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 14
February 10, 2017
QUARTERLY MEETING RECAP New Hope Housing’s banking business partner BB&T presented on how to jump start your budget in the new year!
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5 tips that will help you take control of your financial future include: 1. Create a budget 2. Pay off debt 3. Create an emergency fund 4. Save for retirement 5. Create a will
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NHH staff can receive special benefits via BB&T @ Work banking services. For information about how to open an account, contact 800-226-5228 or visit a branch.
Staff said their goodbyes to longtime NHH IT Consultant, Steve Piscitelli
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“Steve was with New Hope Housing for 5 years. His tasks were overwhelming at times, but he never complained.” - Jo Mullen (CAO)
NHH Re-Org: Pam Michell spoke more in depth about the staff promotions and opened the floor for staff to ask questions.
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“I truly believe that this reorganization will make us even more effective in our service delivery.” -Pam Michell (Executive Director)
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We also expressed our congratulations to EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER
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Lance Flowers
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We’d like to congratulate Lance Flowers for being named our Employee of the Quarter! Lance has worked as the coordinator for the Falls Church Winter Shelter, as a residential services specialist at Max’s Place, the outreach counselor for Max’s Place and now Susan’s Place in Arlington! He is known for his teamwork and for his ability to build rapport with all residents, even those facing the most challenges. He doesn’t complain and is always willing to offer and supply help for fellow staff and residents. Thank you, Lance, for all you do!
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Congratulations and thanks for your hard work and dedication to New Hope Housing!
A Moment of Reflection:
15 Years Ago We Were Hired on the Same Day Ollie Dawson Working at a homeless shelter full time, has turned out to be a rewarding and eye-opening experience. Reflecting on the past 15 years, I have witnessed the successes and challenges of our residents. I would like to think that homelessness is coming to an end. However, when I think about the causes of homelessness, they are often ordinary occurrences. The causes of homelessness could be related to things such as: addiction, mental illness, domestic violence, job loss, or disabilities. However, there are other contributing factors to homelessness in the community. There’s a limitation of affordable housing; clients experience divorce, foreclosure, lack of family support and low paying jobs. It is evident that homelessness affects many people in various ways. Looking back, I had an opportunity to be part of our first Housing First project. I assisted two hypothermia residents with transitioning into a shared one bedroom unit. It was a great feeling seeing the residents enter housing, with no strings attached. Understand, that both residents struggled with substance abuse problems and mental health issues. The Housing First program allowed for homeless men and women to enter housing directly off the streets and enter permanent housing, without requiring treatment first. Our first reaction was wow! I can truly say that housing residents first, then working on barriers, is a successful model. The housing first approach will continue to work with the help and dedication from workers who care and believe in the work that we do for the residents. I often speak to residents who are experiencing homelessness; it’s encouraging to see many willing to engage in services. However, we still see today this is very serious, we have homeless residents that can’t and will not come inside for shelter. They continue to live in tents, under bridges, sleeping on benches or any place where they can hide from inclement weather and violence on the streets. I appreciate our homeless shelters (ACS, EUKS, Mondloch House) because the residents are offered resources to support them during their stay in shelter and transition to permanent housing. The shelter also provides a temporary place to regroup and utilize the support services available in the community. Looking back 15 years ago, at the staff activities and fundraisers, we all had good moments and great times together providing support services to our residents. I consider myself very fortunate for having this chance to work with a great organization for 15 years. Jo Mullen and I started on the same day, sitting across from each other in orientation. Take a look at the pictures from all these years and all the events we attend to help fund raise and support our Residents and Organization Staff days from 2002 until 2016 I was hired as a resident manager, and Jo as the Director of Human Resources. However, we work together as ONE to provide the B EST service to our Residents and Staff . Ollie Dawson (Program Assistant) and Jo Mullen (CAO) will celebrate their 15 year anniversary on February 11, 2017
Projects & Highlights brought to you by Volunteer Coordinator
Sami Smyth RSVP volunteers cooked dinner for Max’s residents and made Valentine’s day cards on January 25th
Black History Month Celebration - 2/13/17 You are invited to join us for our annual Black History Month Celebration on Monday, February 13 at the Bethlehem Baptist Church. Join us to hear from residents and special guests as they share songs, stories of hope, and what inspires them. The Celebration begins at 6:30 pm and will run until about 8:30 pm. Dinner is provided.
Bethlehem Baptist Church is located at 7836 Fordson Rd, Alexandria VA 22306.
Please RSVP to LaKesha McGuire at lmcguire@newhopehousing.org
Save the Date: Spring Celebration - April 19th! Save the date: Wednesday, April 19th, at The Carlyle Club, for our Spring Celebration - All That Jazz! We hope you can join us at this one -of-a-kind establishment in Alexandria for a night of music, dancing, and auctions to raise funds for homeless families and individuals. Technical Sergeant Paige Wroble, lead vocalist for The Airmen of Note the premier jazz ensemble of the United States Air Force - will be performing jazz favorites while you enjoy a selection of heavy hors d'oeuvres and an open beer & wine bar. Tech Sgt Wroble is a member of Team Red, White, and Blue and has regularly served meals with us at the Kennedy Shelter. Our event website will be launching soon. The event begins at 6:30 pm and ends at 9:30 pm. Tickets are $50 and sponsorship opportunities are available! The Carlyle Club is located at 2050 Ballenger Ave, Alexandria VA 22314. For general information on the Spring Celebration or please contact Nicole Dillon at ndillon@newhopehousing.org or 703-799-2293 ext 22.
