The Official Modest Needs Blog

Meet Kimberly Kaye, The Newest Member of the Modest Needs Family

The Modest Needs family is growing! Today we would like to introduce Kimberly Kaye, Modest Needs' new Director of Marketing and Public Outreach. Please allow our newest team member to introduce herself, and explain why she'd like to talk to YOU:

 

Few things make me break into a cold sweat faster than the phrase, "Tell us a little about yourself." It’s been that way since kindergarten. Every first day of school my teachers would ask each student to state their name and sum up their lives in a few sentences for the rest of the class. Every year I'd find myself staring back at a room full of faces, stuttering as I tried to figure out what to say. Anticipation of the "Tell Us About Yourself" exercise used to drive me into my parents' closet, where I'd hide under my father's jacket until some adult coaxed me out and loaded me onto the school bus.

Which is why my palms are sweating as I try to answer that question now at Modest Needs' request. Can someone please define "a little?" How much is too much? Where's the line separating "sharing biographical information" and "boring people to death?"

And am I certifiably nuts, or does this wave of anxiety hit other people too?

While the "Tell Us About Yourself" gauntlet makes me squirm, I adore meeting new people and, even more so, having an actual conversation with them. The irony being that it's hard to start a conversation without first saying hello and telling the new face in front of you a bit about yourself.

So here it goes: I'm a born and bred New Jersey native. I have an addiction to social media that is, at this point, incurable. I’m good with words and have a violent, physical aversion to geometry. And I've spent the last five years as a journalist reporting on arts and culture.

Reporting on the arts, a world which has always relied on the generosity of patrons to sustain itself, helped me discover what can only be described as the art of giving. And I mean art in the most literal way; philanthropy is an art form. It is particularly special because, unlike music or painting, it is a craft that anyone can be good at from the moment they decide to take it up. Giving is the one art form in which the novices can lead the masters.

Uncovering the art of philanthropy pulled me into the essential ongoing conversation about giving, a dialogue I was thrilled to discover has been furthered by Modest Needs’ groundbreaking approach to helping those in need. The first organization of its kind to crowd-source for donors, Modest Needs asks people to tell others a little about themselves in order to start a dialogue about giving. Once that conversation gets rolling everyday people take action, making everyone from neighbors to strangers’ lives better in the process. You can watch it happen in real time as grants are funded on the Modest Needs web site.

It’s an ongoing conversation that I’m proud and excited to be joining now as a member of the Modest Needs family, but one that only works if both sides are talking and listening. So I’ve talked a little. Now it’s your turn. I invite you to talk to me, and keep talking, anytime day or night. Ask questions. Voice concerns. Bring the attention of Modest Needs anyplace it needs to go. Show us how you practice the art of philanthropy, or praise the work of others when they do.

Let's get talking now. What would you like to see more of from Modest Needs? And what would you like to see less? You can reach out right here in the comments section of this blog, email me at Kimberly.Kaye@modestneeds.org, find us on our Facebook page, or Tweet at us directly at @Modestneeds.

And, of course, please remember to tell us a little about yourself in the process.

Cheers,
Kimberly Kaye

How To Prioritize Giving in Your Life

The video below is such a terrific piece of advice. It's fantastic really. Financial guru Suze Orman fields a question from a woman who wants to know how to prioritize getting out of personal debt with giving back to the community. How much does one give to charity when their own finances need addressing? The answer she gives is not only practical, it is also a valuable philosophical lesson as well. 

Watch and see:

Application of the Day: Need Wheelchair Ramp to Go Back to Work

This recent amputee has a simple, modest need: a wheelchair ramp so that he can return to work:

Because I was trying to save my right leg, I have not worked for the last two years. On April 29, 2011 I lost my battle and also my right leg, above the knee. I applied for social security disability and was awarded $1195.95 a month. Between rent and doctors bills, I don't have any money left. I need a HitchHiker to load my wheelchair onto the back of my car. This would allow me the ability to get a job. 

