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Thursday, November 4, 2010

FREE Resource for DPS Students!


Did you know that only 25% of seniors graduate in Detroit? Did you know that by the time your child is in 12th grade they are 4 years behind their counterparts in the suburbs? Many lack the basic skills of Reading and Math. Sadly many of them are getting lost in the shuffle of the system but you can change that. We are compiling a list of sites so your children can get the help they need with FREE Tutoring.  Please pass this information on to every parent you know!

~Tiffany D. Tilley



Free Tutoring in Math & Reading for K-8 students attending Detroit Public Schools. (Please contact Abike for more information, not the sites)


Jordan Missionary Baptist Church
703 Newport St.
Detroit, MI


Healing Springs Church of God in Christ
3975 Trumbull
Detroit, MI


Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self-Development
65 Cadillac ste. 2200
Detroit, MI


Let Them Come Baptist Church
10320 Hamilton
Detroit, MI


Register your child today! To see if your child's school is participating and sign them up...


Contact Abike Martins TODAY atMarketing@abike.org OR 313.475.0042

Hurry some seating is limited!

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Job Leads


Rochester Hills Chrysler 1301 S. Rochester; Rochester Hills-(Porter) contact Jerry Dawe/Dave Robbins
Ed Rinke Buick 24231 Van Dyke; Center Line-Porter
Joint Production Technology 15381 Hallmark Court; Macomb Township-various General Labor positions
Michigan Catholic Credit Union 255 E. Maple; Troy-Teller (pt)
Punati Chemical 1160 N. Opdyke; Auburn Hills-General Labor (must have computer inventory, manufacturing experience)
Jo-Ad Industries 31465 Stephenson Highway; Madison Heights-General Labor
IFL Group 6860 S. Service Drive; Waterford-Shipping & Receiving Clerk
George Johnson & Co. 1200 Buhl Bldg.; Detroit-Accountant
City of Berkley 3338 Coolidge Hwy; Berkley-Clerk/Cashier (pt)
523 W. Nine Mile; Ferndale-Custodian (pt) apply 10-12 noon on Wednesday and Friday
City of Birmingham 556 W. Maple; Birmingham-Zamboni Driver @ 10-12/hr
Salome’s Detail Center 32432 W. 8 Mile; Farmington-Auto Detailer

Friday, July 16, 2010

Gospel Arts Showcase (FREE Event)

Truly Blessed Communications presents the Gospel Arts Showcase. Sunday, July 18th from 3pm to 6pm at the Gibraltar Trade Center in Mount Clemens, MI (Exit 237 off I-94; northeast of Detroit). This is a FREE event. You will only have to pay $2 per car for parking.




Participating Artists:

R.I.M.E.

Rated PG

Evenoa LeCour

Fresh N Blessed

Anisa Jones

LaRue Hill

God's Hands of Praise

Walking By Faith Ministries

Chris Bartley

Aaron Spratling

and more!!!



Guest Emcee:

Caleb Foster (WDRJ 1440 AM)

You don't want to miss this awesome event!



PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITY:



We are seeking Christian artists of every genre and talent to present their ministry at this open market venue. If you are interested in participating in the August 22nd showcase, please email pastorj@wtbcradio.com with a link or attachment of an example of your ministry by 10pm on July, 28th to be included on the flyer and in radio PSA's. We will accept participants after that date, but they will not be on the flyers. If you have worked with Pastor J before, you only need to call, email, or text to confirm you are able to participate.



Pastor E. L. Jones, Jr.

Truly Blessed Communications

http://www.TrulyBlessedCommunications.com/

269-487-6652



WTBC Radio

http://www.WTBCRadio.com/



Truly Blessed Communications

P.O. Box 5025

Warren, MI 48090

Friday, June 11, 2010

Nonprofit Jobs

Community Chapter Executive - American Red Cross
South Central Michigan Chapter (Jackson and Hillsdale Counties), Jackson, Michigan General Statement of Duties Reporting to the Regional Chapter Executive (“Regional Executive”), the Community Chapter Executive (”Community Executive”) is accountable for achieving performance targets for his/her chapter including service delivery, fundraising/revenue, and expense targets. The Community Chapter Executive has management responsibility for his/her chapter’s employees and volunteers and acts as the chapter’s chief fundraiser. He/she is responsible for supporting regional activities and goals.For more information please visitwww.MNAonline.org/classified.asp.

Program Manager – Part-time position (20 hours) to manage children/teen program at nonprofit, cancer support organization. Major duties include: facilitate support groups, coordinate outreach and programs for member recruitment, track statistics, assist in program development/evaluation and create monthly activities calendar. Master’s degree in social work/counseling; minimum 2 years experience required. Excellent organizational, communication, interpersonal skills and computer proficiency required. Regular hours must include M/W evenings. Nonprofit experience a plus. For full job description, visit http://www.gildasclubdetroit.org/template.php?pid=138. Send resume/cover letter and salary requirements to ebattle@gildasclubdetroit.org by June 22. No phone calls.

