Settling into the Weekend
Days 26 and 27
Several team members involved in minor activities this weekend. A number of us have been watching the family’s mail for various notices. We’re still waiting on some social security cards. They received a “welcome” letter from AT&T. They received a letter from the Workforce Development Center detailing their initial public benefits.
There is now a basket for mail on top of the computer desk in their house. When they get the mail it should all go in the basket for someone else to review. In time, they will learn what is important and what is junk mail.
We’re trying out a new TV antenna with the hope of bringing in more channels. Paying for cable TV service is not a good choice early on. We will let the family choose that upgrade on their own when they have the income to support it. In the meantime we still want them to be able to watch TV. It provides great opportunity to listen and learn English.
Another trip to the grocery store was in order as well. Our obligation to provide food ends at 30 days. We were concerned that the late application for food assistance would force us to go beyond 30 days and, with the size of the family, we’d run out of money. We learned that the food benefit they will receive will be retroactive to the date of application so they will get a good food budget with a nice bump in the beginning. And, the card should arrive soon, allowing us to end this support. Of course we’ll still help with transportation and advice for some time yet.
