Student Resources - Ridgecrest... · Cerro Coso Community College has food bags available for all students at Cerro Coso. Please contact Katie Bachman or Kim Carrasco at 760-384-6353

Resource Guide

Food Resources:

Cerro Coso Community College has food bags available for all students at Cerro Coso. Please contact Katie Bachman or Kim Carrasco at 760-384-6353 for more information or to make specific arrangements. We will continue a scheduled distribution of food bags. Please look to your email and the college website for more information.

Cerro Coso Community College’s Hunger Free Program has grocery cards available for students at Cerro Coso with food and toiletry needs. Please contact [email protected] or [email protected] to make a request.

CalFresh or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Support and Resources:

CalFresh is for people with low-income who meet federal income eligibility rules and want to add to their budget to put healthy and nutritious food on the table. The link below is a resource page where potential applicants can click for more information as well as apply for the program.

CalFresh Information - English CalFresh Information - Spanish

Students can get support applying for CalFresh here on campus or through the ACCESS and Student Services Departments by contacting:

NAME EMAIL PHONE Katherine Rasmussen [email protected] 760-384-6234 Pedro Santiago [email protected] 760-384-6125 Tanner Barnett [email protected] 760-384-6249 Candace Cornett [email protected] 760-384-6393 Kimberly Carrasco [email protected] 760-384-6353

Cerro Coso Community College Student Resource Guide

2

We have computers available in the Counseling Round-About area, Student Center, Library and Learning Resource Center here on campus for students to use. Please also call for a telephone or virtual appointment for application assistance.

Calfresh Program Benefits Helpline 1-877-847-3663

You may be eligible for resources now, even if you have applied previously and were not. Please consider applying. We are here to help with the process!

IWV Food Resources: Kern County Food Bank 800-273-2275 you must provide a CA DL, CA ID or Social security Number. Please call this number and verify for place and time, it is subject to change.

Kern DHS 145 E. Ridgecrest Blvd. 760-499-5200 Food distribution in Ridgecrest, CA Subject to change. Desert Christian Center 100 E. Bataan Ave. 760-375-9954 Non-perishable food give-away on the 4th Sunday of the month.

Grace Lutheran Church 502 N. Norma St. 760-375-9768 Food Pantry: Mon-Thurs 8:00am-5:00pm and Sundays 8:00am-2:00pm

Immanuel Baptist's Ministry Center 1201 N. China Lake Blvd. 760-446-4531 Free Dinner: Monday 6:00pm-6:30 pm Clothing Closet: Monday, 5:00pm-6:30pm

Salvation Army 151 N. Downs St. 760-375-7219 Food Pantry: MoTuThFr 9:00am-11:00am Commodities: 3rd. Thurs 8:00am-11:00am

St. Ann's Catholic Church 446 W. Church St. 760-375-2110 Food Pantry: Mon-Fri 9:00am-11:00am Free Dinner: Varies, must call for dates & Times

St. Michael's Episcopal Church 200 W. Drummond Ave. 760-446-5816 Food Baskets: Tuesdays 9am-12pm.

United Methodist Church 635 N. Norma St. 760-375-7434 Free Dinner: Friday 5:00pm-6:00pm

Cerro Coso Community College Student Resource Guide

3

Financial Resources:

• Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Dept. of Education, has new information on federal student loan repayment, defaulted loans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Find answers to some common questions here.

• Updates on IRS Stimulus Checks https://www.cbsnews.com/news/stimulus-check-when-will-you-get/

Physical Health Resources:

• Medicaid- Check to see if you are eligible and get coverage English – https://www.medicaid.gov Spanish – https://www.cuidadodesalud.gov/es/ 1-800-318-2596

• Covered California- Covered California is a free service that connects Californians with brand-name health insurance under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. English - https://www.coveredca.com/ Spanish - https://www.coveredca.com/espanol/ 1-800-300-1506 TTY: 1-888-889-4500

• Local resources providing medical care on an adjusted scale for low-income: Omni Health English - http://omnifamilyhealth.org/locations/ridgecrest-ca-clinic/ Spanish version available by changing language at the top of the webpage. 1-800-300-OMNI

• Rural Health Ridgecrest https://www.rrh.org/locations/rural-health-clinic/ 1-760-446-3551 TDD- 1-760-446-7505

• Heather Stone Medical Clinic 900 N Heritage Drive (760) 446-4571 Accepts Walk-In Appointments. Will see patients with no health insurance. Flat rate cash fee $100 for initial appointment, and $75 for subsequent appointments

Cerro Coso Community College Student Resource Guide

4

Mental Health Resources:

Cerro Coso Community College Counseling and ACCESS Services: • Call 760 384-6219 for the Counseling Department, or 760 384-6250 for the ACCESS Department

OR send an email to either [email protected] or [email protected] to schedule an appointment with one of our Counselors.

