You're Unemployed - Consider Volunteering

More photos at Red Rocks Park, Las Vegas

I came across an article that covered the many benefits to local charities and businesses receive from volunteers, by allowing them to stay open and providing social and intellectual capital.

There are many benefits to the volunteers.

One can gain new job skills, you're able to network, build up confidence and even utilize your current job skills! Many potential employers look highly upon unemployed applicants that volunteer.

Looking for volunteering opportunites? Think about your interest and what type of skills you might want to utilize. Then start by inquiring with their local church, schools, food banks, hospitals and animal shelters.

Mark this date on your calendars! National Family Volunteer Day is November 28th!

Volunteer Match

Volunteer Center of Southern Nevada

Susan G Komen for the Cure Southern Nevada

1-800-Volunteer

Volunteer.gov ~ volunteer opportinites at National Parks and Cultural Centers

Need Rent Assistance? Help of Southern Nevada Can Help

Help of Southern Nevada program is available to people that have income that exceeds their rent by a minimum of $100.00 and have had an unforeseen expense, such as medical, car repairs, loss of one income, etc..

The rental assistance may pay for the base rent and the client pays for all late fees past due. The following items are needed in order to qualify:

Nevada State ID and Social Security cards for all people living in the residence.
Proof of income (any type that is legitimate and official) for all household members.

Current lease (that is a minimum of six months, no weekly or month to month.)

Proof of ownership with all supporting documentation for home if owned.

Proof that all past due amounts from previous month are paid.

Reason for the unanticipated expenses with the proper documentation
3 or 5 day eviction notice.

Help of Southern Nevada Accepting Holiday Assistance Applications

Applications for Holiday Assistance will be taken on a walk-in basis, between 8:00am-2:00pm.

Due to limited space please do not bring children.

People will be screened (first come first served) on a one to one basis for the following eligibility guidelines;

NEVADA Picture Identification – i.e., Current Nevada driver’s license, ID
card, health or sheriff’s card (1 of 3 items needed)

Social Security Cards of all household members or public assistance
cards with names & Social Security numbers of household members or
ITIN numbers.

Birth Certificates of minor Children in the household or medical public
assistance print out.

Proof of Guardianship, if providing care for someone else’s child - Court
Documentation.

Proof of all income, (payroll stubs, statement of benefits-welfare,
unemployment, social security, retirement, etc.)

Proof of residency – current rent receipt, copy of lease, current utility bill,
or 2 recent pieces of mail to same address.

High School Student ID of youth 16 years of age & older.

2008 Income Tax-Return.Stop by their website for income guidelines and more information.

Communities Banning Together to Create Jobs - Now That's Good News!

Let's face it the days of responding to a want ad with the intentions of getting an interview and a job offer aren't working for many of us unemployed!

That's why I found this news article so inspirational. Private, churches and individuals banning together to create or obtain jobs!

My favorite story was about a Mormon church that created a Need-Lead Job database for their members. The program has placed several people into full time jobs!

You can read more about this news story by clicking here.

More Warehousing Stores Accepting Food Stamps - Why Did Costco Take So Long?

Costco just announced it would start accepting food stamps, in some of their New York stores.

BJ's Warehouse has been accepting food stamps since last April.

Sam's Club began accepting food stamps last fall.

Why the delay? Costco had refused to do so, arguing that there would not be enough shoppers to make it worth the trouble, food stamps recipents would not be interested in purchasing bulk items and low income shoppers wouldn't pay for their memberships.

Boy, were they wrong! You can read more of the news story by clicking here

Expensive Prescriptions? Ask Your Doctor For Samples!

Autumn Theme Wall Decor available at Etsy

Leah, La Vida Cheapo, suggestion that I ask my doctor for prescription samples. Well, I actually asked at the right time!

This is great advise for those of us with or without health insurance!

They were re-organizing their samples and gave me their supply...about a $1000 worth of Frova samples.

It will buy me some time while I get into a prescription assistance program.

See, this is why I love the blogging community! Thank you Leah!

We Had Visitors This Month !

Before this month ends I would like to say that it was a great pleasure seeing Aunt Dora and Uncle Johnny. They look fantastic and I wish I had remembered my camera!

They both work out 3 days a week at their local gym! Not bad for a couple in their eighties! They're inspiration for all of us couch potatoes!

Their visit was also good for Charles. The next day, he said "We're going to make it!" It meant a great deal to me since his spirits had been very low.

