“States still have the power to use other work requirements in the program to more than triple their incomes and help solve the ongoing worker shortage,” said Scott Centorino, Senior Fellow at FGA.

NAPLES, Fla. (PRWEB)
October 20, 2021

This week, the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) released a report that showed how states can implement employment and training requirements to their food stamp programs to encourage able-bodied adults to fill one of the 10 million jobs in America.

Food stamp work requirements consistently prove to effectively encourage able-bodied adults to find work and more than triple their incomes. Congressionally approved pandemic related suspensions of work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) continue to hurt individuals trapped in dependency and prevent states from full economic recovery.

FGA found that states can reimplement general work requirements to their food stamp programs to encourage individuals back to work. This will encourage individuals to register for work, accept a suitable job if offered, and participate in employment and training programs if assigned.

“Irresponsible and outdated federal suspensions have stopped states from using the primary work requirement in food stamps that move millions of able-bodied adults from welfare to work. But states still have the power to use other work requirements in the program to more than triple their incomes and help solve the ongoing worker shortage,” said Scott Centorino, Senior Fellow at FGA. “States already spend millions on their employment and training programs. It’s time to fully use them.”

States should implement mandatory employment and training assignments so that more Americans can return to work and contribute to their local economies.

The Foundation for Government Accountability is a non-profit, multi-state think tank that specializes in health care, welfare, and work reform. To learn more, visit TheFGA.org

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“To put it in perspective, for every $100 worth of groceries a retiree could afford in 2000, they can only buy $68 worth today,” Johnson notes.

WASHINGTON (PRWEB)
October 05, 2021

Consumer price index data through August 2021 indicates that the 2022 COLA will likely be about 6 percent. But soaring inflation this year has deeply eroded the buying power of Social Security benefits, according to a new update to an ongoing inflation study by The Senior Citizens League (TSCL). The study, which compares the growth in the Social Security cost of living adjustments (COLA)s with increases in the costs of goods and services typically used by retirees found that, since 2000, Social Security benefits have lost 32 percent of their buying power.

The annual COLA increased Social Security benefits in January of 2021 by just 1.3 percent. While mild inflation in 2020 did improve the buying power of Social Security benefits by 2 percentage points through the month of January 2021 — from a loss in buying power of 30 percent to a loss of 28 percent — that improvement was completely wiped out by soaring inflation in February and March of this year,” says Mary Johnson, a Social Security policy analyst for The Senior Citizens League (TSCL). Based on consumer price data through July 2021, the erosion in the buying power of Social Security benefits has deepened to 32 percent over the 21 – year period.

Social Security benefits are one of the few sources of retirement benefits to be adjusted for inflation. The intention is to protect the buying power of benefits when prices increase. But retirees frequently notice that over time their Social Security benefits don’t buy as much as they used to. This happens when the annual COLA doesn’t keep pace with the increases in costs typically experienced by older and disabled beneficiaries.

This study looks at 39 expenditures that are typical for people age 65 and up, comparing the growth in the prices of these goods and services to the growth in the annual COLAs. It includes cost increases in Medicare premiums and out of pocket costs that aren’t tracked under the index currently used to calculate the COLA.

Since 2000, COLAs have increased Social Security benefits a total of 55 percent, yet typical senior expenses through July 2021 grew 104.8%. The average Social Security benefit in 2000 was $816 per month. That benefit grew to $1,262.40 by 2021 due to COLA increases. However, because retiree costs are rising at a far more rapid pace than the COLA, this study found that a Social Security benefit of $1,671.20 per month ($408.80 more) would be required just to maintain the same level of buying power that $816 had in 2000.

“To put it in perspective, for every $100 worth of groceries a retiree could afford in 2000, they can only buy $68 worth today,” Johnson notes. To help protect the buying power of benefits, The Senior Citizens League supports legislation that would provide a modest boost in benefits and base COLAs on the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) or guarantee a COLA no lower than 3 percent. In addition The League has recently launched a campaign for a $1,400 stimulus check to help Americans struggling to cope with high inflation. To learn more about these initiatives, visit http://www.SeniorsLeague.org.

With 1.2 million supporters, The Senior Citizens League is one of the nation’s largest nonpartisan seniors groups. Its mission is to promote and assist members and supporters, to educate and alert senior citizens about their rights and freedoms as U.S. Citizens, and to protect and defend the benefits senior citizens have earned and paid for. The Senior Citizens League is a proud affiliate of The Retired Enlisted Association. Visit http://www.SeniorsLeague.org for more information.

