New Hope Housing - Newsbriefs
Newsbriefs Rethinking Homelessness since 1977
Page 1 New Hope Housing, Administration Office 8407-E Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA 22309 703-799-2293
Volume 22 Issue 8
October 7, 2016
5 ESSENTIALS OF EFFECTIVE COLLABORATION Collaboration is important to the success of an organization, but as the saying goes: “it’s like getting rich or falling in love, you cannot simply will it to happen.” Collaboration takes practice. Collaboration is an outcome. And collaboration leverages the individual skills of every team member. To create effective collaboration across your organization, you need to break down any departmental barriers to collaboration so that you can draw on the best people. You need to set clear objectives and define working relationships so that members can work as a cohesive team, and you must provide tools that support efficient collaboration. Collaboration and team work create an environment that allows the collective knowledge, resources and skills of each team member to flourish. When people work together they can complete tasks faster by dividing the work to people of different abilities and knowledge. Collaboration can lead to better decisions, products, or services. There are five essentials for effective collaboration: 1. Respect for People - Showing respect in the workplace is all about the relationship we develop with other people and how we value them. 2. Communication - Regular communication fosters collaborative interactions among leaders, stakeholders, and practitioners at all levels. 3. Consensus - Consensus means “general agreement” and having that as a goal encourages and focuses the participants. It also creates equity and ownership in whatever decision is made. 4. Responsibility and Accountability - Accountability is an agreement to be held to account for some result. Responsibility is a feeling of ownership. You can assign accountability between yourself and others, but responsibility can only be self-generated. 5. Trust - Trust people to do their best and trust them to do it right. Allow them to make mistakes without retribution. Collaboration is a principle-based process of working together, which produces trust, integrity, and breakthrough results by building true consensus, ownership, and alignment in all aspects of the organization. Put another way, collaboration is the way people naturally want to work. It is a way of life that enables us to meet our fundamental needs for self-esteem and mutual respect in the workplace. This principle provides the basis for significant and permanent change – for people as well as for organizations. Put simply, collaboration is the missing ingredient to transforming the way we work. Article Courtesy of: www.aleanjourney.com, Tim McMahon
Teamwork and Strong Collaboration Contributes to Housing Success The Eleanor U. Kennedy Shelter team has exceeded our housing target this quarter! Our hard work and determined efforts paid off, as we assisted 53 residents with securing permanent housing between the months of July thru September. In addition, we have maintained an average length of stay of 48 days for the quarter (well below fiscal year goal 58 days). This truly has been a total team effort; our dedication combined with staff teamwork and energy from all positions at the program level, helped us in elevating our production. I would like to take a moment to highlight the team’s efforts to outcomes. Our Case Manager Coordinator (Chandra Beander) along with her awesome shelter case management team (Melissa Davis, Shanice Gomire, Priscilla Woyak, Ken Hinkel), provide solution-focused case management services and supportive services, which help residents quickly get back on their feet and on the track to selfsufficiency. Our case managers also assist residents with applying for permanent supportive housing programs and veteran resources in the community. As a result of their efforts, five veterans moved to permanent housing and five chronically homeless residents moved to permanent supportive housing. The Intake Coordinator, Bernatria Alexander, has done a great job assessing clients and determining their needs during the intake process. Coming in as early as 7:30am or staying as late as 9:30pm to complete intakes, Bernatria demonstrates her flexibility and determination to get the job done. She has been very consistent, as we slowly introduce the coordinated entry process to emergency shelter services for single adults in Fairfax County. Ollie Dawson, our Program Assistant, is invaluable to our success, as she wears multiple hats; continuing to go above and beyond with all assigned tasks. Ollie has shown initiative, provides great supports, and is an outstanding resource to residents placed in market-rate and permanent supportive housing programs. Donald Deans, our Shelter Services Specialist shows his reliability, by accurately entering our data into the HMIS database on a daily basis. He is very supportive and resourceful; taking the initiative to understand how program performance measures connect to our team goals. Our Residential Coordinator Jeff Lisanick, along with his dedicated Resident Services Specialists team (Darcel Darby, Steve Lonon, Tonique Melton, Dexter Leak, Kevin Coleman, Samika Roy, Paul Smith, Troy Skeen, Michael Byrd, Linda Tucker, Yvette Stevens, Brandon Wright, Jocelin Canas, Elizabeth Jenkins, Quiva Burroughs and Dominic Crentsil) takes the time to engage with residents on a daily basis, in order to learn about their housing plans, as well as continually encouraging them to remain focus on their goals during their stay at the shelter. The RSS team understands that the ultimate goal is to have every resident exit shelter to permanent housing.
