Can’t pay your phone bill? Stay connected with telephone assistance

If money is tight and which bill to pay becomes a decision, there is help with the phone bill. The MA Consumer Affairs blog has a recent post with information about what help is available.

Access to local emergency services and community resources is vital to our low-income and elderly residents. The Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable (DTC) wants residents to “stay connected” and is reaching out to those who need phone service but can’t afford it. During “Lifeline Awareness Week,” September 9-15, the DTC is promoting the Lifeline Assistance Program which offers discounts to help residents have access to basic local telephone service. Lifeline helps low income consumers connect to the nation’s communications networks, find jobs, access health care services, connect with family, and call for help in an emergency.

Continue reading the Consumer Affairs article here
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/cant-pay-your-phone-bill-stay-connected-with-telephone-assistance/

Mass Consumer Affairs Blog

"Balance is the key"

Finance Committee Chairman James Roche, who for more than a decade has played an integral part in shaping the town’s annual budget, has decided not to seek reappointment. 

Roche, however, isn't going far, taking on a new role as treasurer for the Franklin Food Pantry. 

"I think I can help them put some systems in place and take (the pantry) further down the path," he said. "I’m still serving the town, but just in a different capacity. I think it’s important that people give back to the community. I’m just changing the venue."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x986308105/Longtime-Franklin-FinCom-Chairman-Roche-won-t-seek-reappointment#ixzz2XJYJ1d16

Note: As Chairman of the Board, the Franklin Food Pantry is extremely grateful for Jim's help.

Franklin Food Pantry: Finance Committee Charter

The Finance Committee is responsible for assisting the board in ensuring the organization is in good fiscal health. The work of the committee revolves around the following six major areas:

1. Ensure that accurate and complete financial records are maintained.

• Monitor income and expenditures against projections.
• Review and recommend financial policies to the board, including ensuring adequate internal controls and maintaining financial records in accordance with standard accounting practices.

2. Ensure that accurate, timely, and meaningful financial statements are prepared and presented to the board.

• Present quarterly or monthly financial statements to the board.

3. Budget and oversee financial planning.

• Propose for board approval a budget that reflects the organization’s goals and board policies.
• Ensure that the budget accurately reflects the needs, expenses, and revenue of the organization.

4. Safeguard the organization’s assets.

• Review proposed new funding for financial implications, recommending approval or disapproval to the board.
• Ensure that the organization has the proper risk management provisions in place, including appropriate insurance coverage for the organization and for the board.

5. Help the full board understand the organization’s financial affairs.

• Ensure that the board as a whole is well-informed about the organization’s finances.
• Take measures to educate the board on areas that need further explanation.

6. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and other requirements related to the organization’s finances.

• Ensure that the organization maintains adequate insurance coverage.
• Ensure that the IRS Form 990 or any other forms required by government are filed completely, correctly, and on time.