WINTER STAFF RAFFLE FUNDRAISER Guess how many golf balls are in this jar and you will win a gift card!
To participate, please stop by the NHH Admin Office and see Payroll Accountant, Shaun Dean
Tomarr Brash sends Kudos to:
Veronica Letsinger sends Kudos to:
Shannon Williams and Richard Honesty for helping make the shift go smooth. Arnita for always having our back.
I want to thank Pam and Jo for the KUDOS staff recognition program. My name was drawn during the quarterly meeting. I was very surprised and I really appreciate it.
Martha Faconer sends Kudos to:
Sami Smyth sends Kudos to:
Roxanne for all the hard work that she has put into the Housing First units.
Anthony D. for helping me pick up items for the volunteer project and always making me laugh when I visit!
Eddie, Stephen, and Anthony Richardson for all your help on short notice to flip units.
Tony for helping me move the conference room table after the volunteer orientation.
Sami for all the volunteers she has been sending Operations.
Alexcia for coming to the EERC volunteer training and working with me for other volunteers!
LaKesha for all your help with getting the new computer system up and running.
Shanice Gomire sends Kudos to: Toni for remaining very professional and calm when a client was having an issue. Zenobia thanks for being the gate keeper in the morning. Kevin thanks for relaying messages to clients. Tony R. thanks for helping and assisting with a client we appreciate you and so does that client.
Denae Hilliard sends Kudos to: Tonya Henderson for training me at Susan's Place. You are a great person to train with. Veronica for covering for me when needed. Ollie for believing in me. "Saying you can do it". Sheila for showing us how to be team players. Chimere for her assistance answering my questions.
LaKesha McGuire sends Kudos to: Sending a special shout out to ALL New Hope Housing staff for doing a great job with making sure you are up to speed with all of the organization IT updates (migrations, trainings, PC setups, and etc.) I appreciate your patience and confidence in me to answer your tech related questions. It’s always a pleasure to assist you.
Lance for helping out with different volunteer projects at Max’s while you are transitioning over to Susan’s place, I really appreciate it Nicole for doing such a great job getting the Spring fundraiser going. I’m really excited about it and can’t wait to see how it turns out. LaKesha for all of the hard work that you have been doing getting the Black History Month celebration together, I can’t wait to attend on Monday, as well as getting Box set-up for all of us to use. It’s already made my life a lot easier!
Simajah Jackson sends Kudos to:
Latasha Younger sends Kudos to:
Thank you Pam, Jo, and Shawn V. for blessing us with new laptops! They look and work beautifully.
Tonya Henderson- Thank you for coming out in Arlington to help with the PIT count on 1/25. You are truly an asset and a great team player.
LaKesha, thank you for coordinating our lapto[ pick-up times and keeping us informed of system updates, etc.
Chimere, you did an incredible job responding to our unfortunate situation. Thank you for being available and supportive to your clients when they need you most. Alyss, thank you for knocking these referrals out of the park and getting our clients experiencing chronic homelessness housed so quickly! Also, thanks for advocating to fill our vacancies. Melonie, it has been a pleasure to have you on the PSH Team. Thank you for your patience, kindness, and dedication to the clients and team. Lance, CONGRATULATIONS on earning Employee of the Quarter! Thanks for your flexibility, patience, and for being the ultimate team player. Akira, continue to be great and implement what you’re learning with your clients! I will miss having you on this side of the team, but I know that you will be okay. Thank you Ms. Martha, Stephen, Roxanne, and Eddie for putting in long hours to respond to unexpected situations and quickly flipping units in support of keeping programs afloat. Marian, thank you for quickly responding to my weekend call and accommodating a PSH client unfamiliar to your sites. Tonya G., thank you for your continued patience and guidance even when I inundate you with a million questions. CJ, Heath, Stacey, and Kenny; our open line of communication regarding client and program concerns and progress during the week is greatly appreciated! Thank you. Shaun D., Vince, and Tek thank you for always being so kind, responsive, and thorough!
Shaun D- Thank you for assisting me with my time sheets. I really appreciate all that you! Dana- Thank you for helping me with program issues and the PIT. I really appreciate all that you do! Operations- Thank for all your assistance with staying on top of our maintenance issues at our programs! Akira, Artisha, Chavon, Samir, and Lance- Thank you for working hard in trying to get things updated! Osborne West- Thank you for helping our clients get to their appointments. You rock! PSH Residential Staff- You guys are awesome and I will truly miss working with all of you. Keep up the good work that you are doing! We can’t do it without you guys!
Ellen Shepard sends Kudos to: Shannon Williams for always being a team player, demonstrating compassion, and a genuine care for others! You're the best Paul for always being there for my IT issues and just to listen to me whine.
