February 2014 Grapevine

February 2014

THE GRAPEVINE Hopewell Redevelopment & Housing Authority

Volume 210, Issue 2

FSS Program Participant Earns GED

Monthly Reminders: 

Pictured above is Satish Ford of Thomas Rolfe Court.

Satish Ford, of Thomas Rolfe Court, began the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program in July 2013. As a mother of two daughters, she decided it was time to make a difference not only for herself, but her children as well. Satish dropped out of high school and had not completed GED testing. She entered the program needing to complete this major step in her educational foundation to begin the journey of becoming self-sufficient.

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“My two daughters were my main focus. I want to have a good job and live nice so I can take care of my girls with no problems. I knew that if I did not get my GED I  would not be able to accomplish my goals,” said Satish when asked why she chose to join the FSS program. 

She is the first FSS program participant to earn her GED. There are several others who also need to complete this step and HRHA is hoping she will provide them as well as others within HRHA communities the inspiration to  accomplish this very important goal. Satish read the information about the GED program offered at the Woodlawn Learning Center in The Grapevine newsletter. She made this one of her program goals and quickly enrolled in  classes. She will get her certificate in a spring graduation ceremony.

Jennifer Campbell, the FSS Program intern, and HRHA staff are extremely proud of Satish’s accomplishment. Staff was very excited to learn that Satish enrolled in the J. Sargeant Reynolds culinary arts program and began classes in January. She is majoring in pastry arts and plans to have her own business sometime in the future.

“The program really helps big time, especially the coordinator, Jennifer Campbell. Jennifer is always there when I need to talk and to give me references and without her I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish my goal."

HRHA has approximately 10 more slots to fill in the FSS program. Participants are required to sign a contract of participation, meet monthly with the coordinator and work towards goal completions. If you would like to learn more about the program, orientations will be held every third Saturday at 1:00 in the Piper Square community center beginning in February.

You may also contact Resident Services for more information.

“I feel like the GED was a big part of showing myself that if I can do this, then I can do anything. If you put your mind to it and work hard, you can accomplish any goal that you have.”

Neighborhood Watch/Resident Council Meetings: Kippax Place— February 4, 2013 5:30 pm Davisville/Bland Court— February 12, 2013 1:00 pm Piper Square—February 19, 2013 1:00 pm Thomas Rolfe—February 20, 2013 1:00 pm Langston Park—February 26, 2013 1:00 pm 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.

Laos Outreach Karate Program every Tuesday at Laos Outreach Center.

Tutoring Program every Tuesday and Thursday in the Davisville community center from 3:00—5:00 p.m.

Piper Square Good News Club in the Piper Square community center February 15th from 3:00-4:00.

FSS Program orientation in the Piper Square community center February 15th at 1:00 p.m.

Inside this issue: HRHA Grievance Procedure

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HRHA Employee Spotlight

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Management Policy

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Teen Dating Violence

3

Male Mentoring Program

3

Free Tax Preparation

4

Ignite Hopewell

4

VAHCDO Scholarship New Year’s Resolution

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Martial Arts World

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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.

3. 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 Chairmen of the Board of Commissioners at 804-720-2581.

HRHA Employee Spotlight

Michelle Coleman has served as an accountant in the Finance department with HRHA for the last 15 years. Prior to employment with HRHA, she was an accounting technician with DECA ”Fort Lee” for eight years.

Michelle, a native of the Northern Neck, attended Virginia State University and is currently attending Capella University. She enjoys spending time with her children, trying new recipes, entertaining, decorating and shopping. Michelle has enjoyed her experience working with her coworkers and looks forward to continuing service with HRHA.

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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

Teen Dating Violence, a Community Do you know if your child is in a dating relationship where there is violence involved? Have you talked to your children about healthy relationships? February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness month. One in 10 high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend and 25% of high school girls have been victims of physical or sexual abuse or date rape. Take time to learn more by visiting www.teendatingmonth.org.

Celebrating 25 years of exemplary service, The James House provides support, advocacy and education for people affected by sexual violence, domestic violence and stalking, to empower them to become healthy, safe, and self-sufficient. The only nonprofit agency in the Tri-Cities area accredited by the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance, all James House services are free of cost and confidential. To learn more, visit www.thejameshouse.org or email helpline@thejameshouse.org.

If you or someone you know is in an unhealthy relationship or you would like to learn more about the issue, contact Flor Lopez, Child and Youth Educator at flor@thejameshouse.org or 458-2704.

Male Mentoring Program The Men of New Water, Inc. is HRHA’s most recent community partner. Their mission is to promote growth in young men by giving them tools to become exceptional citizens and future leaders in their community.

February is the start of a mentoring program for youth males ages 7 to 14 years of age. The mentoring program will be available in all communities and is being provided by young men from Virginia State University.

Mentors will be onsite every week to administer a program that teaches leadership and problem solving skills to HRHA youth. HRHA is very excited to have a program that will offer the youth in our communities regular interaction with such positive role models. This program will provide an opportunity to deter children from becoming involved with negative associations that could result in unwanted behavioral problems.