ALSO AVAILABLE TO JOURNALISTS: Social Security Loss of Buying Power report including study methodology available for download. Loss of Buying Power Report

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“I Am a Counselor: Now What”
By Betty Rounds L.C.S.W

“I wanted my book to talk about what it is like to work in the field,” said Rounds.

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (PRWEB)
October 04, 2021

For those thinking about or just beginning their career as a Social Worker, it is hard to picture what life would look like. Retired Clinical Social Worker Betty Rounds’ L.C.S.W new book “I Am a Counselor: Now What” gives readers an inside look into the career of Social Work while also providing them with tips and encouragement to stay in the field.

Rounds worked as a Social Worker for over 20 years and now hopes to share her knowledge and skills with those new to the field. She wanted to provide a book focusing on what it is like working in the field of Social Work and Counseling to provide a first look into her professional and personal experience.

“I wanted my book to talk about what it is like to work in the field,” said Rounds.

Rounds took this as an opportunity to share all that she had learned in her tenure as a Social Worker. Her book touches on topics such as addressing nontherapeutic cultural norms and strategies for recognizing and counseling con artists. “Think Pieces” are also peppered throughout to prompt readers to reflect on why they entered the career in the first place.

“If you want to be the best counselor you can be, ‘I am a Counselor: Now What!’ is the book that will navigate you to excellence! Betty Rounds offers her expansive experience, knowledge, and compassion from an empathetic perspective.” a reviewer wrote about the book.

Ultimately, “I Am a Counselor” will encourage readers to push through difficult obstacles and stay in the field, as well as tips and tricks to help them become the best provider they can be.

“I Am a Counselor: Now What”

By Betty Rounds L.C.S.W

ISBN: 978-1-5462-7752-1 (softcover); 978-1-5462-7751-4 (hardcover); 978-1-5462-7750-7 (eBook)

Available at the AuthorHouse Online Bookstore, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the author

Betty Rounds L.C.S.W is a retired Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over twenty years of experience. She has served clients with substance abuse, domestic violence, anger management issues, problem pregnancies, marriage, family, couples and individuals. She has trained and supervised volunteers and graduate-level interns. She currently resides in Las Cruces, New Mexico. To learn more, please visit https://www.bettyroundslcswcom.com/.

Review Copies & Interview Requests:                    

LAVIDGE – Phoenix                        

Becca Armentrout

(480) 648-7560                                             

barmentrout(at)lavidge(dot)com

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Omaha, Nebraska (PRWEB)
September 23, 2021

The global reputation of Home Instead as a franchise industry leader continues to grow, earning additional recognition this year for cultivating a winning franchise for culture, receiving honors as a top recession-proof franchise, and being named a leading franchise for women and couples.

With more than 1,100 independent franchises employing nearly 100,000 CAREGivers worldwide, delivering a culture-focused work environment is important to the Home Instead business strategy and success as the world’s leading provider of in-home care services for older adults.

Industry awards Home Instead has earned this year include:

These recent industry awards build upon Home Instead’s inclusion earlier this year on Franchise Business Review’s list of Top Franchises of 2021 and roster of Top 100 Recession-Proof Franchises.

“While our values remain steadfast over time, our practices have evolved to meet the needs of our clients and employees,” said Jeff Huber, Home Instead CEO. “This is even more critical as we recruit talented team members, from software engineers to frontline CAREGivers.”

The continued success of Home Instead as a franchise network is driven by entrepreneurs from all backgrounds and their individual achievements. In addition to national and international recognition, local Home Instead franchise owners are winning individual awards.

Home Instead Franchisee Awarded 2021 Rock Star Award

Seth Michael, owner of Home Instead in Livonia, Michigan, was named a 2021 Rock Star Franchise Owner in the Millennials category by Franchise Business Review, the leading market research firm in the franchise industry. Michael was recognized for dedicating his passion and energy to senior care and helping his team through challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Michael credits Home Instead with providing the training that he and other millennial-aged business owners require to create a business plan, hire and retain talent, and engage in marketing and advertising. Embracing responsibility and looking past typical stereotypes of his generation has driven Michael to success.

“The millennial generation cares about making an impact in their community. I’m encouraged by the next wave of leaders and their dedication to providing outstanding care,” said Jeff Huber, Home Instead CEO. “Our younger owners bring so much entrepreneurial spirit to their role as franchisees, and we congratulate Seth on his well-deserved recognition for his hard work.”

