New Hope Housing - Newsbriefs
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Newsbriefs Rethinking Homelessness since 1977
Q U A
Our National Alliance to End Homelessness Conference Experience Natalie Campos (ACS) and LaKesha McGuire (Admin) Shared the importance of continued personal and professional development. The NAEH conference offered amazing speakers (First Lady Michell Obama) and education sessions. It was a great opportunity to network with others who were eager to discuss the state of homelessness in the U.S. “We walked away inspired all over again about why we do what we do.” Continued education to the community about the issues of homelessness is vital to our eradication efforts. Our biggest conference takeaway was learning how to advocate and be a stronger voice and share stories with politicians from the state & local government, all the way up to the federal level. For more information about the National Alliance to End Homelessness visit their website at: www.endhomelessness.org
“Those People” Jan Sacharko (NHH Director of Development) gave a very informative presentation about New Hope Housing’s Mission and the importance of sharing our residents stories with the community. See second page for more info. Have a client success story? Take a picture, write a brief description, then send an email to: jsacharko@newhopehousing.org
Meet our Board of Directors President LexaLynn Hooper is serving her first term as NHH Board President this year. She shared her strong desire and commitment to get the board more involved with the work of NHH. “We are all in this together. Each of us plays a vital role in serving those who are most vulnerable in our community.” The biggest goal of the NHH Board is to make New Hope Housing a household name in the Route One Corridor.
A Message from our Executive Director, Pam Michell “One of the most important core values from our mission I don’t want staff to forget is, that we welcome the unwelcome” Pam shared program site updates and gave Kudos to staff who played vital roles in preparing the RFP submitted to Fairfax County. The proposal was submitted for the Kennedy, Next Steps, Mondloch, Mobile Medical Outreach, and Housing First programs. The funding will make it possible for NHH to continue to provide services that will allow our clients to obtain the tools to live a better life!
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October 10, 2014
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Volume 18 Issue 8
New Hope Housing’s Quarterly meeting was held on October 7, 2014. The topics of discussion focused on sharing what continues to inspire us about the work we do, the New Hope Housing mission, and how to share the stories about our client’s successes with the community.
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New Hope Housing, Administration Office 8407-E Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA 22309 703-799-2293
New Hope Housing Mission Etiquette NHH Director of Development, Jan Sacharko gives presentation to staff at the quarterly meeting.
People Experiencing Homelessness vs Helping the Homeless At New Hope Housing, we do NOT Help the Homeless House the Homeless Serve the Homeless OR Work for the Homeless We do not believe “the Homeless” exist. People experience homelessness. It is our job to prevent that experience from happening or if it does happen, to end it as quickly and safely as possible. “When we attach labels to people, like “homeless,” we miss the fact that these individuals and families are people that are suffering. They are members of our community that are perhaps the most vulnerable among us. They are someone’s son or daughter; perhaps a parent, or grandparent. They may be someone’s brother or sister, and may have served our country bravely in the military.” We may refer to a homeless person, we might describe a homeless man or woman or family. We may talk about someone who is currently homeless. We do not refer to the homeless as though that is all that they are. Serving vs Feeding We serve meals to clients or residents. We do not feed the homeless. Feeding is a term used for babies and animals.
On October 1, 2014, client Stefanie Allen moved into her new one bedroom apartment. Stefanie was accepted into Homestretch’s two year transitional housing program. She was so excited and wanted to thank everyone at Next Steps for helping her move closer to accomplishing her dreams. As Stefanie’s case manager, I have to say that she was a pleasure to work with and I am truly going to miss her. On the day of move in we unpacked and organized her items, went grocery shopping to stock her refrigerator, and even bought some decorative items to make her feel more at home. -Khristina Koontz (Family Case Manager)
Our newest client at Max’s Place Kathleen (the article changed her name to Ann to protect her identity) was featured on the front cover of the Lamb Center news letter. She showed it to me today and was so happy that she was the “headline news”. It talks about her new home here at Max’s Place. I don’t see a lot of movement at Max’s Place in comparison to shelter clients but it’s things like this and her that make my job meaningful to me. -Summer Hall (Outreach Counselor)
New Hope Housing residents from Mondloch Place and Mondloch House participated in an educational day trip to the home of Frederick Douglass in Washington, DC!
