Free and Open to the Public – Light Refreshments Served
NOTE THAT LOCATION CHANGED to
Metropolitan Family Services at 222 E. Willow, Wheaton
7 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Doors open at 6:30 pm
222 E. Willow, Wheaton, IL
Beyond Poverty
Candace King, Executive Director of the DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform, will explain what services are part of the social safety net , who’s eligible and who’s not, how the changing demographics of DuPage impact the availability of safety net services and the demand for these services, as well as who’s responsible for providing and paying for the services.
Space is limited: RESERVE YOUR SEAT
The DuPage Coffeehouse provides a time and a place for people to regularly and respectfully share their dreams and concerns about our community and how we can improve it for generations to come.
Coffeehouse – May 2, 2012
Beyond Poverty
When the “Safety Net” Fails
Small Group Discussion Summary (4 Groups)
Questions to Discuss:
1. Do you agree there is a need to offer human services in DuPage County?
2. What are your concerns?
3. What can we do about these concerns?
GROUP 1
Question 1:
Yes – these services are essential
Question 2:
Depressing statistics
Where the $ will come from
Attitude is negative to anyone in need
Question 3:
Too many government entities in Illinois – consolidate
Wasted $ in the County
Community education
Hospitals “give” to clinics – maybe more
GROUP 2
Question 1:
Yes, we do agree.
Question 2:
Disconnection with people in need if you have enough
It was always obvious to those who knew; however, it was hidden
Skill development assistance to help them in need to improve; i.e., responsible way to manage money and resources; accountability for their conduct; changes in behavior; day care assistance while parents attending classes.
Question 3:
No answer provided.
GROUP 3
Question 1:
We agree Human Services are important and it saves money and improves the community.
Question 2:
Need to improve systems, automate, get rid of stacks of paper (State) DHS too much inefficiency
There is evidence that there are already changes; i.e., unemployment – good model and good website.
Question 3:
We need a progressive state income tax. A movement to write Amendment is at work.
Center for Tax Accountability
Ralph Martare – good resource
State of Illinois Budget – Judy Barr Topinka –
all figures now transparent
Department of Human Services needs updating
Need more funds in public transportation
Need more offices of Dept. of Human Services
GROUP 4
Question 1:
Yes, agree great need in DuPage County
Question 2:
Bureaucracy is big problem to simple, efficient answers
New fees (due to lower tax revenues) create barriers to access by those in need
DuPage County representatives do not want to raise taxes – they feel that is what the residents desire.
Question 3:
When a person in need qualifies for one benefit they should automatically be signed up for additional benefits without completing more paperwork (reduce bureaucracy)
One could volunteer for literacy because being able to speak English is very important
Contact your elected officials at all levels of government!