Center to offer free medical careHealth and community relationship to be strengthened by purchase of mobile units, pastor says By Jill Coley (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Monday, September 8, 2008
FILE/STAFF The Dream Center in North Charleston is working to add free medical and dental care to the community services it offers. Butch Trentacosta has seen the swollen jaws of those in line for the food bank at the Dream Center in North Charleston. Toothaches are common, the clinic volunteer said. The outreach hub on Remount Road is about to add more spokes to its wheel — free medical and dental care. The faith-based nonprofit already offers an array of services to those in need: clothes, counseling, financial advice and English classes. Sam Lesky, pastor at Seacoast Church, said, "We want to build into a life, not just treat a patient." The Dream Center is a distinct nonprofit, separate from Seacoast Church, which has 29 weekend worship experiences in 13 locations, according to the megachurch's Web site. The first goal of the medical outreach is to buy a mobile medical unit and a mobile dental unit by the end of the year. So far, $25,000 of the needed $250,000 has been raised, Lesky said. Helping the uninsured find a medical home is part of the Dream Center's holistic approach. Lesky used the example of a toothache to demonstrate the relationship between health and community: About 31 percent of low-income children ages 2 to 5 have untreated dental cavities, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. If a child misses school because of a sore tooth, their grades could fall. And if their grades drop, their risk rises to drop out of school, Lesky said. "It all weaves into the fabric," Lesky said. "If we can keep them in school, they can better the community." The clinic will draw on a pool of nearly 300 health care professionals in the area who already have expressed an interest in volunteering. The group will offer an array of services, including minor surgery, cardiology, gynecology, pediatric care and orthopedics. Potential patients in North Charleston and Hanahan must meet with a counselor to ensure they do not qualify for other forms of federal assistance. They also must earn less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Open for little longer than a year, the Dream Center's master plan included free medical care, but the addition is coming faster than expected, Lesky said. The Fort Worth, Texas-based Empowering Church Healthcare Outreach, or ECHO, contacted the Dream Center about accelerating its clinic plans. ECHO has the lofty goal of establishing 10,000 nonprofit health care clinics by 2030. ECHO Executive Director Tim Dammon said the group has engaged nine projects since its founding a year and a half ago. "Churches played a big role in health care, but in the last 50 years or so, they stopped," he said. "Churches have the absolute mission to do this." Another resource to the Dream Center is the Volunteers in Medicine clinic on Hilton Head Island, which Lesky and others visited recently. The Volunteers in Medicine clinic on Hilton Head opened in 1994 and has allied clinics in more than 20 states through the Volunteers in Medicine Institute, including a new one on Johns Island. The VIM model, however, does not include mobile units and is not faith based. Still, VIM Executive Director Amy Hamlin said, "We have a relationship with the Dream Center project. We will continue to assist them and provide consultation services." Eventually, the Dream Clinic will plant its roots in a brick and mortar facility, Lesky said. But the first challenge will be raising the money, he said. The second will be addressing the incredible need. Reach Jill Coley at 937-5719 or jcoley@postandcourier.com. |
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Comments
This article has 56 comment(s)
Posted by summerville_guy on September 8, 2008 at 3:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is a great service for people who cannot afford medical care. I hope it is a big success.
Posted by lantanagurl on September 8, 2008 at 8:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
RW, are you Native Aamerican (First People)? Then you are an illeagal alien. I certainly didn't invite you here and neither did my ancestors! Great Job Dream Center & Seacoast Church! Glad you answer to God and not the ones with closed minds.
Posted by ln1959 on September 8, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So someone explain what is less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level.
Hell people on welfare is under poverty level, but I don't think there 200 percent under. So who in the hell is going to receive this service. Its got to be the ones that living on the streets.
Posted by Siava on September 8, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You'd be surprised at the number of poverty stricken working people; they hold full time jobs, sometimes two, yet still can not afford medical care because basic necessities on minimum wage (or a tiny amount above) are so difficult to cover. I commend Dream Center for being available to lend medical aid to those who can not afford it.
Posted by katsplay on September 8, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am sure that what Dreamcenter is doing is admirable and will serve to fill a need in the community.
However, I would like to see something available for the working folks who have medical and dental insurance--paid for by employers and employees--that covers some things but it isn't enough. For example, I work for a company that offers pretty good dental insurance. I pay the premiums and use the benefit. Thankfully, checkups/cleaning/x-rays are covered 100%. However, there is a $1000 maximum per calendar year that the insurance will pay toward claims. Basically that means that two checkups and 1 crown and I have nearly met my maximum and everything else that is required is paid for out of my pocket. Because I didn't always have great dental coverage and though I brushed and flossed, I actually need 4 crowns plus a couple of fillings replaced. I have used my plan's maximum coverage and can't afford the cost of the other crowns. So, I avoid getting them, further damaging my teeth and needing more, and more expensive, work. The same scenario can easily be applied to medical care. Especially if the coverage calls for a high deductible. So, I would like to see a program that could help those who ARE insured but still fall short when it comes to their dental/medical care.