• Visit Cerro Coso Counseling online at https://www.cerrocoso.edu/studentservices/counseling • Visit Cerro Coso ACCESS Programs online at

https://www.cerrocoso.edu/studentservices/access-programs

Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Behavioral Services: • https://www.kernbhrs.org/

o CCS Ridgecrest is our local office connected to Kern County Department of Public Health This is their Calendar for March, subject to change:

• https://b289acfd-f20d-4c8f-9af7-8d9fba5412e8.filesusr.com/ugd/ae18ee_f697734b6c334f198712cba8ea5e19d9.pdf

o App Guide for free apps that can help https://www.kernbhrs.org/appguide

o Community Resources: They have guides on what to expect after a disaster (not tailored to COVID-19)

https://www.kernbhrs.org/community-resources Other Online Resources:

• CCC Health & Wellness o https://cvc.edu/wellness/

• California Community College Chancellor’s Office Resources: o https://www.cccstudentmentalhealth.org/

Resources for students, focused on CCCC o https://ccc.kognito.com/

Training simulations for faculty, staff, and students • Mental Health America – Includes: screening tool, peer support, links to resources, forums

o https://www.mhanational.org/ • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - Warning signs, mental health conditions, support

groups, help line, online programs o https://www.nami.org/ o https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/September-2019/Suicide-Prevention-for-College-

Students

Cerro Coso Community College Student Resource Guide

5

IWV Area Resources:• College Community Services Hope Center

1400 N. Norma St, Ridgecrest, CA 93555 (760) 446-1597

o Groups (contact for more information about current scheduling) LGBTQ+ Support Group Veteran’s Support Group Mental Health Family Support Group Substance Abuse Family Support Group Community Yoga

• Ridgecrest Crisis Stabilization Unit 1141 Chelsea St, Ridgecrest, CA 93555 (760) 463-2880

o Access to psychiatric providers, nurses, social workers, and other clinical staff o Psychiatric assessment o Medication evaluation and service o Development of crisis and recovery plans o Linkage and referral to community treatment resources o including medical services

• Substance Abuse Support: o Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholism treatment program 325 N Downs St (760) 375-5445

o Narcotics Anonymous Addiction treatment center (760) 446-4445

Suicide Prevention Resources:

We recognize that these stressful, distressing times can escalate someone’s sense of hopelessness and helplessness. Please consider the following resources if you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm. We are HERE for you in addition to the resources below. Please reach out and give us a chance to support you or someone you know. This situation is TEMPORARY and we can help you through this difficult time.

The Lifeline is FREE, confidential, and always available. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

This a free 24-hour hotline. (Press 1 for a dedicated line for Veterans and their families. Para espanol, oprima 2.)

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has TTY capability via one of our national call centers, which can be accessed by calling

1-800-799-4TTY (4889).

The Crisis Text Line offers free, 24/7 support. Text “EMM” to 741741 to text confidentially with a trained crisis counselor.

Cerro Coso Community College Student Resource Guide

6

Know the Signs- A statewide suicide prevention social marketing campaign built on three key messages: Know the signs. Find the words. Reach out. This campaign is intended to educate Californians how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, how to find the words to have a direct conversation with someone in crisis and where to find professional help and resources.

https://www.suicideispreventable.org/

How to Have that Difficult Conversation about Suicide

https://wmich.edu/suicideprevention/basics/how-help

Suicide Prevention Lifeline (how to get help, emergency numbers, learning about suicide prevention, best practices)

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Coronavirus/COVID-19 Resources:

