May 2016
THE GRAPEVINE Hopewell Redevelopment & Housing Authority
Motivated Youth
Volume 212, Issue 5
Monthly Reminders:
The middle school Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workshop is a distinctive program that offers students the opportunity to participate in hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematics activities. These activities are taught by Academy faculty and cadet mentors. Every year sixth and seventh grade students are selected to participate in this program in which their tuition is paid for by the Toyota Foundation. Housing, meals and activities during the program are all covered by the scholarship.
Jayden Perry, seventh grade Thomas Rolfe resident, was selected amongst many to receive a scholarship to this year’s program which will take place May 23rd-27th in West Point, New York. In order to apply for the workshop, Jayden had to write an essay explaining why she wanted to participate and after she finished, she was confident that she would be selected. “I felt it would be good for my future and since the program is advanced, I figured it would put me ahead in my academics,” said Jayden.
Community/Resident Council Meetings: Kippax Place — May 10, 2016 5:30 pm Davisville/Bland Court — May 11, 2016 1:00 pm Piper Square — May 18, 2016 1:00 pm Thomas Rolfe — May 19, 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.
Jayden Perry pictured above.
When Jayden found out that she had been selected for the scholarship, she was intrigued and anxious at the same time. “This will be my first time on an air plane, and I’ll be by myself,” said Jayden. Having such a great opportunity, Jayden is anticipating what doors this program will open for her. Upon graduating high school, Jayden would like to attend Stanford University to start off her dreams of becoming a brain surgeon. In my spare time Jayden also enjoys singing, writing, reading and playing basketball. When the Resident Services came across this opportunity, the department was eager to get as many kids as possible involved. “My department has been discussing the idea of starting a STEM program since 2013. Although this is not our program, we are excited because this is the first step. We hope that Jayden’s story and future success within this field will shine more light to our youth and get them more active in programs like these,” said Terence Barber, Resident Services Specialist. HRHA hopes to be able to start our own STEM program in the near future to help kids take advantage of this fast growing industry.
Inside this issue: HRHA Grievance Procedure
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Women’s Empowerment
2
Mt. Pleasant Takes Piper
2
Voter Registration Office
2
Management Policy
3
Commissioner Complaint
3
VAHCDO Scholarship Rec.
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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.
Women’s Empowerment
HRHA has partnered with Community Housing Partners (CHP) for this years Mother’s Day event. This year we are focusing even more on empowering women in addition to celebrating them. This event is being held on May 14th from 11:30 am—3:30 pm at Carter G. Woodson Middle School (1000 Winston Churchill Drive) in Hopewell. This event will include door prizes, great food, breakout sessions and an amazing guest speaker. To all the mothers, HRHA wants to wish you a Happy Mothers Day.
Mt. Pleasant Takes Piper Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church will be hosting a Block Party at Piper Square on May 14th from 12:00 to 3:00 pm. This event is free and will be held outside of the community center. There will be food, music, a moon bounce and more. All HRHA communities are welcome and encouraged to attend this event. For more information please contact Terence Barber.
Voter Registration Office
As of April 25th, The Hopewell Office of Voter Registrations and Election has relocated to 245 East Broadway Avenue, Suite 4. 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
Commissioner Complaint
The Commissioners complaint phone has been retired and all complaints should go through the normal HRHA grievance process.
VAHCDO Scholarship Recipients 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 who are high school seniors. HRHA submits scholarship applications on behalf of high school students living in HRHA communities who meet grade point average requirements. Students must also be attending college in the fall of their graduation year. This year two HRHA seniors were awarded scholarships to assist them with their collegiate studies. Shian Brooks (left) and Shyonia Wheeler (right) are both HCPV residents who have worked hard over the years to make a difference in their own life. Brooks and Wheeler attended the VAHCDO Scholarship Luncheon in Virginia Beach on Thursday, April 28th where they accepted their scholarship award. They also explained what receiving the scholarship meant to them and spoke on their future goals. Brooks will be attending John Tyler Community College (JTCC) to pursue a degree in Social Work. After JTCC, Brooks plans to attend Virginia Commonwealth University. She is excited about this scholarship because it’s a blessing and big help to her as she starts her college career. Wheeler plans to attend Mary Baldwin College in the fall to major in Psychology. After graduating from there she plans on commissioning into the Army as a Second Lieutenant and starting her career as a Psychiatrist. “I was definitely nervous to hear the results but once I did, I was excited. Especially with this being the first scholarship I received,” said Wheeler. HRHA has not had a scholarship recipient in years and would like to again congratulate Brooks and Wheeler on this huge accomplishment. We look forward to seeing what your bright future will bring. 3
Public Housing Staff Hopewell Redevelopment & Housing Authority P.O. Box 1361 350 E. Poythress Street Hopewell, VA 23860 Phone (804) 458-5160 Fax (804) 458-3364 Website www.hopewellrha.org Like our Facebook page! http://www.facebook.com/ Hopewell Redevelopment & Housing Authority
Madelyn Peay, Deputy Executive Director – (804) 458-5160 Lillian Quintana, Administrative Assistant to the Public Housing Director – (804) 458-5160 Tina Raatz, Senior Housing Manager – (804) 452-1880 ext. 3 LaFonia Thornton, Assistant Housing Manager – (804) 541-0392 ext. 2 Piper Square & Kippax Place Kathryn Thompson, Grant Writer/S.T.O.R.Y. Executive Director – (804) 541-0392 ext. 4 Terence Barber, Resident Services Specialist – (804) 452-1880 ext. 4
Follow us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/ hopewellrha/
Jennifer Campbell, FSS Coordinator — (804) 541-0392 ext. 5 Emergency After Hours – (804) 640-9337
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