Newsbriefs Rethinking Homelessness since 1977
New Hope Housing, Administration Office 8407-E Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA 22309 703-799-2293
Volume 22 Issue 19
April 21, 2017
Ways to take care of yourself when you’re busy busy busy– REJUVENATE! We all have times in our lives when we just have too much stuff going on. There are always deadlines, exams, due dates and just too many priorities to juggle. And when everything is going wrong, the world is screaming for your attention and you just don’t have time – the last thing you need to hear is to “just take a day off.” So, here are some ways you can take care of yourself when you’re pressed for time and attention. Enjoy! Say no to anything that is not important to you Laundry, phone calls with your mom, demanding girlfriends – this is not the time to be nice and “responsible.” Give yourself the permission to focus on what’s important. Getting the unessential responsibilities off your schedule will not only create some extra time and space, it will also lighten the burden you’re feeling to keep up with it.
Ask for help There’s nothing wrong with asking for help, and you’ll quickly learn that most people around you actually love to be asked! It makes them feel useful and important. What usually helps the most is to get help to do the normal things: cooking, shopping and regular every-day tasks. However, don’t underestimate how important the people in your life can be when it comes to feedback, motivation and supporting your self-confidence regarding the important work you’re doing.
Get enough sleep An oldie, but a goodie. This old advice is not only essential when it comes to self-care, it is also absolutely essential when it comes to being able to do your best. Particularly important when it comes to exam periods and work stress, sleep will help you achieve. It’s easy to think that a few extra hours of work will do you more good, but it won’t. Sleep will.
Take a run or a long walk This one is pretty self-explanatory. Any sort of exercise will release endorphins, your body will thank you it clears your head so you can focus on all the important work that lies ahead.
Light candles Candles have a relaxing effect, especially gently scented ones. If you can’t light candles in your workplace, make sure you light them when you get home. Lavender and cedar wood are scents that can help you relax.
Breathe Do I need to say more? When stress builds up, take five seconds off and just breathe. Deep.
Article courtesy of “The Freedom Experiment” by Marthe Hagen
Walk everywhere You might be busy and think that every minute is valuable time to put into your work, but some extra minutes of walking might be a better way to spend some time. If you live close to where you’re going, it’s better to walk than to use public transport (or your car). Not only will the exercise be good for you, you also get some important fresh air and daylight. If you have to commute, get off public transport one or two stops too early, or park your car further away than usual. The extra minutes of fresh air will save you lots of time when you start working and feel more focused.
Do something silly Don’t forget to have fun! Who said you can’t laugh, even though you’re busy! Make jokes, engage with you co-workers, read comics and just allow yourself to be silly for a little while. I promise it will boost your mood, your co-workers’ moods and a little laughter every day will help you through a really challenging time.
Meditate in the morning Ten minutes of stillness can make all the difference.
Reward yourself Maybe not the best overall habit to get used to, but desperate times call for desperate measures. If you need it to get through – reward yourself with gifts, chocolate and breaks whenever you finish a task. Just don’t make it a habit to kick yourself if you don’t make it. Maybe you need the treat anyway?
Accept yourself as you are Let yourself off the hook and accept that you are only human. You are doing your absolute best, and you are doing exactly what you need to do. Trust your instincts and keep doing whatever you’re doing. You don’t need to change anything about yourself – trust that you are perfect just the way you are.
SUCCESS! Spring Fundraiser - All That Jazz
New Hope Housing raised over $87,000 with hopefully a little more to come! Thanks to all the staff who attended. Your support is appreciated.
National Volunteer Week April 23-29 National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to recognize and thank volunteers who lend their time, talent, voice and support to causes they care about in their community and around the world. During National Volunteer Week, we want to highlight and thank the volunteers that are helping us achieve our mission of ending homelessness in Northern Virginia! We will be having quite a few projects during the week and want to ensure that all of our volunteers feel special when they come in to see us. While we thank volunteers every day for their service, we want this week to be extra special for them! We will be dropping off special gifts and thank you cards to each site that can be handed out during that week, so if a volunteer comes in, please take a second to give them the gift and some extra thanks!
