Michigan Open Account Coalition to Promote Opening a Bank Account for Financial Security

Having a bank account opens the door to more opportunities, but some Michigan communities are underserved when it comes to access to banks and credit unions. The Michigan Open Account Coalition could change that.

The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services, Michigan Bankers Association, and Michigan Credit Union League are trying to help more residents establish a relationship with a bank or credit union.

DIFS Director Anita Fox said, “There are many benefits to having a relationship with a financial institution, including added security and access to home loans and other important financial services. This coalition will work to clear barriers for Michiganders who currently do not have an account with a bank or credit union and help more Michiganders build greater financial security.”

The Coalition will be promoting access to low- and no-cost accounts by certifying accounts through the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund’s Bank On Program. The Program sets standards for fees and costs. They will also work on educating the public about the advantages of having a bank account.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Elder Abuse Task Force Advocates for Awareness

Michigan’s Elder Abuse Task Force is focusing on the rights of nursing home residents. A new video makes the public aware of the rights of residents of nursing homes and what to do if rights have been violated.

The video explains how to recognize, report, and prevent adult abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The Task Force advocates for building relationships with the elderly in order to recognize their needs and potential neglect or abuse.

Financial abuse is a common form of elder exploitation. Signs of financial abuse include unpaid bills, unusual changes in spending patterns such as checks made out to cash, missing household items, and large purchases such as a car for someone who doesn’t drive. Changes to wills and deeds are also a red flag as to an elder being taken advantage of.

Suspected cases of elder abuse can be reported to the Michigan Office of Attorney General or by calling the hotline at 855-444-3911.

A link to the Elder Abuse Task Force video can be found at WGRT.com.

https://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,4534,7-359-82917_107074—,00.html

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Want to Help the People of Ukraine? OT Has Two Suggestions

It’s easy to feel like there is nothing you can do when terrible international tragedies happen, such as the war in Ukraine. But there are actually two things you can do, according to Operation Transformation, which connects people to resources in the Blue Water Area.

The first is to pray for peace and the second is to donate to help those who are suffering. The Port Huron non-profit is acting as a clearinghouse for donations to two organizations that have been vetted for trustworthiness in helping the people of Ukraine: Samaritan’s Purse and Making Impact Right Away. Donations can be sent to Operation Transformation or donated directly to the charities.

Samaritan’s Purse has a field hospital and two medical clinics in Ukraine and is working with a network of thousands of churches. They already have an established network where they had been distributing Operation Christmas shoeboxes.

Making Impact Right Away, a division of Christ for the Nations, is currently in Ukraine and is distributing food, medicine, generators, and building supplies to those in the country and fuel, clothing, and humanitarian needs to those who are fleeing the violence.

More information can be found here:

https://www.optrans.org/

www.samaritanspurse.org

www.cfni.org 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Severe Weather Awareness Week: Tornado Sirens to Be Tested Wednesday; Skywarn Class Scheduled

It’s Severe Weather Awareness Week. There will be a statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 23rd at 1:00 p.m. If you are near a siren, you will hear it go off for a steady three minutes as a test of the warning network.

If you hear the steady three-minute siren any other time, that’s a sign that a tornado warning has been issued for the area. Take shelter and tune in to local media to get specific information about tornado risk.

For St. Clair County residents who want to take tornado awareness to the next level, a Skywarn Spotter Training session has been scheduled. The in-person class will be held on May 10th at 7:00 p.m. in the Don Dodge Auditorium at the County Building in Port Huron.

The class will instruct on severe weather hazards. Participants will be educated on the general structure and movement of severe thunderstorms, identification of important storm features, and safety concerns.

The class is free and open to the public aged thirteen and up. Those who are interested will need to reserve a seat. Reservation details can be found in the news section at WGRT.com.

Skywarn RSVP: rdecrease@stclaircounty.org

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

“Better Together” Kitten and Cat Adoption Special at SCC Animal Control

St. Clair County Animal Control is gearing up for kitten season, which lasts from April to August and the public can help with either giving kittens and grown cats a home or by supporting a virtual “Kitten Shower” to get the animals off to a good start.

Director Melissa Miller said that they are running a “Better Together” promotion where the first cat adoption costs $75 and adopting a second cat or kitten is only $25. Cats often do better with a buddy.

Miller said that she currently has a great assortment of adult cats aged two to ten that have been surrendered by owners going through life changes.

Animal Control is also having an online kitten shower where animal lovers can send the most needed items, like high-quality cat food, cat litter, and other items to Animal Control. Cash donations are also gladly accepted.

Miller also reminded that if you find a group of healthy kittens alone, don’t rush to “save” them. Their mom might be off hunting. Keep an eye on them for about twelve hours and if mom doesn’t come back, then take them to Animal Control.

Links to more information can be found at WGRT.com.

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2QZQWZH9RVKM2/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sccanimals

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland