Heard it on the Mountain: Issue 5
UpLIFT WV
UpLIFT WV is the new advocacy arm of HoH-Share, Inc. whose goal is to bring the intersecting voices of those experiencing poverty, trauma, ACEs, recovery, incarceration, and other lived experiences to the forefront - as voices of prevention, as change-makers and experts - sought to design the solutions urgently needed for West Virginians to thrive. The importance of talking about these issues is paramount. But equally important, if not moreso, is who is getting to do the talking. Too often, those experiencing poverty issues are stuck in positions where they are only able to react or absorb the effects of policies and social constructs that sustain or worsen their disparate realities. Well-meaning attempts of those trying to solve the problems can often begin without including a place at the table for the very person who might need an actual table! Whatever the challenge, UpLIFT WV believes that there is no true solution to poverty and related issues if it does not include the voices of the people who need a solution the most.
We also need the voices of those who stand in solidarity with the poor, those who create space and add support to the messages that need to be heard. We need YOUR voice! There is strength in numbers and greater opportunities for meaningful discussions, more ideas, and a greater possibility of creating a culture of caring and compassion. If that sounds like you, UpLIFT WV invites you to consider becoming a member. As a member, you can support the human dignity of those experiencing poverty in WV and show your solidarity with the rights and responsibilities that low-income citizens need to be able to participate in within their communities. You will receive invitations to listening sessions, training, news, calls to action, and to be a part of creating needed changes in our communities. For membership, please visit www.upliftwv.org.
Under a new state law, if your driver’s license was suspended prior to July 1, 2016 for failure to appear or otherwise respond in court or for nonpayment of costs, fines, forfeitures, restitution, or penalties, then your suspension is null and void. If you are having problems getting your license back, you can contact Legal Aid of WV at 1-866-255-4370.
AmeriCorps
West Virginians who have completed one year of AmeriCorps service can now receive one year of free university tuition, following the passage of Senate Bill 228 in the state legislature.
Eligible Service: Students must complete a term of service in West Virginia through the AmeriCorps State, National, VISTA, or Senior Corps program. Students who have successfully completed 600 hours of service within a term or combined multiple terms to reach 600 hours are eligible for a one-semester waiver. Students who have successfully completed 1,200 hours of service within a term or combined multiple terms are eligible for a two-semester waiver. The hours of service used to qualify for these funds may not be used again to qualify for another offer. The terms of service may be completed while the student is enrolled or between semesters of enrollment.
Value: The value of the waiver for each student equals their University tuition and University fees minus the value of federal, state, and institutional gift aid (grants, institutional scholarships, other waivers, etc.). The AmeriCorps Waiver is a “last dollar in” program, meaning that it applies after other gift aid. Please note the AmeriCorps Tuition Waiver does not cover College tuition.
How to Apply: Students can apply by submitting an online request to the WVU Hub including the following information:
A copy of the student’s acceptance of the Segal Education Award is available via their MyAmeriCorps Portal (required) and ONE of the following: AmeriCorps VISTA Certification of Service Letter available via their MyAmeriCorps Portal (once logged in, click on the “My Service Letter” on the left menu, enter the applicable service term, address where the verification is being sent, and print) ; A completed AmeriCorps State Tuition Waiver Certification Form verifying service type (State, National, Senior Corps), length of service (weeks), and service state. This form can be requested from the service site.
Enrollment Requirement: Students must be enrolled full-time to receive the AmeriCorps Waiver.
Usage Requirements: Students are limited to 8 semesters of combined usage at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The waiver must be used within 7 years of completion of their AmeriCorps term of service.
Mother Jones Center for Resilient Community
The Mother Jones Center for Resilient Community, aka “the MoJo,” is the Headquarters for HoH-Share, Inc., a non-profit organization that uses creative and non-institutionalized ways to meet the needs of poor and marginalized people in the community. Located at 88-14th Street in Wheeling, WV, it is a dedicated safe place where ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences), poverty, and other trauma-related issues can be addressed.
The MoJo is a place that aims to foster healing and help build resilience in people through creativity, education, compassionate play, and meaningful relationships. The MoJo is a safe place for those in recovery, and raises awareness to the issues most affecting the people we serve.
Activities currently happening at the MoJo include Life Skills Classes, Youth Art Classes, Chess Clinic, Toast and Jam Music Nights, Stained Glass Classes, Mosaic Classes, Printmaking Classes, a 12-step group, and more. For schedule and more information about how to get involved with any of our activities and programs, please call The MoJo at (304) 238-9484.
Toast & Jam is a new program at the Mother Jones Center for Resilient Community. It is a weekly jam session open to all ages and musical skill levels. Sessions are held every Saturday beginning at 6 PM. Participants may—but do not have to—bring an instrument as well as their favorite bread and/or jam, jelly, schmear, marmalade or other interesting butter of some kind. A toaster, some bread and an assortment of toast toppings will be provided. Also available to those who attend are guitars, some keyboards, hand drums and other miscellaneous musical instruments.
Heard it on the Mountain is a recurring space for local organizations to provide updates on what they've been up to, any upcoming plans/projects, and resources and items they may need! Want to be featured? Email contact@msmpaperwv.com to learn more!