Posted by SomeTruthPlease on September 8, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)
RW....are you beating a dead horse? Say something of substance! Illegals! We Get It!!!!
Posted by dwatts on September 8, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If Doctors and Dentist didn't drive 50K plus cars and live in million dollar houses, and took thier oaths serious, we might be able to afford some health care.
Posted by guidedbystewart on September 8, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The thing is, you have to be at least upper middle class (making well over $100,000 a year) to afford health care without insurance in this country. This is not just a problem of just the poor in this country, and if you are poor you can not even afford the insurance. Now that news is getting out about this program, they will probably be over whelmed starting with them opening the doors to medical care. I doubt that they will be able to properly fund this for any extended period of time.
Posted by LadyTarHeel on September 8, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
katsplay: I'm in the same situation. My dad's job has pretty good insurance and there is a $1,000 maximum. I got there on January 8, 2008. I had a root canal done in November and had to wait until January to get the permanent filling and the crown done. The crown costs something like $900 and I ended up having to pay $600 out of pocket. I'm just glad to see that this type of care is being offered at no charge to people who can't afford it. It's nice to read some positive stories every once in a while.
Posted by Lovely_One on September 8, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree that this is a good cause with good intentions and I pray they those that are in real need are being helped and not just those that don't want to have to use their money to pay for their own health care. I am in the process of writing a paper entitled "Welfare: Government Assistance or Government Dependence?" and in my research I have seen so much mishandling and fraud being committed by those on the Government dole and those hired to "hand out" the funds. It is things like what I am seeing now that makes me skeptical of any program or the people that the program is intended to help.
Coldbeer, I was thinking the same thing about lantanagurl's illegal alien definition.
Posted by coolfreaknbeans on September 8, 2008 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As I started to read the article I was excited.Then I read "English classes".WTH?Where are the free foreign language classes for hard working legal citizens?Oh thats right,at your local college with a hefty price tag.I don't mean to sound like an azz but who wants to guess how quickly this will turn into an illegals clinic?Let me tell ya,the last person I wanna be around is an illegal with a cough.I'm not trying to be funny.When these illegals come in they have been bringing TB back as fast as JT was bringing sexy back.Otherwise the program seems to have wonderful intentions.
Posted by coolfreaknbeans on September 8, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
LMAO ColdBeer!
Posted by STREETLAW on September 8, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It is always refreshing to see a church based ministry of caring for the less fortunate. Many politicians tout their church membership, but their church doesn't care very much for the needed. They would rather use taxpayers money to buy votes in the guise of charity.
As to the Native American comment, indians were indigenous but they were natives, not Americans. The same could be said for many people we call Mexicans.
Posted by clisby on September 8, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ln1959: Yes, it would be nice if the reporter had given an idea of what the federal poverty guidelines are.
You can see them here:
http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/08fedreg.htm...
Just for example, the federal poverty level for a family of four is $21,200. So a family of 4 with income of more than $42,400 would be too wealthy to qualify.
Posted by Siava on September 8, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
When did all immigrants become illegal? Hmm. I must've missed that memo. Whether illegal or not, non-English speaking people are here. Like it or not, they are trying to survive just like you and I, which I'm sure is quite difficult if one can't speak English. I imagine it's limiting if not downright scary when having to go out in public.
No, I do not like or condone illegal activity, but if ANYBODY is wanting and willing to learn English in this country then that opportunity should be available; if anything, perhaps non-English speakers can learn enough of the language to know when they're being verbally abused or harrassed.
Posted by outrage on September 8, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My ancestors had to learn the language when they immigrated to the US. Grant it, they were from Ireland, but they assimilated!
Posted by coolfreaknbeans on September 8, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
No,no ColdBeer.Thats adios.
Posted by coolfreaknbeans on September 8, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To Siava.It's scary for them here?Well if it's so damn scary-don't come here!No one forced them to come here.And the memo you missed is that if you are a legal citizen-YOU SPEAK ENGLISH!I have a friend who came here from Russia(LEGALLY).Do you think she came here and got free classes or expected handouts?NO!You think they offer free English classes to other nationalities?No.When I complimented my friend on how quickly she picked up English her response was this..."Well of course.If I come to live in your country I have to learn English.No one should speak Russian for me.If you came to Russia to live and no one spoke English you'd learn quickly too."BINGO!If you come to live in our country-learn the language.Don't expect us all to start speaking spanish and all signs be in spanish for you b/c you are too lazy to learn the language and wanna be coddled.
