January 14, 2022
Greetings!
We wish everyone a healthy and happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day this Monday, January 17. You may find events and volunteer opportunities near you here, including many virtual events. We recognize the tireless work of our members and your service to your communities when we hear the words of Dr. King, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?"
Catch up on our latest podcast episodes in the Our Dream Deferred: Fulfilling the Nation’s Promise series. You can find us on your preferred streaming platform by searching for “Our Dream Deferred,” as well as on YouTube or our podcast page. Share with your network, write us a review - and send us your feedback and questions!
Child and Family Well-Being
APHSA announces a new technical assistance opportunity for public sector HHS teams, to advance human services for young families. Building off Working Together – A Roadmap to Human Services System Alignment for Young Families, the six-month training and technical assistance initiative will help state and local public-sector teams advance a whole-family, cross-system approach for serving young families. Interested teams representing state or local public-sector human services should apply by Wednesday, February 2.

Additionally, APHSA will host an information session on the System Alignment for Children & Families Learning Academy on Wednesday, January 19, 4:00-5:00 PM ET. During the information session, APHSA staff will provide an overview of the learning Academy, go over requirements and provide a space for questions from participants.

Employment and Economic Well-Being
FNS and UCSIS Release Joint Letter on Public Charge

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (UCIS) recently released a letter reaffirming that applying for or receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits does not affect a person’s immigration status and/or ability to become a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The letter also includes a sample notice for outreach to SNAP applicants.
USDA Announces Increased Funding to Support School Meals and to Help Continue Serving Healthy Meals to Kids

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced an adjustment in school meal reimbursements to help schools continue to serve children healthy nutritious meals. This adjustment will increase funding by an estimated $750 million for school meal programs across the nation this year, ensuring that federal reimbursements keep pace with food and operational costs and ensuring children continue to receive healthy meals at school.

FCC Launches the Affordable Connectivity Program & Chair Rosenworcel Debuts Program Draft Rules

On December 31, 2021, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) officially launched the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), the $14.2 billion successor program to the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). Chairwoman Rosenworcel released draft rules for the new ACP, a program aimed at helping families pay for home internet service.

Public Comment Period Open for Digital Equity Planning Grants

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) seeks comment on several Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grant programs, including the Digital Equity Planning Grant Program. Through this grant, states will develop coordinated strategies across government and the community to address gaps in digital inclusion. Comments are due by February 4.

U.S. Department of Labor Announces Funding Opportunity to Help Veterans At Risk of, or Experiencing Homelessness to Return to the Workforce

The U.S. Department of Labor announced a funding opportunity for organizations to provide training and employment services to veterans combating homelessness. The Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP) will fund projects across the country at a maximum of $500,000 annually, for a total of up to $1.5 million over a three-year period of performance. The closing date for grant applications is February 23.

Upcoming Events
APHSA Webinar - Navigating the Benefit Cliffs of Guaranteed Income Pilots

Join APHSA with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta to learn about challenges that persist in how to align GI pilots with existing public assistance benefits.
During the webinar, you will hear from a panel of state and local agencies that are involved in GI pilots who will reflect on their own challenges and strategies to navigate benefit cliffs related to GI initiatives.

Tuesday, February 1, 3:00 PM EST
APHSA Career Center - Post Your Open Positions Today

APHSA serves as a clearinghouse for job opportunities throughout the health and human services (H/HS) field. Employers reach a wide audience of candidates looking for careers in H/HS and job seekers will find a bevy of opportunities throughout the country.