April 2013
THE GRAPEVINE Hopewell Redevelopment & Housing Authority
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Volume 208, Issue 38
Monthly Reminders:
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This year’s theme, “Insure Their Future: Invest in Children” speaks to the important role we all have in ensuring children grow up feeling loved, supported, and valued. Supportive homes are those in which a strong bond develops between adult and child; parents and caregivers understand child development and expectations for behavior are realistic; a child is encouraged to explore his or her world in safe ways and is allowed to learn from his or her mistakes without fear of punishment or ridicule. They are homes where established family rules are fairly and consistently enforced, where regular routines around things like meal time, bedtime, schoolwork and chores are in place, and where children have the opportunity to spend time with family members and friends, as well have time to recharge. Children who grow up in homes where they are safe, loved, and supported do better in school, make friends more easily, experience less stress, and more easily manage their behavior. They are more likely to take chances, work towards their goals, and achieve success. Unfortunately, many of Virginia’s children do not live in such a home. In FY 2012 the Virginia Department of Social Services found that over 6,300 children were maltreated and of those, 35 children died. While statistics like these can be overwhelming, they serve to remind us that we cannot afford to look the other way. We all have a responsibility to get meaningfully involved to ensure families have access to the resources they need in order for each and every child to have the opportunity to reach his or her full potential. HRHA has established partnerships with local churches, nonprofits and agencies that provide youth and family services. Programs and activities are being offered to our residents both off and onsite and we encourage you to participate. Much time and effort is given by our staff and volunteers to offer these services to our residents at reduced or not cost. Be active and involved in your children’s lives. Show them by your actions that you care. Model responsible behavior for them. Teach them social skills. You are their first and most important teacher. Your child’s success starts with you.
Neighborhood Watch/Resident Council Meetings: Kippax Place— April 9, 2013 5:30 pm Davisville/Bland Court—April10, 2013 1:00 pm Piper Square—April 17, 2013 1:00 pm Thomas Rolfe—April 18, 2013 1:00 pm Langston Park—April 24, 2013 1:00 pm Piper Square Boy Scout Meeting every Thursday from 4:30—5:30 p.m. in the Community Center. Langston Park After School Tutoring, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00-6:00 pm in the Community Center. Rental payments are due on the 1st of each month and must be paid at SunTrust Bank by 5:00 p.m. Any payment received after 5:00 p.m. is considered next day and a late fee will be assessed.
Inside this issue: HRHA Grievance Procedure
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HRHA Employee Spotlight
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Management Policy
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Upcoming Community Events
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Management Corner
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A Hoppin’ Success!
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National Poetry Month
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Parent Education Classes
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ACT-SO Program
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Resident Services Update
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HRHA Grievance Procedure HRHA has a Grievance Procedure that seeks to assure just and unbiased treatment of all residents and to provide procedures which are not unduly time consuming or complicated. The Authority will take required actions to ensure all grievants with special needs are accommodated to provide access to this Grievance Procedure. Should it become necessary for you to file a grievance, present your grievance personally, either orally or in writing, to the Authority’s Central Management Office or the Management Office where you reside within seven days, after the occurrence giving rise to the grievance. The oral or written presentation should state:
1. That the complaint is being pursued in accordance with the Grievance Procedure. 2. The actual basis of the grievance. The action of relief. A copy of the Grievance Procedure can be found at the Community’s Management Office and at the Authority’s Central Management Office. If you are not satisfied with the resolution of your complaint, you may contact your HRHA Commissioner at 804-720-2581.
HRHA Employee Spotlight
We would like to welcome aboard William “C.W.” Wilson. C.W. is a lifelong resident of Richmond, Virginia. C.W. is a proud veteran with military services dates of 1978-1985. In his spare time he enjoys fishing, watching sports and relaxing. Prior to working for HRHA, he was the maintenance technician for Main Street Realtors and Mount Royal Management. In his tenure with HRHA, C.W. has been twice nominated for Maintenance Mechanic of the Year. He enjoys interacting with residents and volunteering for HRHA special events. Just look for him behind the grill with spatula in hand. C.W. is looking forward to increasing his knowledge of maintenance practices to provide the highest quality of service to HRHA residents.
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Management Policy HRHA does not discriminate on the basis of disability status in the admission or access to housing or employment in its federally assisted programs and activities. Mrs. Madelyn Madison -Hyde has been designated to coordinate compliance with nondiscrimination requirements contained in the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) regulations implementing (Section 504 CFR Part 8, dated June 2, 1988) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. You may contact her at: P.O. Box 1361 Hopewell, VA 23860 (804) 458-5160
Upcoming Community Events Spring Break Bonanza
Spring Tea with Princess Rosaline
Who: Children ages 6-18 (ages 6-8 must be accompanied by an adult)
Who: Mothers and daughters, aunties, nieces, grandmothers and grand daughters
When: April 1—5 * 1:00 –5:00 p.m. daily
When: April 6, 2013 at 1:00 p.m.
Cost: Members—Regular entrance fees Non-members—$4 per day RSVP: Parents must register children 17 & under Video Games, Swimming, Movies, Board Games, Game Tournament, Concession and MORE!
Cost: $8 for adult and child $2 per additional person RSVP: Register by April 4, 2013 by calling 804-541-2353
Join the Fun at the Hopewell Parks & Recreation!!!!!
Join the Fun at the Hopewell Parks & Recreation!!!!!