“You are not judged by the height you have risen , but from the depth you have climbed .� -Frederick Douglass
A Farewell Note To New Hope Housing Recently I saw a very popular Hollywood movie that death with relationships. While contemplating the relationship, one of the main characters stated "At the end one remembers the Beginning. As I say goodbye to my 17 years of service with New Hope Housing, I too have started to remember the beginning. I was so much younger then and in many ways naive to homeless service, having lived a sheltered life away from the economically disadvantaged. Prior to coming to New Hope Housing, for 9 1/2 years I served in the structured world of military services after which a patchwork of jobs, none of which had anything to do with homeless service. But in the early 1990's after seeing homelessness for the first time up close as an employee of the Washington Convention Center; I started to think about homelessness and I was intrigued upon seeing at ad in the "newspaper"; advertising for a Trailer Manager to work with homeless individuals during the winter months. It was a different world in 1995. Imagine where you were on November 1, 1995. At that time, a young late 20 something 3rd year college professor taught constitutional law, many years before a run for political office and eventually the presidency. There were no I-Pads, no Smart Phones, and the few cell phones available looked more like walkie-talkie's. The internet was not yet in wide use and there were a few heavy, bulky 486 computers around, but also still type writers. Supervisory staff at New Hope Housing carried pagers. But what I remember most of all during the first few months of my introduction to New Hope Housing was the passion and leadership of Pam Michell. When I think back, I especially remember the residents I had the honor and privilege of serving, like Willie Lee, Joseph Woods, Dora Funes, Alan Hardin, Von Poindexter, Shannon Wade and hundreds of others who showed me the true meaning of courage, inner strength, and a sprit that would not quit or be defeated. I remember with fondness and gratitude those who mentored me such as Vernessa Dickens. I think of the amazing peers and colleagues who started with me or proximity to me such as Kamonya Kelly, Tony Turnage, Susan Keenan and Nateeka. With pride and honor I also think of those I hired or mentored such as Yvonne Kedoin, Brooke Lockett, Leonard Chari and Mary Lee Scheu and so many others. I will always cherish the memory of Kennedy Shelter, my home for so many years as I progressed in many positions such as case manager assistant, case Manager, case manager coordinator and Shelter Director. I remember the incredible staff and the amazing residents; hundreds of them as together we faced tragedy and triumph, shed tears of sadness and joy and ultimate success. I remember the dedication and sacrifice of staff working with some of the most challenging residents in Virginia.In my memory I think of the Apprenticeship Program and the staff I had to honor of supervising as they touched the lives of residents in such positive ways amazing apprenticeship mentors such as Ollie Dawson, Jeff Elder and Roxanne Watkins and the support of the marvelous Martha Faconer. But as I reflect on those 17 years, I think of the person who influenced me more than any other. That person was a teacher, a mentor, a leader, a counselor, a role model, an inspiration, and the heart and soul of New Hope Housing. That person of course is Pam Michell. I remember in 1996 when I interviewed for a position in the main shelter and Pam was part of that interview process. I remember her passion, courage, vision and creativity as she led this company from a small one to the number 1 homeless service provider in Virginia.But most of all, I remember her compassion and love for the residents of New Hope Housing and her ability to provide opportunity and encouragement for them to reach their potential. As long as I live and as long as I travel my journey hence forth, I shall always remember and love Pam Michell and the privilege of working for such an amazing organization. Goodbye New Hope Housing, I shall always love you all and I will never, ever forget my time here. Sincerely,
Sara Simone
We Run For Hope! It is almost time for the 4th Annual Rock and Stroll to End Homelessness! New Hope Housing is part of an Alexandria coalition of nonprofits hosting a 10K, 5K, and 1K Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, October 11th. The races start at 8 am and 9 am and are followed by a family-friendly festival in John Carlyle Square Park. We have sponsors to make sure that all families and residents who wish to attend can, free of charge. (Please get names and ages to Jan and Nicole as soon as possible.) Do you want to run, walk, or volunteer? We’d love to have you!
