Newsbriefs 4 24 15 by LaKesha Gathers McGuire

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 19 Issue 9

April 24, 2015

QUARTERLY MEETING RECAP In the spirit of Volunteer Appreciation Month, Pam Michell invited our 2014 Volunteer of the Year Barbara Driggins to be keynote speaker at the quarterly meeting. Next Steps Family Case Manager Samir Suarez did the honor of introducing Barbara via a heartfelt speech that spoke of how he became acquainted with Barbara, the great work she does in the schools & community, and her deep love and compassion for a NS family that she took under her wing! Staff were inspired and intrigued by her testimony of how she tirelessly supports and advocates for the family in hopes of seeing them succeed in life in spite of their circumstances. Driggins stated “We must continue to remove the barriers poverty create so that the children don’t feel inadequate and can live normal lives.” With over 40 years of experience in an educational field, Driggins who is now retired spends a lot of her time fighting for families who are experiencing poverty in the route one corridor.

“I believe my purpose in life is to advocate for the wellbeing of the children.” Barbara Driggins pictured with Pam Michell at the 2014 Volunteer Recognition Ceremony.

Congratulations Pamela Longshore (Alexandria Community Shelter)

Pam is appreciated by all! Said one of her coworkers: "Pam is a truly wonderful person. She exemplifies teamwork, professionalism, and a great work ethic. Apart from all the great things she does for us at ACS, she is friendly, kind, and a beautiful person inside and out!"

Employee of the Quarter!

From left: Chandra Beander, Anthony Hartnett, Tonya Golden, and Melissa Davis pose with the winning “Game Night” basket!

Eleanor U. Kennedy Shelter team’s “Game Night” basket was voted “Most Creative” by staff at the quarterly meeting! The Kennedy team won a $25 gift card to stock their site fridge or a special treat during their team meeting. All baskets created by program sites will be auctioned off at this year’s gala. The program site basket that sells for the most $ will be awarded grand prize bragging rights, a team pizza party, or Happy Hour (no alcohol) at Buffalo Wild Wings!!!!!

Q U A R T E R L Y M E E T I N G

Pricilla Hess (Winner)“Shake it down” award for having highest savings total!

Melissa Davis   

Most households housed (15) Lowest length of stay (45 days) Grand prize for having the highest percentage of her clients housed in less than 90 days!!!

“She’s Mighty Mighty, Ain’t Holdin’ Nothing Back, and Brick House” Awards winner!

R E C A P Susan Keenan gave kudos to all the case managers for a job well done housing clients and gave special awards to housing challenge shining stars!

The Brick House started construction in cold wintery January With 50 plus clients and 4 case managers who were eager to run the race The case managers knew just what they had to do to assist, motivate and conquer housing in the end. The case mangers used a pad and pencil to start the process off To think of skills and tools to set the 50 plus off Case Mangers instructed the clients to start with a hard hat to get clients motivated and in the right mind set. Case Mangers used motivational techniques to get the residents excited about The Brick House that would soon be complete. The case mangers started with a foundation so bricks could be laid, but the clients realized they were missing tools to start right away. The clients instantly knew there was work they had to do, so they decided to lay the under construction sign until the work would be through

Poem By: Melissa Davis

So the case managers informed the clients that they'll need a pad and pencil to write down the tools needed to get this job completed. They started with a jack hammer to break up the old surface and the client's past For the case manager knew the clients need a new foundation to complete this task The case managers asked clients which type of walls will you be laying to start this brick house? The clients replied honestly, 'I'm not sure at all" So the case managers and clients sat down to create a blue print to know which direction one should go They applied the vest to show and prove that work is in progress and that there is plenty work to do So off they went ready, set go they put forth their vision to start this show The boots are needed to order ones steps and keep one in stride with the plan that was set The steel beams are needed to represent a support system and balance The case managers here are working to create a safe and positive atmosphere We must use cement to keep you in place in order to move forward with creating this place Remember the cement will become concrete in order to lay a strong foundation we must stay upbeat Please don't worry because the case managers will use the measuring tape to make sure things are in line and right on time We must meet springâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deadline We'll also provide the hammer to lock everything in place to assist, encourage and motivate we'll help you win this race So the clients put the tools in the toolbox to start the process off Laying brick by brick until the construction was completed The case managers put on gloves to lend a helping hand to ensure the bricks were being laid according to the plan The winter was coming to an end and the clients and case manager was seeing the flashing light The Brick House is up and coming and ready for inspection So the case manager pulled out the clipboard to make sure things were in check The Shelter Director reviewed the site and this is what she found 32 clients successfully completed a Brick House that was strategically planned by case managers and clients The Brick House was our goal and we never lost sight. With that said: 14 of 32 came from the hypothermia program 2 of 32 from the Bridging Affordability Program 5 of 32 from the Housing Choice Voucher Program 3 of 32 went to Permanent Supportive Housing 3 of 32 went to Senior Housing 1 of 32 went to an Oxford House This construction site must come to an end for all the work is completed We're super proud of our clients for all of their success They used the tools needed to finish the plan at hand Up Up in the sky we see the clouds for the Skyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the limit is our next corral

