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 18 Issue 12
December 4, 2014
THANK YOU to everyone who helped make Giving Tuesday 2014 a big success! We set a goal of $30,000 for the day and exceeded it with a total of $32,611.84 during the contest period.
That. Is. Awesome. Thank you to everyone who shared a story on Facebook or emailed their friends and family to encourage them to donate. I think you all do very important work and I am glad that more people know about what you do. And now for the winners: Most creative Social Media post goes to Oliver Reid for his series of videos on Facebook and Instagram telling New Hope’s story, music and all: https://socialcam.com/videos/R2UN3lcL Honorable Mention goes to Stacie Thomas whose video can be seen if you’re her Facebook friend here: https:/www.facebook.comvideo.phpv=10152855613663544&set=vb.759638543&type=2&theater It was very close for the Team Award – less than $20 separated the top 2! Coming in 2nd place with $520 raised is the Admin and Operations Team. And in 1st place with $536.79 raised is the Community Services Team! Congrats to CST – you receive a catered lunch from Moe’s in the very near future. For the Individuals, it was very close for the top 5: 5th place, $205.00 raised, is Lee Voltmer 4th place, $206.79 raised, is Oliver Reid 3rd place, $250.00 raised, is Reed Livers 2nd place, $272.05.00 raised, is Ollie Dawson And the top spot, with $310.00 raised is Lara Ostapiej!
Thanks again to everyone!
Human Rights Day is observed by the international community every year on December 10th. It commemorates the day in 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The formal inception of Human Rights Day dates from 1950, after the Assembly passed resolution 423 (V) inviting all States and interested organizations to adopt the 10th of December of each year as Human Rights Day. When the General Assembly adopted the Declaration, with 48 states in favor and eight abstentions, it was proclaimed as a "common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations", towards which individuals and societies should "strive by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance". Although the Declaration with its broad range of political, civil, social, cultural and economic rights is not a binding document, it inspired more than 60 human rights instruments which together constitute an international standard of human rights. Today the general consent of all United Nations Member States on the basic Human Rights laid down in the Declaration makes it even stronger and emphasizes the relevance of Human Rights in our daily lives. The High Commissioner for Human Rights, as the main United Nations rights official, and her Office play a major role in coordinating efforts for the yearly observation of Human Rights Day.
For more information about Human Rights Day visit: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/AboutUs/Pages/HumanRightsDay.aspx
What are human rights? Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, whatever our nationality, place of residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language, or any other status. We are all equally entitled to our human rights without discrimination. These rights are all interrelated, interdependent and indivisible. Universal human rights are often expressed and guaranteed by law, in the forms of treaties, customary international law , general principles and other sources of international law. International human rights law lays down obligations of Governments to act in certain ways or to refrain from certain acts, in order to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms of individuals or groups. Universal and inalienable The principle of universality of human rights is the cornerstone of international human rights law. This principle, as first emphasized in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights in 1948, has been reiterated in numerous international human rights conventions, declarations, and resolutions. The 1993 Vienna World Conference on Human Rights, for example, noted that it is the duty of States to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms, regardless of their political, economic and cultural systems. All States have ratified at least one, and 80% of States have ratified four or more, of the core human rights treaties, reflecting consent of States which creates legal obligations for them and giving concrete expression to universality. Some fundamental human rights norms enjoy universal protection by customary international law across all boundaries and civilizations. Human rights are inalienable. They should not be taken away, except in specific situations and according to due process. For example, the right to liberty may be restricted if a person is found guilty of a crime by a court of law. Interdependent and indivisible All human rights are indivisible, whether they are civil and political rights, such as the right to life, equality before the law and freedom of expression; economic, social and cultural rights, such as the rights to work, social security and education , or collective rights, such as the rights to development and self-determination, are indivisible, interrelated and interdependent. The improvement of one right facilitates advancement of the others. Likewise, the deprivation of one right adversely affects the others. Equal and non-discriminatory Non-discrimination is a cross-cutting principle in international human rights law. The principle is present in all the major human rights treaties and provides the central theme of some of international human rights conventions such as the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. The principle applies to everyone in relation to all human rights and freedoms and it prohibits discrimination on the basis of a list of nonexhaustive categories such as sex, race, colour and so on. The principle of non-discrimination is complemented by the principle of equality, as stated in Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.� Both Rights and Obligations Human rights entail both rights and obligations. States assume obligations and duties under international law to respect, to protect and to fulfil human rights. The obligation to respect means that States must refrain from interfering with or curtailing the enjoyment of human rights. The obligation to protect requires States to protect individuals and groups against human rights abuses. The obligation to fulfil means that States must take positive action to facilitate the enjoyment of basic human rights. At the individual level, while we are entitled our human rights, we should also respect the human rights of others.
Congratulations Stephanie Sheehan (Alexandria Community Shelter, Case Manager)
Stephanie gave birth to healthy baby Kennedy (7lbs 14oz) on her due date November 22, 2014. Mom and baby are doing fine, and Stephanie thanks everyone at New Hope Housing for their well wishes!
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
I need everyone to read the following very carefully!!! As we approach year end, we have been notified by ADP of a change to our normal paycheck dates. For pay period ending December 26, 2014; PAYCHECKS WILL BE DATED FOR FRIDAY, JANUARY 2, 2015 NOTE: A FRIDAY. (our normal pay day is Thursday). This is due to the fact that January 1, 2015 is a Federal Holiday and all banks are closed.** Therefore, direct deposit of your paycheck will happen on JANUARY 2, 2015 A FRIDAY. Non direct deposit checks will also be dated for JANUARY 2, 2015 A FRIDAY. Please contact your bank to see how this may affect your individual banking account(s). Timesheets will be due as normally scheduled, so no changes there. However, be mindful of the holiday season and make sure your timesheets stay up to date daily. If you have any questions, please contact either Lee or myself. Thank you everyone! Jo Mullen (HR Director) **In addition to the federal holiday/banks closed, New Hope Housing pays biweekly, therefore, we enjoy 26 pays per year. Paycheck dated for December 18, 2014 is the 26th paycheck for year ending 2014. Paycheck dated for January 2, 2015 will be the 1st paycheck of 2015.
New Hope Housing HOLIDAY POLICY CHRISTMAS EVE, CHRISTMAS DAY 2014/2015 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2014– CHRISTMAS EVE EXEMPT STAFF (Case Managers, Education/ Employment Specialists, Housing Specialists, Residential Coordinators, Supervisors, Directors, Administration): All exempt employees will have the day off with pay NONEXEMPT STAFF (Resident Services Specialists, Custodians, Cooks, and Facilities Specialists): Nonexempt staff will be scheduled to work as usual. All nonexempt employees who work (both Full Time and Part Time) will receive holiday “Work” pay (2 x hourly rate)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 – CHRISTMAS DAY EXEMPT STAFF (Case Managers, Education Specialists, Employment Specialists, Housing Specialists, Residential Coordinators, Supervisors, Directors, Administration): All exempt employees will have the day off with pay NONEXEMPT STAFF (Resident Services Specialists, Custodians, Cooks, and Facilities Specialists): All nonexempt employees (Both Full Time and Part Time) (Resident Services Specialists, Custodians, Cooks, and Facilities Specialists) who work on Christmas Day, Thursday December 25th will receive holiday “Work” pay. (2 x hourly rate)
New Hope Housing HOLIDAY POLICY NEW YEARS EVE, NEW YEARS DAY 2014/2015 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014 – NEW YEAR’S EVE: EXEMPT STAFF (Case Managers, Education Specialists, Employment Specialists, Housing Specialists, Residential Coordinators, Supervisors, Directors, Administration): All exempt employees will work as usual NONEXEMPT STAFF (Resident Services Specialists, Custodians, Cooks, and Facilities Specialists): Nonexempt staff will be scheduled to work as usual All nonexempt employees who work (both Full Time and Part Time) 4pm to midnight will receive holiday “Work” pay (2 x hourly rate)
THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015 – NEW YEAR’S DAY: EXEMPT STAFF (Case Managers, Education SpecialistS, Employment Specialists, Housing Specialists, Residential Coordinators, Supervisors, Directors, Administration): All exempt employees will have the day off with pay All nonexempt employees (Full Time and Part Time) who work on Thursday, January 1, 2015 will receive holiday “Work” pay (2 x hourly rate) Please remember: Holiday hours are not to be used for calculating overtime.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL EMPLOYEES Did you know that federal and Maryland/Virginia/D.C. earned income tax credits are available to certain low-income individuals and families? These credits can reduce the amount of income tax you owe or increase your income tax refund; and, you may qualify to receive some of these credits even if you did not earn enough income 路to be required to file a tax return. 2014 Maryland/Virginia/D.C. Earned Income Taxcredit (EITC) Maryland/Virginia/D.C. EITC is a credit for certain taxpayers who have income and have worked. The state EITC reduces the amount of state tax you owe. The local EITC reduces the amount of county tax you owe. Some taxpayers may even qualify for a refundable Maryland/Virginia/D.C.EITC. Most taxpayers who are eligible and file for a federal EITC can receive the Maryland/Virginia/D.C. and local EITC. The allowable Maryland/Virginia/D.C. credit is up to one-half of the federal credit. To be eligible for the federal and Maryland/Virginia/D.C. EITC, your federal adjusted gross income and your earned income must be less than the following: $46,997 ($52,427 married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying children $43,756 ($49,186 married filing jointly) with two qualifying children $38,511 ($43,941 married filing jointly) with one qualifying child $14,590 ($20,020 married filing jointly) with no qualifying children
To receive the Maryland/Virginia/D.C. EITC, you must be eligible for the federal credit. If your income is less than the amounts shown in this notice, visit the Internal Revenue Service Web site at www.irs.gov, or contact your tax advisor, to learn if you meet the other requirements. You also may be entitled to a refundable state EITC and to a local EITC. If you are a part-year resident or a nonresident of Maryland/Virginia/D.C., you may be entitled to a prorated share of the credit, if you have state earned income. For more information about the Maryland EITC, visit the Web site at www.marylandtaxes.com or call 1-800-MD- TAXES (1-800-638-2937), or 410-260-7980 from Central Maryland. You mu st have a valid Social Security Number and file a tax return to claim this credit. For Virginia, you may visit www.dss.virginia.gov and for D.C., the site is otr.cfo.dc.gov Reminder: Legally married same-sex couples must file as married filing jointly or married filing separately for tax year 2014. Employees wishing to adjust their withholding to reflect married status should complete a new Maryland Form MW507 (VA & D.C. when applicable), as well as federal Form W-4.
2014 Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) For more information about the federal EITC, visit: www..irs.gov/individuals or call the IRS at 1-800-829 1040
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Martha Faconer Gives Kudos To: The Next Steps staff for assisting me with setting up food baskets and Tava White for assisting with Thanksgiving preparations. Big shout out to Donna Pusey for working and preparing food on Thanksgiving Day. Ollie Dawson Gives Kudos To: Luis– Great job with the FCWS program; you are doing a great job with everything! Clarence- Great job with the evening shift at MP and for handling some challenging situations with dignity and respect. Zach –Great job at MH! I’ve seen some changes you have made, and its outstanding being around and working with the clients. Chimere Stanley Gives Kudos To: Tava, Ashley and Alyss for working together to assist our clients with having a Happy Thanksgiving. Tava for going above and beyond the call of duty. Nicole Dillon Gives Kudos To: Jan, Martha, Alex, and Donna for all of their hard work in preparing for the Thanksgiving holiday while I was out of the office. You guys Rock! LaKesha McGuire Gives Kudos To: Susan V. and Lara O. for your creative ideas! Jo & Pam for giving me the green light to make this year the best holiday season ever here at admin! The decorations around the office and festive activities will definitely lift spirits and I am excited about the jolly good time we will all have! Pam Michell Gives Kudos To: HUGE Kudos to Jan Sacharko for his excellent leadership in getting the word out about Giving Tuesday. Job well done!
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OPEN POSITIONS New Hope Housing is currently accepting resumes for the following job opportunities:
On Call Resident Service SpecialistsMondloch House/Mondloch Place/Kennedy/ACS 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. $13.13 an hour. EOE/ADA that values diversity. 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 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/ADA 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. Emp-hasis 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 annually. EOE/ADA that values diversity! Residential Services Specialist- Mondloch House Full Time Shift is: Sunday 11pm to 7a.m. Monday – Thursday 11p.m. to 7 a.m. Friday. In this position you will serve the residents residing at Mondloch House II, a group home environment for residents with mental health issues. You must be reliable, on time, and willing to work with a diversified group of residents suffering with different forms of mental illness. This is considered the “midnite shift” but staff are expected to remain awake, alert, and do walk around/security checks. Duties include: positive interaction assisting residents with living skills such as cooking and cleaning; answering questions, providing assistance, and ensuring a safe and comforting environment. You will also 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 from time to time. 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 and cleaning supply items at times, paper products, etc. Salary is $13.13 an hour with benefits. EOE/ADA that values diversity!
If interested, please send resume to hr@newhopehousing.org New Hope Housing is proud to be an EOE/ADA 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 (Bridging Affordability II) Reporting to the Community Services Director, 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’s license, a clean driving record, and willingness to use personal vehicle to perform work related duties. $40,000 annually EOE/ADA that values diversity.