Register to join our team “We Run For Hope”: https://runsignup.com/RaceGroups/10271/Groups/32063
Rock and Stroll Festival Not a runner/walker? Don't miss out! Following the Run, the Rock and Stroll Festival will feature fun and games for the whole family: Zumbathon - Yoga - Hula Hoop Jam - Cornhole Kids Activities - Live Music - Food and more! Buy tickets for the Run or just for the Festival alone. https://runsignup.com/RaceGroups/10271/Groups/32063 All Run Registrations include Festival admission and participation.
Want to make a greater impact? VOLUNTEER: https://runsignup.com/RaceGroups/10271/Groups/32063
Do you want to get in shape? Are you looking for a workout challenge? Do you want a healthier lifestyle? If you answered yes to any of these questions then the New Hope Housing “Get Fit Challenge” is for YOU! If you’d like to sign up for a chance to be the Biggest Loser at New Hope, contact LaKesha McGuire for more details. lmcguire@newhopehousing.org
New Hope Housing - Newsbriefs
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Pam Michell Gives Kudos To:
Ollie Dawson Gives Kudos To:
LaKesha for your leadership on the EEC and coordinating a fabulous quarterly meeting. And Kudos to the committee members (Summer, Eden, Samir, Ashley, Megan, and Raymond) for their behind-the-scenes work.
Sheila thanks for picking up a shift at the last minute and for being on the same page when it comes to work. It helps and it makes the work place a safe place for the residents and staff.
To Jan for an informative and humorous presentation. Everyone, please keep those stories and photos coming. We need to tell the world about the good work that you do every day. People don’t know!
Reed Livers Gives Kudos To: Latasha Younger, Martha Mickins, Priscilla Hess and Jessica Higham for all the work they did to have Susan’s ready for the project done Saturday by Rebuilding Together and Navy Federal Credit Union. Martha, Jeff and Eddie for all the HARD work to move clients in and out of the units. Also for doing so much work to have one of our condos treated for pests. Special thanks to chefs Donna and Alex at Kennedy. You guys are GREAT!!
Summer Hall Gives Kudos To: Reed Livers for always helping out with “problems” at Max’s Place and even going out of his way to take clients across town to Susan’s Place so they could shower. To Latasha Younger for keeping the HUD team afloat and always being there for me when I need it.
Shanice Gomire Gives Kudos To: Alba for having such a wonderful open door policy. Stacie for being awesome! Samir for always giving a helping hand. Alex for always getting me a food basket on such short notice.
Martha, Alex and Donna thanks for always putting together my food request for my OOP Class and for making sure it’s picked up. Marian thanks for the update and for documenting it in the log book very clearly . Lee thanks for answering all my questions when I have so many. Ashley thanks for being so honest and for keeping me laughing about simple things. Rosa you are AWESOME! Congratulations on winning the Employee of the Quarter award.
Jessica Higham Gives Kudos To: To the Kennedy Team, Thank you for introducing me to New Hope Housing and always being so helpful. All of you have taught me different skills and knowledge that will be very helpful to me in my endeavors both in my work and home life. Thank you for being so supportive and AWESOME. Latasha Younger, Priscilla Hess, and Susan Keenan Thank you for the warm welcome to Susan’s Place and thank you for taking the time to help me get acclimated. You all have been really kind and I appreciate you!