• Red Cross: o Steps to Help Cope with Evolving Coronavirus Situation: o https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/2020/steps-to-help-cope-with-

evolving-coronavirus-situation.html • Making a Face Mask

o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hcSCgAD8f8 • Social Distancers’ Library Guide

o https://cerrocoso.libguides.com/remoteresources/homebound • Activity Packs for Children/Families

o The Child Development Center in Ridgecrest is making activity packs for children/families via curbside pick-up on Thursdays 2-3. This is available for students, our employees and CDC families

o To request: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeO_nrXRlVSGMySUv5BdZbVjggmKb78uxRMnIFd7F4MQhZyBA/viewform

• Employment Development Department – California o The Employment Development Department (EDD) provides a variety of support services

to individuals affected by COVID-19 in California. Find a list of all their services here. o This article offers some helpful advice on how to navigate the application. The EDD also

maintains a list of resources that people can receive while going through the unemployment process. La página también está disponible en español.

Resources for the Homeless:

• Project Roomkey

An initiative to secure hotel and motel rooms to protect homeless individuals from

Cerro Coso Community College Student Resource Guide

7

Computer and Technology Resources: • Laptop/webcam loan- Cerro Coso is providing students who need a laptop or who need a

webcam. Below is the form for students to complete who want to request a laptop: https://inside.cerrocoso.edu/sgcc/content/covid-19-student-laptop-lending

Once verified you are currently registered, you will be sent the Laptop Loan Agreement to acknowledge and agree to via your college email and arrangements made for pick-up. This process has been set up at each campus.

• CVC-OEI has a full page of resources dedicated to helping students transition to online learning. Resources include a number of videos on how to prepare for and succeed in a virtual classroom, as well an overview of Canvas. The page also details the companies offering free or low-cost internet access across the state.

• CollegeBuys - Supported by the Foundation for California Community College, as a student, you are eligible for discounts on products that will help you complete your education.

o https://foundationccc.org/CollegeBuys • Several providers have made internet and WiFi services available for free or at a substnaitally

reduced rate for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who don’t already have internet through the company. WiFi hotspots will also be open for public:

o https://corporate.charter.com/newsroom/charter-to-offer-free-access-to-spectrum-broadband-and-wifi-for-60-days-for-new-K12-and-college-student-households-and-more

• Please contact the companies at the phone numbers below directly to arrange services if you are interested:

o Mediacom- Low Cost Internet- Up to 10 Mbps for $9.95 Visit https://mediacomc2c.com/requirements.aspx

o Charter and Spectrum: 1-844-488-8395 o Comcast: 855-846-8376 for English speakers or 855-765-6995 for Spanish speakers

Student Supports:

• Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Dept. of Education, has new information on federal student loan repayment, defaulted loans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Find answers to some common questions here.

• CVC-OEI has a full page of resources dedicated to helping students transition to online learning. Resources include a number of videos on how to prepare for and succeed in a virtual classroom, as well an overview of Canvas. The page also details the companies offering free or low-cost internet access across the state.

• If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text the Crisis Text Line at 741741.

Cerro Coso Community College Student Resource Guide

8

Veteran’s Resources:

• Cerro Coso Community College’s Military & Veterans’ Services Center o Contact: Jessica Kawelmacher, VA School

Certifying Official at 760-384-6291 or by email at [email protected].

You make sacrifices for our nation. With Cerro Coso Community College, education does not have to be one of them.

• Department of Veterans Affairs: 800-827-1000 o www.va.gov

• Suicide Hotline: 800-273-8255 • Kern County Veterans Services Department - Assists veterans with medical claims,

educational benefits, pensions, veteran dependents and survivor benefits. 661-868-7300 or Toll Free: 866-218-5367

o [email protected] • CalVet: Learn about the state and federal benefits you are entitled to receive and how to claim

them: education, employment, healthcare, housing, advocacy, and VA claims 800-952-5626

o www.calvet.ca.gov • Disabled Veterans of America

877-426-2838 o www.dav.org

• Kern Patriot Partnership - Kern Patriot Partnership is an employment service that connects Kern County veterans with hiring employers in Kern County 661-868-7300

o [email protected] • Military OneSource - Service members, Veterans, and their dependents

800-342-9647 o Relationship counseling o Non-medical counseling for stress relief o Financial counseling o Document translation o Spouse scholarships, education and career benefits o Child care options o PCS moves o And More

• The American Legion 202-861-2700

o www.legion.org • USO

800-876-7469 • Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

816-968-1128 o www.vfw.org

• Wounded Warrior Project o www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Cerro Coso Community College Student Resource Guide

