Monday, September 19, 2011

Johnson County, KS: Your County at Work for You


Blanche Williams and her husband, Dick, bought the house of their dreams three years ago in a peaceful Overland Park neighborhood. With its airy rooms and three-season sunroom, it was everything they wanted. But last December, the house took on a more challenging feel.



That's when Williams, 76, saw a doctor about hand tremors and was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. "With Parkinson's, things are going to get more challenging for me," Williams said matter-of-factly. "I want to be able to stay in my home, and I will need the house to accommodate a wheelchair some day." In sharing her concerns about the future, Williams learned from a friend about the HOME Program of Johnson County Housing Services.


"I consider myself pretty savvy about what's available in the community," Williams said, "but I sure didn't know about this!"So one day this past spring, Williams drove to the Housing Services offices on 87th Street Parkway to apply. She signed all the necessary papers in May, work began on July 1, and by Aug. 1 it was nearly finished.


The narrow door to Williams' bathroom has been widened and she now has a "curbless" shower that will enable her to move easily even in a wheelchair. The scope of her project also included replacement of damaged exterior siding.  Williams has been deeply involved throughout the process. She got to choose from the contractors who bid on the job, she carefully watched the construction work each day, and she developed great respect for Carl Wilkes and Brandon Boatman, the two Housing Services inspectors assigned to her HOME project.


Overall, she couldn't be happier. "It's a wonderful program," she said. "I now have a new mortgage on the property, but in 10 years that will be written off."


Williams urges all eligible residents to consider both the HOME and Minor Home Rehabilitation programs—and not to feel any qualms about participating.

"There's no reason to be held back by pride when you're dealing with something that could be a big problem later on," she said firmly.


Postscript: Blanche Williams has taken advantage of offerings from Johnson County K-State Research and Extension, as well. After her Parkinson's diagnosis, she took a class called Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions—and was so impressed that she is learning to teach the course to others. She has also taken exercise classes from Extension because she knows that keeping fit will affect her attitude and help her control the symptoms of her illness.
Johnson County Housing Services assists eligible residents through a collaboration between other county departments, nonprofit agencies, Johnson County cities, and state and federal governments.



Housing Services programs are of great benefit to eligible residents, said David Ward, deputy director of Housing Services and coordinator of the HOME and Minor Home Rehabilitation programs.



"Too often, we find that clients are making decisions like, 'Do I buy my groceries or replace my roof?'" he said. "These programs make decisions like that unnecessary."

According to Ward, "There are great benefits to the community. The work we do through the HOME and Minor Home Rehabilitation programs can allow residents to continue to live independently. Our work helps the local economy, preserves the county's housing stock, and can change the face of a neighborhood. The 'before-and-after' contrast can be amazing."


The HOME Program

The HOME Program is designed to help eligible residents with rehabilitation of their owner-occupied homes, bringing them into compliance with local housing codes and housing quality standards, as well as addressing health and safety issues. Other objectives include improving accessibility for persons with disabilities, weatherization, and addressing lead-based paint. Other rehabilitation may be done, but the HOME Program does not provide for general upgrades or luxury items.



All work is done by licensed, insured, preapproved contractors. Housing Services staff monitor every step of the process—preparing the scope of the project, obtaining bids from contractors, and inspecting the job throughout construction. The homeowner plays a big role, as well—choosing the contractor from eligible bidders, checking references if desired, and interacting with the contractors and inspectors.



"Our staff assess the client's 'spoken needs' and then look beyond those needs to what the owner might not even see," Ward explained. "Sometimes we pare down the client's wish list, sometimes we expand it!" An example of expansion was the need for replacement siding on Blanche Williams' home.



Once the owner approves the scope of work, competitive bids are obtained, a contract between the contractor and owner is drawn up, a lien is placed on the house, and "we start swinging the hammers," said Ward.



For Johnson County residents outside the Olathe city limits, assistance is provided as a deferred loan for 10 years at 0 percent interest with no monthly payments. Ten percent of the loan is forgiven each year. If the owner lives in the home for 10 years after the rehabilitation, the loan is completely forgiven. If the property changes ownership, the balance of the loan must be repaid.



For Olathe residents, the entire loan balance must be repaid when the home is ultimately sold. Olathe deferred loans are non-interest-bearing and do not require periodic payments, however.