We’re under 5 weeks to our Let’s Dance Spring Gala at the US Patent & Trade Office on May 9th! Thank you everyone for contributing to team auction baskets to help raise more funds. With your help, we hope to raise $150,000 at the gala. We’ve changed up the gala quite a bit this year. Instead of a sit-down dinner and program, we will be having several unique food stations and feature a “Dancing With the Stars” themed dance-off between local politicians, celebrities, and supporters. We’ve got Ms. Capitol Region 2015, an Alexandria City Councilman, a well-known clog dancer, and our state Delegate Scott Surovell, with one more surprise dancer to be named later. Mayor Euille of Alexandria and others will make up a panel of judges and attendees will be able to choose their favorite. Ticket prices have been reduced for everyone from $150 to $100 and can be purchased online at https://my.bidpal.net/nhhgala2015 or at the admin office from Nicole or Jan. We need volunteers! We need people to serve as greeters, to manage registration, and to help guests with payment devices. We hope to have enough volunteers so we can set shifts so that each volunteer will get a break to eat, and watch the performance. The event will start at 6:30 pm and end at 10:30 pm. Registration volunteers will be needed at 4:30 pm for training. Please contact Nicole Dillon ASAP for volunteer opportunities at ndillon@newhopehousing.org

John Chapman, Alexandria City Council

Dale Fisher, Clog Dancer, Sponsor

Scott Surovell, VA State Delegate

Madhu Umashankar, Ms. Capitol Region 2015

Mystery Dancer!

Volunteer Job Descriptions: Registration/Auction Check-Out: Shifts Needed: 6:00-7:30; 8:30-11:30 (Break from 7:30-8:30) # of Volunteers Needed: 8 Training is required. You will need to arrive on site at 4:30. Job Description: We will have 4 registration stations. There will be two volunteers assigned to each station. Volunteers will greet guests and check them in using the BidPal event management system. Guests will be given a program, name tag, and information on “How to BidPal.” At Auction Check-Out (8:30-11:30), we will pair up each check-out station volunteer with a runner. When a guest is ready to pick up their auction items, the runner will go retrieve the items while the check-out station volunteer collects any payment or assists the guest with closing out their tab via BidPal.

BidPal Support/Cleanup: Shifts Needed: 6:00-9:30 (Break 9:30-10:30); Cleanup 10:30-11:30 # of Volunteers Needed: 4 volunteers needed Training is required. You will need to arrive on site at 4:30. We are seeking volunteers to assist with our two BidPal kiosks. If any of our guests do not have a smart phone and would like to still bid on items, they are able to do so via our 3 iPad kiosks. We will have two volunteers stationed here for each shift. We are also looking for volunteers to float amongst the silent auction floor and help troubleshoot with any guest who may be experiencing technical difficulties on their device or who are not sure how to BidPal. Sorry, no alcohol is to be consumed by staff volunteers. To sign up to be a volunteer for the gala, there is a sign-up sheet on Nicole’s door at Admin or e-mail Nicole at ndillon@newhopehousing.org. Thank you in advance for your help!

This training is MANDATORY for all new staff Friday, May 1st 9:00am-4:00pm South County Building (Room 220) 8350 Richmond Highway Alexandria, VA 22306 RSVP- Christina Trotter (ctrotter@newhopehousing.org) Confirm your attendance with your direct supervisor

New Hope Housing - Newsbriefs

Marian Washington sends kudos to: Jo Mullen and Lee Voltmer, a huge thank you for all that you do for New Hope Housing's staff; especially me!

Pamela Longshore sends kudos to: ACS team for all of their support during Ellen’s absence, I could not have done my job without you all. Thanks Ellen for returning!

Tania Sarnor sends kudos to: Oliver Reid, your are doing an amazing job!

Summer Hall sends kudos to: Roxanne for being a kind and wonderful person. Every time I see you , you make me smile!!! Samantha Huffman thank you for joining our HUD team! I don’t know how I survived without you. Latasha: Thank you for all of the things you do that are above & beyond!! You have helped me more than you know! Lance Flowers: For jumping right into Max’s Place and doing a fantastic job!

Shanice Gomire sends kudos to:

Page 9

Tonya Golden sends kudos to: Ollie, thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to our residents and New Hope Housing! Thank you for providing emergency coverage at Kennedy Shelter on Saturday and maintaining our HMIS data at 100%. I truly appreciate your hard work! Chandra, Tava, Melissa, Anthony, Priscilla great work on winning the Fairfax County Rapid Rehousing Challenge for Singles by assisting 33 residents with obtaining permanent housing. Luke, thank you for your hard work and ongoing support! You played a significant role in identifying housing and sealing the deal for 33 residents. We also thank you for going above and beyond to find housing for our special population at the Kennedy Shelter. Luis excellent first year as the Falls Church Homeless Shelter Coordinator! You are an extraordinary leader! Your investment in our residents and New Hope Housing has not gone unnoticed. Priscilla, thank you for your hard work at the Falls Church Homeless Shelter and Kennedy Shelter! You always step up to the plate when called upon! Tania, thank you for your support at the Falls Church Homeless Shelter this hypothermia season. Your employment groups were extremely helpful to the residents.

Oliver for coming in and saving the day.

Dana Murray sends kudos to:

Jan and Nicole for helping get my client the three person stroller.

Lee Voltmer & LaKesha McGuire. Thank you so much for all the support and backup while I was out. You both are totally awesome!

The whole Operations team for helping with the move and things around the new office. The Whole Next Steps Team for working together last quarter and housing 19 families.

Chavon Bell sends kudos to:

Pam Michell for her checking up on me emails while I was dealing with a sick baby. I really appreciated it.

Lee Voltmer sends kudos to: Nicole for taking the lead on the Gala basket for the Admin Staff. We appreciate your effort & initiative.

Big thank you to Shanice Gomire for always lending a helping hand to everyone in the office.

Jan & Nicole for their continuous, unending work on the Gala while still managing their other responsibilities.

Oliver Reid for coming in and for filling in at Next Steps to keep the team together. You are doing a phenomenal job as our leader!

Susan Virostek sends kudos to:

Ms. Martha for coming in and helping organize the new Next Steps office, and all that assisted her (Eddie, Jeff, and Nicole too).

Nicole for all your hard work on the upcoming Gala. It’s going to be awesome! Jan for your constant advocacy on behalf of New Hope Housing. It is always so inspiring and encouraging!

New Hope Housing - Newsbriefs

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Martha Faconer sends kudos to:

Jeff, Eddie, and everyone who assisted with the Next Steps office move.

Denae Hilliard sends kudos to:

I would like to send Kudos out to the RSS's of Mondloch House and Mondloch Place for their time and patients in training me. Thank all of you so much for you kindness. I really appreciate it.

Special Kudos to Stacey Osborne for keeping our office at Mondloch House clean and dust free for us asthma/allergy sufferers.

Special Kudos to Stacey Osborne for keeping our office at Mondloch House clean and dust free for us asthma/ allergy sufferers.

Nicole Dillon sends kudos to:

Martha- Thank you for your flexibility and always helping work things out. You are a tremendous asset to this organization.

Next Steps Team- Congrats on the move! Good luck settling into the new space. Thanks for your flexibility and adaptability.

Tania- Thank you for hosting the first ever EERC training with me this past Saturday. I look forward to building a great volunteer program with you.

Tava White sends kudos to:

Ollie for continuing to go above and beyond for our residents!!!

Alyss for taking on Housing First Clients and being an awesome team player.

Chimere for being an awesome team player and for stepping up and helping out wherever needed.

Zach for doing an amazing job with the “Get Fit with Zach” program.

Nicole for meeting me with the Huntington Team. I’m excited about this relationship with them. Looking forward to seeing this partnership grow.