Director of Corporate Relations and National Partnerships - Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan
Responsible for establishing and implementing a wide range of procedures and fundraising plans focused on attracting and enhancing Foundation’s corporate relationships. The person will be responsible for all national partnerships along with representing the Foundation and its needs to the community at large and attracting resources for the Foundation. Will oversee the Foundation’s grant writing and outreach to our grantors. Interested applicants should send their resumes to HR@wishmich.org by June 30. More information is available at www.MNAonline.org/classified.asp.

CEO - Easter Seals, a leading non-profit provider of services to children and adults with disabilities and their families, is seeking a dynamic and entrepreneurial leader to provide strategic direction to the Michigan affiliate which is headquartered in Auburn Hills, MI and has service sites throughout the state. The successful candidate will have a solid track record in leading a mission driven organization with a budget in excess of $35 million, have excellent fiscal management skills and proven ability to design and implement growth initiatives. The President/CEO provides vision and leadership to a comprehensive development program and takes an active role in fundraising. Successful applicant must possess excellent strategic thinking skills and a proven approach to creative, solutions oriented problem solving. Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, or a related field with a minimum of ten years of proven leadership experience. Masters Degree preferred. Must possess an understanding, sensitivity and commitment to the needs of people with disabilities. Please send resume, salary history and letter of interest by June 28 to: Michigan CEO Search Committee, c/o Human Resources, Easter Seals, 233 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60606. email employment@easterseals.com
Cleary         University
Graduate Assistant Position Openings
Cleary University is offering Graduate Assistantship opportunities in the following areas:  Student Activities; Student Recruitment; Career Services and Placement; Curriculum Development; Enrollment Services; Financial Aid; Communications/Web.  Ideal candidates will bring at least minimal experience in the area of assignment, interest in building an impressive portfolio, and commitment to completion of an advanced degree.  Graduate Assistant assignments are temporary appointments intended to last approximately 18-24 months, through the completion of an MBA at Cleary University.  Interested candidates must have earned an undergraduate degree and be admitted to Cleary’s graduate program. Graduate Assistants will receive a stipend of $500 per month and a 90% graduate tuition grant for the Cleary MBA program.  Additional details on all positions are available by going to http://www.cleary.edu/cleary_university_job_opportunities.html

Legal Assistant - Legal Assistant position available at a friendly downtown Ann Arbor law firm. The position will entail primarily working with nonprofit and tax exempt organizations. Full time or part time. Primary duties include timeslips entry and billing, filing, dictation, assisting attorneys with drafting and filing corporate documents and Applications for Recognition of Exemption with the Internal Revenue Service, and other office duties as needed. Typing skills, knowledge of Timeslips software, Quickbooks, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel required. Experience in a law firm dealing with nonprofit and tax exempt organizations preferred, but not required. If you are interested in working with nonprofit organizations in a law firm that is helping to make a positive impact on society, send résumé to: Magill and Rumsey, P.C. 201 South Main Street 7th Floor First National Building Ann Arbor MI 48104 Phone: 734-995-2500 Fax: 734-995-4798

Regional Senior Development Officer Under the direction of the President/CEO of HF West Bloomfield Hospital and the Senior Director of Capital Campaign/HF West Bloomfield Hospital, the Regional Senior Development Officer is responsible for oversight and execution of the comprehensive philanthropic program.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Work with HF West Bloomfield leadership and philanthropy team to identify and recruit board and volunteer leadership, and identify and solicit prospective donors.More information is available at www.MNAonline.org/classified.asp.

Director of Communications The Council of Michigan Foundations, the state’s leading association for grantmaking foundations and corporate giving programs, seeks a Director of Communications in its Grand Haven office. Successful candidates will have a bachelor’s degree or higher in communications, Masters degree preferred. 5-7 years experience in equivalent position. For a full job description or to apply, go here: http://www.michiganfoundations.org/s_cmf/doc.asp?CID=518&DID=37543

Executive Director - Susan G. Komen for the Cure Southwest Michigan Affiliate seeks an experienced Executive Director in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The Executive Director is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Affiliate. The Executive Director is also instrumental in the strategic planning and visioning of the Affiliate. Qualified candidate will have an advanced degree and a minimum of 5 years professional experience with responsibilities that include fund development, oversight of a $500,000 annual budget, community grant programs, and partnering with Komen Headquarters staff to ensure alignment with Komen priorities and compliance with policies. This position will report directly to the Board of Directors. Send resume, cover letter and salary requirements by June 15, 2010 to : edkomen@gmail.com or by mail to Cathy L. Wortham % Susan G. Komen for the Cure Southwest Michigan Affiliate, 229 E. Michigan Avenue, Suite 245A, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.

