March 2015 Grapevine by Hopewell Redevelopment & Housing Authority

March 2015

THE GRAPEVINE Hopewell Redevelopment & Housing Authority

State Essay Contest Winner

Volume 211, Issue 3

Monthly Reminders: 

Hopewell Redevelopment and Housing Authority (HRHA) resident, Na’Seem Hopson, competed against 998 students in the Virginia Municipal League’s (VML) “If I were Maor” essay contest. Na’Seem was announced as the winner  of region seven and was then selected as the overall winner amongst the regional winners. On the afternoon of January 28th, Na’Seem attended the VML award ceremony at the Library of Virginia to accept his award and read his speech to Na’Seem Hopson is pictured above all guests in attendance. Governor Terwith Governor Terry McAuliffe and ry McAuliffe presented the awards to Mayor Pelham each regional winner and those students were able to have their pictures taken with him as well. As the statewide winner, Na’Seem also learned that he would be featured in the League’s March magazine. Na’Seem was accompanied by HRHA staff, Mayor Brenda Pelham and his mother Clarice Fayton to the event. “I was so excited that Na’Seem was announced as the statewide winner. His essay was very compelling and I really enjoyed assisting him with his application,” stated Kathryn Thompson, Resident Services Manager. Na’Seem’s essay touched the heart of many, receiving a standing ovation. In his essay, Na’Seem mentioned the various things he would do if he were mayor. These things included: improving the lives of children living in Hopewell, promoting anti-bullying campaigns and peace throughout public housing communities, generating a safety program with the Hopewell Police Department, teaching people about the environment and the importance of recycling and not littering, and changing the teaching methods in the school system. The essay’s main focus is children because he believes that the children are the future. With such a powerful essay, Na’Seem was also recognized at the meetings of the Hopewell City Council as well as the School Board. Resident Services encourages all children to get involved in contests and activities offered by HRHA, the school system and the community in general. Positive activities help result in positive outcomes.



Community/Resident Council Meetings: Kippax Place — March 3, 2015 5:30 pm Davisville/Bland Court — March 11, 2015 1:00 pm Piper Square — March 18, 2015 1:00 pm Thomas Rolfe — March 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 March 7th at 1:00 p.m.

Inside this issue: HRHA Grievance Procedure

Headstart Recruitment Fair

Girl Scouts Cookies

Community Business Launch

Resident Advisory Board

Pancake Breakfast

Management Policy

Easter Eggstravaganza

Playground Safety Contest

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.

Headstart Recruitment Fair The mission of Hopewell Head Start is provide an effective and comprehensive child development program to meet the emotional, social, health, nutritional, and psychological needs of qualified preschool children and their families. Head Start helps to prepare children for success in school and in life. Children receive a positive introduction to practicing healthy habits. Head Start builds confidence in children and parents. Parents become involved in their children's education, discover their own strengths, and continue to develop their fullest potential. Head Start will be holding a three day recruitment fair for families who are interested. Application intake will take place according to your child’s last name. Applications for children whose last name begin with the letters “A-I” will be taken on March 23rd, “J-R” on March 24th, and “S-Z” on March 26th. These recruitment fairs will be held at the Woodlawn Learning Center at 1100 Dinwiddie Avenue from 9:00 am—1:00 pm. Please be sure to bring the required items to process the application. The required items are proof of income, child’s vital records birth certificate, proof of residency, health insurance card, immunization record, current physical and current dental examination. Children must be between the ages of three (by September 30th) and four to register for the program. Transportation assistance is available to all families of enrolled children. All applicants must be residents of the city of Hopewell and families with children that have disabilities are encouraged to apply. All applications will be ranked to determine eligibility. For further information please call 804541-6414.

