Newsbriefs Rethinking Homelessness since 1977
New Hope Housing, Administration Office 8407-E Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA 22309 703-799-2293
Volume 22 Issue 17
March 27, 2017
Spring Cleaning: Tips To De-Clutter Your Life For A Fresh Start It's one of the greatest ironies of life: We're too frantically busy to deal with the stuff that makes us feel frantically busy -- the to-dos that overwhelm us, the clutter that eats up our homes, the niggling personal and professional issues that preoccupy our minds. Tackling them might feel like a someday project, the kind you'll get around to when you have the time. Right. The key to a calmer existence, experts say, is finding bite-size, everyday solutions for stressors and releasing what we can, be it physical or psychological clutter. "When you start to let go, your life lightens up because you have less to think about and less to maintain," says Geralin Thomas, a professional organizer in Cary, N.C. "You finally feel in control." The payoffs don't end there -- you can sharpen your focus and even lose weight, too. These are the strategies that will ease your load and let you enjoy life a lot more.
Clear Your Schedule As we juggle it all, we're often fueled by an I-can-do-it! sense of pride. But we might be deluding ourselves, suggests a study in the Journal of Communication that found that people misperceive the emotional high they get from multitasking as productivity. And we're not even as good at it as we may think.
What To Do: Have A Plan. "Most people's to-do lists actually create fatigue, because they don't clarify how, exactly, they are going to handle Mom's birthday, so tasks feel bigger than they are," says David Allen, a productivity expert and author of the best seller Getting Things Done. Take a second to jot down how you'll tackle something. Feel better already? Clear Your Clutter Dusting, mopping, vacuuming: That's easy. Getting rid of all the junk you have to dust, mop and vacuum around? Not so much. "Giving things up is tough because it's not so clear-cut when they're no longer useful," says Morgenstern, author of Shed Your Stuff, Change Your Life.The thing is, those pile-ups of possessions can create anxiety; a study at UCLA found that just looking at clutter elevated women's stress hormones (although, no surprise, the men's cortisol levels remained unchanged). Motivation to get going on cleaning house: You may look better, too. As Geralin Thomas points out, "One big change I see in clients who have de-cluttered is weight loss. Once they have shaped their environment, they're ready to shape up themselves."
What To Do: Think Small. "We know from research that little acts of neatness cascade into larger acts of organization," says Christine Carter, Ph.D., a sociologist at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center. Forget about organizing the entire kitchen; focus on, say, the plastic containers taking over your cabinets. "With random de-cluttering, there's always more that you can do," notes Thomas. "When one category is tackled, there's definitely an end point."
Clear Your Mind It's not just that we have a lot to keep track of -- it's our DIY mentality, says Orit Avni-Barron, M.D., director of Women's Mental Health at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. hear women say, 'My husband is so great, he helps me,'" as if our partners are our sous chefs instead of co-cooks. Another issue: Women worry twice as much as men, research shows. "Worrying impairs concentration and memory," says Robert Leahy, Ph.D., director of the American Institute for Cognitive Therapy in New York City. "You can't tend to the present and worry about the future at the same time. It's overwhelming."
"I
What To Do: Pop Annoying Thought Bubbles. Psychologists talk of the Zeigarnik effect, named after a Russian shrink who realized that a waiter could more easily recall incomplete orders than served ones. The follow-up study showed that people are 90 percent more likely to remember undone tasks than those they completed. "Tell your brain when you'll get a task done," says Carter. "It kills the worry loop." Control What's Possible. "When we don't know how something will work out, we worry to get certainty," says Leahy. Yet one study at Penn State University found that 85 percent of things people fretted about had neutral or positive outcomes. To quell anxiety, throw yourself into what you can accomplish -- say, writing the introduction to the PowerPoint document instead of ruminating on the presentation. "You'll feel good about the present and put other thoughts on pause," says Leahy. Article Courtesy of HuffPost Healthy Living
#WeEndHomelessness Happy Monday! Say hello to Ms. A. who signed a lease on Friday (3/24) and moved into her apartment today. She told us it has been some time since she has lived somewhere to call her own. Though very quiet during the signing process on Friday, she got a big smile when she began picking out artwork to put on Her walls!
Ms. A is pictured with NHH Team Members Yvonne Kedoin (EUKS) & Simajah Jackson (PSH Assistant Director)
Welcome Home!
WELCOME!