Ward says of the HOME Program, "Residents will never see more favorable terms anywhere. There's just nothing else like it."
  • You are eligible if…
    Your home is in Johnson County.
  • You own and have occupied the home for at least one year.
  • The payment is current if your home is secured by a mortgage.
  • The repairs cost at least $5,000 to correct.
  • The home is not in a special flood zone or hazardous area.
  • The total household gross income does not exceed HUD's 80 percent of area median income guidelines (call for current income limits).
  • The value of the property after rehabilitation does not exceed 95 percent of the HUD median purchase price for the area.
  • Homeowners insurance is in place.
  • All property taxes are current.
  • There is no more than one lien against the property.
How to participate
Request an application from Housing Services by calling 913-715-6612, e-mailing RichellePopevis@jocogov.org, or visiting http://hsa.jocogov.org (then "Housing," then "Johnson County HOME Program").

Note: If the home needs so many repairs that the total expense would exceed the amount allowed to bring it fully into compliance with housing quality standards and to address all code violations, Housing Services must decline the application.

Olathe residents should contact Linda Lane: phone 913-971-6268 or e-mail LLane@Olatheks.org.


Minor Home Rehabilitation Program
The Minor Home Rehabilitation Program assists Johnson County homeowners with minor home rehabilitation needs and provides accessibility modifications for persons with a disability.

The program helps with repairs that, if left unattended, would have a direct effect on the health, safety, or accessibility of the homeowner or renter. As such, it deals with more urgent, "acute-care" needs than the HOME Program.

The primary focus of the program is repairing or replacing a home's mechanical systems and installing devices or performing modifications to make the home accessible.

The services are free to income-eligible residents, and there is no repayment obligation.
  • What kinds of repairs are provided?
    Accessibility: Bathroom modifications, ramps, repair or replacement of damaged interior or exterior stairs.
  • Major systems replacement: Window replacement, plumbing, electrical, gas line failure, guttering, HVAC, driveway repair or replacement, sidewalks on the property.
  • Minor services: Faucet replacement, drain line cleaning and repair, water heater replacement, replacement of mechanical parts for air conditioning and furnaces, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, communication devices for persons who are deaf or hearing-impaired.
You are eligible if…

  • You live in Johnson County.
  • Your annual income does not exceed HUD's 80 percent of area median income guidelines.
  • You own and occupy your home.
  • You are current on your property taxes.
  • Your home is not for sale.
For more information or to apply for the program, call 913-715-6616 or visit http://hsa.jocogov.org (then "Housing," then "Minor Home Rehabilitation").

Olathe residents should contact Linda Lane: phone 913-971-6268 or e-mail LLane@Olatheks.org.


Other sources of housing help
One other program often helpful is the Weatherization Program, which can help you lower your fuel bills and increase the comfort of your home. At this time, however, there is a waiting list for services. To be placed on the list, call 913-715-6618.

Housing Services also has a First-Time Homebuyers Program and a Neighborhood Stabilization Program.


Article By Lynn Anderson

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

AMERICAN STROKE FOUNDATION Helping survivors for the long term


Ralph Pusey gathers no moss as he sails around the offices of the American Stroke Foundation in Mission. Although he doesn't have use of the fingers on his right hand, and his right leg takes some compensating, a perfectly healthy walker doesn't have to slow down to stay with him. Pusey's speech is a bit unusual—but it takes just a minute or two to settle into his rhythms and phrasing, and then it's a challenge to keep up with him. Pusey, 69, of Lenexa, looks strong. He looks happy and independent, and he knows that he's useful, because he serves as a role model for new stroke survivors who walk through the foundation's doors for the first time. "I'm here to tell people that after stroke, there is hope," Pusey said. "There is something more that can be done; there's a lot that can be done."

Stroke affects nearly four of five Americans—either themselves or someone they know. Stroke is the top cause of adult disability, leaving two-thirds of survivors with significant physical and emotional aftershocks. But for too long, there were no resources to help survivors and their families after they completed their immediate rehabilitation and their health care support system ended. That was true until the American Stroke Foundation was born 14 years ago.