Interim President and CEO - Flint Cultural Center Corporation The Flint Cultural Center Corporation is seeking an experienced manager to provide chief executive leadership and management oversight for the day-to-day operations as an Interim President & CEO. The Flint Cultural Center Corporation (FCCC), a non-profit cultural organization, supports institutions in Flint, MI, dedicated to cultural activity and community vitality through, history, science and the arts. The FCCC was created in late 1992. It serves as the governing body for Longway Planetarium, Sloan Museum, the Buick Gallery and The Whiting Auditorium. More information is available atwww.MNAonline.org/classified.asp

Chief Operating Officer – Community Legal Resources (CLR), seeks a full-time Chief Operating Officer (COO) to fill an immediate vacancy in Detroit. The COO will be responsible for managing the internal strategic initiatives of the organization and developing and implementing internal organizational processes and infrastructure that will allow CLR to continue to grow and fulfill its mission. Qualified candidates will have a BA: MBA or MPA preferred; CPA a plus, strong organizational experience; prefer 5+ years in senior management role, and financial planning and analysis experience. For a more detailed job description, please see www.clronline.org. Interested persons should send a cover letter, resume and business writing sample to Heidi Mucherie, Executive Director, via email tohamucherie@clronline.org.

Administrative Assistant- The Rainbow Connection (TRC) makes dreams come true for Michigan children with life threatening illnesses and provides support services to the wish families. This full-time salaried position provides executive assistance to the Director and general office support. The position requires some daily data entry, calendar maintenance and demands outstanding organizational skills. Must be computer proficient, well organized, team player with a great appreciation for the mission. Schedule may include occasional nights or weekends. Qualifications- Experience required, Bachelor Degree preferred, sensitive to the needs of families in highly stressful situations, demonstrated organizational skills. Please send or email cover letter and resume, Attn: Personnel Committee, 621 West University, Rochester, MI 48307 or info@rainbowconnection.org Application Deadline: June 14, 2010

President & CEO – The Prima Civitas Foundation (PCF) is seeking nominations and applications for the position of President & CEO. PCF, a regional community and economic development non-profit based in Lansing, focuses solely on economic transformation strategies for the state of Michigan. The next President & CEO must exhibit a proven track record of regional collaboration, fundraising, ambassadorship, and agility. Further, this individual must be results-focused, have strong team-building skills, and exhibit a “can do” attitude that motivates and inspires others. A competitive compensation package will be made available. Applications are due July 16, 2010. For more information, and a complete position profile, please visit: http://www.primacivitas.org/press-room/president-and-ceo/

Donor Database Manager/Special Events Coordinator - Tomorrow’s Child, a highly regarded statewide nonprofit, seeks a fundraising professional with strong experience in donor databases, gift processing and donor recognition, coordinating fundraising committees, special events, and other development activities. The position reports to the CEO and works closely with the Board of Directors and development committees. A Bachelor’s degree and 2-4 years with donor databases required. Competitive salary, excellent benefits, flexible schedule. Position is located in Lansing. Send resume to info@tcmisids.org.

Executive Director - SOS Community Services
SOS Community Services is a nonprofit human service organization that will celebrate its 40th anniversary this year.  From its beginnings as a peer counseling service, it has evolved into a key component of the county-wide Blueprint to End Homelessness as a provider of housing and services to homeless families.  In 2009, SOS served over 5,000 clients. More information is available atwww.MNAonline.org/classified.asp

Source: Michigan Nonprofit Association

The 2nd Annual NEXT Bash Comes to the Max M. Fisher!

The NEXT Bash, formally known as the Project NEXT Bash, is back for the second year! After a stellar breakout year that saw honor roll students turn out in impressive numbers to celebrate education and academic excellence at the Palace of Auburn Hills in 2009, we are proud to announce that this year’s event will take place on July 10, 2010 at the majestic Max. M. Fisher Music Center.   


In its continuing effort to empower young minds, the Project NEXT initiative was created to help propel high school and middle school students toward academic excellence.

The NEXT Bash is a major concert event that was designed to reward students who maintain a 3.0 grade point average or higher. This initiative serves to reward students who maintain honor roll status while motivating and encouraging those who fall outside of these parameters to focus and try harder.
This year’s event will feature live performances by Boi, Dollah Jones, Newland, Roc Stea’D, SelfMeyi and Vina Mills in an electrifying display of musical showmanship and entertainment. 

“It is our desire to use this event to help give students that extra push to reach higher and higher to reach their educational goals each year,” said program facilitator Janaya Black. “After a great turn out last year and the overwhelmingly positive response that we’ve received from students and teachers alike this year, we really feel like this is something that will serve to help keep them motivated and focused. The ultimate goal is to make the event bigger and more exciting for them each year so that it will become something to shoot for all year long.” 

The NEXT Bash will take place at the Max M. Fisher Music Center on July 10, 2010. Doors will open at 7pm and the concert will begin at 8pm.  Ticket holding students must also bring their report card to verify 3.0 statuses and be accompanied by an adult. Due to tickets being general admission early arrival is strongly encouraged to ensure entry and seating. 