Full Time Case Manager-Kennedy Shelter Full Time Case Manager needed for our single adult shelter serving individuals with mental health issues and substance abuse. You will be part of a dynamic, “Case Management Team”. Responsibilities include resident assessment, service plan development, counseling, and crisis interventions and committed to rapid re-housing. Some early evenings may be required. Bachelor degree required, preferably in social services. Bilingual preferred. Candidate must have a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and willingness to use personal vehicle to perform work related duties. $40,000 annually EOE/ADA that values diversity.
If interested, please send resume to hr@newhopehousing.org New Hope Housing is proud to be an EOE/ADA that values diversity!
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OPEN POSITIONS New Hope Housing is currently accepting resumes for the following job opportunities: Case Manager Position - Full Time (Housing First Case Management) Reporting to the Program Coordinator, HUD PROGRAMS, you will case manage up to 14 single adult residents at scattered sites in Fairfax County. Will work with area agencies to identify individuals on waiting lists and/or in programs in need services of supportive housing. Works with residents, and other service providers to develop a plan of service to meet social, health, emotional and economic needs to prevent or end homelessness. Coordinates services using a wraparound approach. Provides individual and group life skills training, socialization skills, and enrichment activities, including money management, cooking, nutrition, etc. · Addresses and if necessary, diffuses crisis situations with residents. Assesses safety issues and assists residents to access emergency services as needed (e.g., mental health services, adult protective services, women’s shelter, homeless shelter). · Advocates for and actively assists residents in obtaining services (e.g., health, mental health, intellectual disability, alcohol and drug, housing referrals, financial assistance, home based services, training, medical services, mentoring, and socialization). · Assists residents with upkeep of apartments by meeting regularly with residents in their units. Through life skills training, teaches residents simple household chores, upkeep, and cleanliness of their homes. · Develops and maintains a positive relationship with the property management for units. · Transports residents as needed. · Meets with the resident as needed to provide feedback. Regularly assesses, supports, and facilitates resident progress. Maintains case notes in HMIS. · Maintains records in compliance with agency policy and compiles requisite statistics. · Attends interdisciplinary meetings regarding resident progress. Prepares clinical reports for inter disciplinary team. · Works flexible hours in order to accommodate residents’ needs. · Models caring, concerned, respectful attitude toward residents. Maintains adherence to resident guidelines and is familiar with and complies with policies and procedures of New Hope Housing, Inc. · Identifies and addresses volunteer needs for program. Develops and maintains a positive relationship with volunteers and donors. Performs other duties as assigned. 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 and adults with substance abuse issues. Strong counseling and crisis intervention skills. Flexibility, creativity, and leadership skills. Able to make decisions independently and work autonomously. Will rotate “on call” phone with other team members. Candidate must have a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and willingness to use their personal vehicle to perform work related duties. $41,000 annually EOE/ADA that values diversity!
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DECEMBER Sun
Mon 1
Tues 2
Wed 3
Thu
Fri
4
Sat
5
6
PAYDAY 7
8
9
10
11
12
13
17
18
19
20
26
27
Pohick Church Holiday Party 14
15
16 NHH Staff Holiday Party
21
22
23
PAYDAY 24
25
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY 29
29
30
Team Meetings
Name
31
Location Sacramento Drive Every Wed ACS Every Wed EUKS Every Thu
Next Steps Team ACS Team EUKS Team
Dates
Times 9:15am 2pm 2pm
Housing 1st and Bridging Affordability Gartlan, Susan's, Max's, Just Homes Team
MP Conf Rm Susan’s Place
4th Tues of each month 3rd Tues of each month
Mondloch House and Mondloch Place
MH Conf Rm
Every 1st Wed of each month
Community Services Team
Name Bahria Parker Arisha Assaf Bernatria Alexander Stanley Royals Roxanne Watkins Sandra Mclean James Maltzahn Cordelia Maweni Michael Byrd Marsha Johnson-Colquhoun Samir Suarez Marian Washington
Month Day Dec 3 Dec 6 Dec 7 Dec 8 Dec 9 Dec 12 Dec 13 Dec 13 Dec 16 Dec 17 Dec 27 Dec 31
Admin
2pm 10am 11:30am
Every 1st Monday of each month
Name
Month Day
10am
Years
Bernatria Alexander
Dec
17
12
Priscilla Castillo-Woyak
Dec
1
5
George Montgomery
Dec
20
15
Samika Roy
Dec
9
1
Alex SaintFleur
Dec
30
1
Daryl Wagner
Dec
2
12