If Modest Needs donors choose not fund my request, I will not be able to work. If I pay for this myself, I will not be able to pay my rent or get my prescriptions filled. 

My disability does not cover rent and all my expenses. I need this so I can go back to work. I have a company that will hire me, but I can't find anyone to drive me every day so I really, really need this to remain sane! 

Funding this application would mean the ability to go back to work again and have a decent income. A job would really take a lot of stress off of my Significant Other and myself. She's had her hours cut from 40 hours a week to 16 hours a week. She's helped me all she can, but we're out of options. Once I start working I'll be able to donate a little bit to others. Thank you.

You can invest in the life of this couple, directly, here.

More Workers Turning Down Employer-Subsidized Health Insurance

Millions of Americans are without adequate health insurance in the United States, often because they are unemployed, self-employed or underemployed. This is because the vast majority of those insured are covered because their employers offer health insurance packages as a benefit of their employment. 

But lately, some who are offered health insurance packages through their workplace are turning down the coverage because the cost of the plan is too expensive. This move, which was sometimes made by very young, healthy workers, is now becoming increasingly more common, despite the risks associated with it:

The rising cost of health insurance is pushing more South Florida employees to consider what had been unthinkable: Passing up medical coverage offered at work.

A strata of young, physically fit workers have always skipped employer health benefits they view as an unnecessary cost. But insurance agents say a growing number of older employees and even families are trying to save money by switching to low-priced health policies they buy on their own.

Insurance experts say employees can find credible, lower-cost coverage outside the workplace, through high-deductible plans. But they say it's a gamble because it takes a lot of work to find a good plan without big holes. Individual policies typically do not cover as much and often charge higher co-payments and deductibles. They also can raise your rates at will and drop you if you get sick.

"Dropping coverage at work? Generally a bad idea," said Carlos Castresana, South Florida unit leader at Wells Fargo Insurance Services, which designs health benefits for employers. "Even if you're healthy, you don't know if you'll get sick."

Yet more employees are thinking about it as they reach their open-enrollment period to sign up for 2012 coverage at work.

In a healthcare system where insurance plans are doled out by employers, but the nation is experiencing nearly 10% unemployment rates, there is bound to be a shift in how individuals choose to purchase insurance. However, the rising cost of insurance for employers is being passed along to employees, and more than ever before some workers are opting out of health coverage. Is it because they make less now? Is it because individual plans are cheaper? Is it because purchasing health insurance would mean not being able to afford the medications they provide, even at a discount?

You'd be hard pressed to argue that the health insurance system in the United States couldn't use some tweaking. But this trend in turning down employer-sponsored health insurance due to rising costs is unprecedented, and may be a sign of a shift in how Americans choose to take care of themselves.

Have you considered opting out of your employer's health insurance package? Know someone who has? Please tell us your stories of how you choose (or don't choose) to cover yourself and your family in case of medical emergency. Weigh in below.

[Photo by Quinn Dombrowski]

Application of the Day: Mom of 3 with Leukemia Seeks Rent Help

She is a mother of three who is battling leukemia. Her husband shattered his ankle, and now they are just trying to get by without losing their home:

There are six people living in my household. There is me, a mother of three, who is battling leukemia, my husband, who shattered his right ankle in May 2009 and only works 15 hours a week making $7.40 per hour, a daughter, Kirsten, who just returned to work this past Wednesday after giving birth to her daughter Madalyn on August 29th, a son Jacob who is 13 years old, and a son Nathan who is 8 years old. I receive Social Security Disability and it has been really hard trying to make ends meet. 

This past month we had an unexpected expense to repair our automobile that we need. We use the vehicle for me to go to James Cancer Clinic, physical therapy appointments, and other various doctor appointments, besides our regular trips that need to be made. With having to make the repairs to the vehicle, I got behind on our rent payment. 

If our rent doesn't get paid we could get evicted. It is very stressful not being able to pay this. It keeps me up at night worried about it. It is a depressing situation to be in. I just find myself constantly thinking about not being able to come up with the money and it makes me cry. I love my family so much, and I feel like I am letting them down. 

