CSS Newsletter Spring 2010: The Pinch of Retirement
They are a charming older couple with obvious affection for each other. Until recently, they were living comfortably.
However, a series of medical problems has eroded their savings. She takes a great many medications. Some of the cost is paid
through Medicare, but the $10, $20, and $30 charges per medication add up. Last winter, because of a furnace problem, they
resorted to using space heaters. Their electric bill skyrocketed. They were just over-income to qualify for Energy Assistance.
At some point, they could no longer afford to pay for supplemental medical coverage, descending deeper in the hole. CSS has
helped with utility costs and food. CSS staff is investigating drug company programs that provide reduced cost medications.
And a CSS volunteer made a simple adjustment that fixed their furnace problem. For more CSS News, download our Summer 2010 newsletter. The link is provided at the top of this page. 
TAKE THE FEINSTEIN CHALLENGE!
CSS is at it agan!
As always we are participating in the annual Feinstein $1 million giveaway to fight hunger. During
the months of March and April every financial donation to CSS will count toward an additional contribution from the Feinstein
Foundation. So, if youv'e been thinking about donating, March and April would be a great time to do it. Please
make checks payable/mail to: Community Support Systems, PO Box 206, Aquasco, MD 20608. For food donations, please call (301)
372-1491. Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.
CSS And Leary School Home Repair
Project
The CSS-Leary School Home Repair Project expanded this fall with the establishment
of the Brandywine Jobsite (sharing space with CSS at the Chapel of the Incarnation).
Leary high school students are receiving on-the-job training in the building trades while
they repair the homes of families in-need. A win-win for everyone involved!
The first project the students completed made a house handicapped-accessible
for someone who is wheelchair-bound. Currently, students are making major
roof repairs and rebuilding walls that have been heavily water damaged for a single
mom and her son. Next on their list is replacing a bathtub with a shower so that
a disabled client can bathe again. Clearly, Leary students can do it all!
Thanks to the school's director, Dr. Ed Schultze, talented on-the-job instructors Steve
Hutchinson & Bonnie Furey, and academic instructor Jill Boutin for making the Leary School
Brandywine Jobsite a reality! Here are some photos from their recent projects. To donate to this fund, please visit the 'Support
CSS' page or the 'Contact Us' page to be provided with more information.
Pictured below are students and instructors from the
Leary School as they repair the Senior Living Home. Click on the thumbnail for a larger view of the picture.
Leary School Students
NEEDED DONATIONS We
would appreciate the donation of the following items: - Space
heaters (preferably oil filled) - 60" round table (preferably one that folds)
By Any Means Possible We've
often talked about the lack of public transportation in our area. Folks arrive by any means possible. In addition to riding
with friends or catching the Call-A-Bus, we have clients that regularly travel to our Food Pantries via bicycle, and once
in awhile, riding lawnmower. But Mr. Williams' mode of transportation is truly unique - his trusty steed Barberosa!
CSS Volunteer Receives Recognition
Read the Gazette article praising CSS volunteer Cathy Black for her spirit
and dedication.
Gazette Article (Click here)
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