Information Technology
Brian Knoblock 1964-2011
Brian K. Knoblock Born in Southfield, MI on January 2, 1964; passed away due to natural causes on October 2nd at the age of 47. Brian was preceded in death by his mother, Marion Jackson and brother, Darren Kaye. He is survived by his fiancee Angela Vlahakis, father Robert (Donna) Kaye, sister, Linda (Robert) Felker and many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 8th, 2011 at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Community Center located at 1701 E. Saginaw in Lansing, MI. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W. Grand River Ave. Lansing, MI 48906.
Brian Knoblock was the Federation's IT Mac guru and dear friend. The Federation has worked with Brian for over 15 years, he designed all our websites, set up every network, consulted on all software and computer purchases, and was available for every question. Brian did so many things that were thoughtful, sweet and considerate, not for the recognition or the praise but simply because he had a huge heart. He answered questions without trying to impress others with how he knew what they didn't, and he never "geeked" people out. Brian cared very much about the people in his life and we will miss him every single time we turn on our computers.
Thank you for your taking a moment to honor Brian's life, and all that he did for the Federation.
Jenny, Rose, Janet and Kadi
DHS Launches New Smartphone App
LANSING -- Need to report abuse or welfare fraud to the Michigan Department of Human Services?
Don't worry -- now there's an app for that.
"We needed a mobile app so it can all be on one step, whether it's on the Android or on the iPhone," says Edward Woods III, a spokesman for DHS.
At a press conference Thursday, DHS officials announced they're going mobile with a new application for smartphones. Partners of the agency will now be able to access DHS news, report abuse or fraud, or refer a client to state services -- all on the go.
"This is one more step in democratizing the ability for people to have access, and bringing other people in to the work with us," says DHS director Ismael Ahmed.
How's it work? Say you want to report child abuse.
"You download the app [for free], press the 'Report Abuse' button, and it'll take you to the DHS website, embedded right here in the app," says Tim Davis, director of Digital, the company that designed the application.
"And it then gives you the options on how you would report it, whether it's a phone number, or a field form or e-mail."
And state officials say this application is needed now more than ever. In fact, a recent study by Morgan Stanley suggests that within just three years, more people will be accessing the Internet on their mobile phones than on their desktop computers.
"So there it is, right at the touch of a fingertip," says Janet Snyder, head of the Michigan Federation for Children and Families. She and representatives from other agencies across the state say the new DHS app will increase access and efficiency.
"What we're really doing is increasing the level of the safety net," Snyder says.
Bob Miles, president of Lutheran Child and Family Services of Michigan, agrees.
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