.

First, my car is in the shop.  The heater wasn't blowing hot air unless I was pressing the accelerator.  I thought it was the thermostat, but the radiator had a leak and is being replaced to the tune of 500+ dollars.  I am so blessed that I am able to have it repaired.  (thank you ex husband)

Secondly,  the early on program called earlier this week to tell me to attend today's speech therapy play group.  Jack will be younger than most of the other kids, but they say it will be good for him.  She also said that she has his "report" for me to see.  I asked were we doing his IEP meeting??  Seems rather informal to me.  So, no meeting, but I promise you I will have it scheduled before I leave there today.

Finally, I am very happy the weekend is coming.  This week has been challenging.

Let's play push the barstool!!

Game faces, please.



Good job, now hit the shower and put those filthy clothes in the wash!

I am currently king of the lab.  Yesterdays meeting with the DHS office was a bit strained, but much better than I thought it would be.  I expected some fighting, arguing and bickering.  But, no.  My case worker is a quiet man anyway and I planned to just sit quietly unless he got loud with me.

He had to do a lot of inputting and correcting in the computer.  My mom and I played with Jack and talked amongst ourselves.  Half an hour later he tells me that my EBT (food) will be available in 24 hours and my medical should be as well.

My jaw fell.  I have been attempting to get this right for more than a year and he fools around in the computer for 30 minutes and fixes it all?  I don't believe it, but we smile and thank him and leave.

Today, I discover that the EBT is indeed fixed.  All of the children's medical is back to rights.  Now, mine says that I am on deductible medicaid.  I have never heard of this and can't afford to pay a deductible.  It does not say how much the deductible will be.   So, I called, got voice mail and left a message.  And an email.....courtesy copied to my state representative.

I am very pleased that so much was fixed in such a short time.  If we can just figure out what mine is all about, I am having a celebration!!

Thanks to Thuy, SleepyG, Gwendomama, Francesca, Angie and Christy for all the awesome comments lately!!


In other news, my brother finally joined Facebook!!!  Hi Brent and Kristen.

Tomorrow afternoon, I have to go visit the DHS office.  I am planning on remaining calm and getting my case sorted out.  I know that people have very strong opinions about the "system" and those who use it.

My priority is to raise my boys well.  When I was married, I contributed money to the system.  We also donated to needy causes.  I never thought I would need services or be living anywhere near the poverty line.  I was wrong.

The tax dollars that help me raise my boys now will insure that tax dollars aren't needed to feed and house them as adults.  I believe a stay at home mom can make all the difference in a child's life.


My third son, Skyler, is a hoot.  He is currently "king of the lab" because he has managed to get his planner from school signed every day for two weeks!!  Makes a mommy proud.  I swear that more and more he looks like Sylvester Stallone.

I haven't had health coverage for a long time. I keep this to myself and try to fix it. When it seems like it will never be resolved and your case worker isn't responding you might have to write a letter to your state representative and courtesy copy it to your case worker.

Dear Sir/Madam,

My name is Monica Berrios and I am a divorced mother of four living in Battle Creek, Michigan. I am financially eligible for services through the Department of Human Services. I have had services in the past and my circumstances have not changed financially. We have had another birth into the family which have increased our financial hardship.

My case worker, name withheld, is not handling my case appropriately. I have attempted to communicate with him multiple times.I have attempted to communicate with his supervisor, also. I understand that social workers and similar employees are overworked and often treated badly by their clients. I have always been polite and attempted to complete paperwork in a timely and neat manner.

I have been without medical coverage for a year and a half. I have reapplied multiple times. The last time Mr. Withheld and I were face to face it was because two of my sons' medicaid coverage had been cancelled due to a computer change in the DHS office. A glitch in the system that no one caught. At that meeting I explained to Mr Withheld my situation and my hope for a positive resolution. He informed me of two papers I needed to provide and I did that within a few days.

My children's coverage was resumed, but mine was not. I did not even receive a letter of denial. I have since been given notice that my EBT food benefits have been withdrawn because I failed to turn in a paper that I am sure I turned in. My family is going hungry this month because of Mr. Withheld's lack of communication. I have left no less than ten voice mail messages to Mr Withheld's direct line. I have received no responses. I have left two voice mail messages for his supervisor. I also hand wrote a letter while in the DHS waiting room addressed to the supervisor and put it in the DHS mail system. This system requires you to log in your mail deposit. I received no response from the supervisor. I have not kept a paper trail assuming that Mr. Withheld would do his job. Starting with this e-mail, I am doing so.

My family needs these services. We go hungry without the EBT food benefit. Do I heat the house or feed the children? I require medications that I am often going without because I lack the cash to pay for them myself. My youngest son has NO medical coverage without Medicaid. I know that my family is eligible for these services. I have the papers required by DHS to prove my income, housing ect. The missing link is a case worker that cares enough to figure out the reason for this situation.

I beg you to guide me to a solution. Where do I turn to be heard? The DHS office is a necessary part of our society. I know it is often abused and the people that work there often go above and beyond. This time the system is failing. I am hoping that someone can advocate for my family. I thank you in advance for taking the time to read this and respond.

Sincerely,
Monica Berrios
mo.berrios@gmail.com
xxx-xxx-xxxx


Doing this will get your MIA caseworker call you the very next day. He will also set you up an appointment for the next Monday.  I hate being the squeaky wheel, but sometimes it is necessary.

Years ago, when I was still married, the ex and I were goofing with the kids. My ex husband is Puerto Rican and proud! The exchange went something like this.


Ex-"Nico, what is Papi?"

Nico-"Papi is Puerto Rican!"

Ex-" What is Elijah?"

Nico-"Puerto Rican!!"

Elijah- "Poor Ricah!!"

Ex-"What is Skyler?"

Boys-"Puerto Rican!!!!"

Ex-"What about Mommy?

Silence.

Ex-"What is Mommy?"

Nico-"Uhh, Mommy is an adult"

Finally we could debate it no more, I was an ADULT!!!