Michael is dedicated to hiring and training CAREGivers who share his passion for service and can care for the growing senior population in their communities. He understands the impact on his community as a young business owner and mentor for others. As a result of his team’s efforts, Michael’s franchise serves older adults in 10 communities and is on track to record its fourth year of double-digit growth. Michael and his team created the catch phrase “Believe More!” to demonstrate their belief in each other, their families, and their business on a daily basis to have a positive impact on their communities.

For more information on Home Instead, including details about franchise opportunities, visit franchises.homeinstead.com.

ABOUT HOME INSTEAD

Founded in 1994 in Omaha, Nebraska, the Home Instead® franchise network provides personalized care, support and education to enhance the lives of aging adults and their families. Today, the network is the world’s leading provider of in-home care services for older adults, with more than 1,100 independently owned and operated franchises that provide nearly 90 million hours of care annually throughout the United States and 12 other countries. Local Home Instead offices employ nearly 100,000 CAREGivers℠ worldwide who provide relationship-based care services that enable older adults to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. Home Instead franchise owners partner with clients and their family members to help meet varied individual needs. Services span the care continuum – from providing personal care to specialized Alzheimer’s care and hospice support. Also available are family caregiver education and support resources. Visit HomeInstead.com. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter. Each Home Instead® franchise office is independently owned and operated. Home Instead, Inc. is a subsidiary of Honor Technology, Inc.

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2021 AVBCC Summit Professional Development Workshop

CRANBURY, N.J. (PRWEB)
September 23, 2021

The Association for Value-Based Cancer Care (AVBCC) is proud to announce a preconference workshop on “Value-Based Contracting Today and in the Future” at the 11th AVBCC Summit & Educational Program.

This workshop is a professional development workshop and will answer big questions such as what value-based contracting is, what it is not, and what it will become.

The full-day workshop will feature key influencers and experts who are driving this movement to value:

• 
  Jane Barlow, MD, MPH, MBA, Chief Clinical Officer, Real Endpoints
• Kjel Johnson, PharmD, VP, CVS Health
• Michael Kolodziej, MD, Senior Advisor, ADVI Health
• Jeffrey Scott, MD, President & Chief Medical Officer, Integra Connect
• Michael Sherman, MD, MBA, Executive VP & Chief Medical Officer, Point32Health
• Lalan Wilfong, MD, VP, Payer Relations and Practice Transformation, McKesson

The workshop will be held Wednesday, October 13, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; a networking reception will follow immediately. More details about the workshop are available on the 2021 AVBCC Summit agenda.

The 2021 AVBCC Summit will be the first meaningful oncology ecosystem stakeholder meeting live since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, being held on October 13-15 at the New York Athletic Club in New York City, with a virtual simulcast option for those who cannot join in person. Interested participants have the option to attend the preconference workshop only or to attend the full Summit.

Previously registered attendees may add the workshop by reaching out to info@avbcconline.org with “Add Professional Development Workshop” in the subject line.

About the Association for Value-Based Cancer Care (http://www.avbcconline.org)

The Association for Value-Based Cancer Care (AVBCC) is a 501(c)(6) education organization dedicated to the exchange of knowledge among all stakeholders in the cancer care ecosystem responsible to ensure optimal care and access is delivered to all patients with cancer. The goal of AVBCC is to inform, educate, and foster exchange of current and future state information between all stakeholders: Oncologists and Hematologists, Nurses, Oncology Nurse Navigators, Pathologists and Geneticists, Pharmacists, Practice Administrators, Practice Managers, Patient Advocacy Organizations, Managed Care Organizations, Insurance Companies, Third-Party Payers, Integrated Health Delivery Systems, Cancer Centers of Excellence, Medical Directors, Pharmacy Directors, Pharmaceutical and Biotech Manufacturers, Personalized Medicine Providers, Researchers, and, of course, cancer patients.

About Value-Based Cancer Care (http://www.valuebasedcancer.com)

Value-Based Cancer Care (VBCC) provides a forum for payers, providers, and the entire oncology team to consider the cost–value issues particular to cancer treatments. This unique focus is achieved through news coverage from major hematology/oncology meetings and the cancer literature. It is supplemented with commentaries and perspectives from those involved in evaluating therapies, treating patients, and paying for care. Value-Based Cancer Care is a publication of Engage Healthcare Communications, LLC, a division of The Lynx Group. For more information on this publication, visit valuebasedcancer.com.

About The Lynx Group (http://www.thelynxgroup.com)

The Lynx Group (TLG) is a premier medical communications and education company acutely focused on oncology and rare disease states. TLG specializes in market access to and with advanced practice providers, patients, and their caregivers. With more than 100 years of combined senior leadership experience, TLG continually creates award winning medical education and cultivates strong relationships within proprietary brands serving patients and their caregivers, physicians, payers, nurses, pharmacists, navigators, and practice managers.

