Resources

• Jewish Assistance Program
• http://www.pantrynet.org/
• Metro Detroit Jewish Community Resource Guide
• Food Stamp Registration

  Yad Ezra has partnered with MiCafe (Michigan Coordinated Access to Food for the Elderly) to be the first site in Oakland Country to register senior residents (defined as over 60 years of age) online for the government's food assistance program, now referred to as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).

  MiCafe is a non-profit organization under the auspices of Elder Law of Michign. MiCafe's mission is to make the bridge cards more easily accessible to seniors. Our volunteers help to alleviate some of the paperwork and accompanying time lag for the DHS (Department of Human Services) offices. MiCafe staff has taught Yad Ezra volunteers the online registration process.

  Jody Kaplan, Yad Ezra's Administrative Assistant, coordinates appointments between Oakland County Seniors and trained volunteers to apply for the Bridge Card benefit at the Yad Ezra office. Following the appointment the completed paperwork is sent to the DHS office where a caseworker determines the applicant's eligibility. This government entitlement can mean an additional $298 for a couple or $162 for an individual to "spend" a the grocery store every month—depending on their income.

  Close to 100 families have already benefited from this effort thanks to Yad Ezra volunteers Arda Barenholtz, Gerry Berkhal, Ellie Glen, Karen Gluckson, Judy Kepes, Addie Levine, Helen Siegel, Shayna Silverman, June Stillman and Carolyn Weiss.

  For more information on volunteer training or making an appointment to apply to register online, contact Laura at (248) 548-3663 or email jody@yadezra.org.