Parents who are interested in obtaining tickets for their honor roll students in grades 6-12 and their student’s school did not register for the program, may email their request to blacksmithenterprises@yahoo.com.  Requests will be honored while supplies last.

The NEXT Bash is sponsored by Pepsi, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, RL Entertainment, Star Factory, and Live the Music Group.

For more information please contact Janaya Black at blacksmithenterprises@yahoo.com or call 734-634-3151. Interview opportunities for the artists are also available for media personnel upon request. 

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Why Detroit Cannot Stand...

As I write this I have to really be prayerful. It is my desire to be as open and honest as possible. Please know that these words are an outpouring from my heart…My journey as a young politician and community activist started only a few years ago, although it seems like a lifetime. I was going through a very painful divorce from my children’s father and high school sweetheart. It was a very confusing time in my life. I had been a house wife, was uneducated and did not have a strong support system at that time. I thank God for the mentors and friends that He sent to help guide me on my journey. As lost as I was, young, naïve and inexperienced in most things, my heart was in the right place. My heart bled for the tragedies I saw and heard about in my neighborhood continuously, including the tragic death of my cousin Mannie.

I knew I wanted to do something, be a part of the movement. I found my footing in places like the Detroit Election Commission, Detroit Downtown Inc., Detroit Parent Network, NAACP, Young Dems and in people like Derek Blackmon, Brenda Jenkins, Edward Foxworth, Ken Harris, Raphael Johnson, Akindele Akinyemi, James Ribbron, Glenn Plummer, Malik Yakini , James Tate, Gloria Williams, Jackie L. Currie, Lynda White-Hodges, Barry Hubbard, Monique Lancaster, Sam Doyle, Shika Hamilton, and Weusi Olusola. There are so many more people and organizations that I could name, those are just a few that really took the time to nurture my dreams, my ventures, or made a great impact on who I am now as a young leader, as well as guided me when I was going in the wrong direction. Good or Bad they opened my eyes to so many things. If you see your brother or sister going down the wrong path, as we all do at times, or are just discouraged, I hope you do what so many of my mentors and friends do for me, give them sound direction.

What I found is in the “real world” most people will cut you before they help you. They will smile in your face after having stuck daggers in your back. I don’t know if it’s more painful when I’ve had people do it to me or when I know they are doing it to one another. I have been lied on and lied to more times than I can count. Yes, even by leadership.  Most of the time I don’t even let people know, I don’t try to hurt them back, I just keep on moving. I let people believe the lies because I don’t have time for foolishness or pettiness. I know what and who I am, most importantly I know who’s I am.

We are all working together to forge a better, safer more prosperous Detroit. Everyone has their own reasons. But as long as we cannot trust one another as leadership, support one another, as long as we stab one another in the back, talk about one another behind the back, blacklist or blackball one another, set one another up to take a fall and are just flat out disrespectful to one another, then we are not saving anybody. We are the ones who need to be saved. Those things say a whole lot about our morals and values. Everyone has their reasons for that behavior as well, whether it’s someone rubbed you the wrong way, jealousy or the continuation of the crabs in a barrel mentality. “I don’t want you to have anything, because I don’t want you to have more than me.” I believe that advancement and increase comes from God, not man. Man may be the instrument, but he is not the source.

How does all of this tie into the fall of a city? A city, a nation, a home is only as strong as the head. If the head of the household is not together, the household is in disarray. The leaders of a city, is its collective head. If those leaders, young and old are so caught up in “playing the game” and getting ahead, instead of creating solutions; being an island unto himself or herself instead of realizing you have to work with others who don’t look like you or act like you or think like you to actually be a community; disagree with someone without feeling the need to destroy them; then the community will continue to shrink and fall. If that happens, you will have no one to follow you anyway!

This has been on my mind for a long time and I just needed to share this and I hope that it becomes a benefit to someone. We are Detroit! We need one another and our hearts need to be right! Only then can we have a stronger Detroit!

Rom 14:19
19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. (KJV)

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Want to Know How to Have Your Student Loans Forgiven?


On September 27, 2007, President Bush signed the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 (“CCRAA”) into law. In addition to other amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965, the CCRAA created two new federal programs: a new Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and a new Income-Based Repayment plan (IBR) for the repayment of federal loans.


The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program offers forgiveness for outstanding Federal Direct loans for those individuals who make 120 qualifying payments after October 1, 2007, while working full-time in a “public service job” as defined in the Act. The new Income-Based Repayment plan helps to make repaying education loans more affordable for low-income borrowers, such as an AmeriCorps member living on a stipend. IBR will become available in July, 2009.