Kindergarten Registration Residents of Hopewell with children who will be 5 years old by September 30, 2013 should register for Kindergarten on Thursday, April 11, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. You will need to take the following documentation with you to your child’s elementary school: Certified birth certificate, proof of address, school entrance health form, photo ID from a parent or legal guardian For more information call 2-1-1, your school or the Hopewell City School Board Office at 804-541-6400. 3
Management Corner Spring has arrived and with it the term “spring cleaning” comes to mind. Many use this season to evaluate unnecessary things or habits that can be done away with and replaced with something better. It is a great time to enjoy the rebirth of nature and reflect on what can be accomplished throughout the rest of the year. HRHA has community improvement projects in full swing. New mailboxes were recently installed in the communities of Edward Bland Court, Davisville, Piper Square and Thomas Rolfe. HRHA is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all residents by providing quality service and products. We encourage residents to be committed to interacting with management to make our communities the absolute best they can be.
A Hopping Success!
A Hoppin’
GOOD This is a good place to briefly, but effectively, describe your product or services.
TIME!
Thank you to all HRHA resident volunteers!
Freddie Cox Valerie McDougall Melissa Williams Matthew Pitt 4
National Poetry Month at the Hopewell Library Celebrate National Poetry Month with the Appomattox Regional Library! Get in on the chance to win a $20 Amazon gift card by participating in the fourth annual poetry contest. All ages welcome! Contestants can submit up to three original poems in any style to contest@arls.org between April 1—April 22, 2013. Submissions must include: name, telephone number/email, age , grade and home library branch. Contestants may also enter by bringing a typed or printed copy of their poetry to an ARLS library by Monday, April 22, 2013. Poems submitted must still include the identifying information above. A winner will be chosen from the following age groups and be featured on the ARLS website , Facebook page and featured in the summer edition of the Explore newsletter. The age groups are K-3rd grade, 4th-8th grade, 9th-12th grade and 18 and older. We hope to see multiple HRHA resident entries! Good luck to everyone!
Parent Education Consortium Classes The Hopewell/Prince George Healthy Families, Smart Beginnings, 6th District Court Service Unit, Hopewell and Prince George Public Schools, Hopewell and Prince George Department of Social Services and District 19 CSB have formed the Parent Education Consortium. The consortium offers free parent education classes to Hopewell and Prince George residents. The next eight week session will be held from April 23—June, 11, 2013 in the Appomattox Regional Library. Classes will meet from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sessions are for parents, expectant parents, grandparents, childcare providers and others who are interested in enhancing their childrearing abilities. Interested persons can contact Kathryn Thompson in Resident Services at 804-541-0392 ext. 4 or the Sixth District CSU at 804-541-2265. Flyers with detailed information are posted on your community bulleting boards.
ACT-SO Program ACT-SO is a NAACP youth initiative program founded in 1978 by author and journalist, Vernon Jarrett. ACT-SO provides a forum through which African-American youth demonstrate academic, artistic and scientific expertise in the sciences, humanities, business, performing and visual arts. The program is for students in grades 9 –12. The local competition will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2013 at Community High School located at 12400 Branders Bridge Road, Chester, VA. Applications are available through the Resident Services department and can be picked up in the Piper Square management office. Applications may be given to Kathryn Thompson through the close of business on April 5, 2013. Winners will be eligible to compete in the national competition in Orland, Florida on July 11, 2013. All travel expenses will be covered by the program. Flyers containing detailed competition categories can be found on the bulleting boards in HRHA communities. For more information, contact the ACT-SO chairperson, Karen Johnson, at 804-229-0171.
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Public Housing Staff Hopewell Redevelopment & Madelyn Madison-Hyde, Public Housing Director – (804) 458-5160 Housing Authority P.O. Box 1361 350 E. Poythress Street Hopewell, VA 23860
Lillian Millán, Administrative Assistant to the Public Housing Director – (804) 458-5160
Phone (804) 458-5160 Fax (804) 458-3364
Tina Raatz, Housing Manager – (804) 452-1880 ext. 3 Thomas Rolfe Court/Extension & Davisville/Bland Court
Website www.hopewellrha.org
Julie Derr, Assistant Housing Manager – (804) 452-1880 ext. 2 Thomas Rolfe Court/Extension & Davisville/Bland Court
Like our Facebook page! http://www.facebook.com/ Hopewell Redevelopment & Housing Authority
Greg Pe’ay, Housing Manager – (804) 541-0392 ext. 3 Piper Square, Kippax Place & Langston Park Lafonia Thornton, Assistant Housing Manager – (804) 541-0392 ext. 2 Piper Square, Kippax Place & Langston Park Kathryn Thompson, Resident Services Manager – (804) 541-0392 ext. 4 Resident Services Specialist – (804) 452-1880 ext. 4 Emergency After Hours – (804) 640-9337
Resident Services Program Updates The Family Self-Sufficiency program is off to a great start. We began meeting with the 14 registered families in March to sign their contracts of participation and begin helping them list goals they would like to achieve. We have 25 slots and are still looking for 11 more families to register with the program. The Resident Services Manager has met with several agencies and organizations that are interested in beginning programs over the next several months in our communities. HRHA is very fortunate to have very committed community partners. Resident Services is currently developing youth, workforce development and family programming with our community partners. We have many residents that are required to complete 8 hours of community service each month. You can earn these hours by attending your monthly Neighborhood Watch meetings, volunteering with activities and events or enrolling in programs that are currently being offered or will become available at a future date. All volunteer work done outside of our agency must be documented on agency letterhead and given to the Resident Services Manager each month. If you have a balance owed for 2012 you must complete the hours by your next annual recertification date. Please contact the Resident Services Manager at 804-541-0392 ext. 4 if you have questions. 6