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Volume 9, Issue 5 - February, 2010

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Helping People. Changing Lives.

Serving Eastern Oklahoma Since 1968

Emergency Service Staff…...Staying Busy Electric, gas, propane and wood serve households in Haskell, LeFlore, Latimer and Pittsburg Counties

as their heating source, but there are many individuals who can't afford these services without the help of

payment assistance programs. Many utility companies offer payment plans to their customers who qual-

ify, but with today’s economic situation even a payment plan is not doable or enough to keep their utilities

on.

This time of year “I’ve got no heat” is a common phrase being heard by KI BOIS Community Action

emergency service staff. “With many individu-

als out of work, raising grandchildren, medical

issues or just a lot of bad decisions, there is just

not enough money to go around,” according to

Kay Box Haskell County Emergency staff. “It is very difficult when families come in with small chil-

dren. Your heart breaks….no food, no heat, no job, and a lot of times with an illness. You do your best to

meet their needs, refer them to other organizations, but sometimes it’s like Humpty Dumpty. You can not

put them back together.”

According to Cookson Hills Consumer

Representative Dru Bird “I have been em-

ployed at Cookson Hills Electric for a little

over 12 years. I have been involved in collec-

tions for the last nine years. Compared to

this time last year, I would say my number of

cutoffs or accounts subject to disconnection

has doubled. Some of my bad pays have been

delinquent every month for as long as I have

worked here, but during this past year I have

seen a large group who have never been de-

linquent before. I have had people with excel-

lent credit making a payment arrangement for

the very first time. There are many people in

our county as well the surrounding counties

that are truly having a hard time.”

KI BOIS Community Action plays an

(Continued on page 6)

KATS was informed earlier in January they would be receiving a 5309 Grant for 13 ADA Buses and 6

ADA mini vans from Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT). Total cost of the grant

$973,771.00 with Federal match of $809,077.00. KATS also received a received a 5310 Grant for 10

ADA mini vans from Department of Human Services (DHS). Total Cost of the grant $375,000.00 with

Federal match of $311,250.00.

Cherokee Nation received a 5311C Tribal Funds for a

ADA bus and will be donating it to KATS the middle of Feb-

ruary at a cost of $57,264.00.

According to KATS Director Charla Sloan, “We put a lot

of miles on our vehicles and with safety being our main con-

cern these new vehicles will allow us to take the older, high

mileage vehicles off the road.”

“I’ve got no heat”

KI BOIS Community Action Emergency Services Staff

Kay Box working with a client to receive utility assistance.

KATS Receives Grant Funds for New Buses

Page 2 KI BOIS NEWS

KI BOIS News is published monthly by

KI BOIS Community Action

Foundation, Inc.

200 Southeast “A” Street

P.O. Box 727

Stigler, OK 74462

918-967-3325

800-299-4479

www.kibois.org

R. Carroll Huggins

Executive Director / CEO

Tom Marlatt

Associate Director / CFO

Larry Hall,

Associate Director / COO

KI BOIS Community Action Board of Directors

Gene Bass, Board Chairperson

John Cook, 1st VP

From the Desk of the Executive Director / CEO February started off with one of Oklahoma's worse winter storms in history but the ground-hog, Punxsutawney Phil, is predicting an early spring.

February is the month when our annual agency audit starts. The audit team started early this year and should be here through the month of February.

Several members of the KI BOIS Community Action staff and our Board Chairman, Mr. Gene Bass, have been in training by the IRS to do free Income Tax Preparation for our low-income clients under the VITA program.

Head Start, Transit, and Weatherization programs have secure funding levels for this year. The Weatherization program received a significant increase in funding, new income guidelines, and an in-crease in amounts that can be spent per house.

The current CSBG funding is uncertain at this time and we may operate for several months under a continuing resolution until the federal budget is passed.

We are expecting increasing budget cuts from the State of Oklahoma on our state funded pro-grams due to the current economic situation in our state.

We are in the process of adding six new board members who will represent Sequoyah County on the KI BOIS Community Action Board of Directors. We are also looking for larger office space in Sallisaw, OK. We are also hiring new staff to work there.

Our agency continues to grow and prosper due to the hard work and dedication of our board, staff, and volunteers. We look forward to the challenges of 2011. February is also sweetheart month so don’t forget your sweetheart on February 14th or you will be in trouble.