Posted by ln1959 on September 8, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks Clisby. But this is saying that you have to make $16960.00 or less to get this service. So what if you make 17000 a year.
I for one have no problem helping my American people. Thats why I went into the military. To protect our rights (well to get a good training also).
What I hate is the red tape Americans have to go through to get help and people from other countries come over an get put on the list right away.
About speaking English. If you live here, speak English. During my military years, I travel all over the world and had to know a little of the language of the country which I visit, unless they spoke English.
Posted by RTC on September 8, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Lovely, I will be interested in knowing what you uncover in your research. Someone sure needs to expose the truth, because we aren't hearing it.
Posted by Lovely_One on September 8, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
RTC, I will definitely send you a copy of it. I have been speaking to people on both sides of the fence and what I hear is enough to make a sane person go postal. You have people on the "inside" that tell their friends and relatives exactly what they need to "do" in order to "beat the system". And you have those people working for the system that are told they can only approve so many people during a certain period of time and if they are already approving their family and friends that doesn't leave room for those who are really in need. It is sad!
Posted by RTC on September 8, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Lovely, that would be great! I know there are people who are abusing the system, because I have worked with them. One woman bragged to me how she had both her her kids on Medicaid, yet we not only had great insurance where we worked, but she was getting support from both of the kids' fathers. I asked her if she couldn't afford to add those kids to her policy then why didn't the fathers cover them?
She said why should she when she could get free medical care for them, because she wasn't married to either father.
So, basically, don't get married, and you get freebies for the kids. At least that's the way she made it sound.
Posted by Siava on September 8, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
coolfreaknbeans, I don't think you comprehended what I wrote because what I said was along the very lines of what your Russian friend did. If the opportunity for people to learn English isn't there, how can anyone learn if the only people willing to talk to them speak the language they already know? They have to have help somewhere, right? That is what Dream Centers seems to want to do.
The memo you missed is there is no law stating anyone HAS to learn English. That is just your heated opinion. It would be nice if this nation had a law stating our national language. Perhaps that will happen one day.
As for being scared, you're naive if you think the scared of not knowing English over here is the same sort of scared they feel in their own countries where they'd probably starve to death or flee in fear of persecution. People have all sorts of reasons for wanting to come here. Like I keep saying, I don't like the fact that people are entering our country illegally, but I can understand why they come. I don't shut my eyes to the reality that so many of us are very fortunate we live here and that the majority of us can easily obtain the basics in life - food, water, clothing, and shelter (but even that is becoming increasingly difficult). We have poverty. So many other nations have poverty you can't fatham because you've only seen bits and pieces on infomercials. I'm sure your Russian friend has a good reason for coming here, right? I'm also sure she was a bit intimidated when she arrived and didn't know how to speak English. Just ask her. She obviously had help and that's great! So why is it so wrong for others to have the same opportunity?
Oh, and I was not saying we should all learn Spanish to be accomodating. I sure don't want this place turning into Miami where English speakers are hard pressed for jobs if they're not bilingual. I never said that so I'm not sure why you went off on a tangeant with that bit. But even after having said that, what is so wrong with citizens of any country learning multiple languages? Are we stuck so far up our own behinds, so lazy, or arrogant that learning multiple languages is now insulting? I'm no economics major, but wouldn't it be good for the economy if most citizens COULD speak Spanish, or French, or some other language? It'd make for great business and tourist opportunities.
Jane, fingerpointing to illegals or any group of people for crime is moot. All walks of life, even legitimate citizens from this country, commit crimes every single day. Maybe one day illegals will be a thing of the past. If that day ever comes, crimes will still be committed and then who do you point fingers at? See what I mean?
Posted by Charleston_21 on September 8, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I know this article really isn't about this, but in a sense it is::
Why do we keep helping the illegals instead of actually sending them back and demanding that they have to meet certain requirements in order to return?
This article isn't necessarily about illegals, but everyone realizes that about 95% of the help they will give out will be towards illegals...
Posted by Charleston_21 on September 8, 2008 at 12:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Instead of helping the illegals, why is it so hard for CITIZENS to get help? Shouldn't we come first?
Posted by SpiderJohn on September 8, 2008 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
But, it all boils down to illegal aliens? Please, there are people living in your own neighborhoods that can really use this type of help.
