alyssa Brown is our instructor for the sign language class here at SICIL. If you have a deaf or hearing impaired relative and wish to learn to communicate with them using American Sign Language these classes are for you! Please call us at 718-720-9016 details and to sign up.

ADDITIONAL WORKSHOPS AT SICIL

Health and Wellness – Join us to learn about nutrition on a budget. The classes take place every Tuesday, for 10 weeks. To register for the next session please call Carla at 718-720-9016 ext. 206.
Domestic Violence Prevention Workshops – The focus of this workshop will be to teach women with disabilities the skills necessary to identify, prevent and escape abuse and abusive situations and ways to foster healthy relationships. As the workshop is primarily educational, women who wish to participate do not have to have had any personal experience with these issues. Call Carla 718-720-9016 ext. 206

Therapeutic Pool Group

(This will be on pause during the Covid-19 Pandemic)

Its pool time at The Elizabeth Connelly Center Pool on the last Wednesday of each month at 12:00 pm. All medical forms need to be updated annually. For more information or to be added to the group call 718-720-9016.

SICIL will now be providing a Covid-19 support group for those who have been affected by the pandemic. Together via phone conference we will address the grief that comes from losing a loved one. Please call Carla @ ext. 206 to join.

Please see the following resources that are currently available in nyc

SNAP BENEFITS

If your Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will expire on or after August 31, 2020 and you would like to continue getting benefits, you must complete the recertification process to see if you are still eligible. You either got a letter or will get a letter at a later date telling you when and how to recertify.

Returning or Submitting Documents

Need to return or submit documents? You can submit documents in the following ways:

  • Upload them using the ACCESS HRA mobile app. Go to nyc.gov/accesshramobile
  • Fax them to 917-639-2544.
  • Mail them to:
    Centralized Recertification Mail Unit
    PO Box 29008
    Brooklyn, NY 11202
  • Bring them to an open HRA Location.

FOOD ASSISTANCE

Call the Emergency FoodLine at 866-888-8777. This is an automated hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

RENTAL ASSISTANCE

To apply for Rental Assistance, you must visit one of DSS’ Homebase or Housing Assistance Program (HAP) partner locations. There are over 20 offices across the five boroughs of New York City. Go to www.access.nyc.gov for a location near you.

ENERGY ASSISTANCE

Contact the Heat Line if you are having trouble paying your utilities bill 212-331-3150.

If you have any specific questions or concerns please contact the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities directly: COVID-19 Information in Plain Language Voice Phone: 212-788-2830 or Video Phone: 646-396-5830