TLG has broad and deep experience in crafting custom, award winning solutions for life science and biotech companies. Currently, TLG partners with more than 50 of the top pharma and biotech companies globally. TLG proudly serves as co-founder and association management company of the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (AONN+) and the Association for Value-Based Cancer Care (AVBCC).

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Having a backpack makes going back to school easier, and now we don’t have to go to the store.

ARLINGTON, Va. (PRWEB)
August 30, 2021

As students in Northern Virginia and Maryland get back to school, affordable housing non-profit AHC Inc. and its community partners are working to ensure that underserved students have the backpacks and school supplies to start the new school year off on the right foot.

AHC’s Resident Services team is distributing 950 backpacks filled with notebooks, pens, pencils, and other supplies to elementary school students living at AHC apartment communities in Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church. In addition, AHC staff will be delivering school supply packages to middle and high school students.

“Having a backpack makes going back to school easier, and now we don’t have to go to the store,” said rising 6th grader Adriana.

These backpack drives were made possible with the generous support from AHC’s community partners and organizations. The Rotary Club of Arlington and Episcopal Church of the Resurrection donated backpacks, members of the Arlington County Police Department helped assemble the bags, and donors to the Volunteer Arlington Buy a Neighbor School Supplies Drive provided $1,500 for school supplies for middle and high school students.

In Maryland, the Resident Services staff is also distributing hundreds of backpacks and housekeeping supplies thanks to generous support from partners Amerigroup & Sinai Lifebridge Health. Events have been festive community gatherings, including free Italian ice for all, courtesy of a Rita’s food truck supplied by Comcast.

“We are so grateful to the many donors, volunteers and community partners who are helping us reach so many students,” said Susan Davidson, AHC’s Resident Services Director. “For some of our students, this is the first time they’re going to school in person, so having the supplies to enter class prepared makes the process of going back to school all the more exciting.”

About AHC Inc.

Founded in 1975, AHC Inc. is a nonprofit developer of affordable housing that provides quality homes and education programs for low- and moderate-income families. Based in Arlington, VA, AHC has developed more than 7,500 apartment units in 50+ properties in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. AHC’s Resident Services program reaches 3,000 children, teens, adults and seniors each year through on-site education and social service programs and activities. For more information, visit https://www.ahcinc.org/.

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BARRY, Wales (PRWEB)
August 24, 2021

Holly Hail marks her first publishing venture with the release of “The Day Holly Took on the Government” (published by Xlibris UK). In this autobiography, she shares her experiences of fighting the system to rebuild her family.

“The Day Holly Took on the Government” recounts the author’s life story, the mistakes she made with her daughter, and her encounters with the social services who tore her grandson away from his family.

“It’s a sad story, but worth (the) read,” Hail states. “When my grandson is of age and able to read this book, he will know how much I love him and how I fought for his freedom to be with his mum. I am deeply saddened that my grandson never had the chance to know his great-grandmother like I have. If social services had allowed my mother to have seen her very first great-grandchild, then I am sure she would not have died, and my grandson, Gordon-Leigh, would have had many great memories of his great-grandmother.”

“The Day Holly Took on the Government” tells a relatable, cautionary tale with a happy ending. Despite being unable to win against the government, Hail finally finds her conscience cleared as she fought a good fight until the end.

To purchase a copy of the book, visit https://www.xlibris.com/en-gb/bookstore/bookdetails/818618-the-day-holly-took-on-the-government.

“The Day Holly Took on the Government”

By Holly Hail

Softcover | 6 x 9in | 88 pages | ISBN 9781664113114

E-Book | 88 pages | ISBN 9781664113107

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Holly Hail has had a sad childhood and unpleasant experiences with her partners. However, this has not destroyed her. It has made her a stronger person, opened her eyes to her own flaws, and brought her to appreciate the things she still has. Following “The Day Holly Took on the Government,” she has two other books in the process titled “Holly’s Men” and “Holly’s Childhood Years.”

Xlibris Publishing UK, an Author Solutions, LLC imprint, is a self-publishing services provider dedicated to serving authors throughout the United Kingdom. By focusing on the needs of creative writers and artists and adopting the latest print-on-demand publishing technology and strategies, we provide expert publishing services with direct and personal access to quality publication in hardcover, trade paperback, custom leather-bound and full-color formats. To date, Xlibris has helped to publish more than 60,000 titles. For more information, visit xlibrispublishing.co.uk or call 0-800-014-8620 to receive a free publishing guide.

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