Teamwork and Strong Collaboration Contributes to Housing Success Alexcia Thomas, our employment case manager, assisted over 33 residents with securing employment and increasing their income. She regularly puts time and effort into conducting mock interviews, securing appropriate interview attire for residents; she goes out into the community to communicate directly with potential employers for our residents that needed extra support. Our team’s dynamic housing case managers (Luis Franco & Rosa Rapavi) have worked endlessly to look for creative housing solutions for our residents. Not only have they located units/rooms for our residents, but they worked to recruit local landlords and property owners and educated them about the sustainability of our residents with ongoing staff support. Whether it was driving to Baltimore or Fredericksburg, no tasks are too big to prevent the housing team from helping our residents’ secure permanent housing. I can’t emphasize enough that this has been a strong group effort on all levels to reach optimal results. I want to extend my most heartfelt appreciation to each person who works tirelessly, assisting shelter residents with securing stable housing. We’re making real and significant progress to reduce homelessness. Gratefully,
Tonya Golden
What can you catch, but not throw?
The first NHH Team Member to respond with the correct answer to this puzzle will receive a special treat! Email your guess to lmcguire@newhopehousing.org
Staff Quarterly Meeting Tuesday, October 11th 12:30pm- 3:30pm Pillar Church of Woodlawn 9001 Richmond Highway Alexandria, VA 22309 To RSVP contact your supervisor/director
LUNCH SERVED
WELCOME NEW
On Call RSS Kennedy Shelter/FCHS Interesting and Fun Facts
I am family oriented! I have three daughters, two grandchildren, and a dog named Journey! I am passionate about trying new things and I am very adventurous. I love helping people, and I also be a can be a social butterfly at times. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, playing tennis, and working on arts and crafts projects.
Eleanor U. Kennedy Staff Celebrate
Ken Hinkel
Ken, We Hope your birthday was spectacular! ~NHH Staff
Webinar Available On Demand October 18th, 2016 at 12:00pm
Better Health Through Screening Find out which health screenings are most important for you and what those numbers mean To View Webinar On Demand visit the INOVA EAP Website: 1. www.inova.org/eap 2. Click on “Member Login” 3. Enter Username: newhopehousing 4. Enter Password: Mondloch 5. To access webinar, on homepage click on “Online Seminars” link. You no longer need to register in advance to attend Online Seminars at a set time. Seminars will be prerecorded and uploaded on the third Tuesday of each month. If you have questions, type them into the "Ask a question" box. You will receive an e-mailed answer within five business days. All questions and answers will be posted on the FAQ tab.
Please get prior approval from your supervisor if you will view webinar during work hours.
Alexandria Community Shelter Says farewell to longtime overnight RSS staff member
Greg Goettlich
During Greg’s 5 year tenure he prided himself in assisting those that struggle daily with substance abuse issues. Greg sincerely listens, is non-judgmental and is “ just a genuine guy - Ellen Shepard (ACS Residential Coordinator)
Denae Hilliard sends Kudos to:
Ollie sends Kudos to:
Sheila Keahey, who did not hesitate to assist me when I became very ill at work! Sheila took care of any and everything I was unable to take care. She is awesome and it’s a privilege to work with someone so selfless and helpful in any situation; especially in an emergency.
Dexter-Thanks for always being a team supporter. You step up when needed and make things happen!
Latasha Younger, Lisa Washington, and Marian Washington for checking on me and showing concern.
Jeff Lisanick sends Kudos to: John Jenkins, Londrea Dudley, and Qui’va Burroughs for picking up shifts at Kennedy on short notice. Samika Roy for going above and beyond to ensure the welfare of clients at Kennedy.
Marian Washington sends Kudos to:
C.J.- Kudos for the passion you have for your Job and residents. You are truly a hard worker who never stops until the job is done. Steve Lonon- Thanks for always helping out at the last minute and for doing an outstanding job on the evening shift. Tomarr- Thanks for being a team player and always stepping up to help the team and the residents. Thanks for always having encouraging words for our residents. Tonya- Thanks for continuing to show great leadership for the staff and residents. I appreciate you for always putting our residents and the safety of the shelter first.
Denae Hilliard, you are a trooper to return to work within 24 hours of your medical emergency. Glad you are feeling better!
Donald- Thanks for your continued support with my house visits to our clients and for handling the front desk duties. You treat the residents with dignity and respect. You are doing a great job making it work.
Sheila Keahey thanks for going above and beyond helping your fellow co-worker during her medical emergency.
Shawn D.- Thanks for looking out for the staff and answering so many questions. You have aa great personality and good sense of humor.
Richard Honesty sends Kudos to: LaKesha McGuire for compiling the New Hope Housing Policy Handbook. It looks very professional and is much needed. Great job LaKesha, as usual.
Nicole Dillon sends Kudos to: Martha and Team (A.J., Anthony D., and Donna) for creating a wonderful meal for volunteer recognition.
Shanice Gomire sends Kudos to: Melissa- Thanks for staying late on a Friday to make sure my client had his medication. I appreciate you. Nicole- Thanks for rushing to help a client that was in an emergency need. He’s happy, thanks.