OPEN POSITIONS New Hope Housing is currently accepting resumes for the following job opportunities: Chief Financial & Administrative Officer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Admin Seeking a new Chief Financial and Administrative Officer (CFAO) who will bring a sophisticated approach to our agency's finances and financial team. The CFAO will also bring a strong sense of organization-wide leadership; will work closely with the Executive Director to set all financial policies for the organization and oversee other critical functions, including: Legal and Compliance, I.T., Operations, and Facilities Management. The CFAO will play a critical role in developing and rolling out financial and administrative strategies to support the organization's growth and vision for the future. Financial/AccountingProvide oversight and management of all financial transactions and the monthly accounting cycle according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and other accepted policies. Supervises the Accounting staff. Risk Management and Asset ProtectionEvaluates and maintains risk management and asset protection strategies and practices to ensure the upmost protection. Responsible for the management of a portfolio of 12 residential units, 2 small office spaces, and 9 vehicles. Operations Provides management oversight to operations division in the areas of contracts, food services, in-kind donations management, storage facilities, and leased facilities. Supervises director of operations. Information Technology Responsible for ensuring staff at multiple locations have the needed technology to accomplish their job responsibilities. This includes both hardware and software needs to bring legacy systems up to date. Supervises IT administrator. Position requires a Bachelor's Degree, with a minimum of 7 years' experience in financial oversight, financial statement preparation/analysis, budget forecast/preparation, A/P, A/R, tax laws, cash management, internal control compliance, and must be comfortable working independently on all these functions. A CPA preferred. Proven success with Fund Accounting for 501(c)(3) organizations, MIP or similar accounting software, and ADP. Must be a strategic thinker and be solution focused. Proven experience with management/supervision of support staff, technical knowledge of computer hardware and software and proficiency with Microsoft Office. Must have a driver's license and own transportation. Flexible schedule for occasional evening meetings, events, and activities. Commitment and passion for our mission is a must! 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!

OPEN POSITIONS New Hope Housing is currently accepting resumes for the following job opportunities: Director of Permanent Supportive Housing The Director of PSH is responsible for all aspects of programs for permanent supportive housing programs for single adults at New Hope Housing. This includes supervision of case management, reporting, monitoring and day to day operations of all programs. This person is a member of the senior management team He or she is on-call and works a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and overnights. Tasks to be Performed:  Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates the Residential Coordinator, Outreach Counselors, and case manager for PSH Programs.  Provides clinical guidance for treatment resistant residents who may suffer from untreated mental illness, living in a harm reduction program.  Coordinates the screening and eligibility process for all new persons entering the program. Ensure that they have documentation to meet program eligibility requirements. Assigns residents to specific units. Works with the housing locator to identify new units, providing him/her with unit and geographical requirements.  Builds and maintains a relationship with the communities in which units are located. Serves as the main contact for neighborhood advisory councils, HOA’s, and other neighborhood entities for the programs.  Serves as NHH representative on continuum of care committees in Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax.  Ensures grants, reports and other required documentation are completed accurately and timely. Examples include monthly and quarterly quality data reports. Maintains and updates policy and procedures manuals and resident handbooks to ensure compliance with agency philosophy and funding requirements. Audits files and HMIS on a regular basis for form and documentation compliance.  Works closely with Director of Operations and landlords to ensure facilities are operated safely and efficiently and meet habitability standards and other grant and contract requirements.  Ensures budget compliance for all programs. Handles financial issues related to disbursement approval and petty cash.  Is visible and interacts regularly with program residents. Models a caring, concerned, and respectful attitude toward residents where each community member is treated with dignity and respect.  Is familiar and complies with the policies and procedures of New Hope Housing, Inc. including the utilization of Mandt principles and Out of Poverty curriculum  Provides crisis intervention and crisis management services as needed  Assists in the coordination of shelter activities and transports residents when requested in agency vehicles  Interacts positively with New Hope Housing staff, Fairfax County/ Arlington County/Alexandria City staff, staff members from col lateral agencies, the general public, and all volunteers  Works flexible hours including evening, weekends, and overnights as assigned. Is on-call to provide last minute shift coverage as necessary including evenings, weekends, and overnights. Performs other duties as assigned Qualifications: BA required. MSW or masters in counseling preferred. Other qualifications include: strong supervisory experience, specifically clinical skills with previous experience serving difficult residents in harm reduction programs; management and team building experience with at least 5 years increasingly responsible positions in a human service setting; experience working with homeless adults and/or adults diagnosed with a mental illness and/or addiction disorder; counseling and crisis intervention skills; the ability to communication effectively both orally and in writing; valid drivers license; the ability to treat all community members with dignity and respect. 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!