Do you have a particular volunteer or volunteer group that has gone above and beyond? We’d like to send them a personalized card! Please send their name and their service to Sami Smyth, Volunteer Coordinator, at ssmyth@newhopehousing.org or 703-799-2293 x 11!
National Volunteer Week April 23-29 National Volunteer Week Events April 22—Volunteer Orientation at the Admin office April 23—Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church will be hosting a BBQ event for Mondloch residents, gardening and landscaping at Gartlan House, and serving lunch at Kennedy April 24—Out of Poverty Co-Facilitator training at Admin April 25—Girl Scout Troop hosting a children’s activity April 29—Rebuilding Together Day at Max’s and Alexandria Community Shelter
On Call RSS Mondloch Place & Mondloch House I am 27 years old and I enjoy working with others. My 5 year old daughter Nylan is my life and seeing her happy brings great joy to my heart. I enjoy learning new things and recently established my own business event planning business called Touched By Finesse
Susan’s Place
RSS Patricia Caples celebrated Easter with residents over dinner and traditional egg decorating.
Staff Quarterly Meeting
Tuesday, April 25th 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Pillar Church of Woodlawn 9001 Richmond Highway Alexandria, VA 22309 RSVP Your Attendance With Your Supervisor
Burke Lake Park 7315 Ox Road Fairfax Station, VA 22039 Mark Your Calendar!
LaKesha McGuire sends Kudos to: Londrea Dudley- Thank you for covering the resident dinner for Christian while I assisted him with setting up a laptop. You are the best! I would like to give kudos to Jan, Sami, and Nicole for putting together a great spring fundraiser. The venue, food, and auction items were great! Job well done. Shaun Dean for your ability handle a heavy load while looking flawless. You are a SUPERSTAR! Thanks for all that you do!
Ellen Shepard sends Kudos to: Super Kudos to Monica Harrison for always being a “great team player�. I really appreciate your hard work! Martha Faconer sends Kudos to: Big Kudos to the Development Team (Jan, Nicole, and Sami) for putting together a great fundraiser.
Jan Sacharko sends Kudos to: Nicole Dillon for coordinating our new Spring Event. LaKesha and Sami for doing so much at the Spring Event to make it a success. Pam Michell for her great remarks at the Spring Event. Artisha Jones for introducing me to new residents for stories and photos. Tek G for working smoothly through Accounting transition and helping Development get what we need. Shaun Dean for helping me through tax issues. Paul Kola for an amazing job putting together the Job & Resource Fair
Kenny Smith sends Kudos to: The entire Residential Services Specialists staff at New Hope Housing. Keep up the good work!
Laurel S., Alexcia, Sami, and Ashley for helping out so much at the Job Fair.
Denae Hilliard sends Kudos to: LaKesha for treating me so well and having my favorites to munch on during my benefits meeting.
Shawn Valentine sends Kudos to: It is with great pleasure that I announce the promotion of Tek Guddeta from NHH Staff Accountant to Sr. Accountant.
Stacey O. for being a team player and helping anytime she is asked. CJ for also being a team player and assisting me when asked and showing me the things I didn't know. Marian Washington for checking on me.
Veronica for always willing to cover my shift if needed. Sheila just for being you, my inspiration here at New Hope Housing.
Not only does he posses exceptional work ethic, he is a great team player, and is consistent in his ability to make sure that the accounting departments payables and receivables best practices are adhered to.
Congratulations Tek!
Sr. Director– Alexandria Community Shelter Reporting to the Executive Director, the Senior Director provides direct management, leadership, program and facilities oversight for the Alexandria Community Shelter and permanent supportive housing programs in Arlington and Alexandria, Areas of overall responsibility include residential services, shift coverage, shelter and community case management, and the agency-wide job development services. S/he is responsible for the oversight of the organization’s ongoing operations and procedures for these programs in areas of service delivery, program development, quality assurance, tracking and assessing statistics. S/he supervises two assistant directors, a coordinator of residential services, and the job developer, and has overall responsibility for a staff of approximately 30 people and a budget of $2+M. Working as part of the Executive Team, the Senior Director sets direction and develops strategies for accomplishment of organizational goals and priorities in accordance with agency philosophy and values. The Senior Director serves as an advocate for New Hope Housing, homeless services, and the residents served.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Provides leadership, development, and oversight for all programs listed above.