Eligibility
The public service loan forgiveness program has several restrictions:
  • Term: The forgiveness occurs after 120 monthly payments made on or after October 1, 2007 on an eligible Federal Direct Loan. Periods of deferment and forbearance are not counted toward the 120 payments. Payments made before October 1, 2007 do not count. Likewise, only payments on a Federal Direct Loan are counted.
  • What is forgiven? The remaining interest and principal are forgiven.
  • Employment: The borrower must be employed full-time in a public service job for each of the 120 monthly payments. Public service jobs include, among other positions, emergency management, government (excluding time served as a member of Congress), military service, public safety and law enforcement (police and fire), public health (including nurses, nurse practitioners, nurses in a clinical setting, and full-time professionals engaged in health care practitioner occupations and health care support occupations), public education, early childhood education (including licensed or regulated childcare, Head Start, and State-funded prekindergarten), social work in a public child or family service agency, public services for individuals with disabilities or the elderly, public interest legal services (including prosecutors, public defenders and legal advocacy on behalf of low-income communities at a nonprofit organization), public librarians, school librarians and other school-based services, and employees of tax exempt 501(c)(3) organizations. Full-time faculty at tribal colleges and universities, as well as faculty teaching in high-need subject areas and shortage areas (including nurse faculty, foreign language faculty, and part-time faculty at community colleges), also qualify.
  • Eligible Loans: Eligible loans include Federal Direct Stafford Loans (Subsidized and Unsubsidized), Federal Direct PLUS Loans, and Federal Direct Consolidation Loans. Borrowers in the Direct Loan program do not need to consolidate in order to qualify for loan forgiveness. Borrowers in the FFEL program will need to consolidate into Direct Loans.(Beginning on July 1, 2008, FFEL borrowers may obtain a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan in order to qualify for public service loan forgiveness even if they had previously consolidated in the FFEL program. Such borrowers will be restricted to the income-based repayment, income-contingent repayment and standard repayment plans. Before July 1, 2008, FFEL borrowers who have not yet consolidated may obtain a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan in order to obtain income contingent repayment by stating that they are unable to obtain income sensitive repayment terms acceptable to the borrower. Before July 1, 2008, FFEL borrowers who have already consolidated in the FFEL program are only able to obtain a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan with income-contingent repayment terms if their loans have been selected by a guarantee agency for default aversion. Note that borrowers who took advantage of the early repayment status loophole have already consolidated their loans and so are subject to the more stringent requirements for a subsequent consolidation into the Direct Loan program.)
    Although Perkins Loans are not eligible for public service loan forgiveness, if they are included in a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan the entire consolidation loan, including the Perkins Loans, is eligible for public service loan forgiveness. One may use income-based repayment and income-contingent repayment on such a consolidation loan.
    Perkins loan borrowers will need to consider the tradeoffs of including the Perkins loans in a federal direct consolidation loan. When Perkins loans are consolidated, they lose several favorable benefits, such as subsidized interest, a 9 month grace period, and a generous loan forgiveness program.
    Although Parent PLUS loans are nominally eligible for forgiveness, since the definition of Eligible Federal Direct Loan in section 455(m)(3)(A) of the Higher Education Act does not preclude Parent PLUS, such loans are not eligible for income-based repayment (section 493C(a)(1)) or income-contingent repayment (section 455(d)(1)(D)), so there will be no financial benefit to seeking forgiveness for such loans. However, if a Parent PLUS loan is included in a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan, it will be eligible for income-contingent repayment (but not income-based repayment), making it possible to obtain forgiveness. (However, income contingent repayment is not available for Federal Direct Consolidation Loans that include PLUS loans for borrowers who entered repayment before July 1, 2006, per 34 CFR 685.208(a)(1)(ii). Income contingent repayment is available for Federal Direct Consolidation Loans that include PLUS loans for borrowers who entered repayment on or after July 1, 2006, per 34 CFR 685.208(a)(2)(iii).)
    Grad PLUS loans are eligible for forgiveness. However, the language in section 455(d)(1)(D) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 precludes the use of income-contingent repayment for PLUS loans. This is fixed by section 493C(b)(3), which amends the exclusion to apply to just Parent PLUS loans. But that amendment is effective July 1, 2009. So until July 1, 2009, income-contingent repayment cannot be used for Grad PLUS loans. On or after July 1, 2009, one can use income-contingent repayment for Grad PLUS loans. (Income-based repayment also becomes available for all direct loans except Parent PLUS and Perkins Loans on July 1, 2009.) However, as with Parent PLUS loans, Grad PLUS loans can become eligible for income-contingent repayment provided that they are included in a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan and the borrower did not enter repayment before July 1, 2006. Consolidation loans that include a Grad PLUS loan are also eligible for income-based repayment starting July 1, 2009.
    Note that borrowers who took advantage of the early repayment status loophole to consolidate their loans during the in-school period technically entered repayment before July 1, 2006.
  • Eligible Repayment Plans: Borrowers may use income-based repaymentincome contingent repayment, standard repayment or a combination of these repayment plans. Payments made under other repayment plans (e.g., extended repayment and graduated repayment) do not count. To maximize the amount of forgiveness, borrowers should use income-based repayment. When income-based repayment is not available (e.g., prior to July 1, 2009), they should use income-contingent repayment.If a borrower were to use only standard repayment for repaying their loans there would be no balance remaining after 10 years and so no debt to cancel. Standard repayment is only provided as an option to address situations when a borrower is unable to continue under income-based repayment because they no longer have a partial financial hardship and the payments under income-contingent repayment exceed standard repayment. In such a situation the borrower would use standard repayment for the remaining payments and obtain some loan forgiveness at the end of the ten years of payments.
  • Taxability: Public service loan forgiveness is not taxable under section 108(f) of the Internal Revenue Code. See Taxability of Student Loan Forgiveness for additional details.
Bottom Line Advice
Although the details may seem complicated, the advice for taking advantage of this program is more straightforward.