Martha- Thanks for continuing to prepare ahead for our residents in the upcoming holidays that are approaching. You are always a few steps ahead! Thanks for looking out . Chandra, Bernatria, Luis, Rosa, Melissa, Ken, Priscilla, Shanice, and Alexcia great team work! You all work together to make it happen. Great job moving the residents into homes.
Jan Sacharko sends Kudos to: Melissa Davis, Alyss Aune, Bahira Parker, Luis Franco - thank you for helping me meet resident speakers for our breakfast video! Tonya Golden - thanks for all the statistics and facts on Kennedy! Ollie Dawson - thanks for helping me get set up for the tour last Wednesday! Jeff Lisanick – thanks for speaking to Mt. Vernon Unitarian Church for me! Anthony Johnson – thanks for following up on furniture donation calls! Paul Kola – thanks for the introduction to C2C media and your great work with residents! LaKesha McGuire – thanks for your help staying organized at the office! Nicole Dillon – thanks for all the work on the Volunteer Recognition Ceremony! Sami Smyth – thanks for coming in on the weekend and staying late to meet new volunteers!
New Hope Housing - Newsbriefs
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OPEN POSITIONS IMMEDIATE NEED SPREAD THE WORD! Case Manager Full Time Position- Alexandria Community Shelter Compassionate and caring person to provide full range case management services to residents at ACS. Residents include families and single adults with mental health and/or substance abuse issues living in Shelter. Responsibilities include resident assessment, service plan development, counseling, and crisis interventions. Some evenings are required. Bachelor degree required, preferably in social services. Must have a valid driver's license, be able to provide an acceptable DMV record, have reliable transportation and be able to drive agency vehicles as needed. Bilingual preferred. $42,000 a year plus benefits EOE/ADA that values diversity.
PSH Full Time Outreach Counselor Provide case management services and house coverage from 8am-4pm Monday-Friday at our group home in the Arlington. The group home is part of New Hope Housing's permanent supportive housing programs, serving 6 single adults with mental illness. Will also provide case management support to 3 scattered site Housing First units in Arlington. Daily activities may include routine case management duties (this is a HUD program, therefore paperwork can be heavy at times), life skills, engaging with residents, and proactively seek opportunities to assist residents to be positive members of society. Assist residents in finding appropriate services and transportation to get to appointments. Will rotate the on-call phone with other team members. BA/MA degree and considerable experience working with adults with serious mental illness; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; experience with chronically homeless adults; strong counseling and crisis intervention skills; flexibility, creativity, and leadership skills; ability to make decisions independently and work autonomously and as part of a team. Some evening hours are required to meet residents’ needs. Must have a valid driver's license, be able to provide an acceptable DMV record, have reliable transportation, and be able to drive agency vehicles as needed. $43,000/year EOE/ADA that values diversity.
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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OPEN POSITIONS Residential Service Specialist Full Time Position - Alexandria Community Shelter 12 am to 8am Monday thru Friday Duties include: In this position you will serve the residents residing at Alexandria Community Shelter that serves single adults and families 24/7. You must be reliable, on time, and willing to work with a diversified group of residents that may suffer from some form of mental illness, addictions, or both. Daily duties include: interaction to assist residents when they are in the shelter, answers telephone, greet all guests, including donors, staff, and outside agency individuals. You will be the face of New Hope Housing to donors and volunteers on your shift. Will maintain alert, and provide good documentation in log book of activities on your shift. Will assist with medication dispensing along with your team worker. Other duties as assigned. 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. Salary is $14.13 an hour with benefits. EOE/ADA that values diversity.
On Call Resident Service Specialists- Kennedy Shelter & Alexandria Community Shelter Responsibilities include monitoring the shelter, answering the phones, greeting visitors, and most importantly interacting in a positive manner with our residents. 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. $14.13 an hour. EOE/ADA that values diversity.
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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PAYDAY 9
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Staff Quarterly Mtg. 16
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PAYDAY 24/31
Team Meetings
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ACS Team EUKS Team
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Times 2pm 1pm
Every Wed Every Thu
Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday Rotating Locations of each month
PSH Team Community Services Team
Admin
Name
Month
Day
Kenneth Hinkel
October
1
Sheila Keahey
October
7
Alpha Abdul-Rahman
October
12
LaVora Hiligh
October
14
Lekealem Fortaboh
October
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Candice Udodi
October
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Gregory Goettlich
October
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Christina Trotter
October
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Anthony Johnson
October
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Simajah Jackson,
October
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Every 1st Monday of each month
Name Marian Washington Stacey Osborne Darcel Darby LaKesha McGuire Donna Pusey Jocelin Canas Clarence Jones Arisha Assaf Simajah Jackson Chavon Bell Tujuanda Blalock Tonya Henderson Brandon Wright Alexcia Thomas Melonie Penkala
Month October October October October October October October October October October October October October October October
10:00am 10am
Day Years 12 13 14 8 25 6 22 4 3 3 7 3 21 3 22 3 20 2 27 2 7 1 9 1 20 1 26 1 19 1