It would mean a lot to my whole family knowing that total strangers care for people they don't know that really need help. It would lessen my stress a bit financially knowing that the months rent bill is paid and that I can get back on track with bills. It makes you feel good that when you get your financial situation back on track that your will be able to remember the kindness of strangers and want to pay the generosity back to others that was facing the same hardship you were facing.

Investing in the life of this family is as simple as making a contribution from their request page on the Modest Needs website.

Honor Four Veterans with Modest Needs Directly Today

Veteran's Day, the federal holiday reserved to honor those veterans of the United States military, is today. You may have the day off of work, maybe your kids are home from school. There may even be a parade or cook-out in your town as a celebration of their bravery. It's a day of respect and admiration and honor.

And while we wish that every single soldier who has ever served his or her country would be forever after financially secure, we all know that is not the reality of the situation. Our veterans our fathers and mothers, teachers and doctors, neighbors and friends, they are also homeless, injured, ill and tragically, sometimes even ignored.

The terrific thing about the way Modest Needs operates, is that you can filter applications by search terms, targeting exactly the cause the most speaks to you. And so on this Veterans Day, what better way to *directly* honor a military veteran than by investing directly in their lives?

A quick search of the Modest Needs website reveals FOUR military families and individuals who have reached out to ask for a hand with their modest need. For instance, one gentleman who is an Army veteran of the Persian Gulf War is working vigilantly to maintain his sobriety and keep himself afloat financially. But unexpected car repairs put him behind. He didn't want to risk not having transportation to AA meetings--his lifeline--so he used rent money to pay for the repairs. Now he simply needs a hand with one month's rent to continue on a path of health and happiness.

This disabled vet's wife, who has worked 22 years for the post office, was forced to take time off work due an illness and received no pay for the time she was away. This put the couple behind on their mortgage. And while this veteran waits for an increase in VA benefits due to his disability, they've turned to Modest Needs donors in hopes of help.

This husband and father was active in the Army Reserves, but since he returned from active duty, he has been unable to find full-time work due to the sky high unemployment rate. The family vehicle is now in need of repairs--repairs that can't be ignored, because without a working vehicle, the family can no longer earn an income. This family is seeking one-time assistance with the cost of the car repairs so they can remain independent.

And lastly, she is a single mother and a full time soldier in the Rhode Island Army National Guard who is seeking assistance with the cost of burying her mother, who passed away after a battle with illness. Outstanding medical bills put this grieving daughter behind, and now she just wants to honor her deceased mother with a modest, but respectful funeral to lay her to rest.

On this Veterans Day, make direct and meaningful impact on the life of a soldier who selflessly served this country. What better way to show your respect?

Application of the Day: Bedbug Emergency: Help Me with Rent

This individual is sleeping in unsanitary conditions because of a lack of funds:

I am 52 years old, and I live with my brother who is 51. We both suffer from severe mental illness and receive social security disability payments. It is just the two of us and a cat. We both suffer from agoraphobia among many other things, so we rarely go out of our apartment. We do regularly go to our doctor's appointments and both take medication. 

We had bed bugs for a year and several items needed to be thrown out, including a couch, a bookcase and my brother's bed. We have no couch in the living room because we can't afford to replace it. My mattress is covered with bed bug feces and is quite unsanitary. It cannot be cleaned; it must be thrown out. I really need my rent to be paid for one month, so I can buy a new bed. 

In July 2011, I was experiencing such severe mouth pain that I was forced to see a dentist. One root canal, one crown, several cavities and special deep cleaning were all necessary to stop the pain and decay. None of it was cosmetic dentistry. The total bill for all the work was over $5100 (which comes out to be 34% of my annual income). The total for the emergency root canal was $1500—that is the expense I am documenting here. This was a huge expense for someone who only receives $1263 a month in disability. I was not able to apply for any assistance before the dental work was performed, because I was in severe pain and it was a dental emergency. I have no dental insurance and we don't make enough on social security to save up for catastrophic medical bills. Also, I pay about $200 a month for prescription drugs. I am on ten different medications and just one of them (Seroquel) has a retail cost of $1500 a month, which is why I have to pay about $200 a month (15% with Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage). There is no generic for Seroquel at this time and it is necessary psychiatric medication that I must take. Last week my wallet was stolen. I lost $100 in cash, which we can't afford to lose. I also had the unexpected expense of having to pay for a new debit card and a new driver's license. 

