January 2015 Grapevine

January 2015

THE GRAPEVINE Hopewell Redevelopment & Housing Authority

Investing in HRHA Youth Ann Morris, of Piper Square, has lived in Public Housing for four years and finds more pleasure each year in helping the children of our community. Ann has set goals of obtaining her GED and moving out of public housing in the near future.

Before passing, Ann’s father told her that he wanted her to strive to get her GED. This, along with being an example for the children, is what keeps Ann pushing toAnn Morris and children of Piper Square wards achieving her goals. pictured above

After continuously being abused, Ann ran away from home at the age of 16 and struggled to find a place to stay. Her family wouldn’t take her in and thought this would help her learn how to survive. “This taught me that no matter what, I would be able to make it in life,” said Ann. It is for this reason that Ann developed such passion for helping children.

Having kids of her own, Ann naturally has a nurturing spirit, so when the kids in Piper Square began calling her “auntie” she took them under her wing. Ann began teaching them about discipline, the importance of throwing their trash away versus littering and many other things. In addition, she also began going around the property to gather them up and take them to the various programs held by the Resident Services Department. “I enjoy it, I even attend some of the programs with them and help pass out snacks, said Ann.” Around Halloween of 2013, Ann had a stroke and spent quite some time in the hospital. “As soon as I came home from the hospital the kids were there to give me a warm welcome, crying and saying “auntie we were worried about you.” From that day on, the kids came to check on me every day. They would help me with anything that I needed help with,” said Ann. The children helping her made Ann want to continue to help the children of this community and watch them grow.

Ann’s wishes are that the kids finish school, learn from one another and stay away from drug and gang activity. This can be accomplished by becoming and staying involved in positive extra-curricular activities offered

by Resident Services, the school system or the community. Ann says “I think the community should pull together a little more and act as mentors to the children and know, we can’t do anything without education.”

Volume 211, Issue 1

Monthly Reminders: 

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Community/Resident Council Meetings: Kippax Place — January 6, 2015 5:30 pm Davisville/Bland Court — January 14, 2015 1:00 pm Piper Square — January 21, 2015 1:00 pm Thomas Rolfe — January 15, 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.

Job Corps Orientations at Hopewell VEC every Thursday at 9:00 am

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Employment assistance every Tuesday from 9:00—11:00 a.m. at Piper Square

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FSS Program Orientation in the Piper Square community center January 3rd at 1:00 p.m.

Inside this issue: HRHA Grievance Procedure

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Christmas Ornament Crafting

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Substitute Teaching

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The Summit of Hopewell

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BOA Student Leaders Program 3 Management Policy

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VA Community Bus. Launch

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Future Leaders Forum

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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.

Christmas Ornament Crafting

On Saturday, December 6th, Assistant Housing Manager Lafonia Thornton held a Christmas ornament craft class for the children of HRHA. This class was held in the community center of Piper Square and was thoroughly enjoyed by the children in attendance. Lafonia used her creative skills and demonstrated how the ornaments would be created. After the demonstration was complete, the kids were able to go through the same steps, with assistance, and complete their personal ornaments.

Lafonia and her family have made it a habit to give back to the children in the community since the passing of her daughter in 2012. Lafonia always did crafts with her children and her daughter loved the holidays. Her pastor once told her “what you water will grow” and by doing this, Lafonia and her family feel this is a way to honor her daughter as well as inspire children.

The children were able to take these uniquely made Christmas cupcake ornaments home to hang on their trees. Any residents that have creative crafting skills and are interested in holding a class for children and/or adults within the community should contact the Resident Services Department.

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Substitute Teaching Hopewell City Public Schools is looking for substitute teachers for the remainder of the 2014-2015 academic year. All candidates will need to complete an application, pay for a background check, attend a training session and pass a substitute test. To be considered, candidates must have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED (some college may be required), proof of your formal GED or high school diploma or college transcript. If you have a current and completed application on file, please submit an original, signed letter indicating interest in this position.

To obtain the substitute teaching application packet, please visit www.hopewell.k12.va.us and click on the Employment tab. Instructions for completion of the packet is included as a coversheet. If you need access to the internet, please contact the Resident Services Department.

