UMOJA VILLAGE UPDATE, because YOU are UMOJA!

July 21, 2022

1. Are you or someone you know dealing with physical, emotional, mental, or intellectual challenges that are preventing you from obtaining or keeping employment?  Vocational Rehabilitation offers a variety of services from hands-on job readiness training, substance abuse recovery, counseling and guidance, job search and placement assistance, and even limited assistance with college expenses for qualifying clients. Also, if you are an employer that wants to keep or hire trained and qualified staff, Vocational Rehabilitation could be your answer.  With 31 offices throughout South Carolina, there is bound to be a VR center near you, www.srvrd.net.  To schedule an appointment in the Aiken Area office, call 800-861-9410.  Or, call Aiken Center Manager Sebastian Green, at 803-641-7630.

2. If you are employed by a U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government or not-for-profit organization, you might be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). Furthermore, on Oct. 6, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced a temporary period during which borrowers may receive credit for payments that previously did not qualify for PSLF or TEPSLF.  Click this link to learn more:

https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

3. Today's Power Hour from 12-1 p.m., I'll interview the Director of Nutrition for Aiken Senior Life Services Hannah Stone.  Many of the CSRA's senior citizens lack the nutrition needed and other things to enrich their lives.  Tune in to WAAW Shout 94.7 FM today to learn about nutrition, transportation, and enrichment services available to help you, your family, or church members.

4. See what events or meetings are in our area and a listing of our own Black businesses all on www.umojavillage.com