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
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Supporting The Youth
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Job Corps
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Management Policy
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Giving Back
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National Mentoring Month
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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.
Supporting The Youth
In December the Resident Services Department (RSD) went to Harry E. James Elementary and Carter G. Woodson Middle Schools to support the youth in their fall concerts. The second and fifth graders had a Christmas/Holiday choral concert and middle students performed their fall band concert. All of the ensembles performed amazingly for their supporters who came to witness their talent. The RSD feels it is very important to support the youth of our communities in their extra curricular activities. The youth at both events were ecstatic to see the staff in attendance. They continuously smiled and waved throughout the events. It is this joy on a child's face that keeps the department afloat, knowing that they are appreciative to have people supporting them. We look forward attending future events .
Job Corps Job Corps is offering free career technical training for all qualified individuals. Job Corps is a career training program for ages 16 through 24 that offers you a chance to continue your education, train with experienced instructors, gain hands on experience and start a real career. Participants will also receive housing, meals, basic medical care and a living allowance. Upon graduation, Job Corps will provide you with job placement assistance. Informational sessions are held every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 9:30 in the morning at the Virginia Employment Commission Office, 5240 Oaklawn Boulevard in Hopewell. If you have any questions please contact their office at 804-340-5540. 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 Peay 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
Giving Back Thank you Hopewell Rotary Club for the Christmas donations to these five families.
National Mentoring Month January is National Mentoring Month and every program is encouraged to share their story. Check out ways you can get involved to spread key messages about the benefits of mentoring in your community. The National Mentoring Partnership has assembled a toolkit with prepared messaging and templates for programs to use or customize to their needs. To download forms including social media images, web badges, digital thank you cards, and more, go to http://www.nationalmentoringmonth.org. Throughout the month, share your mentoring stories on social media using the hashtags #mentoringworks and/or #mentorIRL and taggin VMP. Important dates:
Thursday, January 14: "I Am a Mentor" Social Media Day
Monday, January 18: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
Thursday, January 21: Thank Your Mentor Day
January 27-29: National Mentoring Summit in Washington, D.C.
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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
Lafonia Thornton, Acting Housing Manager – (804) 541-0392 ext. 2 Piper Square & Kippax Place
Like our Facebook page! http://www.facebook.com/ Hopewell Redevelopment & Housing Authority
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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