The foundation offers compassionate but practical knowledge and service in a comfortable, home-like environment. There, stroke survivors get the continued assistance and support they need to reach their full potential. "When people suffer a stroke, they often feel terribly alone, and often they are angry and depressed," said Joan McDowd, the foundation's acting executive director. "By helping to improve everyday functioning, the foundation brings hope into these survivors' lives and the lives of their families and caregivers." According to McDowd and Pusey, and according to the people who've thrived through the foundation's work, stroke is not a death sentence. There are opportunities for a fresh start.

Pusey became a stroke survivor one morning in January 2001. His wife was out of town and Pusey got ready to shower. "Suddenly I couldn't hold my towel," he recalled. "I thought that was kind of funny. Then I quickly realized there was something very wrong." Rather than calling 911, Pusey called the Lenexa Police Department. When the dispatcher asked his name, he didn't know. When she asked where he was, he didn't know. At about that time, the chief of police happened through the dispatch area and was flagged down. She knew Pusey because he was a member of the board of CrimeStoppers, and she recognized his voice. Without that bit of luck, he would have died.

An extremely active man, Pusey had fingers in many pies around Kansas City. He was vice president and general manager of a prosperous security company, knew everybody, was on lots of boards, and never stopped to rest. In the blink of an eye, he was a man who could neither walk nor talk.

"I was in the hospital for two months and then did rehabilitation for six weeks," he said. "My wife, Debbie, and my children were just wonderful. They cared for me so well; I can't say enough about them." Debbie, though, felt that Ralph needed more help if he was to continue improving, so she pressed him to try the American Stroke Foundation. "I had been a college athlete," Pusey said. "I was active, a Type A person, and very involved in the community. Like many other people with stroke, I was upset because it affected my life so terribly. I didn't care about getting better. I was mad! I said No. My wife said, Do it!"

So he did. "I came here, and when I'd been here a little while, I thought, 'Hmmm, this is OK!'" Pusey said. "I started coming for the programs, for exercise, and for fellowship. The speech therapy here was wonderful. The staff was wonderful. The OT and PT students and the volunteers were wonderful."

After 10 years, he's still coming. And when he isn't involved in a class or mentoring a new stroke survivor, Pusey is working on his cattle farm in Miami County or playing poker—or ringing up old pals to raise money and goods for the foundation.

The foundation has "American" in its name because the vision of its founder and board is to be a model, developing a curriculum and structure that other cities across the nation could adopt as they become part of the foundation. At this time, though, the two metro offices (in Mission and Kansas City, Mo.) are unique in the country. The facility includes a "hangout room" with comfortable sofas and chairs where participants can relax and socialize; a kitchen, where skills of daily living are re-learned and practiced; an extensive fitness room; rooms for art, music, and conversational therapy and other classes; and offices.

American Stroke Foundation facilities and services are open to all adult stroke survivors. Participants must be able to meet their personal needs by themselves or have a caretaker with them at all times. And they must be able to interact in a socially appropriate manner with other stroke survivors, caregivers, families, and staff. Before attending any programs, participants complete an intake assessment (health history, current medications, emergency contact names, hospital preference, etc.) and attend an orientation. Services cost a nominal $65 per month for those able to pay; a sliding scale is used for people with fewer financial resources. For a membership application, call 913-649-1776.

The foundation offers a long menu of services, but it's mightier than its size might indicate. With a tiny staff (16-person board, director, program director, and office coordinator), it serves countless people mainly through a cadre of caring, dedicated volunteers like Joie Tenenbaum, a retired speech therapist who convenes a group of stroke survivors and works with them on conversational skills in a safe, warm setting. Other volunteers lead singing (many stroke survivors can't speak but can sing) or facilitate one of many educational and support functions the foundation offers Monday through Friday. "We could not survive without the volunteers," McDowd said. "Our work is also extended by the presence of university students studying occupational, speech, and physical therapy. By leading groups here, they provide a great service to stroke survivors while learning much that will enhance their own future practices."

At any given time, about 75 stroke survivors are using the services of the two metro foundation offices. Some attend two or three times weekly—usually for exercise and fitness—but others are everyday attendees. They come for education and to enhance their healing, but they come for more than that.