I am afraid of getting sick from sleeping on such an unsanitary bed. The exterminator told me 'you must get rid of this bed.' Under our financial circumstances, having to pay $1500 out of pocket for oral surgery has forced us to go without many things. We need clothes—like socks, bras and underwear (obviously we are not going to buy used undergarments from a thrift store). We were able to replace my brother's bed last year before all the dental expense, but now I have no hope of ever being able to afford a new bed. 

The biggest impact it has on me is that I am very depressed about the situation. I suffer from major depression to begin with, and sleeping on this dirty bed just adds to the depression. I look around our apartment—no couch, no bookcase, my dirty bed—I feel like I live in a slum and it is very depressing and discouraging to me. 

Getting the rental fee paid for one month will allow me to buy a new, clean bed. A decent bed should last at least 25 years, so having a clean mattress for that long of a time will definitely improve the quality of my life for the long term. I am impressed with your program and I think your donors are wonderful people. I pray that God will use you to provide help to me, as I try to pay it forward by doing good deeds to others. I am involved in a community outreach program where we go to people's homes and study the Bible with them free of charge. This allows people to make dramatic changes for the better in their lives. I am doing what I can to help my fellow man. Thank you so much for considering my application.

Invest in the wellbeing of this individual by contributing from their request page. And, as always, thank you for your support.

Who Received Our 10,000th Grant?

I could not be more thrilled to point you to the latest installment of Profiles in Courageous Generosity, as well as news about our 10,000th grant directly from founder and CEO, Dr. Keith Taylor:

Not too long ago, I mentioned that Modest Needs was on the verge of making its 10,000th grant. Well, late last month, thanks to the support of people from across the country, Modest Needs reached that milestone!

So what's the story behind the story of Modest Needs' 10,000th grant? I'm glad you asked, because, as it turns out, this grant not only showcases both everything we stand for; it underscores just how important the work we do together has become, especially in this difficult economy.

As it turns out, Modest Needs' 10,000th grant went to a woman named Dana, a single mom of two living in the midwest. For years, Dana been gainfully employed by a major financial institution and had always been able to take good care of herself and her two children. Everything was fine until, in January 2009, Dana learned that the bank for which she worked was 'downsizing.' She was one of the unlucky persons whose job was eliminated, and in a story that has become all too familiar these days, on 1 August 2009, Dana found herself suddenly unemployed through absolutely no fault of her own.

Do not waste any time reading the rest of this amazing profile that underscores how far your generosity goes toward changing lives.

Application of the Day: Family Seeking Treatment for Severely Autistic Child

Together we can help this family get control over autism, rather than allow it to control them:

My husband & I have two autistic children, ages 5 1/2 & 6 1/2. Our son is doing well & borders more Aspbergers, suffering socially. Our daughter is moderate to severe autistic, non-verbal and suffering with tantrums, aggression and anxiety with leaving our home or/vehicle. She has been unable to return to school & has been without any therapy now for 4 1/2 months. In June we began Risperidoyl for aggression after 3 increases within three month's time--it just was not working well enough & contributing to her GI issues. She vomits 3-4 times daily either due to self-stimulation, overactivity or from screaming during tantrums. She needs a GI appointment, but is not in the state of mind to do it. Her neurologist feels he is beyond her realm of treatment & advised a psychiatric evaluation. After 1.5 months of fighting and begging someone to help her, I argued my way to an appointment with Dr. Cavitt in St. Petersburg, a three hour drive each way for us. He told us he does not normally see such severe behavior at this age. He witnessed the head banging, scratching her body all over & thrashing uncontrollably. A new medication was prescribed, Abilify, along with intense therapy-- behavioral, occupational and speech. He advised that without the therapy she will not get any better, but continue to worsen. 

