January 2016
THE GRAPEVINE Hopewell Redevelopment & Housing Authority
Troop 965
Volume 212, Issue 1
Monthly Reminders:
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations. The BSA is a program for young males that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship and develops personal fitness. For over a centuFrederick Ferguson, Troop 965 Scout ry, it has helped build future leadMaster, and Scouts pictured above. ers by combining educational activities and lifelong values while making them fun and enjoyable. The Boy Scouts of America believes — and, through over a century of experience, knows — that helping youth is a key to building a more hard working, responsible, and productive society. Troop 965, HRHA’s Boy Scouts Troop, was created a few years ago and struggled to keep youth enrolled and engaged in the program. It wasn’t until the early part of this year that this program began to make major changes. Frederick Ferguson, Piper Square resident and former Boy Scouts member, began to volunteer his time and knowledge to revamp this program. Frederick, Troop 965 Scout Master, was in Boy Scouts for four years at Fort Lee and therefore had new ideas to enhance HRHA’s program. Since taking over, the programs enrollment has increased as well as the consistency and engagement of our youth. Although the program is excelling, there were some challenges to get it to this point. “My biggest challenge was getting the kids to trust me. They are not used to having a male authoritative figure such as myself, trying to broaden their education,” said Frederick. Frederick along with Tommy Petet, Co-Scout Master, had a vision to increase the amount of camping trips the boys participate in. In December, the scouts took an overnight camping trip to Camp Albright where they were able to apply some of the skills they had learned, as well as learn new ones. The scouts will take another camping trip this month. Frederick also felt it was important to increase the scouts involvement in the community by generating opportunities for the boys to give back. In November, the scouts prepared and passed out meals for the elderly and disabled residents of Piper Square as well as the homeless in Hopewell. HRHA would like to thank Frederick for his dedication to our youth.
Community/Resident Council Meetings: Kippax Place — January 12, 2016 5:30 pm Davisville/Bland Court — January 13, 2016 1:00 pm Piper Square — January 20, 2016 1:00 pm Thomas Rolfe — January 21, 2016 1:00 pm Rental payments are due on the 1st of each month and must be paid at the HRHA main office drop box by 5:00 p.m. Any payment received after 5:00 p.m. is considered next day and a late fee will be assessed. Computer classes every Friday from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the Piper Square community center.
Inside this issue: HRHA Grievance Procedure
2
Supporting The Youth
2
Job Corps
2
Management Policy
3
Giving Back
3
National Mentoring Month
3