R. Carroll Huggins, CCAP Executive Director/CEO

Carroll Huggins

Calendar of Events

February 2011

Remember your Sweetheart on Monday, February 14th.

KI BOIS Community Action offices closed on Monday, February 21st for Presidents’ Day.

Senior Day at the Capitol on Friday February 28th.

Hardin Retires After 26 Plus Years “Sew Sad To See You Go!” Myrna Hardin will be greatly missed not only by KI BOIS Community Action but the resi-dents of Baysul Balentine Estates.

Starting her career with KI BOIS Community Action in March of 1984 in the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Pro-

gram, Hardin wore many hats, but her latest job was property manager at Baysul Balentine Estates. Everyday she was greeted by the residents and their needs. “I loved every moment of it….I missed my “kids”, but I really enjoyed taking care of my Bay-sul Balentine friends”, commented Hardin.

Hardin also did a lot of embroidery for the agency. If you see a shirt or jacket with the KI BOIS logo or program name, “Hardin probably did it!” according to DD Director Kenny Barnhart.

Hardin will enjoy her retirement with her hus-band, Billie, her grandkids and her sewing!

Stacey Boren and Kenny Barnhart pose with Hardin on her special day!

Notice KI BOIS Community Action

Board Executive/Finance Committee Meeting scheduled for Monday, February 28, 2011,

9:00 am has be changed to Thursday, March 3, 2011

at 9:00 am.

Page 3 KI BOIS NEWS….. .

VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE "People Helping People" is what KI BOIS Community Action Foundation, Inc. accomplished with their free Volunteer Income

Tax Assistance (VITA) program. KI BOIS Community Action staff provides tax preparation services AT NO COST to low-income

individuals, elderly, and families that are served by the Head Start Program in completing their basic tax return. The only require-

ment is that your income is $50,000.00 or below. This is the eighth year that KI BOIS Community Action has participated in the

VITA program. Over 1500 returns were processed last year.

Taxpayers must have valid photo identification and Social Security Cards (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers) for

themselves, spouses and dependents. They should also bring wage and earnings statements (Forms W-2), interest and dividends

statements (Forms 1099) and any other information concerning their income and expenses for 2010.

With filing sites at KI BOIS Community Action Offices in Poteau, Stigler, Wilburton, and McAlester each location is able to

prepare and e-file tax returns at no cost for eligible families.

Contact your nearest KI BOIS VITA site to set up an appointment:

Wilburton: 918-465-3381 McAlester: 918-423-3525

Poteau: 918-647-3267 Stigler: 918-967-3325

HR NEWS………….. INFORMATION REGARDING FEDERAL TAX WITHHOLDINGS

Each year at this time our department receives many phone calls that begin with “My W-2 is wrong – you didn’t hold out any

federal tax.” Our first step after this call is to check your W-4 to ensure that we are indeed withholding what you have requested on

your W-4. Your withholding set-up and tax calculation is an automated process and follows, without question, the tax tables pro-

vided by the U. S. Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service. PLEASE and ALWAYS – review your check stub each pay

period. If you are concerned that no federal/state withholdings are being made – you need to change your W-4 immediately. This is

much easier than waiting until year end to discover that you have underpaid taxes. The purpose of the W-4 is to enable your em-

ployer to withhold the correct federal income tax from your pay. You

should always complete a new W-4 if you experience a personal or finan-

cial change.

EXAMPLE 1 – From BIWEEKLY Payroll Period Tax Tables for Single

Persons:

W-4 Status – Single/2 Exemption

BIWEEKLY Wages - Between $370 and $380 are subject to only $1 Fed-

eral Tax Withholding

If an employee is making less than this amount – for example - $365.00

per pay period, $0.00 federal tax will be withheld. After 26 pay periods at

this amount, the employee would receive a W-2 with total federal wages

of $9,490.00 and $0.00 federal income tax.

EXAMPLE 2 – From BIWEEKLY Payroll Period Tax Table for Married

Persons:

W-4 Status – Married/2 Exemptions

BIWEEKLY Wages – Under $600.00 per pay period – No federal tax will

be withheld. At year end, in this example, the employee’s total annual

wages could be as much as $15,600.00 with no federal taxes withheld.