We have exhausted our entire savings, $80,000 in all, in meeting medical needs and genetic testing. We have sold or lost to pawn any jewelry, art or electronics we had. I lost my 13K diamond ring to a pawn shop after paying a high interest to hold onto it for over a year. It was basically given away for nothing. We have been selling off furniture the last eight months, getting food from a local church and food bank. Not only has life financially become unlivable, the stress of our daughter worsening day by day & not being able to take her out other than a ride around to listen to music & calm her, life has become beyond stressful. This situation is now taking a toll on our marriage & health. With little to no sleep I try everyday to function, research ways to help my children and keep us afloat financially another week. I am also a full time student seeking my Associate's Degree in diagnostic sonography. My husband recently graduated with his 2nd degree in IT Networking & Communications. His recent 2nd degree should open new doors to fulltime employment with better pay and benefits. 

We have at this time been asked to leave the home we are currently renting as we can not keep up with the expense. Our daughter desperately needs to get home to Massachusetts, where they have top notch care, to help her and help to get a handle on our lives again. Our electricity cost here in Florida is taking up a good portion of our money each month & needs to be paid now. This leaves me no money to pay the 1st and remaining 1/2 of last month's rent at the new apartment. I am in the process of selling whatever we have left and keep as much money from my husband's pay to make the move home. I don't know how I can cover the remaining 1000.00 to the new landlord. I am completely overwhelmed at this point and not sure how to move forward without help from someone. Please could you see it possible to help my family, my daughter needs help desperately. As soon as I can, I need to get her home to start the process of in-house therapy and hopefully get her back in school. 

The cost of the move is going to be very difficult. I am seeking help with 1st months rent of $650. for the current home we are in. Without the help from someone, I am not sure what I am going to do to make this happen for my family. We will be homeless as we have been asked to leave the home we are in. I am very afraid of the unknown, I have been told our daughter will get worse. I dont know how much worse life can get for her or for myself. My son is being affected by the tantrums in the house and retreating to his room, crying, due to the confusion and loud screams. 

By funding this request, it will allow me to use the funds from whatever I can sell off of furniture and household belongings. I will be able to put all funds towards the actual move, renting a truck, gas, lodging as it will take two days to travel home. Long term you are helping my daughter, who is very, very sick right now, begin to get the treatments she needs to achieve whatever life she is going to have in the future. I want so badly for her to speak. Thank you for considering this crucial need for our family.

Invest in this family, directly, here.

Modest Needs Serves as a Safety Net for U.S. Veterans

One of the demographics that Modest Needs works to serve are military personnel, soldiers and veterans who are either waiting for assistance or have been denied help. A new report in the New York Times illustrates precisely why a safety net like Modest Needs is needed to keep our brave men and women afloat:

The Veterans Affairs Department has devoted much effort and money to improve and expand its mental health care, especially for those coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan with post-traumatic stress disorder and brain injuries. But continuing reports of drug dependency, suicides and suicide attempts among veterans and active-duty soldiers suggest that urgent needs remain vast and unmet. So do persistent accounts from veterans who say they spend months waiting for mental health care.

Now Veterans Affairs’ own health-care professionals say that the department’s efforts are not enough.

After conducting hearings last summer on long waits for mental-health appointments, Senator Patty Murray of Washington, the chairwoman of the Veterans Affairs Committee, asked the department to survey its providers across the country to find out what the problems were. The results, released this month, show chronic inadequacies in access to care.

Only 29 percent of respondents — 272 psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses and social workers at dozens of hospitals and clinics — said their workplace had enough staff to meet demand. Nearly 40 percent said they could not schedule an appointment for a new patient within the two-week window the veterans department requires. Nearly 70 percent said they lacked enough space. And nearly half said some patients were being denied care because no appointments were available outside regular office hours.

Read more.