On Call RSS Eleanor U. Kennedy Shelter
Bio I am a Maryland resident who is pursuing an Associates Degree in Human Services and I am happy to be a part of the New Hope Housing team!
Interesting & Fun Facts
I love to travel. Working with people makes me happy Chocolate is my favorite!
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.
MOTIVATION REQUIRED
If you are interested in joining the “Get Fit” Challenge send an email to
lmcguire@newhopehousing.org
You will receive information about this year’s fitness program & how to register to participate
Friday, April 7th & Saturday, April 15th Location TBD RSVP with your supervisor
Staff Quarterly Meeting
Tuesday, April 25th 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Location TBD RSVP Your Attendance With Your Supervisor
Free Shampoo, Cut & Blowdry Hair Cuttery Coupons See Nicole Dillon or Sami Smyth if you need vouchers for your clients.
Shanice Gomire sends Kudos to:
Bahira Parker sends Kudos to:
Tonique and Darcel for assisting with a client I appreciate you guys.
Sami for working hard to get volunteers to do gardening at the Alexandria Vet House.
Ollie you are awesome! Words can’t explain how much your services are appreciated.
Nicole for the cleaning and hygiene supply for the Veterans.
Denae Hilliard sends Kudos to:
Shannon and Mahera for being great team players and good at your job.
Veronica Letsinger for always willing to cover shifts for me when needed.
Jeff and Richard, we can't do our job without you! Sheila for always there to answer any question I may have . You are so appreciated.
Eugenia Young sends Kudos to:
Tujuanda Blalock for always relaying my messages when I forget something.
Jan for always taking the time to support New Hope Housing, and doing whatever is needed for our residents. Thanks for all you do!!!!!!!
Simajah Jackson for always keeping us on point.
Marian Washington sends Kudos to:
Kenny Smith for being a supervisor that is easy to talk to about any work related issues. Marian Washington for always checking up on me at work.
Kenny Smith congratulations on your new role. You are off to a good start!
Chavon Bell sends Kudos to: Samir- Thank you for finding the correct tabs we need to make our files look uniformed.
Lisa Washington for checking up on me in my new position.
Sharina- Thank you for always going over and beyond for our clients and their children.
Ellen Shepard sends Kudos to:
Jan Sacharko sends Kudos to:
The entire RSS Staff at ACS……YOU ROCK!!!! Oliver for always being caring and concerned about the well-being of your team. So blessed to have a great boss!!! Khristina for always being a great team player!
LaKesha McGuire sends Kudos to: Reed, thanks for coming to the rescue when I locked my keys in my car. I am humbled by your generosity and attentiveness to the situation. You are the best! Shuan D., I appreciate your rapid response when I request reports. You are awesome!
Alyss Aune for consistent awesomeness with our tour program. Stacey and Heath for always having Mondloch House looking great for tours. Paul Kola and Eugenia Young for helping get stories and pictures of residents. Reed and Sami for getting great projects for Max’s Place Luke and Latasha for working on relationships with furniture outlets for residents.
Jan Sacharko Kudos (cont’d) Artisha and Luke for housing the first few residents in SUSTAIN! Dana for her help with stats for grants. Vince for keeping development finances organized. Nicole Dillon for creating a great Spring Event. LaKesha for reminding me to write kudos!
Latasha Younger sends Kudos to: Ellen- Thank you for coming over to Susan’s and helping us get organized. You are a great team player. Tonya H., Donna, and West- Thank you for helping at a moment notice. You guys are awesome! Artisha and Luke- You guys are doing an awesome job with the new Sustain/Diversion program. Thank you! Dana- Thank you for everything that you have helped me with over the past several months. I appreciate all that you do. Jan, Nicole, and Sami- Thank you for all that you do! Lance- You are doing an awesome job at Susan’s and Just Homes! I know things may be over whelming at times but you manage well. Keep up the good work! Chavon- Thank you for de-escalating your client when she thought she was in a crisis. You handled that very well. Samir- Thank you for making suggestions or giving your co-workers other avenues to pursue when they are facing challenging situations. LaKesha- Thank you for all that you do! Vince- Thank you for helping me get things sorted out the other day. Shaun D.- Thank you for all your support!! Sharina- Thank you for working with the parents and the kids. You are doing a great job! Operations Team- That you for all that you guys do!
