Human

I’m Avo Keshishyan, the guy who survived the shift into the “new economy” and in the process discovered – and attempted to meet to the best of his ability! - the needs of his neighborhood. That’s how One Human Community came about. My personal “state of emergency” is over, but the community still needs help.

Can’t Pay Bills In Los Angeles

Sep 282013
 

One Human Community knows that the most common bills people have trouble paying are their phone, water and power and gas bills. All companies that provide these services have special programs for the unemployed and low income individuals and families. Visit their Websites, call or visit their offices to apply.

To get you started here’re some helpful links:

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
http://www.fsmh.net/ResourcesLA/LADWP_Low%20Income%20Rate%20and%20Application.pdf

https://www.ladwp.com/ladwp/faces/wcnav_externalId/r-fa-discont-rate?_adf.ctrl-state=g1pf7lepp_29&_afrLoop=403173948917000
click on:     Residential Low Income Discount Program
and then on:    Low Income Discount Program Application (PDF)

Low cost phone services with California Lifeline
check if you qualify https://www.californialifeline.com/en
if so, contact your phone company and request California Lifeline application.

Southern California Gas Company
check if you qualify http://www.socalgas.com/residential/assistance/care/index.shtml
apply for a 20% discount with Southern California Gas Company https://carescgp.sempra.com/careappl.aspx

If your income is low, you’re unemployed or receive any type of government assistance, you’re likely to qualify: be advised you’ll be asked to document your hardship.

Don’t forget to ask also for a payment plan to pay off your delinquent bills over time.

 Can’t Pay Bills In Los Angeles  September 28, 2013  Posted by  Hardship Resources Tagged with: , , , , , ,  Comments Off on Can’t Pay Bills In Los Angeles

Can’t Pay Rent in Los Angeles

Sep 282013
 

No matter how bad your situation or how modest your home, the place you live in and call home is the center of your world. For those of you who reside in rented apartments; who are unable to pay rent and may be facing eviction, there is hope!

Provided you earn some income – that’s a condition! – you might be eligible for help!

People Assisting The Homeless (PATH), a non-profit organization, assists people facing an eviction. You might qualify for rental assistance and maybe even a grant from the Rapid Re-housing Assistance Program. They might help you stay in your apartment or get you a new one! You may be eligible to get help with your delinquent utility bills, too. Visit PATH’s Website or call (323) 644-2200.

 Can’t Pay Rent in Los Angeles  September 28, 2013  Posted by  Hardship Resources Tagged with: , ,  2 Responses »

What To Do To Survive Financial Crisis

Sep 142013
 

When a true financial crisis strikes most people freeze. The terror of the situation is such that perfectly functional people resign themselves to what seems to be the inevitable and become passive.

Avo, the Founder of One Human Community is in the process of overcoming his hardship but not entirely out of the woods, yet. Still, he is surviving and recovering from a financial disaster, so take this most important advice from him: DON’T GIVE UP AND NEVER, EVER STOP FIGHTING!

Passivity is a condition that kills even the good people. If you don’t take action; if you fail to be diligent and expand necessary effort, you’ll lose. True, some people bounce back from the bottom, but no one told you that these are VERY few people. It’s much more prudent to stop the freefall before you actually hit the ground.

So here’s the financial crisis survival checklist:

  • Don’t give up!
  • Search for help. (Look over the resources listed on One Human Community’s Website and elsewhere Online. If all else fails, contact Avo, he may just know something that will help YOU.)
  • Once you find a way out: DON’T BE LAZY! (Impress anyone you meet on the way with your eagerness to address your problems.)
  • Be proactive.
  • Be patient.
  • Never, ever lose your cool.
  • YOU WILL SURVIVE if you follow this checklist!

In this spirit, get going: help is out there! I hope you’ll find it quickly; stop your freefall; catch your balance and successfully climb back up! IT CAN BE DONE!

 What To Do To Survive Financial Crisis  September 14, 2013  Posted by  Hardship Resources Tagged with: , , , ,  Comments Off on What To Do To Survive Financial Crisis

Help for Parents of Autistic Children in L.A. County

Aug 252013
 

Apart from the fact that having an autistic child is an emotional experience, it brings also the challenge of finding the appropriate therapy and care. All of these are hard on parents.

I personally met several single parents of autistic children dealing with these challenges and providing care… while unable to pay for food and shelter! A single parent who is the sole full time care provider for an autistic child is often unable to earn a living because the child can’t be left unattended. (I’m not implying that having an autistic child equals financial hardship, but sometimes it does.)

All parents of autistic children – regardless of their financial circumstances –  can benefit of the resources provided on this page.

It is my understanding that there’s a number of therapy and possibly also daycare options as well as after school programs for autistic children available in Greater Los Angeles area, including San Fernando Valley. Some are quite costly, I believe however that in most cases funding is available to parents dealing with financial hardship.