PAYROLL TAXES ARE COMPUTED EACH PAY PERIOD – NOT

ANNUALLY. These are basic examples. Please take a moment to re-

view your check stub. You may pick up a W-4 from your supervisor, or

download a form from www.irs.gov. You are welcome to contact Hu-

man Resources if you have questions regarding your payroll check, how-

ever, if you have specific tax questions, please consult your tax preparer.

During this winter individuals are staying warm and cozy

as their homes have been weatherized by the

program. Letters like the one above are received often

thanking the housing staff for a job well done!

Kenneth,

Thank you...you have a real

hard working group of men. They

did a real good job on my old

house. They cleaned up after

each job. …...I feel really blessed

and I know I’m going to be warm

this winter.

May God Bless.

Arlene Fry

Whitesboro, OK

Page 4 KI BOIS NEWS….. .

These positions are open to KI BOIS Community Action Foundation staff as well as to the public.

Current employees – please submit a letter of interest to Human Resources. Applications may be picked up

at any KI BOIS Community Action Foundation, Inc. office or printed from the website, www.kibois.org.

Applications should be returned to KI BOIS Community Action Foundation, Inc. P. O. Box 727

Stigler, OK 74462, Attention: Human Resources Phone: 800.299.4479 Fax: 918.967.8660.

KI BOIS COMMUNITY ACTION FOUNDATION, INC.

IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

JOB TITLE: TRANSIT DRIVERS

LOCATION: Poteau FT, Okmulgee (Temporary), Tahlequah FT

JOB REQUIREMENTS: Maintain a valid driver’s license. Good driving record. Must be physically able to assist passengers and

their belongings while entering and exiting the vehicles. Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs and provide wheel chair assis-

KI BOIS Community Action Employment Postings JOB TITLE: COOK LOCATION: McAlester - Oaks 1 FT

JOB REQUIREMENTS: Experience in an institutional setting. Flexible work schedule. HS Diploma/GED

JOB TITLE: SUBSTANCE ABUSE TECH LOCATION: McAlester Oaks 1 FT

JOB REQUIREMENTS: Assist Clinical Staff by providing logistical and support services to residential clients. HS Diploma/GED

JOB TITLE: ASSISTANT FAMILY SERVICE WORKER

LOCATION: McAlester William Gay – 1FT

JOB REQUIREMENTS: Experience in working with children and families and knowledge of social service process and commu-

nity resources. HS Diploma/GED

JOB TITLE: TEACHER’S AIDES AND SUBS – PT

LOCATION: Multiple locations. (Inquire at your local Head Start Center)

JOB REQUIREMENTS: HS Diploma/GED

From February 20th through February 27th, the FDIC is promoting an event called America Saves

Week, in which everyone is encouraged to build personal wealth and reduce debt. “Saving money

strengthens families and strengthens America,” says FDIC chairman Shelia Bair.

Cars break down, home appliances can go on the fritz and medical bills can pile up at a moment’s

notice. All of these possibilities make it crucial for any family to have a safety net to rely on making

certain that when life does eventually throw a curve ball, these expenses can remain manageable with

out the risk of putting you or your family in debt. Visit americasavesweek.org for ideas on how you

can save.

America Saves Week…….

JOB TITLE: HABILITATION TRAINING SPECIALIST

LOCATIONS: Poteau 3 FT, Ada 2 PT, McAlester 3FT and 3PT, Stigler 1FT

JOB REQUIREMENTS: Will serve as direct support staff for consumers. Ability to handle sensitive issues while protecting oth-

ers’ welfare. Able to exercise patience, understanding, creativity and flexibility. HS Diploma/GED, valid DL and auto insurance.

Must complete Foundation, CPR and First Aid Training (and any other training as required/requested.) Must be able to lift a mini-

mum of 50 lbs.

Don’t forget to visit www.kibois.org For Calendar of Events, Job Postings, Latest News, Forms, Program Information and much more!

KI BOIS News Page 5

Thank You to every KI BOIS Community Action staff who went above and beyond your job duties to provide ser-

vices for our community during the recent winter storm. A special thank you to KATS employees who continued to drive on the ice and snow-packed highways. Above, left, carpenter Donnie Sloan also shows his skills as a tractor driver, while right, David Knowlton uses a shovel to clear the sidewalks. The weather not only affected staff performing their jobs, but also played a huge factor in the size and content of the February edition of KI BOIS News. The newsletter was laid out at my home with no access to my files or photos at work.