  • Borrowers who will be employed in public service jobs and who have loans under the FFEL program should obtain a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan as soon as possible. (Before July 1, 2008, they will need to consolidate into direct loans by stating that they were unable to obtain acceptable income-sensitive repayment terms. On or after July 1, 2008, they will be able to consolidate into direct loans to obtain public service loan forgiveness.)
  • Parent PLUS borrowers who entered repayment on or after July 1, 2006 will need to consolidate their PLUS loans even if they are already in the Direct Loan program.
  • Borrowers should start off with income-contingent repayment, if they can. They should switch to income-based repayment as soon as it becomes available on July 1, 2009, if they can. (Consolidation loans that include Parent PLUS loans are not eligible for income-based repayment.)

Caveats
The public service loan forgiveness program is targeted at students who pursue public service careers and who have high debt and low income. Borrowers with low debt or high income will not benefit as much.
As a back-end loan forgiveness program, the public service loan forgiveness is an all-or-nothing benefit. If a borrower stops working full-time in a public service job, even with just a few of the 120 payments left, they get no forgiveness.
The public service loan forgiveness option's main impact is to remove debt as a disincentive to pursuing a career in public service. Most borrowers will still earn less in a public service job than in the private sector, despite the forgiveness. But previously borrowers were precluded from long-term employment in public service jobs because the debt-to-income ratios were unaffordable.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

American Democracy in 2010


By Tiffany D. Tilley
Chair of International Advocacy
United Nations Association-USA Greater Detroit Chapter

Democracy is a failed system.  This system’s utilization of partiality for the majority giving them vantage over the minority leaves it corrupt and its citizens disillusioned.  Power is supposed to “the people,” however while the majority rules, protection is without garner for minority voters.   While the majority rule does not in fact represent absolute power of the people, it does in fact create an abuse of power in the system against minority rights. 

Constitutionally speaking, when the founding Fathers of this nation apotheosized the document, their inclusion of the Bill of Rights was to eradicate the implications of tyranny.   It was abundantly clear that outside forces were not the only threat waged towards the freedom and liberties of Americans.   Self rule of one leader, usually embarked by kings, queens or dictators, could now be imposed through one united voice of the majority.  Therefore, allowing that majority to inflict the minority body with a crucially imbalanced authority.   

There are many groups that suffer the oppression of the popular vote, including the gay and lesbian community, religious groups, minority groups, the poor and uneducated.  We have witnessed the toxic results for all of these groups when forced to succumb to an illegitimate process.  In many states gays and lesbians have been denied the privilege of the marital sanctuary set forth for heterosexual voters.  Religious groups have lost the privilege of prayer in schools, inflicting great hypocrisy, it denies the right to practice traditions that this country was founded on.  Affirmative action has been removed from various states, resulting in the discontinuation of many health and sports programs for females.  Taxation has oppressed the underclass, while the public school systems have failed many of our underprivileged youth.  Cut backs have continued to exasperate collapsing institutions, resulting in a revolving door of drop out students and disproportionate disparities due to the Achievement Gap.

While there are many cons to democracy, the pros still ring true.   Inalienable rights are supposed without prejudice to every individual.  In 1776, Thomas Jefferson thoroughly examined and affirmed what inalienable rights means for Americans.  "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with inherent and inalienable rights; that among these, are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed;…,” Declaration of Independence.

Democracy also allows individuals, groups and communities to conceptualize ideas and influence due process.  The responsibility is not just left up to the government to directly influence change, laws, or rights.  Everyone has a voice.  Legislatures and delegates represent those voices.  However, non-electoral voices, sometimes self-appointed, can at will challenge the government’s authority and control.   

Flexibility is also afforded in the democratic process.  The voting methodology of the majority rules enables decisions to be made without impeding progress.  It can be viewed as the most efficient way to appease a group without negating the rights of individuals.