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OPEN POSITIONS New Hope Housing is currently accepting resumes for the following job opportunities: Residential Services Specialist- Mondloch Place Full Time 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Monday thru Friday Shift In this position you will serve the residents residing in a Single Residency Occupancy environment. You must be reliable, on time, and willing to work with a diversified group of residents suffering with different forms of mental illness. Daily duties include: interaction to help residents with living skills such as cooking, cleaning, motivation to get out and do activities outside the house, answering questions, working with the case manager, monitoring the house, etc. You also will be the face of New Hope Housing to donors and volunteers who may stop by to drop off donations and to assist. Answering phones, basic office work, and working with the NHH team will all be part of your daily duties. May be called upon to assist the Operations team in stocking supplies, light cleaning, and moving light furniture. Qualifications include: Successful experience working with residents in similar environments, understanding of the NHH philosophy, dependable, reliable transportation, flexible, good with people, basic computer skills, etc. Must be able to lift office supply items at times, paper products, etc. Salary is $13.13 an hour with benefits.
On Call Resident Service Specialists-Kennedy/Mondloch House/Mondloch Place Responsibilities include monitoring the shelter, answering the phones, greeting visitors, and most importantly interacting in a positive manner with our residents. $13.13 an hour. Must be flexible, dependable, and have the ability to work with a diversified group of individuals. A High School diploma or GED is necessary, and previous experience with the homeless/mentally ill a plus. Successful candidates will be called to duty when we are short staffed. Hours are flexible, not scheduled, and you must be willing to cover shifts at a moment’s notice. EOE
On-Call Residential Service Specialist for Susan’s Place and Max’s Place On-Call Residential Services Specialist (RSS) for chronically homeless adults with substance abuse/mental illness/ or co-occurring disorders located in Arlington and Falls Church Virginia. Must be able to establish rapport and build trust with residents and be comfortable working in a program with few rules. Need to be flexible and have an ability to handle crisis situations. RSS will assist Outreach Counselors with leading life skills groups/activities, cooking and cleaning with residents and general upkeep of the house. RSS monitors residents medication. Must be able to work well independently and must be reliable. Provides On-call coverage. Must have a valid driver’s license and BA in behavioral science or related field. Experience can be substituted for education. BSW preferred. Two years experience with homeless adults, adults with mental illness or substance abusers. Counseling and crisis intervention skills. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Salary is $13.13 hr.
If interested, please send resume to hr@newhopehousing.org New Hope Housing is proud to be an EOE that values diversity!
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OPEN POSITIONS New Hope Housing is currently accepting resumes for the following job opportunities: EMPLOYMENT LIAISON-Full Time As a member of the Community Services Team you will be responsible for establishing and maintaining activities to develop, identify, and secure job openings for clients of New Hope Housing Programs at appropriate employment sites throughout our area. Refers clients to employers and conducts necessary follow-up when placed in positions to ensure job success and stability. Monitors job performance on the job and provides oversight when job performance is not satisfactory; works with clients closely to enhance job performance and gain necessary job skills or reviews other employment options; maintains contact with employers during the residents employment and reports results to appropriate staff; may drive residents to interviews, job fairs, and other organizations; prepares forms and reports related to placement activities; tracks participant activity and progress data. Assists residents in assessing their job skills for positions; schedules individuals for the Career Scope, TABE, and all other employment related assessment(s) at the local Skill Source/ Job Link ; schedules clients for job mentoring groups, assists in interviewing, job application procedures, resume writing, interview preparation and job retention skills and attitudes; provides job search/career information workshops and presentations. BA/BS degree in business, marketing, education, human services, or a related field is required. Supervisory experience working with volunteers is a plus. Experience in working with homeless and/or mentally ill adults. Excellent communication skills (verbal and written), solid Microsoft Office experience, experience with social networks, flexible as some evenings may be required. Valid driver’s license, personal vehicle and ability to be insured required. Bilingual preferred. $40,000 annually. EOE/ADA Case Manager – Full Time ESG (Emergency Solutions Grant) Reporting to the Director of Alexandria Community Shelter (ACS), the Case Manager will provide the support services needed to ensure that program participants succeed in securing and retaining their housing. Emphasis is placed on regular home visits and utilizing programs and benefits designed to increase income, financial stability, and quality of life. You will be responsible for assessing participants to determine eligibility for both prevention and rapid re-housing assistance. Will work closely with the Housing Locator in identifying suitable housing for program participants. Must be able to develop a Housing Services Plan with each household; meeting with households as often as needed, at least on a monthly basis to ensure that the participants are working towards the goals stated in their Housing Service Plan, such as paying rent on time, maintaining the terms of their lease, maintaining employment and taking care of their financial obligations by maintaining a budget. Bachelor’s Degree in a social services field required. Must be a self-starter, have excellent written and oral communication skills as well as excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. Ability to work with persons with serious mental illness and/or substance addiction is critical. Empathy, patience, and persistence are fundamental characteristics required for this position. Knowledge of Word, Excel, and Homeless Management Information System databases is required. Candidate must have a valid driver license, a clean driving record, and willingness to use personal vehicle to perform work related duties. $40,000 annual EOE/ADA, bilingual preferred.