"We perceive that the social support we offer here is very, very important," McDowd said. "We focus on the complete person. That's what people say, over and over, is the most valuable thing about the foundation. It's the personal contact with other survivors." People come with all levels of ability, from those who could walk out of the hospital after their stroke to those whose recoveries are painfully slow, who need wheelchairs, who cannot speak, whose thought processes are compromised. McDowd tells of one man who, unable to speak following his stroke, developed ways of communicating with a pen. One day he gave his wife a sheet of paper with four circles on it; inside each circle was the number "36." After a long question-and-answer game, she discovered the message: He wanted her to check the tires on their car, and 36 was to be the ideal air pressure. Because the stress of post-stroke care can be enormous, the foundation offers plenty of assistance for caregivers, as well. Caregivers often accompany their loved ones for their courses or fitness classes, then stay for a support group or just some quiet respite time.

Here's a sampling of foundation offerings:

Verbal Communication. This program is like a natural conversation taking place around a table of friends discussing a variety of topics, from planning a vacation to discussing current events. For those who cannot speak, writing is encouraged.

Reading, Writing, and Math. Participants practice reading, writing, and math skills at the mid- to upper-elementary level of difficulty. Multi-tasking lessons that incorporate language, reasoning, memory, and motor skills are presented, and compensatory skills are used.

Exercise. Participants exercise, focusing on the trunk, upper body, and lower body. Some practices of t'ai chi and yoga are used.

Fitness. The fitness program is the next level for persons who have completed basic exercise and are ready to transition to a higher level.

That Darn Arm. Participants learn methods to stretch and strengthen their affected arm and hand. Equipment and techniques can easily be replicated and practiced at home.

1-Handed in a 2-Handed World. Participants are encouraged to increase their levels of independence by learning the best way they can perform self-care skills, homemaking, and leisure activities through adaptive strategies.

Music. This program uses music to promote skills of communication, socialization, and gross motor movement.

Caregiver Support. Caregivers meet in a safe and accommodating environment to share their feelings, frustrations, conflicts, and joys. The program provides an environment for participants to give and receive emotional support and encouragement as a part of a group.

Survivor Support. Survivors of stroke meet to explore the shared and individual meaning of their disease and recovery. Topics focus on aspects of grief, emotional healing, and recovery.

Educational Forums. Monthly educational programs present information on health topics of importance to stroke survivors. Guest speakers present a 30- to 40-minute lecture followed by questions and answers. Educational programs are open to stroke survivors, caregivers, families, staff, and the community. Topics are based on needs identified by staff with input from stroke survivors, families, and caregivers.

Computer Exercise. Computer classes provide an opportunity for individual learning based on participant need and desire.


American Stroke Foundation
Stroke Wellness Center
5960 Dearborn St., Suite 100
Mission, KS 66202
913-649-1776
www.AmericanStroke.org


Article By Lynn Anderson

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Opt out of identity theft

The credit card offers and convenience checks you get in the mail are more than just a nuisance; they also increase your risk of identity theft and credit card fraud. With a few simple phone calls, you can stop unwanted junk mail and lower your risk of becoming a victim of a crime.

Credit card offers
Under federal law, credit card companies may send unsolicited offers based on your credit score and information contained in your credit report. The three major credit reporting companies compile a list of prescreened consumers; credit card companies then use the list to solicit new customers. Although not all credit card offers come from these prescreened lists, a majority of them do. Fortunately, federal law gives you the right to opt out of receiving these offers. You may opt out for five years or have your name removed from prescreened lists permanently.

To opt out for five years, you will submit some information to the major credit reporting companies at www.optoutprescreen.com or by calling 888-567-8688. You will be required to provide your name and address. Your Social Security number and date of birth will also be requested, but this information is not required. Providing your Social Security number and date of birth will, however, help ensure that your name is removed from prescreened lists.

If you want to opt out of prescreened offers permanently, you will also visit www.optoutprescreen.com or call 888-567-8688. You will be required to mail in a "Permanent Opt-Out Election" form, which can be printed off the Web site or requested by telephone. Once your form is processed, your name will be removed from prescreened lists permanently. Cessation of prescreened offers may take up to 60 days. The information provided through www.optoutprescreen.com and 888-567-8688 is kept confidential. The Web site and phone number are set up by the major credit reporting companies as required by law. Before you give your personal information to a different company, conduct research to make sure the company is reputable.

Convenience checks
You may also be receiving what are called "convenience checks." These are checks that come from your current credit card company and are either blank or written for large amounts of money. If you use these checks, the amount will be added to your credit card balance, often at a high interest rate.

