Testimonials

Advocacy

When Nancy first walked into NSCAP’s Advocacy Program in August of 2003, she was struggling to make ends meet and juggling the responsibilities of caring for her elderly parents as well as her own injury, which was keeping her out of work. She and her husband were scraping by on his Social Security Disability and her Worker’s Compensation benefits. Nancy had come in to apply for Food Stamp Assistance for her parents. But as Sara Lobao, Director of the Advocacy Program, listened to Nancy’s story, she realized that there were other critical issues in Nancy’s difficult situation that needed to be addressed. Sara discovered that Nancy had been unable to work since October of 2002 due to severe pain in her left hand, which caused great difficulty grasping, holding, or carrying weight, all motions essential to doing her job. She had already undergone surgery in her left hand and might have to undergo one on her right hand. It looked as though Nancy’s injury would disable her permanently.

Sara helped Nancy apply for Social Security Disability benefits, often a long and involved process. Sara also informed Nancy she had the option of trying to reach a lump sum agreement for her Worker’s Compensation by enlisting the help of a local attorney. Also in collaboration with Sara, Nancy was able to receive an extended employer-supported health insurance policy. When the extension ended, Sara helped Nancy apply for other medical coverage and a prescription program which greatly reduced Nancy’s prescription costs. She also directed Nancy to apply for NSCAP’s Fuel Assistance Program, where Nancy was able to receive help with her heating costs for the year. Sara also served as Portuguese translator for Nancy.

On March 30th, 2006, Nancy received word that the court’s original decision to close her Worker’s Compensation case had been successfully appealed, that Nancy’s need for lifetime disability compensation had been proved and that she had achieved a lump sum agreement! Finally, Nancy and her husband had less financial burdens and would now be able to afford taking care of Nancy’s elderly parents.

Salem CyberSpace

About our CyberCorps teen web design business: "Finally somebody can see the work teenagers can do. Every time we finish a new Web site, we learn something new that we can apply to other web sites." Miguel Cruz, age 16, sophomore, Salem High School
 
About CyberYouth: "I have learned so much at CyberYouth.  The staff helps me with homework and has also taught me a lot of computer skills.  It has become family to me." Lucia Ozoria, age 13, freshman, Salem High School
 
About Adult Computer classes:  "I have no computer skills and the world is becoming computerized. I need these skills for work and to be a better parent.  I am learning a lot about Windows and word processing. It is hard remembering all the functions but I am enjoying the class and the instructor is great!"  Eileen Coyne, age 33, Gloucester.
 
About Salem CyberSpace: "We are really excited to be working with Salem CyberSpace. We are not computer experts here and their assistance has been invaluable to me and my staff as we establish our programs to meet our educational and employment goals for our guests." George Delaney, Executive Director, Salem Mission, Salem MA

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