Illegal aliens this, illegal aliens that.....you yell when they don't speak English, then you slam a group for providing English classes.
I do not think that the health care costs most Americans face can be remedied through tort reform. I know that even with health insurance it can be very difficult to afford to go to the doctor.
Boiling this down to "it’s all the illegal’s fault" is as lame an excuse as saying we should NOT help our fellow citizens.
Posted by CHRISJIII on September 8, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What a great thing that this center is doing for those who can't help themselves. Too bad the gov't doesn't care about the health of the people this much.
Posted by SpiderJohn on September 8, 2008 at 12:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
In 2006, there were 272,350 victims of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault. (These figures do not include victims 12 years old or younger.)
Every 2 minutes, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted.
Jane - the story was truly horrible! I could not imagine the families’ heart ache.
I would like to note that the above statistics show beyond a shadow that rapes are not caused by only illegal aliens. To try and lay rape at the feet of one race of people is nuts! Don't say you didn't....it was just a very slick way you crept it in.
Posted by SpiderJohn on September 8, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Is it only Mexicans that you hate RW, or is it people of color or is it the poor?
You seems very angry.
Posted by coolfreaknbeans on September 8, 2008 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Siava-You clearly missed my point.My friend learned/enhanced her English listening to all of us speaking English.She learned by being surrounded by English speaking citizens!She was eager,smart and asked questions when she needed help.Not looking for a free class or people to turn the U.S. into lil Russia for her.She respected our country,our flag,our laws and our people.She is now a proud LEGAL citizen,who worked hard at it I might add.(it took years-even though she is married to US citizen)She didn't hop a fence,float on a pallet to take shortcuts nor did she come for handouts.
Posted by guidedbystewart on September 8, 2008 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
RW,
I'm glad to know that kind people such as yourself and Jane are there to help if the government not there for them. Besides the NRA and Ducks Unlimited, I would be curious to what charities you give too?
Posted by guidedbystewart on September 8, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why do many so many conservative websites look allot like many porno sites (in the sensationlized content department at least)? This is just a curious observation....
Posted by jeff61 on September 8, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by Jane on September 8, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I remember a few months back the Dream Center was giving away prom dresses and one girl said that now that she got a free prom dress she could get a limo for the prom now!
WHAT??? She said that??? I would have snatched that dress back so quick,, the nerve of some ungratful people. This is the reason I do not give to this sort of stuff.
Posted by guidedbystewart on September 8, 2008 at 1:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Jane,
I am an active member of Big Brother. I give to Habitat for Humanity and do volunteer work for them. I also give to the Salvation Army, and the United Way on a monthly basis.
Posted by jeff61 on September 8, 2008 at 1:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by Jane on September 8, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
jeff61, it was in the paper. She actually said that to the reporter and they printed her actually saying that!
I was not questioning if she actually said that,, I just find it unbeleivable how ungratful she could be. If her parents had any self respect they would have returned the dress.
Posted by SpiderJohn on September 8, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Jane - you seem very upset. I just noted that by portraying a horrible rape through the eyes of only one race is wrong. I do not believe one nationality of people are more likely to rape than any other.
I am not saying anything good or bad about illegal aliens. I know several that are hard working individuals that do a better job than their American counterparts. BTW – they are going through the process of becoming legal.
Posted by guidedbystewart on September 8, 2008 at 2:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It funny that I get so much flack from RW and Jane. I was just asking a simple question and making a simple observation.
Ok a libertarian in democrats clothing (the irony) but it does look like a porno site, or at least trashy in a porno site kind of way, and there has been other sites that are conservative that are the same way. Again just an observation.
Posted by SpiderJohn on September 8, 2008 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Guided - yeah they do seem to go after you. But at least Jane can be civil. I hope RW doesn't carry a firearm, he seems a little to quick to angre if you ask me.
Posted by SpiderJohn on September 8, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Darn RW! I was trying to get Jane going....not you!
You are not a bigot....just a very mad mad man!
You were just the perfect fit in my brain to get Jane pissed!
Sorry to use you for my personal fun....:(
Posted by guidedbystewart on September 8, 2008 at 2:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
RW, the compassionate conservative! LMAO
Posted by jeff61 on September 8, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Newt,, why the personal attacks...sounds as if you been to those porn site guided mentioned LOL....
Posted by Siava on September 8, 2008 at 2:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Jane, I really am trying to understand your point of view and stay on topic, but it's hard to when you're quick to trash cultures which tells me you must not know as much as you think you do about them. Just because a society is patriarchal doesn't mean it's evil. Not everyone grasps the "Western Ways" of equality between the sexes that we strive for. That doesn't mean patriarchal cultures are wrong...for them. Nor does that make all (and this is just the vibe I got from your messages) Hispanic men rapists. Implying that is way lamer than my "tired lines".
