Need help finding help? Advocates can make a difference

Many people in need of services require the assistance of friends and family to access those services. Many times dealing with these systems can be time consuming and frustrating. Gathering the right information and tracking down the right agency or person to talk to can often lead to giving up or settling for lesser services. Usually agencies have grievance procedures to ensure that no one is unjustly deny services, but this too can be a long, frustrating process.  Luckily many organizations are dedicated to advocating for clients rights. Below is a list of some agencies that can assist in getting clients the services they need. 

Veteran's Service Officer -Assistance for veteran’s pension claims, service connection/non service connection issues, Eddie Silva 575-524-6220 430 S. Main Suite A Las Cruces 88001.

 Veteran’s Hospital Advocate- Freda Hainer- Ben Archer Health Center 1960 Date St. 894-7662. Need to be register with Ben Archer Veteran’s Services in TorC.

 NM Dept. of Children, Youth and Families- 161 New School Rd. TorC 894-3414  Child and Adult Advocacy in cases of abuse, neglect or exploitation. If suspicion of any of these acts occurs call the state in-take number at1-800-797-3260.

 Senior Joint Office On Aging- 360 W. 4^th TorC, 894-6641 Elder Rights Advocacy for seniors 60+, in home service for home bound.

 Retired Senior Volunteer Program-360 W. 4^th TorC, 894-3045 Senior Advocacy

The Ability Center-715 E. Idaho Suite BE, Las Cruces, NM 88001, 1-575-526-5016 Advocacy of for mental or physical disability.

 Ombudsman Program- 1-800-762-8690 Advocacy for residents in long-term care facility (nursing and assisted living facilities).

 Sierra Vista Counseling Center- 894-2111 Make appointment with caseworker.

LTC Link- 1-866-968-7582, PO Box 80930, Albuquerque, NM 87198-0930. Info on NM Disabled and Elderly Waiver program, community services, home care and care facilities.

Many Home Health Agencies such as Ambercare

Some attorneys and in some cases local police can be advocates for certain issues. Having the right information on hand can help speed up the process.

Items to have ready when requesting services can include:

• Clients Social Security Number
• Date of Birth
• Address with directions
• Income Verification
• Doctor Referral
• List of specific needs such as need for housekeeping, assisting in personal hygiene, shopping, specific health and mental problems, assistance with medication dispensing and health monitoring needs.

 Researching eligibility requirements of agencies and talking to persons already receiving services from an agency can also help save time by making sure the agency you are contacting can in fact provide the services you need.

 Being patient and polite is important as most agencies are working within strict guidelines that they must follow. Some programs have long waiting lists of clients waiting to receive services, so it is a good idea to start taking action as soon as a need is anticipated or identified. Many state and federal agencies have to work with fluctuating budgets, so time delays in funding might affect availability of services. In some cases services come from a combination of agencies that each have guidelines that need to be followed.

Do you have a question or comment about getting the help you need in Sierra County? Click here to send a comment, question and suggestion to Donna Sanchez.