OPEN POSITIONS New Hope Housing is currently accepting resumes for the following job opportunities: DIRECTOR OF FAMILY PROGRAMS New Hope Housing is seeking a Director of Family Programs to oversee all day to day operations of housing programs for homeless families in Fairfax County. S/he will supervise a staff who provides case management, children’s services, and facility assistance to at least 40 homeless families at any one time. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills and have a good understanding of HMIS, HUD, Rapid Rehousing and motivational interviewing. The ability to develop staff, prioritize multiple tasks, and represent the agency and our residents well is imperative to the success of this position. Minimum Qualifications: A Bachelor’s Degree; at least 2 years of management and supervisory experience, preferably in a social services environment; a thorough understanding of homelessness, mental illness, and substance abuse; excellent written and verbal communication skills. Must have a valid driver’s license, the ability to be insured through New Hope Housing’s vehicle policy and reliable transportation. EOE/ADA that values diversity!

Outreach Counselor (Full Time)- Susan’s PlaceProvide case management and house coverage 8am-4pm Monday-Friday. Susan’s Place is part of New Hope Housing’s Permanent supportive housing programs, serving single adults. 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. On-call rotation serving once a month. Will rotate on-call coverage. Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to drive agency vehicles as needed. $41,000/year. EOE/ADA that values diversity.

If interested, please send resume to hr@newhopehousing.org New Hope Housing is proud to be an EOE/ADA that values diversity!

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!

OPEN POSITIONS New Hope Housing is currently accepting resumes for the following job opportunities: Residential Coordinator- Kennedy The Residential Coordinator is responsible for the daily shelter activities, for ensuring adequate coverage on all shifts, and ensuring a safe and manageable living environment.  

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Schedules resident services specialists’ shifts and ensures adequate coverage of facility on all shifts. Ensures a safe and manageable living environment for the shelter residents by establishing and ensuring consistent implementation of policies and procedures. Informs Resident Services Specialist of all activities to occur during their shift. Is visible and interacts regularly with shelter residents. Hires, trains, and supervises resident services specialists Consults with case managers regarding resident treatment goals and consults with operations division on facility and donations issues. Provides crisis intervention and crisis management services as needed. Communicates shelter volunteer needs to volunteer coordinator. Designated agency Certified Staff Trainer for the handing out of medications. Oversees the handing out of medication, medication vouchers, taxi vouchers, and bus tokens to residents. Facilitates site meetings and participates in all staff meetings. Maintains all required documentation including progress notes, service statistics, log entries, correspondence, and other related information. Oversees tracking and reporting of resident and program data. Prepares periodic reports/statistics. Works flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and over nights as assigned. Is on call. Oversees intake procedures and checkout procedures for residents. Is responsible for arranging and implementing training for site staff. Transports residents when requested in agency vehicles, including the agency’s’ 15 passenger van.

Models a caring, concerned, and respectful attitude toward residents. Maintains adherence to resident guidelines and upholds shelter procedures. Is familiar with and complies with policies and procedures New Hope Housing. BA and two years’ experience in a human service setting preferred. Appropriate experience may be substituted for education. Previous supervisory experience. Solid computing skills to include Word and Excel. Experience with homeless adults, mentally ill or substance abusers. Counseling and crisis intervention skills. Flexible schedule. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to work well with volunteers. Valid driver’s license, with ability to be insured with agency policy. 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!

APRIL Sun

Mon

Tues

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

PAYDAY 12

13 OOP Classes Begin

Quarterly Meeting 26

Name

Team Meetings

PAYDAY 30

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 Susanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

Admin

Month

Day

Charles Holland

APR

Vickie Sellers

APR

Name

Kashei Hopkins

APR

Natalie Campos

APR

Marshalee Lewis

2pm 10am

Every 1st Monday of each month

11:30am 10am

Month

Day

Years

Summer Hall

APR

Melissa Davis

APR

Luke Taylor

APR

Linda Tucker

APR

Patricia Edmonds-Caples

APR

Monica Harrison

APR

Martha Mickens

APR

Melissa Davis

APR

Lisa Washington

APR