9

Employment Resources:

• Onward California o www.onwardca.org o A new site matching out-of-work Californians to critical jobs available statewide

• Cerro Coso Community College Career Center o Appointments can be made either by calling 760 384-6276 or emailing Job Developer

Jennifer Marshall at [email protected] o Services are offered to help our students, graduates, and alumni find employment o Visit the Career Center online at https://www.cerrocoso.edu/studentservices/career-

center • Cerro Coso Community College CalWORKs Program

o Any student enrolled at Cerro Coso who receives AFDC/TANF benefits, is 18 years or older, and in good academic standing is eligible!

o Call 760 384-6250 or email [email protected] to speak with a CalWORKs Representative in ACCESS Programs, or visit our website at https://www.cerrocoso.edu/studentservices/access-programs/calworks

• Employment Development Department – California o The Employment Development Department (EDD) provides a variety of support services

to individuals affected by COVID-19 in California. Find a list of all their services here. o This article offers some helpful advice on how to navigate the application. The EDD also

maintains a list of resources that people can receive while going through the unemployment process. La página también está disponible en español.

o The Employment Development Department (EDD) provides a variety of support services to individuals affected by COVID-19 in California. Find all a list of their services here.

o Benefits for workers impacted by COVID-19 are posted in a helpful summary chart by Labor and Workforce Development Agency here.

o SICK OR QUARANTINED: If you’re unable to work due to having or being exposed to COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional), you can file a Disability Insurance (DI) claim. The Governor’s Executive Order waives the one-week unpaid waiting period, so you can collect DI benefits for the first week you are out of work. If you are eligible, the EDD processes and issues payments within a few weeks of receiving a claim.

o CAREGIVING: If you’re unable to work because you are caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional), you can file a Paid Family Leave (PFL) claim.

o SCHOOL CLOSURES: If your child’s school is closed, and you have to miss work to be there for them, you may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance benefits. Eligibility considerations include if you have no other care options and if you are unable to continue working your normal hours remotely. File an Unemployment Insurance claim

o REDUCED WORK HOURS: If your employer has reduced your hours or shut down operations due to COVID-19, you can file an Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim. The Governor’s Executive Order waives the one-week unpaid waiting period, so you can collect UI benefits for the first week you are out of work.

Cerro Coso Community College Student Resource Guide

10

Resources for Undocumented Students and/or Students with Undocumented Family Members:

Relief Funds for Undocumented Workers in California • Restaurant Opportunities Centers United – Restaurant Workers Relief Fund • One Fair Wage Emergency Fund–Cash assistance to restaurant workers, car service drivers,

delivery workers, personal service workers and more who need the money they aren’t getting to survive.

• USBG National Charity Foundation – Bartenders, or the spouse or child of a bartender who have experienced an emergency hardship. Applications are reviewed the week of the 15th of each month (exceptions may be made during times of natural disaster or other crisis events)

• Another Round, Another Rally Emergency Assistance – $500 relief grants. Workers in the hospitality industry, dishwasher, bartender, server, busser, chef, cook, sommelier, manager, host, concierge, cleaning staff, or barback may apply for funds.

• National Domestic Workers Alliance Coronavirus Care Fund – The Coronavirus Care Fund will provide emergency assistance for home care workers, nannies, and house cleaners. If you are a domestic worker, text RELIEF to 97779 to get updates from NDWA, and find out when the Coronavirus Care Fund applications are ready.

• Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation – Emergency assistance for those employed by restaurants or bars or are employed by a restaurant or bar supplier

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) • All USCIS field offices, asylum offices, and Application Support Centers (ASCs) will not provide

in-person services (including interviews, naturalization ceremonies, and biometric collection appointments) until at least April 1. USCIS will continue to provide emergency services during this time. Emergency service requests can be made here.

• USCIS field offices will send re-scheduling notices to applicants and petitioners with scheduled appointments impacted by the closure. All applicants will be rescheduled when USCIS resumes normal operations. Please make sure USCIS has your current address; if your address has changed, you are required to update USCIS using Form AR-11, which can be submitted online.