Kay Box, Editor

The Parent Committee at the KI BOIS Community Action Tali-hina Head Start voted at their November meeting to have a food collection box in each classroom. The donated canned food will be given to the Talihina Food Pantry for needy families in the com-munity. Pictured above are left to right, Talihina Head Start Cen-ter Director Fay Armstrong, two volunteers of the food pantry and Assistant Teacher Carolyn Brunson.

February is American Heart Month Heart disease has probably already touched your or someone you know, make it your mission to fight heart disease and stop the #1 killer in America.

About every 25 seconds, someone in the United States has a coronary event and every minute, someone will die. Most individu-als feel men are more at risk, but according to research, heart dis-ease is the leading cause of death in women.

Health experts also warn about a greater risk of heart attack dur-ing snow shoveling. People who are outdoors in cold weather should avoid sudden exertion, such as lifting a heavy shovel full of snow. If you must shovel snow, here are some tips:

Push snow instead of lifting it.

Take frequent breaks to avoid overstressing your heart.

Avoid alcoholic beverages before or immediately after shovel-ing.

Dress in layers and wear a hat or scarf.

Contact your physician if you are having any problems.

KI BOIS News Page 6

NOTICE...NOTICE…NOTICE...NOTICE... The Homebuyer Education class scheduled for Saturday, February 5th, KI BOIS Administative office has been cancelled

due to the bad weather. The class will be held at a later date according to John Jones Housing Director.

Smart Start Kiamichi County Coordinator Sandie Rutherford has successful completed the National Child Passenger Safety

Training course.

“Motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of death among chil-

dren in the U.S., but many of these deaths can be prevented. Placing

children in age- and size-appropriate car seats and booster seats reduces

serious and fatal injuries by more than half,” according to Rutherford.

Some facts:

Rutherford is Nationally Certified for the next two years to perform car seat inspections & installations. Rutherford states, “I look

forward to working with young parents, grandparents or anyone in need of assitance. She also states parents need to be caution when

buying a used car seat. These car seats may not meet current guidelines, the straps maybe worn or frayed or have been misused to

the point that the seat is no long safe. If you know of a family who may be in need of a car seat(s), please have them contact me at

918-471-9192. Also if they are on any type of public assistance they qualify for a free Car Seat.”

I have no heat…..continued from page 1

Rutherford completes National Child Passsenger Safety Training

Child safety seats reduce the risk of death in passenger cars by

71% for infants, and by 54% for toddlers ages 1 to 4 years.

There is strong evidence that child safety seat laws, safety seat

distribution and education programs, community-wide educa-

tion and enforcement campaigns, and incentive-plus-education

programs are effective in increasing child safety seat use.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recom-

mends booster seats for children until they are at least 8 years

of age or 4'9" tall.

According to researchers at the Children's Hospital of Phila-

delphia, for children 4 to 7 years, booster seats reduce injury

risk by 59% compared to seat belts alone.

All children ages 12 years and younger should ride in the back

seat. Adults should avoid placing children in front of airbags.

Putting children in the back seat eliminates the injury risk of

deployed front passenger-side airbags and places children in

the safest part of the vehicle in the event of a crash.

Parents can reduce t he risk of injury by properly installing their child car seat properly.

important part in helping people with various needs. Haskell, Le-

Flore, Latimer and Pittsburg Counties use FEMA and ESG funds

to help individuals as funds permit. Different programs have dif-

ferent guidelines for eligibility and also one program may pay rent

or deposits another program may not. In addition to FEMA and

ESG, Latimer and Haskell County are also Salvation Army Ser-

vice Units with a limited monthly budget while LeFlore and

Latimer Counties operate food pantries. Each county is seeing an

increase in their emergency programs.

Besides KI BOIS Community Action individuals may also con-

tact Department of Human Resources, charitable organizations and

churches in their local communities for additional assistance. If

you or someone you know needs assistance, please contact your

nearest KI BOIS Community Action office for more information.

“Hearts for Kids” Sweetheart Ball February 12, 2011 - 6:30 p.m., Community State

Bank’s Banquet Room - Poteau.

Contact JoAnna Bunch at (918) 647-8263 for more details. All proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club

of LeFlore County.

Our prayers and thoughts

are with Head Start Secretary Kristie Reasnor, her husband Tom and their children Justin and Kristen.

Tom was injured on Saturday, February 5th as he was work-ing near McAlester. Tom is currently at Hillcrest Burn Center in Tulsa.