Case Manager Position - Full Time (Housing First Case Management)
Reporting to the Assistant Director, Fairfax Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Programs, you will case manage up to 18 single adult residents at scattered sites in Fairfax County. Will work with area agencies to identify individuals for services and supportive housing through Fairfax County Coordinated Entry process. 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 the 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 interdisciplinary 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. Ability to successfully pass a background check and possess a valid driver’s license with a good driving record to be approved by our insurance carrier., and willingness to use their personal vehicle to perform work related duties. $42,000 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!
Accountant – Full Time Responsibilities: General Ledger maintenance including bank reconciliations, preparing journal entries and analyzing account balances
Ensures accurate processing and payment of all bills and invoice
Monitor all project expenses
Maintain daily cash and check book balances for Accounts
Prepare all required audit support and analysis work for assigned projects
Prepare monthly financial statements and project schedules
Other duties as may be assigned or required in the circumstances
Job Requirements: BS/BA Accounting/Finance degree required
Strong analytical and interpersonal skills
Detail oriented and have excellent organizational skills
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word
Abila Accounting Software a plus
ADP experience a plus
Criminal background check required
BA/BS in Accounting, Finance, or Business preferred. Previous experience in a high volume accounting office with a nonprofit preferred. Solid Excel spreadsheet skills a must, ADP, Abila, and ACH experience needed. Qualified candidate must bring interpersonal skills that include customer service friendly, patience, ability to handle multi, high priority demands, time management, flexible, and ability to work with all levels of the organization. $42,000 a year with 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/ADA that values diversity!
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 have 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. 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/ADA that values diversity!
Position Title:
Operations Coordinator
Supervisor:
Director of Operations
General Description: Has general responsibility for the kitchen(s), including menu planning, meal preparation, donations and inventory control. He/She is a member of the operations team, the Kennedy Shelter team and the management team. Will be called upon to assist in flipping units to ensure timely movement of residents to housing. Will diligently work on ways to better organize systems to be more efficient. Tasks to be Performed:
Provides oversight and assistance to cooks to plan weekly menus for the Kennedy Shelter. Ensures preparation and service of a nutritional and well-balanced meal for each mealtime. Prepares and distributes bag lunches and/or late dinners for working residents. Will be called upon to cook meals when regular cooks are out.
Works with volunteer coordinator to secure regular, dedicated and passionate volunteers in the kitchen. Trains volunteers as needed.
Hires, trains, supervises and evaluates cooks. Coordinates scheduling for kitchen coverage.
Checks supplies and inventories and orders supplies through the Director of Operations. Maintains inventory of perishable items. Maintains inventory of USDA commodities.
Delivers food-related supplies to other locations (Susan’s Place, Max’s Place, Gartlan House, Mondloch House, Mondloch Place, based on orders from staff at those sites and availability of in-kind donations.
Prepares receipts for food bank and USDA.
Prepares monthly reports of in-kind food donations by recording donations and valuing items
Ensures adequate stocking of resident(s) refrigerator(s) and self-service areas. Responsible for making sure the kitchen and equipment regularly gets cleaned to ensure sanitary food preparation conditions. Adheres to health department regulations and schedules accordingly.
Picks up, accepts and properly stores food and other donations from the community. Does agency ordering and shopping at the Capital Area Community Food Bank. Pickups regular schedule donations and last moment donations as needed. Participates in staff meetings.
Models caring, concerned, respectful attitude toward residents. Maintains adherence to resident guidelines and upholds shelter procedures. Is familiar with and complies with policies and procedures of New Hope Housing, Inc.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications: Previous kitchen environment experience. Certified Food Handler. Previous experience managing cooking facilities to include experience with donated food items preferred. Experience managing the work schedules and supervision of cooks. Valid Driver’s license and driving record that meets NHH insurance requirements. Ability to drive a non CDL truck; ability to lift over 50 pounds on a regular basis. Must be organized, have Microsoft computer skills, spreadsheet skills and delivery of timely reports. Will be on call and must be able to respond to emergencies as required. EOE/ADA employer 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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Staff Quarterly Meeting
Team Meetings
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
Name
Name
Month
Day
Laurel Schaepman
April
20
Linda Tucker
April
24
Monica Harrison
April
26
Melissa Davis
April
29
Camille Simms
April
30
Christian Boamah
April
30
Month
Day
Years
Lisa Washington
April
23
11
Martha Mickens
April
22
9
Patricia Edmonds-Caples
April
22
8
Melissa Davis
April
4
6
Luke Taylor
April
4
6