They stayed at Treasure Island Hotel and Casino. It was our first visit to the casino. (locals don't do The Strip) I highly recommend this hotel. The rooms are gorgeous and theres lots of special offers right now!

My Husband Rocks Tshirts Available at Union 28!

Everytime I wear my "My Husband Rocks" Tshirt I get plenty of questions and comments, mostly from men. I even had a gentleman pat my husband on the back! Who knew that my purchase, almost a year ago would cause that type of reaction!

After all, I really do like my husband...he's funny, a good friend, a great dad, and partner!

If you want your hubby to know that he rocks too stop by Union 28. They even have some items on Clearance!

Let's show that we support our guys ladies!

Sugar Free Pumpkin Pie Courtesy of Better Recipes

It's autumn and many of you are sharing your Pumpkin Pie recipes. I wanted to also share with you a easy Sugar Free Pumpkin Pie recipe, courtesy of Better Recipes that everyone will love!

1 prepared pie crust (We use Keebler Reduced Ready Made Graham Pie Crust)
1 cup skim milk
2 pkgs vanilla Jello cook and serve sugar free and fat free pudding
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 1/2 tsp pumkin pie spice
1 tub sugar free whipped topping, thawed (Cool Whip has a sugar free topping)

Method
Mix pumpkin, pumkin pie spice and Jello in a saucepan then mix until well blended. Add milk and slowly bring to a low boil. Let cool to room temperature then fold in 1 1/2 cups whipped topping. Refrigerate 1 hour and top with remaining whipped.

The BerryMorins Want to Thank You - Frugal Grocery Shopping Tips!

We want to thank everyone for their contributions to our grocery shopping questions! Also, I wanted to share some interesting tips with you!
There will be more sharing of frugal grocery shopping facts later this week!

Deal Fanatic, suggested getting coupons at the public library! Who knew!

Many of you, including Cents to Be Debt Free , Keili, and Nichole do not have a big store club membership. They're shopping at Smart and Final or taking advantage of big offerings at local grocery stores.

Michele, Mrs. U, and Jenna mentioned visiting Hillbilly Housewife, Living on a Dime and Couponers Wanted for more tips! They're on my to-do list.

Jenna, also suggested following a local frugal blogger! Great tip! And my local frugal blogger would be Deal Fanatic!

Ann, Meagan and Casey Deauce decided to share their answers and/or blog about this topic to their followers. Thank you ladies, I'm sure our family isn't the only ones who could use the help.

Menu Plan Monday - October 26, 2009

Hash Brown Casserole recipe courtesy of Cooking Light

Charles and I had to get up very early this morning to make our 5:30am county social service appointment. I'm hoping to get approved for prescription assistance. My migraine medication is over a $1000! And I have no way of paying for it these days!

This week, we'll be busy baking cookies and cake for the Harvest Festival Cakewalk. I'm also volunteering for the volunteer check-in table.

Charles' part time hours, at Kmart, are being cutback by next month. We're hoping he'll be able to get his unemployment benefits again.

We picked up our first order from Angel Foods Ministries on Saturday. So far, we're very impressed with the quality.

Thanks to Organizing Junkie for hosting MPM! Now onto this week's

Chicken Fritters, Potato Salad

Beef Stew

Chicken Breasts with Roasted Vegetables

Oven Baked Fish, Mixed Vegetables, Mac N Cheese

Hash Brown Cassorole with Bacon, Onion and Cheese courtesy of Cooking Light, Mixed Green Salad

Picking Up Our Angel Food Ministries Food Order Was A Breeze!

Charles and I arrived at Trinity Life Center with laundry baskets in hand!

Trinity Life Center has the event very organized! Once we approached the check-in table, I gave them my name, and was presented 3 POST-ITs, they were in different colors, and had a letter and number written on them. We were then advised to start with the Signature Box table.

At the Signature Box table, Beth pulled up a small laundry basket and gave me a piece of paper with the cooresponding items. As she called out each item I was to check it off.

The Fruit and Vegetable Box and Breaded Chicken Box were already preboxed. They took our POST-ITs and Charles grabbed the boxes.

At the checkout table we presented her with our Signature Box check list and took a Servant Magazine.

This Southern Girl's Nest First Annual Christmas Ornament Swap - Last Sign Up Day Monday, October 26th

Don't miss out This Southern Girl's Nest First Annual Christmas Ornament Swap. Tomorrow, Monday, October 26 is the last day to sign up!

Stop by her blog for all the details!