You have the ability to stop receiving convenience checks. Call your credit card company and insist that your name be removed from the list of consumers who receive convenience checks.

Limiting the number of companies and people with access to your personal information will reduce your risk of identity theft and fraud. Part of protecting your personal information is knowing your rights as a consumer. The Johnson County District Attorney's Office is charged with helping consumers protect their rights. If you feel that a business has misled you, don't hesitate to call the Johnson County District Attorney's Fraud Hotline, 913-715-3140.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Credit Card Negotiation 101


If you're looking to lower your rate or waive a fee, here's how to ask


Sometimes, one easy phone call is all it takes to get the interest rate on a credit card lowered. In other cases, you have to be far more persistent to achieve what you want — whether that's getting a lower rate, having late fees eliminated or requesting a waiver of over-the-limit charges. 


If you have a solid payment track record, you likely have more wiggle room to negotiate with a creditor. But even if your credit record isn't perfect, here are 10 tips to help you negotiate a better deal from your credit card company.

1.  Call in the morning
Don't call at the end of the day when customer service representatives are tired, stressed and have been dealing all day with irate cardholders. Also avoid calling on the weekends. There may not be a supervisor on duty if you need one.



2.  Be polite in making any requests
Get the conversation off to a good start by using good manners. Say "hello" or "good morning" to the person you're talking to and call her by name, as in "Good morning, Amanda, this is Elaine Jones, I'm calling about my account." Make sure your tone sounds like you are making requests, not demands. Be friendly and conversational, not adversarial, to establish a good rapport and get the cooperation of the person on the other end of telephone.



3. Request to speak to a supervisor if necessary
If you get nowhere with the person you're talking to, don't be afraid to "escalate" your phone call by asking to speak with a supervisor. Even if the conversation isn't confrontational or negative, you may require a manager, because some employees will say they don't have the power to honor your request.




4.  Point out your length of time as a customer
For those of you who've been with a credit card company for a number of years, use your long-term status as leverage in asking for what you want. This can really work in your favor because most banks value loyal, long-term customers.
5. Emphasize how much business you've done
Many of you might have racked up a lot of charges over time. If you've been a valued customer by virtue of having charged many goods and services, make that known. And state that you also value the relationship with your creditor and would like to remain a customer in good standing.
6. Stress your willingness to pay what you owe
Creditors may not be inclined to be flexible with individuals they perceive as trying to "get over." The worst thing you can do is to convey the impression that you're a "deadbeat" who is out to weasel out of paying your obligations. A better strategy: stress that you are, in fact, willing and desirous of paying your bills.

7. Reveal any extenuating circumstances
In cases where there have been out of the ordinary circumstances, let your creditors know this. For instance, if you lost your job, suffered a death in the family or something major happened in your life that caused you to miss a payment, tell them. Also make it clear if something happened that prevented you from getting your bills, such as you moved addresses or got divorced and your ex- got the statements. Creditors may be willing to waive late fees in such cases.
8. Make "first-time" cases work in your favor
If you've never been late before or you've never had an over-the limit fee assessed, ask directly for a removal of a late fee or over-the-limit charge. A little-known fact is that most credit card companies give their employees the authority (without even getting a supervisor's approval) of waiving late fees once every 12 months. If this is the case for you, do ask to get those fees removed.  You might be surprised at how easily they will agree.
9. Mention their competition
When you're negotiating for a lower interest rate, mention that you might be inclined to take your business elsewhere. The point here is not to make an idle threat. And I wouldn't start the conversation off with talk about you possibly going to a competitor. But you'd certainly be justified in exploring your options — and telling the creditor about other companies' balance transfer deals or lower interest-rate offers — if they won't budge on high interest rate cards.
10. Document all conversations in writing
In the event you have to go back and get something corrected, or removed, it helps your case if you can refer to your written notes and say, "I spoke to John Smith on this date, and was told such and such."

If all these efforts fail, you can always ask for a review of your account again in a few months. For example, if your request for a lower rate is denied, ask a supervisor if he or she would be willing to reconsider their position in, say, three or six months. If they agree, document the person's name, and put a reminder on your calendar to call back at the appropriate time. 

by: Lynnette Khalfani-Cox  Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach®, is a personal finance expert