Immigration Enforcement Activity • Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has released a statement describing its intention to

“not carry out enforcement operations at or near health care facilities, such as hospitals, doctors' offices, accredited health clinics, and emergent or urgent care facilities, except in the most extraordinary of circumstances.” The statement also says that “Individuals should not avoid seeking medical care because they fear civil immigration enforcement.”

Testing for COVID-19 and Healthcare Access Everyone, regardless of immigration status, is eligible for testing and treatment of communicable diseases, including coronavirus. COVID-19 testing and treatment is not considered a negative factor in the public charge analysis. See USCIS’ statement here. COVID-19 testing is entirely free for anyone, regardless of health care coverage status or immigration status. If you are enrolled in a health plan, it is important that you and your family get the care you need! If you are not insured and need medical care, you have other options: • See if you qualify for Medi-Cal (California’s public health insurance program) or a subsidized

plan on Covered California.

Cerro Coso Community College Student Resource Guide

11

• Medi-Cal re-eligibility determinations have been waived through June 17. • Look for a public hospital or community health clinic near you with free or low-cost health

care services (you can search this website for a center near you). • To learn more about your health care coverage options, look here. For more information on your legal health rights, see Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information by the Health Consumer Alliance, Protect Your Health by the Protecting Immigrant Families, and Access to Health Care for Immigrants by National Immigration Law Center.

Cash and Food Assistance (Food Banks, CalWORKS, and CalFresh) • See if you or your children qualify for CalWORKS, a cash assistance program with other

services, or CalFresh, food and nutrition services, so that you can get supplemental assistance during this time.

• Unfortunately, most undocumented immigrants, TPS recipients, and DACA recipients generally are not eligible for CalFresh or CalWORKS, but there are exceptions.

• Even if you don't qualify due to your immigration status, your children may qualify if they are US citizens or have lawful status. These benefits could help your family during this time.

• Re-eligibility determinations for those who currently receive CalWORKS and/or CalFresh benefits have been waived through June 17.

• You do not have to provide your immigration status if you are undocumented and are applying for these benefits for your children or family member.

• Only the person seeking benefits must provide their citizenship or immigration status. If you are applying on behalf of an eligible family member, such as your child, you only need to share the information for that family member. If you are undocumented and apply for a family member, you should not provide any information about your immigration status. Instead, you can say, "I am not applying for health insurance for myself."

Unemployment Insurance • For a complete guide to workers' rights and replacement earnings, visit this guide. • If your employer has reduced your hours or stopped operations due to coronavirus, you may

be able to file an Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim. You may also be eligible for UI payments if your child’s school or daycare is closed and you have to miss work to care for them.

• To be eligible for UI, you must 1) have had work authorization during the time you earned the wages used to establish your claim and 2) still have work authorization each week in which you are claiming benefits. California allows DACA recipients with unexpired work permits to apply for UI benefits if they meet all other eligibility criteria.

• California has waived the usual one-week unpaid waiting period for people missing work due to coronavirus. You can collect UI payments for the first week you are out of work.

Paid Sick Leave • If your employer provides paid sick leave, and you cannot work due to having or being

exposed to COVID-19, as certified by a medical professional, you can use your accrued paid sick leave to continue being paid for the time you miss work. You may also be eligible for Disability Insurance (see below).

• Your employer should provide you with the number of paid sick days you have accrued. • Citizenship and immigration status does not affect eligibility for paid sick leave.

California State Disability Insurance (SDI) • If you cannot work due to having or being exposed to COVID-19, as certified by a medical

professional, you may be able to file a Disability Insurance (DI) claim. • Citizenship and immigration status does not affect eligibility for DI.

Cerro Coso Community College Student Resource Guide

12

• California has waived the usual one-week unpaid waiting period for people missing work due to coronavirus. You can collect DI payments for the first week you are out of work.

California State Paid Family Leave (PFL) • If you cannot work because you are caring for an ill or quarantined family member with

COVID-19, as certified by a medical professional, you may be able to file a Paid Family Leave (PFL) claim.

• Citizenship and immigration status does not affect eligibility for PFL. • PFL does not have a waiting period for benefits. • If eligible, you can receive PFL payments for up to 6 weeks.

Workers’ Compensation • If you are unable to do your usual job because you contracted COVID-19 during the regular

course of your work, you may be able to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits such as temporary disability payments or medical treatment.

• Citizenship and immigration status does not affect eligibility for workers’ compensation.