Democracy is the American way of life.  It creates a more balanced view of citizens needs, and includes them in how those needs will be generated.   As opposed to dictatorship, authoritarianism, totalitarianism or communism where factions decide what individuals needs are and how they will be met.  Our system is flawed and at times diluted; however it helps us to preserve our human and inalienable rights in the process.  It separates us from the governmental controls felt around the world in other countries.   Americans enjoy prosperity and its remnants while many others experience unfair cast systems, planned economies and a government hostile towards its own people.  As we continue to embrace democracy within our shores, America remains the land of the free and home of the brave.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Levin for Congress Campaign Position

Job Posting- Spring and Summer Campaign Job

Congressman Sandy Levin is looking for staff for the spring and summer to work in his campaign office. 

Campaign staff will be responsible for the following projects plus many more:
·        Organizing and training volunteers
·        Help develop and execute volunteer driven field activities
·        Maintain campaign data base  

Campaign staff should posses the following qualifications:
·        A passion for progressive politics
·        Highly organized and detailed oriented
·        Willing to work in a fast paced environment for long irregular hours
·        Able to work with diverse groups of constituencies
·        Comfortable with computers and able to quickly learn new programs

Please send your resume, cover letter and three references to:
Levin for Congress
PO Box 37
Roseville, MI 48066 

Or Email sandy@levinforcongress.com
  

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Mason Radio's 2nd Annual Skate Party!

Join Mason Radio and His Mason Radio Morning Crew from 107.5 WGPR for The 2nd Annual Skating Party at Northland Skating Rink!

Wednesday, May 12th
Doors Open 6:30p.m. and We Skate until 10:00p.m.
$6.00 gets u in $2.00 gets u skates...

Mason Radio will give away prizes and one lucky family will win a FREEZER FULL OF FOOD : )

All ages Welcome!!!

Family Friendly Skating Event!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

2010 HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION


The Detroit Chapter of the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) will be awarding a $1,000 scholarship to a minority senior high school student who meets the requirements listed below. The scholarship will be awarded on June 2010 at the NBMBAA Annual Scholarship Reception. The winner will be notified prior to the reception, and all scholarship winners will be posted on the NBMBAA Detroit Chapter website:www.nbmbaa.org/detroit. Please check our website for future updates regarding the Annual Scholarship and Awards Reception.
Requirements for High School Scholarship Award:
1.    Applicant must be: 1) a minority student entering their first year; 2) enrolled full-time in an accredited undergraduate business or management program during the fall of 2010, or the winter/spring of 2011 school term; and 3) working towards an undergraduate degree.
2.    Applicant must submit a two-page, double-spaced, type-written essay in response to the following topic:
What issues do you think are critical to improving public education for minority students? What do you think Barack Obama should address as his first priority in improving public education? 
4.    Applicant must submit an official high school transcript with their application.
5.    A completed application, two-page essay and official transcript must be postmarked byMay 1, 2010 and submitted to:
2010 High School Scholarship Award

NBMBAA Detroit Chapter

P.O Box 02398

Detroit, MI 48202

 

Jobs! Jobs! Jobs! EVENT...

DETROIT BRANCH NAACP
Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!
A Super Career Expo

Friday, April 30, 2010

Your browser may not support display of this image.9:00am – 3:00 pm
                                                                    Cobo Conference Center
1 Washington Blvd.
Detroit, Michigan

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Prom Dress Giveaway


WAYNE COUNTY COMMISSIONER
Alisha Bell
Presents

"Belle of the Ball"
3rd Annual Prom Dress

Distribution Event
Donations of gently used cleaned formal and semi formal Dresses for young ladies.

Prom Dress distribution will be:
Saturday April 24, 2010 at the
Boys & Girls Club
located at 16500 Tireman
from 12 noon to 2 p.m.
For more information call: (313) 224-0936

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Black Women's Heath & Wellness Summit

@Marygrove College
Friday, April 23, 2010
4:00pm - 9:00pm


Black Women’s lives are at risk. Historically, we have had the worst health on nearly every health index when compared to other groups of women. And despite advances in medicine, Black Women continue to die needlessly and suffer unnecessarily from preventable and treatable causes & diseases.

Reports show that minority groups receive the poorest quality of care (even when they have health insurance), and that Black women receive the "poorest of the poor" care in comparison with White men, White women and even Black men.

Poor health is unacceptable and we must work to create equity in health on all fronts for all people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender and socio-economic status.

The focus of this Summit is to educate, inform and increase awareness concerning Black Women’s Health issues while creating a dialogue to promote changes in healthcare coverage, access and policy. 

Plymouth/Dearborn Heights Housing Commission's (Section 8) Waiting List

The Plymouth/Dearborn Heights Housing Commission is pleased to be opening its Housing Choice Voucher
(Section 8) Waiting List.
 