Education planning for autistic children
https://www.bitira.com/crypto-stem-for-kids-with-special-needs/
All children, but autistic children even more so, have some shortcomings and some unique strengths. To help you consider the latter, Alexandra Chappell from Bit IRA provided resources most parents of autistic children may not have considered.
Take a look at this page, these resources may – or may not – be appropriate for your child, but IF they are, take advantage of them. That’s not just special education, not just education, but a solid plan for a secure adulthood.

Programs for autistic children from 5-15 of age:
http://www.abilityfirst.org/programs/programs_children_after_school.aspx
http://www.camppaivika.org/
(It is my understanding that most participants qualify for funding through State-supported Regional Centers.)
Find a location here:
http://www.abilityfirst.org/locations/locations_community.aspx

Extensive help – including child care! – for children ages 3 to 5:
http://autismla.org/The-Autism-Journey/Ages-3-to-5.htm
(The North Los Angeles County Regional Center is located at:
15400 Sherman Way, Suite 170
Van Nuys, CA 91406-4211
(818) 778-1900)

Large spectrum of therapies and programs for autistic children and youth as well as for children with emotional problems and learning disabilities! (Including several locations in San Fernando Valley.)
http://www.thehelpgroup.org/

List of medical centers that provide therapy to autistic patients:
http://csus_autism.tripod.com/Centers.htm
In San Fernando Valley:
Child Development Center – Simi Valley Hospital & Health Care Facilities
Offers a wide range of therapies; including physical, occupational, speech and language.
Age Group: 3-21 years
Location: Simi Valley
Phone: (805) 577-9039
Web Page: www.SimiValleyHospital.org

Preschools for autistic children ages 3 to 5; enter your own Zip Code:
http://www.autismspeaks.org/resource-guide/by-zip/111/Schools%20-%20Preschool/91405_10?distance[postal_code]=91405&distance[search_distance]=10&distance[search_units]=mile
(http://www.thehelpgroup.org/ might be able to help with financing)

Financial help for parents of autistic children:
http://www.act-today.org/
http://www.act-today.org/act-today-grant-program.php

 

MORE RESOURCES FOR PARENTS OF AUTISTIC AND DISABLED CHILDREN and DISABLED CHILDREN

Ethan (A young gentleman who discovered this page on the One Human Community website while doing research for Disabilities Awareness Merit Badge for Boy Scouts) contributed this valuable information:

Financial Resources and Discounts for Students With Disabilities
https://couponfollow.com/research/financial-resources-for-students-with-disabilities

Thank you for sharing this helpful resource Ethan!

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES supplied by Kathleen, a high school student and a part volunteer-intern from North Carolina who doesn’t let Asperger’s Syndrome stand in the way to her success. Thank you Kathleen: WAY TO GO!

Autism Speaks Resource Guide
http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/resource-guide

Career Assistance for People with Autism
http://www.hloom.com/career-assistance-for-people-with-autism/

National Center for Autism Resources & Education
https://www.disability.gov/resource/national-center-for-autism-resources-education-ncare/

AutismNOW Transition Planning
http://autismnow.org/in-the-classroom/transition-planning-for-students/

Aquatic Therapy for Children with Autism
http://www.saveonpoolsupplies.com/landing/aquatic-therapy-for-children-with-autism.aspx

Autism
http://healthfinder.gov/FindServices/SearchContext.aspx?topic=81

 

MORE RESOURCES supplied by Angela from North Carolina, who herself is affected by autism. Thank you Angela: sharing resources empowers us all!

Anxiety and Autism Spectrum Disorders
http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/anxiety-and-autism-spectrum-disorders

The Moment I Got My Son with Autism’s Need for Routine
https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2014/09/16/moment-i-got-my-son-autisms-need-routine

The Well Travel Guide for Parents of Autism Spectrum Children
https://travelblog.expedia.ca/autism-travel-guide/

Nutrition for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
http://www.eatright.org/resource/health/diseases-and-conditions/autism/nutrition-for-your-child-with-autism-spectrum-disorder-asd

10 Fun Activities for Children with Autism
http://www.education.com/magazine/article/10-activities-children-autism/

 

EXCELLENT NEW RESOURCES provided by Elena and Linda from http://Caring4OurKids.com. Much needed and valuable information: Thank you Elena and Linda, One Human Community wishes your group and your Website all the success they so richly deserve!

National Institute of Mental Health
http://www.aacap.org/aacap/families_and_youth/resource_centers/Anxiety_Disorder_Resource_Center/Home.aspx

Reduce the Noise: Help Loved Ones with Sensory Overload Enjoy Shopping
http://www.retailmenot.com/blog/sensory-overload-while-shopping.html

Resources for Military Families
http://www.patss.com/resources/

Academic Accommodation Resources
http://www.washington.edu/doit/academic-accommodations-students-psychiatric-disabilities

Worry Wise Kids
http://www.worrywisekids.org/

Estate Planning for Parents of Kids with Autism
https://www.justgreatlawyers.com/estate-planning-for-parents-of-children-with-autism

Home Modifications for Parents of Special Needs Kids
http://www.homecity.com/creating-a-home-where-your-child-can-thrive-with-a-disability

Moving with Special Needs Kids
http://www.yourstoragefinder.com/moving-with-special-needs-kids

 

Still more smart resources! These were submitted by Caroline from OpenEducators.org. Thank you Caroline!

