Workforce training

If you are currently unemployed or looking to update your computer skills, the Broome County Urban League’s new ATTAIN lab may interest you. ATTAIN labs are a network of technology labs that will offer training to communities.

After it opens this fall, there will be over 30 interactive occupational, academic, life skills and English as a Second Language (ESL) courses available in addition to the Digital Literacy and Unlimited Potential curricula. For more information, call 772-4765.

Looking for locally grown foods?

If you are looking to buy fresh, locally grown foods, please visit the farmers’ markets in our area:

Also, Cornell Cooperative Extension can provide updated information on local foods. Contact them at 772-8953.

Child Health Plus expanded

The income eligibility for the Child Health Plus insurance program was expanded this year to ensure that the 400,000 uninsured children in New York are able to get the health care they need. For more information and income eligibility, call Mothers & Babies Perinatal Network at 1-800-231-0744.

Child care

Finding quality, affordable child care can be a challenge. There are many questions to consider. Is the center or home provider licensed or registered? Have any negative reports been filed against the staff? Can you visit anytime without calling ahead? What are the staff members’ qualifications? What are the providers’ discipline policies and procedures? Is there a plan for emergencies and for contacting you?

Fortunately, the Family Enrichment Network can answer all of your questions. It is located in Johnson City and can be reached at 7238313, extension 829. In addition, most schools provide after-school child care for their students. Contact the principal of your child’s school for more information.

Veterans benefits

Many are unaware that New York’s veterans may now qualify for as much as $4,287 per year in state grants and scholarships for study at both private and public schools throughout New York. The new funds approved in this year’s budget will more than double the amount of tuition assistance for combat veterans who served from the Vietnam conflict to those who are serving now.

Also, did you know there is no statute of limitations for you to file for your benefits or any medals that were due to you? If you have questions, an excellent resource for veterans’ benefits is the NYS Division of Veterans’ Affairs at 1-888-838-7697. Locally, you can contact the Broome County Veterans Services Agency at 778-2147.

Assistance for energy bills

Are you concerned about your energy bills? You may be eligible for HEAP assistance. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that assists eligible households in meeting their home energy expenses. The 2007-08 income guidelines were: $2,467 per month for a family of two or $3,776 per month for a family of four. These income guidelines are expected to increase before applications are taken in November.

If you are under the age of 60, call Opportunities for Broome at 723-6493. If you are over age 60 or disabled, call the Broome County Office for Aging at 778-2411. Emergency HEAP applicants should call the Broome County Department of Social Services at 778-2638.