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Emergency energy relief offered to low income online
     Need doesn't only strike in the winter. Low-income residents also face utility shut-off notices in the
summer - situations that put them and their families at risk when the thermometer rises. The Michigan
Department of Human Services is hoping to reach those in need with its new online application for
energy-related State Emergency Relief (SER), Director Ismael Ahmed recently said at an event with
DTE Energy that launched the effort.

  "This initiative is imperative because it increases access for many low-income Michigan residents
who are in need year-round," said Ahmed. "We are dedicated to helping as many eligible Michigan
residents as possible."

  The SER program provides immediate help to individuals and families facing conditions of extreme
hardship or for emergencies that threaten health and safety. It's designed to maintain low-income
households normally able to meet their needs, but that occasionally need help when unexpected
emergencies arise, he said.

  In April, the DHS handled more than 29,000 energy-related SER cases statewide, totaling more than
$12.8 million in payments.

  The online application, available at www.michigan.gov/mibridges, is a convenient way for people who
cannot visit a local office to apply for assistance because they had their utilities shut off, are facing
a shut off, or are low on fuel.

  Nearly 200 community partners statewide have computers people can use to access the application,
which adds to the 60 computer stations DHS has in about 30 offices.

  The online application is part of the department's efforts to increase access to energy assistance,
especially since a record number of people are seeking help due to the state's troubling economy.

   "DTE Energy, particularly in Detroit, is dealing with an unprecedented amount of low-income
customers in our service territory, more than anywhere else in the country," said Fred Shell, DTE
Energy vice president for corporate and government affairs. "But, this is not solely a DTE Energy
problem, it's a community problem, and we are grateful for our partnership with DHS to put SER online
so more low-income customers will have easier access to apply for needed energy assistance."

     Grant awarded to help children with
          special needs become mobile
  Children with special needs can become more mobile thanks to a grant given to the Michigan
Department of Community Health’s Children with Special Needs Fund (CSN Fund).

   The CSN Fund received a $25,000 grant from the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation earlier this week
that will be used to provide children access to their community through the purchase of equipment that
promotes mobility. This grant will be designated specifically for the purchase of ceiling track lift
systems, platform lifts and stair lifts.

  "This grant will be extremely important to families of children with special needs," said MDCH
Director Janet Olszewski. "Providing the funding for these lifts for families will make an enormous
difference in their every day lives as they gain access to not only their homes, but also to the rest of
their family."

  Created in 1944 with a bequest of Dow Chemical Company Stock from James and Elsa Pardee, the
CSN Fund has helped thousands of families obtain equipment throughout the past 65 years when no
other resource was available. Today the Fund value is almost 20 million dollars comprised entirely of
private donations and is the only state-run program like this in the nation.

  "We are thrilled to receive the news that our grant request was reviewed and $25,000 was being
awarded to our program," said Lisa Truscott, executive director of the CSN Fund. "Our fundraising
efforts will continue and further the growth of the Fund so we can reach the increasing number of
families in need."

  Based in Midland, Michigan, the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation was established by Eda U.
Gerstacker in 1957 in memory of her husband. Mrs. Gerstacker died in 1975 and family members
continue to serve as officers and trustees of the foundation.

  "What makes this donation so unique and meaningful is its connection to the CSN Fund's original
donor," said Truscott. Rollin Gerstacker and James Pardee were brothers-in-law having married twin
sisters, Eda and Elsa. "Gerstacker and Pardee both died over 50 years ago, but their legacy continues
to live through grants such as this," said Truscott.

  To determine if a child is eligible for services, contact the Children's Special Health Care Services
worker in your local health department or the Fund directly at (517) 241-7420.

  Further information can also be found at www.michigan.gov/csnfund. Individuals wishing to make a
tax-deductible donation to the Children with Special Needs Fund can call (517) 241-7420 or mail them
directly to: Children with Special Needs Fund P.O. Box 30479 Lansing, Michigan 48909-7979.

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