The applications will only be available from 8:00 AM on April 23, 2010 through 5:00 PM on April 26, 2010. After 5:00 PM on April 26, 2010 the Waiting List will be CLOSED and the application will no longer be available. The application must be filled out completely and mailed to the Plymouth Housing Commission. No faxed applications or dropped off or incomplete applications will be accepted. All applications must be postmarked by May 7, 2010 in order to be considered. Only 5,000 applications will be accepted. This is NOT on a first come first served basis. All applications postmarked by May 7, 2010 will be eligible for random selection. Only those applications randomly selected will be contacted by mail.
In preparation for the opening you will need to have access to a computer with internet capability. You will not be able to complete the application online. It will have to be printed, completed, signed and mailed in. The local Michigan Department of Human Service Agencies (DHS), Fair Housing Center of Metropolitan Detroit, advocacy organizations and other appropriate service agencies will be notified and may possibly assist in obtaining an application during the open Waiting List period.
You will need to be prepared to provide the following information for all family members who will be part of the household: full names, social security numbers, birth dates, and information on any current and/or past criminal records, if any. (If you currently live with a family member who will NOT be part of the household, please do NOT list them on the application!). Any previous participation in public housing or the housing choice voucher program will also need to be provided. If you do not provide the above information your application will not be processed.
You will not be able to contact this office once you have mailed in your application to verify if we have received it or any other questions relating to the application. If you want to ensure your application has been received by this office it is suggested you send it CERTIFIED/RETURN RECEIPT from your local post office. Any and all necessary changes to your application (i.e., address change, household members, etc.) must be submitted in writing.

Detroit Police Department Community Meetings

Central District (CD)
3rd Tuesday – 6:30 pm
Location: CD - 7310 Woodward Avenue
No Meetings: July and August
Telephone Number: 596-5110


Southwestern District (SWD)

2nd Tuesday – 7:00 pm
Location: SWD – 4700 W. Fort or Adam Butzel Center – 10500 Lyndon 
No Meetings: July and August
Telephone Number: 596-5217


Northeastern District 
2nd Tuesday – 6:30 pm
Location: St. John’s Conner Creek – 4777 E. Outer Drive (Feb., Apr., June, Oct., Dec.)
Butzel Family Center – 7737 Kercheval (Mar, May, Sept., Nov.)
No Meetings: January, July and August
Telephone Number: 596-1121


Eastern District 
1st Wednesday – 7:00 pm
Location: Samaritan Center – 5555 Conner
No Meetings: July and August
Telephone Number: 596-5913


Northwestern District 

Last Monday – 7:00 pm except in May, meeting held on the Monday before holiday.
Location; Bushnell Congregational Church – 15000 Southfield
No Meeting: July, August and December
Telephone Number: 596-5617


10th Precinct 
2nd Thursday – 7:00 pm
Location: Detroit Police Department’s Recruiting – 14655 Dexter
Number: 596-1020

12th Precinct 
1st Thursday – 7:00 pm
Location: Detroit Police Department’s Recruiting – 14655 Dexter
No Meetings: January and February
Telephone Number: 596-1221

Candidates Mixer for the 12th Congressional Candidates

Calling All Dems in Clinton Township, Eastpointe, Ferndale, Oak Park, Roseville, Royal Oak, Southfield, St. Clair Shores, Warren, Oak Park
and other 12th District communities!

Join Candidates running for office in the 12th Congressional District and State seats. Hosted by the 12th Congressional Young Dems of Michigan @ the Red Velvet Room, Friday May, 7th from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Free Entry and Free Food catered by Beans and Cornbread.

Join our Host Committee for only $100.00 and have your name added on our flyers and marketing material.

For more info contact Treasurer Martin Tutwiler 313-334-8133.



Thank you,


Tiffany D. Tilley
Chair

Hoops for Haiti!





Join the Children's Spa, P.A.T.C.H.E.S. Inc., UNA-YPIC and Park West Foundation's Blue Babies as we raise money for the children of Haiti. 

One child suffering anywhere in the world, is one too many!

Shoot a hoop for a buck and raise money for Haiti's children!

Vendors, Entertainment, Refreshments, Praise Teams and more.


Become a Vendor! Vending tables are only $25.00 call Jessica Howell 313-575-0970

Become a Patron! Have your name listed in our program, $3.00 for single names and $5.00 for couples call Cheryl Majors 313-459-3469

Events

4/13/10 Speed Book Sharing Detroit Public Library 5201 Woodward; Detroit 6-7:45pm

4/14/10 Youth Day Kickoff Breakfast Greater Grace Temple 23500 W. Seven Mile; Detroit 8:30am 586 393 8800

4/16 Karamos Cancer Center  4100 John R; Detroit will offer free neck, oral, and head cancer screening 2-5pm 1 800 KARAMOS

4/21 MDOT Community Forum WCCC 5901 Conner; Detroit 5:30-8pm 832 2210 ext13

4/15 Detroit historic Neighborhood Coalition Community Mtg. Family Place 8726 Woodward; Detroit 6pm 822 8111