Voices For Independence

09/04/2026

🗓️ A friendly reminder that all Voices for Independence offices will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. We will reopen for regular business on Tuesday, September 8.

🇺🇸 We wish everyone a safe and happy Labor Day Weekend!

09/03/2026

💼 ICYMI: Our friends at Choose Work! have uploaded last week's "What is Ticket to Work?" webinar on their YouTube channel! To learn more about the Ticket to Work program and about entering the workforce as an individual with a disability, simply click the YouTube link below!

🤝 Be sure to contact our Employment Services Manager, Valkyrie, at the one of the numbers below, depending on where you're located, to see what Voices for Independence can do for YOU!
• VFI Erie Office (814) 874-0064
• VFI Washington Office (724) 223-5115

During this webinar, we learned about: • The Ticket to Work Progra...

09/03/2026

🚨 Please see the shared post below from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, regarding upcoming changes to Medicaid.

The major changes that will affect some Medicaid applicants and recipients are:

🗓️ Renewing Medicaid Every Six Months
Starting January 1, 2027, some adults ages 19-64 will need to have their Medicaid eligibility checked by completing a renewal every six months instead of every year.

💼 Medicaid Work Requirements
Starting January 1, 2027, some adults ages 19-64 who do not have a dependent child under 14 years old must show they are meeting work requirements or are exempt. If a Medicaid applicant or recipient does not meet the work requirement and report it to PA DHS or report their exemption, they will lose Medicaid coverage.

🔗 More information on how to meet work requirements, including a list of exemptions, is available at dhs.pa.gov/MedicaidChanges and on the Medicaid Changes FAQ page.

Changes are coming to Medicaid – also known as Medical Assistance in Pennsylvania – starting January 1, 2027! If you currently have Medicaid, watch your mailbox for a letter from PA DHS soon with more info!

Learn more and stay covered: dhs.pa.gov/MedicaidChanges

09/03/2026

🚫🧘 ATTN ERIE OFFICE VISITORS: Unfortunately, today's 11am yoga class is canceled. All other activities will take place as scheduled. We look forward to seeing you all next time!

08/31/2026

🎉 The final installment of our discussion with consumer Mark Duffy, aka "Duffy," includes where his non-profit is currently at, and the direction he hopes to take it. We want to thank Duffy for sitting down with us and sharing his story.

🔗 If you missed our prior Shorts with Duffy, you can check out our conversation in its entirety at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75cj1lzYrNg and be sure to check him out and follow his journey at 25FortyPgh! 😁

08/28/2026

🇺🇸 ATTN all veterans: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning veterans and their spouses about a postcard promising extra monthly benefits. However, the “Veterans Savings Program” mentioned in the postcard doesn’t actually exist. It’s a scammer phishing for personal or financial information.

✉️ While the postcard might list the state you’re living in and mention real VA benefits like CHAMPVA or TRICARE For Life, those programs are simply being mentioned in an effort to make the mailing look legitimate and trick veterans into sharing personal information like your Social Security Number or bank account details.

📬 If you receive a postcard like this:
• Don’t respond. Legitimate VA communications will not pressure you to respond immediately or give sensitive information over the phone.
• Contact the VA directly if you have questions about your benefits. Always use a number you know is real-- never the one on the postcard. Start with the VA Benefits Hotline at 1-800-827-1000.
• Spread the word. Scammers typically don’t just contact one person. Sharing this advice can help others in your community spot and avoid the scam. Sign up for email updates to get the latest on scams like this one at MilitaryConsumer.gov.

❗ If you spot this or another VA benefits scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the VA at VSAFE.gov or 1-833-38V-SAFE.

Veterans across the country have reported getting postcards in the mail saying they (or their spouse) might qualify for extra monthly veterans benefits. But the “Veterans Savings Program” mentioned in the mailer doesn’t actually exist. It’s just a scammer phishing for personal or financial i...

08/27/2026

📢 ATTN friends in PA's 12th Congressional District (Allegheny & Westmoreland Counties): A friendly reminder that at 6:30pm TODAY, Rep. Summer Lee will be hosting a live Tele-Town Hall to discuss affordability.

🔗 Please see the link in the shared post below to RSVP with the best phone number to reach you. You'll then receive a call at 6:30pm, where you'll be directly connected to the town hall. While questions from callers will be fielded live, you may also submit your questions in advance at said link.

Everything costs too damn much. Let’s talk about it. On Thursday, August 27 at 6:30 PM ET, Congresswoman Summer Lee is hosting a live Tele-Town Hall to talk directly with people across PA-12 about the affordability crisis hitting our communities. From housing and groceries to healthcare, childcare...

08/26/2026

🗓 As we close out the month of August, we're happy to share our VFI September 2026 Activities Calendar with all of you! As always, the calendar features all activities through our group peer support programs in our Erie office! Check out the direct links below for either a full-size image or a text-based calendar, to learn more about what the Erie office has planned!

🖼️ Large-format Image: https://www.vficil.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/VFI-ERIE-SEPTEMBER-2026-ACTIVITIES-CALENDAR.png
📝 Text-based Calendar: https://www.vficil.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/VFI-ERIE-SEPTEMBER-2026-ACTIVITIES-CALENDAR.docx

✅ Please note-- for any questions, information, or to RSVP, simply contact Tiff or Rachel at (814) 983-9634. We hope to see you all soon!

08/24/2026

💼🤝 If you missed last week's post about the Ticket to Work program, or if you simply would like to learn more about entering the workforce as an individual with a disability, we have great news-- Our friends at Choose Work! will be hosting a free webinar this Wednesday, August 26, at 3pm!

🔗 Check out the shared post below to learn more/register for this virtual event, and be sure to contact our Employment Services Manager, Valkyrie, at the one of the following numbers, depending on where you're located:
• VFI Erie Office (814) 874-0064
• VFI Washington Office (724) 223-5115

Register for this month’s webinar!
Join us for our FREE webinar, “What Is Ticket to Work?” on August 26, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. ET

Discover how the Ticket to Work Program can support your journey in the workforce – with valuable insights and resources.

Register now: https://choosework.ssa.gov/wise/