If interested, please send resume to hr@newhopehousing.org New Hope Housing is proud to be an EOE that values diversity!
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OPEN POSITIONS New Hope Housing is currently accepting resumes for the following job opportunities: Case Manager Full Time– Next Steps Family Program Reporting to the Director of Family Programs, the Case Manager will provide the support services needed to ensure that program participants succeed in securing and retaining their housing. Emphasis is placed on regular home visits and utilizing programs and benefits designed to increase income, financial stability, and quality of life. Will be responsible for assessing participants to determine eligibility for both prevention and rapid re-housing assistance. Will work closely with the Housing Locator in identifying suitable housing for program participants. Must be able to develop a Housing Services Plan with each household; meeting with households as often as needed, at least on a monthly basis to ensure that the participants are working towards the goals stated in their Housing Service Plan, such as paying rent on time, maintaining the terms of their lease, maintaining employment and taking care of their financial obligations by maintaining a budget. Bachelor’s Degree in a social services field required. Must be a self-starter, have excellent written and oral communication skills as well as excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. Ability to work with persons with serious mental illness and/or substance addiction is critical. Empathy, patience, and persistence are fundamental characteristic required for this position. Knowledge of Word, Excel, and Homeless Management Information System databases is required. Candidate must have a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and willingness to use their personal vehicle to perform work related duties. $40,000 annual
If interested, please send resume to hr@newhopehousing.org New Hope Housing is proud to be an EOE that values diversity!
New Hope Housing - Newsbriefs
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OCTOBER
Quarterly Mtg.
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
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3
4
8
9
10
11
PAYDAY
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PAYDAY 26
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Team Meetings
Name
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Location Sacramento Drive Every Wed ACS Every Wed EUKS Every Thu
Next Steps Team ACS Team EUKS Team Housing 1st and Bridging Affordability Gartlan, Susan's, Max's, Just Homes Team Mondloch House and Mondloch Place Team Community Services Team
Month
Day
Sara Simone
October
3
Sheila Keahey
October
7
Gregory Goettlich
October
19
Christina Trotter
October
20
Anthony Johnson
October
21
Susan Keenan
October
23
Dates
MP Conf Rm Susan’s Place
4th Tues of each month 3rd Tues of each month
MH Conf Rm
Every 1st Wed of each month
Admin
Name
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Times 9:15am 2pm 2pm 2pm 10am 11:30am
Every 1st Monday of each month
10am
Name
Month
Day
Years
Marian Washington Stacey Osborne Darcel Darby Gregory Goettlich Rosetta Langhorne Raymond Heflin LaKesha McGuire Lara Ostapiej Natalie Campos Jocelin Canas Ashley Jennings Clarence Jones Sandra Mensah Donna Pusey
October October October October October October October October October October October October October October
12 14 25 25 1 20 22 1 8 7 7 21 21 3
12 6 4 4 4 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1