Girl Scouts Cookies The HRHA Girl Scouts troop has begun taking orders for their annual cookie sale. Although they are known for tasting great, it’s not just about the cookies. Its also about the skills the girls gain from interacting directly with other individuals. Through the Girl Scouts Cookie program, Girl Scouts learn skills essential to success in life, like financial literacy, innovation, and more. The HRHA Girl Scouts troop will have a cookie booth set up on Saturday, March 28 at the annual Easter Eggstravaganza. 2

Community Business Launch The Hopewell Downtown Partnership has begun accepting applications for its Community Business Launch, an eight-week business plan competition designed to attract entrepreneurs to empty storefronts to a stretch of East Broadway Avenue in the city’s historic district. Evan Kaufman, director of the organization, said the hope is that a burst of new businesses will result in a more vibrant and supportive place for entrepreneurs. The goal is to eventually have 10 to 15 storefronts occupied by new businesses by the end of the year. “Today, a two-block stretch of storefronts along East Broadway Avenue between Hopewell Street and Route 10 is about 30 percent empty,” Kaufman said. He said there are between 40 and 50 storefronts in the entire downtown Hopewell area. The properties are mostly privately owned and the partnership is encouraging landlords to improve their properties in the area. Businesses that are in the works or already up and running can apply, but they must be willing to relocate or open in downtown Hopewell. The program is hoping to attract businesses from the apparel, restaurant, entertainment, fitness and jewelry industries, but is open to all types. The Hopewell Downtown Partnership programs are funded by the city and state governments, as well as grants and outside donations. For this new effort, Kaufman said the group is getting $100,000 from the Department of Housing and Community Development to fund the competition as part of Virginia Community Business Launch.

Resident Advisory Board The Resident Advisory Board (RAB) provides the Public Housing Authority (PHA) and the residents with a forum for sharing information about the Agency’s Annual Plan. RAB membership is comprised of individuals who reflect and represent the residents assisted by the PHA. The role of the RAB is to assist the PHA in developing the PHA Plan and in making any significant amendments or modifications. HRHA now has applications available for the newly renovated RAB. Applications can be found at all management offices and all interested individuals must be residents of HRHA’s public housing or housing choice voucher programs. The authority is looking for individuals that are not only interested in having input in the annual plan, but also with helping with Resident Services activities and other events. Applications must be turned in to a management office by close of business on Friday, March 13th. If you have any questions about the RAB, please contact Terence Barber, Resident Services Specialist.

Pancake Breakfast

First Baptist Church of Hopewell will be hosting a pancake breakfast to benefit the Hopewell Food Pantry. This event will be held on Saturday, March 7th from 8:00—10:00 am. The cost is five dollars and the church is located at 401 North 2nd Avenue. Everyone is welcome to attend this event. 3

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

Easter Eggstravaganza

HRHA is hosting its fourth annual Easter Egg Hunt at Crystal Lake, 3600 River Road, on Saturday, March 28th from 11:00 am—2:00 pm in partnership with The Wicked Few. There will be food, games, a special performance and prizes for the youth who attend the event. Last year’s event was the best thus far, bringing in over 200 children from HRHA communities and the city of Hopewell. Transportation will be available and schedules will be posted on community boards on March 23rd. You may register for transportation by contacting Terence Barber, Resident Services Specialist. Residents needing community service hours are encouraged to volunteer.

Playground Safety Contest The playground is a magical place for children to have fun with all of their friends. It’s like their very own kingdom. That’s why it’s important to keep it clean and safe for the children. National Playground Safety Week is April 20th-24th, and in celebration of this week, HAI group is holding its annual Playground Safety Poster and Essay Contest. This years theme is “Keep Your Playground Clean and Safe—Make Your Kingdom a Special Place.” We ask all children ages six to 14, to look for dangers at the community playgrounds. If they find anything suspicious, they should tell a parent, HRHA staff or other adult. After telling an adult, the children will be able to draw pictures and write stories to which describe how they helped make the playground safe for everyone. All participants must be HRHA residents. There will be three age groups between six to 14, and each category will have three winners. First place winners will receive $100, second place winners will receive $40, and all third place winners will receive $25. All prizes will be gift certificates to Walmart or Barnes and Noble Booksellers. HAI Group will be judging the national contest during the week of May 18th, however, HRHA encourages early submission. Children living in Davisville will be able to complete their contest entries on Tuesday, March 24th, Piper Square on Friday, March 27th, before and after story time, and Thomas Rolfe on Tuesday, March 31st. All children wishing to participate should arrive at their prospective community center at 3:00 pm on the specified dates (or as soon as their bus arrives if after 3:00 pm). If you have any questions, please contact Resident Services.

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

Like our Facebook page! http://www.facebook.com/ Hopewell Redevelopment & Housing Authority

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