February 2015
THE GRAPEVINE Hopewell Redevelopment & Housing Authority
Moving A Step Forward
Volume 211, Issue 2
Monthly Reminders:
Aleta Taylor is a former resident of Langston Park and has had the privilege to move into the redeveloped property now known as The Summit of Hopewell. Aleta was a public housing resident for three years and says the transition has been a wonderful experience. Not only has she made a transition within her living arrangements, but also within her personal life. Aleta was one of the first residents to join the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Aleta Taylor is pictured above in her program in 2013. “Joining the program chef’s uniform she wears to class. has been very beneficial. You have access to a lot of resources and the people that help are always attentive and willing to do their job,” said Aleta. A portion of the FSS program is setting goals and overcoming barriers that are hindering one from achieving those goals. Since joining, Aleta has accomplished several goals including obtaining employment with a pay increase, opening a bank account, obtaining a vehicle and enrolling into college. Aleta feels education is very important and decided to enroll at Stratford University where she majors in Culinary Arts with a focus in baking and pastries. Aleta says she took home economics for most of her high school career and graduated with the highest grade, so she knew she had a passion for baking. HRHA prides itself on residents completing and furthering their education and finds joy when residents feel the same. “I get excited to go to school. The more you know, the better you’ll do,” said Aleta. “Continue your education, but before you continue, make sure you have a plan. A plan is very essential and as long as you have the drive, nothing can stop you,” says Aleta. Jennifer Campbell, FSS coordinator, says “Aleta has been very determined, and I am proud. She has done such a great job completing her goals.” Setting life goals and completing them can be very rewarding and having someone to motivate you helps that much more. “Jennifer makes me stay on top of my game, she calls to make sure I am doing well and achieving,” says Aleta. Aleta serves as an example to her six children and the community. Since she has gained so much through the FSS program, she encourages others to sign up and participate.
Community/Resident Council Meetings: Kippax Place — February 3, 2015 5:30 pm Davisville/Bland Court — February 11, 2015 1:00 pm Piper Square — February 18, 2015 1:00 pm Thomas Rolfe — February 19, 2015 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. Employment assistance every Tuesday from 9:00—11:00 a.m. in the Piper Square community center.
Computer classes every Friday from noon to 2:00 p.m. in the Piper Square community center.
FSS Program Orientation in the Piper Square community center February 7th at 1:00 p.m.
Inside this issue: HRHA Grievance Procedure
2
VITA Tax Preparation
2
Davisville Run Club
2
Management Policy
3
Job Corps
3
Computer Training
3
Scholarship Preparation
3
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.
VITA Tax Preparation Assistance CAPUP Petersburg and Tri-Cities Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program will be preparing taxes for free for those who have an income of $58,000 or less. You must bring a valid state issued ID, all tax related documents, your social security card, social security card of spouse if filing a joint return and one for all dependents being claimed. CAPUP’s tax team is trained by the Department of Taxation with the most current state tax information and will prepare your State Income Tax Return and accelerate your refund. The team is able to answer or research any questions and check for any mathematical errors to ensure you get the maximum refund allowed by the law. To receive your refund faster, CAPUP offers the option of direct deposit. If you choose the direct deposit option, please bring your banking routing and account number which is located at the bottom of your checks. Walk ins are welcome and we encourage you to have all documents when arriving. CAPUP is located at 22 East Washington Street (The Washington Street United Methodist Church) in Petersburg. CAPUP is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 1:00—4:30pm and every second Saturday from 9:00am – 1:00pm starting Feb 2, 2015.
Davisville Run Club Richmond Road Runners Club (RRRC) and the Sports Backers have worked jointly to provide grants to locals schools and organizations who seek to implement running clubs for students. The RRRC and Sports Backers designate grants for each program to start their own program. The RRRC and Sports Backers are committed to instilling a consistent habit of physical activity in the youth that will continue to flourish into adolescence and adulthood. HRHA was awarded a grant to begin its first youth run club in the Davisville community. Registration for the run club will be held in the Davisville community center on February 4th at 3:00 pm. The club’s first meeting will be February 9th at 3:00 pm for children in second through fifth grades. Applications will be available in all management offices and may be turned in to Resident Services prior to registration day. 2
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
Job Corps Job Corps is the nation’s largest career technical training and education program for low-income young people aging from 16—24. Established in 1964, Job Corps serves approximately 60,00 young people each year and takes pride in its diverse student population, welcoming all who qualify. Job Corps will be onsite for an information session on Tuesday, February 17th at 5:00 pm. This information session will be held at the Piper Square Community Center and will include an overview of the many perks offered through this program.
Computer Training The Salvation Army Community Education Center and HRHA have collaborated to provide employability readiness training. Our goal is to assist unemployed and under-employed low -income residents as they begin to transition from public assistance to self-sufficiency. This is one of many ways of improving the quality of life for the individual, their families and communities. Classes are held every Friday from 12:00—2:00 pm in the Piper Square Community Center. In addition to computer and software training participants will receive training in time and money management, conflict resolution, problem solving, professional dress and communication skills.
Scholarship Preparation HRHA will begin holding workshops for high school junior and senior students in preparation for scholarship interviews. Workshops will be held on a bi-weekly basis and will cover various topics to give each student a higher opportunity for success when applying for scholarship funding. Each spring annual scholarships are awarded by the Virginia Association of Housing and Community Development Officials (VAHCDO) to Virginia residents of public and other assisted housing. HRHA submits scholarship applications on behalf of high school students living in HRHA communities who meet grade point average and other requirements. HRHA believes that education is very important to a successful future. VAHCDO is only one of many scholarships made available to high school students and our goal is to better prepare individuals when interviewing for scholarship funding. Workshops are scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2015 and the attendance of all high school juniors and seniors is requested. Residents will be notified of workshops in advance. 3
Public Housing Staff Hopewell Redevelopment & Housing Authority
Madelyn Peay, 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
Greg Pe’ay, Housing Manager – (804) 541-0392 ext. 3 Piper Square, Kippax Place & Langston Park
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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 Coordinator — (804) 855-7065 Emergency After Hours – (804) 640-9337 Commissioner Hotline Number- (804) 720-2581
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