The Summit of Hopewell Towards the end of November, 12 residents of the former Langston Park moved back into the community now known as The Summit of Hopewell. CHP also held several open house viewings in December for prospective residents within the community. Applications for the tax credit units are currently available and the units will be available for move in soon.

The Summit consists of two, three and four bedroom energy certified apartments, each having two bathrooms.

CHP is very community oriented and looks forward to the many collaborations and events with community organizations and the residents.

Steve Benham, Executive Director of HRHA, says “This was just the beginning, The Summit is what we envision for the rest of public housing. We believe as opportunities and funding present themselves to upgrade housing, we plan to pursue.”

BOA Student Leaders Program The Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Student Leaders Program is accepting applications for the 2015 Student Leaders program. Since its inception in 2005, the Bank of America Student Leaders Program has recognized more than 2,000 outstanding high school juniors and seniors who have a passion for improving their communities.

The program helps students gain a greater understanding of how nonprofits create an impact in the community and helps develop them as the next generation of community leaders through two components: 

A summer eight-week paid internship with a nonprofit organization selected by the bank. This internship is designed to provide opportunities for the students to develop and apply leadership skills through hands-on work experience, while raising their awareness of community issues addressed by their Host Organization.

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The week-long, all-expense paid Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C. from July 12-17, 2015. Conducted in partnership with the Close Up Foundation, the Summit introduces students to aspects of civic, social and business leadership and provides them with knowledge and skills they will use throughout their life to create positive community change.

Students can apply for the program by going to www.bankofamerica.com/studentleaders. The application is now open and the submission deadline is January 31, 2015. Any students who need access to the internet should contact the Resident Services Department.

For more information on the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, please visit www.bankofamerica.com/ foundation.

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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

Virginia Community Business Launch On December 5th, Governor Terry McAuliffe unveiled the first ever Virginia Community Business Launch (CBL) and announced the first three communities that will each receive up to $100,000 for small business development: The cities of Staunton, Hopewell and Gloucester Courthouse in Gloucester County. The pilot program is an initiative of Governor McAuliffe’s new Virginia economy Strategic Plan, falling under the pillars of economic development, entrepreneurship and small business development.

"Small business development is critical for building a new Virginia economy," said Governor McAuliffe. "Through this new initiative, we are placing the community at the center of small business development in order to help Virginia entrepreneurs thrive and contribute to our state economy starting in their own backyards.”

The CBL is designed to assist communities in taking a systems approach to defining and pursuing an asset-based small business development strategy. The program starts with a community’s unique vision for its future and then uses a local business competition to find and foster the entrepreneurs that connect with that vision. CBL will provide the tools to effectively prepare multiple entrepreneurs to operate successful businesses in a downtown or neighborhood commercial district and allow them to compete for funding to start up their new endeavor.

While only a limited number of entrepreneurs may win the business competitions, CBL will give rise to many budding entrepreneurs that have been prepared, through the CBL initiative, to be successful businesses. In addition, it will help communities begin to develop a coordinated, comprehensive sustainable environment that identifies launches and supports community-based entrepreneurs and small business at all levels of development.

“Small business is the backbone of communities around the Commonwealth. They provide jobs, they provide talent, and they end up leading our civic organizations and help our children to pursue their dreams,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “Entrepreneurship is a key component of our economic strategy, and we want to foster the development of these individuals and their ideas.”

For more information about the Virginia Community Business Launch, visit www.dhcd.virginia.gov.

Future Leaders Forum for Young Women Young women who are currently attending high school are encouraged to register and attend the 11th Annual Future Leaders Forum for Young Women. This event will be held Saturday, March 21st at the Capital One Campus located at 15000 Capital One Drive in Richmond.

Event registration packets are now available. For more information or to request a packet, email futureleadersforumforyoungwomen@capitalone.com or call 804.284.5757.

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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

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 Lafonia Thornton, Assistant Housing Manager – (804) 541-0392 ext. 2 Piper Square & Kippax Place 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

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