We would like to encourage parents to register their children for the program. Participation is very important to program development and maintaining relationships with community partners who want to make a difference in our communities. For more information please contact Terence Barber at 804-452-1880 ext. 4.

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Free Tax Preparation Capital Area Partnership Uplifting People (CAP UP) in partnership with MetroCash, will provide free income tax assistance to families whose household income is $58,000 or less. Services are provided through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

VITA helps working individuals and families save hundreds of dollars in tax preparation fees every year. MetroCash coordinates the resources of public and private institutions to promote financial independence of low to moderate income residents. Taxes will be prepared by IRS certified volunteer preparers and screened by a quality reviewer on site to ensure that your return is accurate. For more information please call 804-733-8102.

To have your taxes prepared at a VITA site, you must bring: *Valid photo ID (Driver’s license or state identification card) *Your social security card (not a copy) and social security cards for your spouse and dependents if applicable *Birth dates for yourself, your spouse and your dependents *All tax related documents *Routing and bank account numbers for direct deposit of your refund ***Please have all documents ready at the time of your visit***

Ignite Hopewell On Thursday, February 27th, The Hopewell Downtown Partnership will host an event comprised of entrepreneurs, and community members to help generate new ideas and new businesses in a unique format entitled “Ignite Hopewell.” In a series of five-minute talks, presenters will share their projects, ideas, and personal or professional passions. The winner of the contest portion of the event will be awarded a grant of $2,500 to help advance their project. The event begins at 6:30 pm on the third floor ballroom of the Beacon Theater. Attendees may arrive at 6:00 pm for networking opportunities.

Ignite first started in Seattle, Washington and has since spread to over 100 cities throughout the world. As stated on the global website, Ignite is “a force for raising the collective IQ and building connections in each city.” Ignite Hopewell will continue with this mission by creating a supportive forum for community inspiration and enhancement.

The event will include social networking, cocktails, and food. Admission is free but you must register online at http://www.hopewelldowntown.com/ignite.

VAHCDO Scholarship The Virginia Association of Housing and Community Development Officials (VAHCDO) 2014 Scholarship process has begun and we encourage all qualified high school seniors to complete the application. Two letters of recommendation, a copy of high school transcripts listing students GPA and class ranking must be included with the completed application and sponsorship letter from the Executive Director.

If you are a high school senior, HRHA resident, with a minimum 2.5 GPA, stop by either leasing office to get an application. Applications are due to Resident Services by February 28th.

For more information and to review other qualifications please contact Terence Barber at 804-452-1880 ext. 4 or visit http://www.vahcdo.org.

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New Year’s Resolutions If you are struggling with keeping your resolutions, you are not alone. The University of Scranton conducted a study of American's 2012 New Year's resolutions. They found that only 8% of people who make New Year’s resolutions actually fully achieve them, while 49% have some success and 24% fail to meet their goals. However, people who make New Year’s resolutions are 10 times more likely to achieve their countless goals throughout the year, than those who do not make resolutions.

It is not too late to make a resolution if you have not done so. By setting goals and working towards them you will be 10 times more likely to be successful in meeting your goals.

The study also found that the top 10 resolutions were: Top 10 New Year's Resolutions for 2012 - University of Scranton Study 1

Lose Weight

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Getting Organized

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Spend Less, Save More

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Enjoy Life to the Fullest

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Staying Fit & Healthy

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Learn Something Exciting

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Quit Smoking

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Help Others in Their Dreams

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Fall in Love

10

Spend More Time with Family

Set your goals, track your progress, and celebrate each successful step along the way. Best wishes from all of us at Clearr Vission Support Services for a happy healthy new year.

Martial Arts World Martial Arts of Hopewell (MAH) offers character building, anti-bully, self-defense and confidence strategies for all ages. Located across from Piper Square, MAH offers before and after school care with transportation from all Hopewell and Prince George schools to their facility throughout the week.

MAH’s summer camp is full of daily field trips and martial art classes, with structured learning activities and games, and an exciting end of summer party.

Women of all ages also have the opportunity to participate, with classes focusing on verbal, mental, emotional and physical self-defense along with child safety seminars (upon request).

MAH’s “Enrichment Program” is a six week program that supports the schools by encouraging your child to achieve better grades and show respect to teachers, family, and peers. They learn to use self-discipline and improve focus and manners.

For more information, visit or contact Martial Arts of Hopewell at 3806 Oaklawn Blvd., Hopewell, VA 23860 or (804) 452-6676.

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Public Housing Staff Hopewell Redevelopment & Housing Authority

Madelyn Madison-Hyde, Public Housing Director – (804) 458-5160

P.O. Box 1361 350 E. Poythress Street Hopewell, VA 23860

Lillian Quintana, 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 Terence Barber, Resident Services Specialist – (804) 452-1880 ext. 4 Jennifer Campbell, FSS Program Intern — (804) 855-7065 Emergency After Hours – (804) 640-9337

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