Sets comprehensive goals and strategies for program performance and growth that are in alignment with the agency’s mission and vision.
Establishes policies that promote company culture and vision; ensures clear and timely communication of agency expectations and policies to program staff.
Provides coaching and development support to direct reports through regularly scheduled one on one meetings and evaluations.
Participates in expansion and collaborative activities.
Collaborate with and supports the business functions of the organization, including Human Resources, Finance and Development.
Ensures implementation of best practices (such as rapid re-housing, permanent supportive housing, trauma informed care, etc.).
Maintains current knowledge of issues impacting homelessness.
Ensures services are implemented in accordance with agency philosophy, grant and contract requirements, and all applicable federal, state and local regulations.
Supports program staff in addressing high risk cases that have escalated past the program level.
Evaluates program and agency performance by analyzing and interpreting data, metrics, and other statistical information to ensure that desired outcomes are being achieved.
Develops new program initiatives, as assigned.
Acts as the New Hope Housing representative with local governments and partner organizations in Arlington County and City of Alexandria Continuums of Care and is to ensure quality program development, implementation, collaboration, and maintenance.
Qualifications: Master’s Degree Required. $70,000 annual salary. EOE/ADA employer that values diversity! If interested, please send resume to hr@newhopehousing.org
Full-Time Custodian
Custodian is responsible for the overall cleanliness of the shelter facility. He/She is a member of the Operations Team. Tasks to be Performed:
Responsible for cleaning dormitories, bathrooms and shelter trailer. Responsible for cleanliness and upkeep of grounds (pick up trash, shovel snow, maintain garden areas, etc.) Maintain plants in greenhouse and garden.
Responsible for stripping, shampooing and waxing floors.
Launders all linens, towels, blankets, etc. Places all clean and dry linen in their appropriate place in the linen closet.
Responsible for maintaining the inventory of cleaning and laundry equipment and supplies. Reports to Facilities Manager when cleaning supplies need to be ordered and when repairs are needed.
Is responsible for cleaning all areas of the administrative offices.
Occasionally assists with moving and storage of donations. Assists with preparing off-site units for occupancy.
Participates in all staff meetings.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Models caring, concerned, respectful attitude toward residents. Maintains adherence to all resident guidelines and upholds procedures. Is familiar with and complies with policies and procedures of New Hope Housing, Inc.
Qualifications:
Ability to complete a variety of routine tasks on a regular schedule. The 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. Ability to lift 50 pounds. $14.13 an hour. New Hope Housing, Inc. is an ADA/EOE 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!
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 un treated 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 interven tion 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! 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.
If interested, please send resume to hr@newhopehousing.org New Hope Housing is proud to be an EOE/ADA that values diversity!
Overflow Residential Services Specialist- Full Time (EUKS) 12 am to 8 am Monday thru Friday 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.
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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Team Meetings
Name
Location ACS EUKS
ACS Team EUKS Team
Dates
Times 2pm 10:30am
Every Wed Every Thu
PSH Team– Singles (Fairfax)
Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday Rotating Locations of each month
10:00am
PSH Team– Families & Singles (Arlington and Alexandria)
Every 2nd and 4th Monday Rotating Locations of each month
10:00am
Name
Month
Day
Laurel Schaepman
April
20
Linda Tucker
April
24
Monica Harrison
April
Melissa Davis
Name
Month
Day
Years
Lisa Washington
April
23
11
Martha Mickens
April
22
9
26
Patricia Edmonds-Caples
April
22
8
April
29
Melissa Davis
April
4
6
Camille Simms
April
30
Luke Taylor
April
4
6
Christian Boamah
April
30