Jeff Elder for being my “leaning post” and for slowing me down when I’ve got a million things going at one time. You’re the best! Khristina and Oilver for being great listeners and team players. True “Dream Team”! LaKesha for taking time out of your schedule to give me a quick Box tutorial. I appreciate you! Kudos to the Susan’s Place team! Latasha thanks for being so supportive! I can’t thank you enough.
Shaun Dean for her kindness, patience and extra level of professionalism! You rock!!! Eddie for “getting down and dirty” at Susan’s Place! You are appreciated. Thanks Ms. Martha!
Webinar Available On Demand February 21, 2017 at 12:00pm "Creativity is putting your imagination to work, and it's produced the most extraordinary results in human culture."—Ken Robinson Learn to tap into your creativity and apply it in all areas of your life. 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.
MOTIVATION REQUIRED
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Interest meeting Friday, February 24th ~ 1:00pm NHH Admin Office RSVP: lmcguire@newhopehousing.org
WELCOME NEW
On Call RSS Kennedy Shelter/FCHS
Bio-
I am a mom of three who is full of life. I enjoy family time and I love to laugh! I love being a mother, and I always tell my girls to reach beyond the sky, because it’s not the limit.
Fun & Interesting Facts
I love trying new hairstyles I get a lot of my news from Facebook
I enjoy bowling a
On Call Resident Service Specialists- Kennedy Shelter Responsibilities include monitoring the shelter, answering the phones, greeting visitors, and importantly interacting in a positive manner with our residents. Must be flexible, dependable, and havet he 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.
Outreach Counselor (Full Time)-Max's Place Provide case management and house coverage 8am-4pm Monday-Friday at Max's Place. Max's Place is part of New Hope Housing’s Permanent supportive housing programs, serving single adults with severe and untreated mental illness. Applicants must have a 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; able to make decisions independently and work autonomously and as part of a team. Some evening hours are required. Microsoft Office experience. Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to drive agency vehicles as needed. $42,000/ EOE/ADA employer that values diversity!
If interested, please send resume to hr@newhopehousing.org New Hope Housing is proud to be an EOE that values diversity!
Residential Services Specialist- Full Time (EUKS) 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. Monday thru Friday Shift Duties include: In this position you will serve the residents residing at Eleanor U. Kennedy Shelter that serves single adults 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 as they come into the shelter as well as 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. 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 light supplies. 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 exper ience wor king 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!
Residential Services Specialist- Full Time (Mondloch Place) 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Monday thru Friday Shift Duties include: In this position you will serve the residents residing in a group home independent living 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 their units, answering questions, working with case managers, monitoring the facilities, etc. You also will be the face of New Hope Housing to donors and volunteers as many 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 and moving light furniture. Qualifications include: Successful exper ience wor king 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 25 pounds on a regular basis. Must be able to drive NHH van and be insured. Salary is $14.13 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 that values diversity!
PSH Outreach Counselor (Full Time) – Gartlan House
Housing program for 8 chronically homeless males. Hours are flexible Monday-Friday but should be 8 hours a day; with some early evenings required. Must be able to establish rapport and build trust with residents and be comfortable working in a program with few rules. Various duties including taking clients to appointments with doctors and therapists, assisting with and making recommendations for the established program, as well as maintaining files and keeping records. This position also includes a significant amount of time spent teaching life skills, such as cooking, cleaning, hygiene, and building consistent/trusting relationships with residents. Many other duties as assigned! OC should be professional, enthusiastic, flexible, and patient. Experience in working with adults with mental health issues and some knowledge of medical issues, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and healthy diet/lifestyle. Must have valid driver’s license, good driving record, and comfortable transporting residents. Bachelor Degree required. Flexibility, sense of humor, and ability to handle crisis situations a must. Must be able to take initiative and work well independently. Will be part of on-call rotation with other programs. Consistency and reliability a must. Must be able to drive, have reliable transportation, and be able to pass our insurance carrier driving requirements. Spanish speaker a plus. $42,000/year plus excellent benefits. 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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Black History Celebration 19
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Get Fit Challenge Interest Mtg. 27
Team Meetings
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Name
Location ACS EUKS
ACS Team EUKS Team
Dates
Times 2pm 10:30am
Every Wed Every Thu
PSH Team– Singles
Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday Rotating Locations of each month
10:00am
PSH Team– Families
Every 2nd and 4th Monday Rotating Locations of each month
10:00am
Payroll Name
Month
Date
Years
Ollie Dawson
February
11
15
Joanna Mullen
February
11
15
Gary Steele
February
8
12
Louis Cook
February
4
3
10
Troy Skeen
February
4
3
February
11
Heath Thayer
February
9
2
Luis Franco
February
12
Denae Hilliard
February
11
2
Tomarr Brash
February
24
Shaun Dean
February
29
1
Kevin Coleman
February
28
Name
Month
Day
Shanice Gomire
February
1
Letsinger Veronica
February
3
Joanna Mullen
February
4
Sara Tekle
February
9
Nicole Dillon
February
Stephen Maxey