Personal Finance Guide for People with Disabilities
http://www.calculators.org/savings/people-with-disabilities.php

8 Steps for Learning Disabled Students Who Want to Go to College
http://www.usnews.com/education/articles/2010/12/02/8-steps-for-learning-disabled-students-who-want-to-go-to-college

The Guide to Buying Used Accessible Vehicles
http://www.lagrangecountrydodge.com/blog/2016/october/12/guide-buying-used-accessible-vehicles.htm

34 Great Jobs for People with Disabilities
http://www.trade-schools.net/careers-for-people/who-are-disabled.asp

Travel Tips for Workers with Disabilities
https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/travel-tips-for-workers-with-disabilities

The Disabled Job Seeker’s Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent
https://www.redfin.com/blog/2016/02/the-disabled-job-seekers-guide-to-becoming-a-real-estate-agent.html

Types of Service Dogs
http://caninesforkids.org/service-dogs/

 

MORE VALUABLE TIPS! The following two links were contributed by Los Angeles attorney, Jovan A. Johnson, Esq. (http://www.johnson-moo.com). Excellent and helpful information: thank you!

Parental divorce is tough on any child, children with autism are affected even more.
Learn how to help autistic child cope with parents’ divorce: www.childlawhelpcenter.com/divorce-and-children-with-autism/

Even a routine trip to the dentist can be a challenge for autistic children and their parents.
Here’s how to manage the challenge of a visit to a dentist with autistic child:
www.friendlydentists.org/dental-visits-child-autism/

 

Sarah – who herself has a special needs’ family member – submitted additional helpful resources. (She also writes a blog for families of children with autism: http://www.caring4ourkids.com.) On behalf of the many families just like yours: thank you Sarah!

Legal Resources for Special Needs
https://www.justgreatlawyers.com/legal-resources-considerations-seniors-special-needs

Keeping Disabled Persons Safe While Remodeling
https://www.bigrentz.com/how-to-guides/keeping-seniors-special-needs-individuals-safe-around-construction-sites

Creating a Home Where Your Disabled Child can Thrive
https://www.homecity.com/creating-a-home-where-your-child-can-thrive-with-a-disability

Teacher Resources for Special Needs
https://www.teachervision.com/special-needs

Disaster Preparedness for Special Needs
https://www.thezebra.com/insurance-news/4674/emergency-preparedness-seniors-disabled/

Home Accommodations for Special Needs
http://www.homeadvisor.com/r/budget-friendly-smart-home-accommodations-for-seniors-and-individuals-with-special-needs/#.WZ-JCz4jHIU

Disability Resources from the Department of Labor
https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/disability.htm

Tips for Disabled Persons to Declutter and Organize their Home
https://www.yourstoragefinder.com/declutter-and-organize-your-home-seniors-special-needs

Financial Planning for Special Needs
https://www.onereversemortgage.com/blog/2017/03/special-needs-seniors-planning-for-the-future-of-this-vulnerable-population/

 

Don’t get discouraged: there’s help for your child, support for you and perhaps even a respite and financial relief. Persist and you shall find!

SPECIAL NOTE: to ALL parents and those of you who have an autistic child AND other children, Jennifer MG from the Public Health Library (http://publichealthlibrary.org) recommended a GREAT resource:

Explaining special needs to your child: 15 great children’s books
http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2011/11/10/explaining-special-needs-to-your-child-15-great-children%E2%80%99s-books/

 Help for Parents of Autistic Children in L.A. County  August 25, 2013  Posted by  Hardship Resources Tagged with: , , , , , , ,  Comments Off on Help for Parents of Autistic Children in L.A. County

Hardship Solutions in L.A.

Aug 252013
 

I hope that the concept of One Human Community will eventually spread and inspire others to come together for a common good. But since One Human Community was created in San Fernando Valley, CA as a support group for local community members who’re suffering hardship, most of the resources that I make available here are helpful for L.A. area residents.

(If you live elsewhere: by all means, search Online! The solutions are out there. Unfortunately, those who can’t locate them suffer… Don’t give up; don’t walk away: SEARCH!)

Based on my personal experience, I know beyond any doubt that solutions to most hardship issues are available. I learned the hard way however that information about such resources (let’s be honest: solutions!) is not voluntarily provided even by those who administer them! I have no way of knowing why. Suffice to say, take my word for it because I speak from first hand experience, solutions are out there!

What to do to survive financial crisis

How to look for a job in Los Angeles

What to do when you can’t pay your bills in Los Angeles area

Help for parents of autistic children in L.A. County

new resources are added, regularly!

 Hardship Solutions in L.A.  August 25, 2013  Posted by  Hardship Resources Tagged with: , , , , , , , , ,  Comments Off on Hardship Solutions in L.A.
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