Posted by jeff61 on September 8, 2008 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
like rubbing a cat backwards:)
This is something I never considered, they don't like that? Never noticed. If anything it is more like accepting a charitable prom dress then commenting you can now get a limo.. that burns my ass more then anything
Posted by guidedbystewart on September 8, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
RW said
"But..I never attack unless I am attacked first! I AM A SOUTHERN GENTLEMEN!! :}"
RW,
That's not true, I said nothing attacking today and you attacked me. It was the same thing the other day.
Maybe you are still upset that I made you look like a fool last Sunday?
Posted by guidedbystewart on September 8, 2008 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Of course I have seen a porno sites before, sometimes they are so obnoxious that they are hard to avoid but I don't personally need them, so does that answer your question?
Posted by Siava on September 8, 2008 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
:) Such emotion. Such passion. Good! I hope you all have a great night.
Posted by jeff61 on September 8, 2008 at 6:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by eyfigueroa on September 8, 2008 at 5:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Jeff as far as newt goes, she started in on me months ago. Why? Because I have a conservative viewpoint plain and simple."
Holy hell Eyfig,, I thought for a second a bombshell had exploded....I see now you were quoting someone LOL....
And Jane,, she did not call you something, Newt posted something out of Fozzeo Romance Novel about Jane...which I must say was quite hot... No offense Jane... your my number one and I am on your side... but I call them as I see them and that was quite hot... unfortunately your name was involved.,, I know what is involved with you two and I must say some of you take all this stuff to the extreme. I am passionate in my views, I am not an ultra conservative but I do side on the right on many issues,, the one thing that really burns my ass and has me fire up is that girl taking that prom dress and then saying she can now get a limo…I would never slap a child but this is one case I could make an exception
Posted by jeff61 on September 8, 2008 at 7:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes newt.. and I do find that quite funny.. Dan Ackrold,, Point Counter Point from 60 minutes.. "Shane you ingnorant slut" LOL... I just wish you would come to the winning side newt...you seem far more intelligent to be associated with that bunch to left......I find it hard to believe you subscribe to that stuff....
Posted by jeff61 on September 8, 2008 at 7:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OK Sofa Hockey Mom.JohnQ.. now go bite one and get lost...You guys droped 5 points in the pools and 15 with undecided voters..and 20 % of Hillary voters...and that is growing.. Biden, a 30 yr insider and three time pres candidante all ready conceeded he could win a debate against Palin....
Posted by jeff61 on September 8, 2008 at 7:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry RW you are dead wrong.. Obama is 5 points behind McCain in the recent Gallop poll among registered voters and 15 points behind with Hillary voters, which is rising. and 10 points behind with likely voters...I not sure but those \ numbers add up to what?????? But to be on topic I bet that was a liberal that got that prom dress and of course only wanted more
Posted by jeff61 on September 8, 2008 at 9:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Gee hockey,,,, and what happened to all you multiple named posts....Hey Hockey... your past due on child support.. Harve Jacobs is looking for you
Posted by jeff61 on September 8, 2008 at 10:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hell ColdBeer how does any subject here turn into one...LOL.... Like I have been told many times since moving here...Welcome to SC
Posted by Lovely_One on September 8, 2008 at 10:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
CB, c'mon, a story about two dogs humping can turn into a political debate. We all know that...Lol!
Posted by jeff61 on September 8, 2008 at 10:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
LOL Lovely,,,,now you drew the native americans into this....
Posted by Lovely_One on September 8, 2008 at 11:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Jeff, I should not be laughing at your comment but it was hilarious...."Chief Two Dogs Humping"!
Oh, before I get the nasty remarks for that one, my great-grandmother was full-blooded native. And I have her high cheek bones...well that is whenever my face isn't swollen from this baby fat.
Posted by firm1002 on September 12, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is in response to the comment about programs to help pay for the excess that dental/health insurance does not cover. At least some of us are fortunate to have insurance through a job.What to do about the out of pocket amounts? Its called personal responsibility...put a little money in a savings account each payday, build up an emergency fund and the cash will have the cash to cover dental expenses, car repairs, car insurance etc. And don't say you can't afford it...everybody can afford to put a few bucks in savings each payday...we all probably waste a lot more than we realize. Find out if the employer offers a flexible spending account and contribute to that account each paycheck - it comes out before taxes so it reduces taxable income, sometimes to the point where it actually increases take home pay. Take action on your own behalf instead of expecting some free program to help...