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 3
July 31, 2015
Dear Staff, Change is difficult. And we have been in the midst of a lot of change and uncertainty in recent months. But I am starting to see things settling down into a new normal. Our contracts are signed, we received State funding again this year in both Alexandria and Fairfax for housing location and community case management as well as shelter operations, we were able to consolidate the Max’s and Gartlan grants which does not directly affect staff but will help us financially and mean less work for Susan V in billing. On Monday night, the Board of Directors approved the FY2016 budget which totals $5.9M! Many thanks and kudos to Susan Virostek, June Stowe, and Jo Mullen for their long hours working out this complicated budget. Here’s what the new budget means in practical terms: All staff who have successfully completed their 6-month introductory period will receive a 2% salary increase, effective with the pay period starting September 5. All Next Steps staff are being reassigned to new positions in the agency The award of the Fairfax County contracts is resulting in a range of positive changes and reorganization opportunities, providing opportunities for staff development and promotion, as well as getting effectiveness in our service delivery. Reassignment of Next Steps staff effective September 1: Bernatria Alexander will become the Intake Coordinator at Kennedy – a new position created by the RFP and contract.
Eddie Davis will be the Custodian for Mondloch House, Mondloch Place, and Gartlan and other sites as needed.
Jeff Elder will become the Shelter Services Specialist at Kennedy.
Shanice Gomire will transfer to Kennedy as a Case Manager.
Khristina Koontz will become the Outreach Counselor at Gartlan.
Rosa Rapavi will be a fulltime Housing Specialist at Kennedy.
Roxanne Watkins will become the Facilities Coordinator for the permanent supportive housing division, working as part of the Operations team.
Other organizational changes being implemented in August that provide new opportunities for current staff: Permanent supportive housing (PSH) programs for single adults are being reorganized.
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Priscilla Castillo-Woyak (currently case manager at Kennedy and Susan’s Place) is the new Director. Tava White will become the case management coordinator for PSH. Alyss Aune will be the case manager for both Mondloch House and Mondloch Place. Chimere Stanley will case manage all the Housing First apartment cases and her remaining BA cases until they are permanently housed. Latasha Younger will be the RC for Max’s, Gartlan, Susan’s Place, Mondloch House, and Mondloch Place.
The community services team is being reorganized.
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Mondloch House, Mondloch Place, and the Housing First apartments will be merged with the HUD permanent supportive housing programs
Oliver Reid will take on additional responsibilities for training and development agency-wide as well as permanent supportive housing for families and Bridging Affordability. Marshalee Lewis will be taking over all current Next Steps BA cases while continuing with her own.
Luke Taylor and Tania Sarnor will continue to work for this team, each focusing on external activities building relationships with landlords and employers, respectively, while the employment and housing specialists at the shelters will work one-on-one with residents to be matched to housing and jobs. There are changes to the Operations Team.
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Reed Livers, Asset Manager, is now a part of the Operations Team. Roxanne Watkins as PSH Facilities Coordinator, will be a part of Operations effective September 1. We are recruiting for a Food Services Manager. This is a job we had several years ago (Lavora Hiligh) that has been reinstated in the new Kennedy contract. Ollie Dawson will have a new title of Program Assistant, doing hypothermia HMIS and case aid work, formalizing much of what she is already doing. Chandra Beander has been promoted to case management coordinator at Kennedy. New Employment Specialists and Housing Specialist positions are being added to the case management teams at both Kennedy and ACS. Luis Franco will be a fulltime Housing Specialist, splitting his time between Kennedy and ACS. We will be hiring for part-time employment specialists at both Kennedy and ACS.
While the transfer of the Next Steps program to FACETS is difficult, there are many opportunities coming available. As always, I thank each of you for your dedication to the residents and to our mission during this past year and the uncertainty of this transition. I am certain that New Hope Housing will continue to shine as a unique agency in homeless services where we believe in offering hope and hospitality, serving with dignity and respect, and welcoming those un -welcome at other programs, and providing second, third, and fourth chances to end the homelessness of all who seek our help.
Pamela L. Michell Executive Director
WELCOME NEW Residential Coordinator (Eleanor U. Kennedy Shelter)
Jeff Lisanick BIO I am a lifelong Virginian who is very active in the fight to end homelessness. I currently reside in Alexandria with my wife Anita.
Interesting and Fun Facts : 1. I have been homeless before, so I have a passion to stamp out homelessness! 2. I love to play basketball and watch old episodes of “The Twilight Zone.� 3. I love to watch shooting stars on a clear summer night.
WELCOME NEW On Call RSS (Kennedy Shelter, Mondloch Place, & Mondloch House)
Tara Brown
BIO I’ve lived in California for 10 years, but I was born in Alexandria and finished high school at West Potomac. I am currently enrolled at Northern Virginia Community College. My goal is to be a MSW Social Worker. I’ve been procrastinating for years, but now I’ve decided it’s time to finish. I love helping people.
Interesting and Fun Facts About Me I love to travel. I’ve worked for the City of Alexandria for 13 years. I write poetry.
WELCOME NEW On Call RSS (Kennedy Shelter, Mondloch Place, & Mondloch House)
Elizabeth Jenkins
BIO I am married with 1 son, legal guardian of 2 nephews and a niece (all adults now). I have 3 grandsons, a wonderful daughter-in-law, and one grand nephew! I have worked for the federal government for over 30 years and am nearing retirement. I am an Army Veteran and looking forward to working with the staff and residents of New Hope Housing.
Interesting and Fun Facts About Me I have 3 wonderful grand boys!!! I love reading. I love doing for others, because I love people!!!
WELCOME NEW On Call RSS (Eleanor U. Kennedy Shelter)
Yolanda Littlejohn
BIO I have 15 years of experience in providing support to consumers who are diagnosed with mental health issues and homelessness. I have a Bachelors of Science degree in Social work from Bowie State University, Master of Business Administration (concentration in Organizational Development) from Trinity University of Washington, D.C. and a graduate certificate in Acquisition and Supply Chain from University of Maryland University College.
Interesting and Fun Facts About Me 1. I enjoy facilitating workshops such as job readiness and life skills. 2. I am a certified workforce development professional nationally and in the state of Virginia. 3. I own over 300 pairs of shoes!
S
eventeen days after Caitlyn Jenner appeared in airbrushed glory on the cover of Vanity Fair, Sara Simone woke up in her rented Alexandria bedroom and considered the tools at her own disposal: a $9 bottle of Revlon ColorStay foundation — “Mahogany” — a spritz of Paris Hilton perfume, a plunging black T-shirt showcasing the breasts she had patiently earned with hor-
mones. Was the shirt too racy? Maybe. But it was better, she’d decided when she transitioned four years ago, to have men stare at her chest than to have them scrutinize her face and ask whether she was a man or a woman. “Better they whistle at me than jump me,” she sometimes said, because in her particular existence as a transgender woman, catcalling seemed the lesser and safer of possible indignities. Sara added a set of false eyelashes, one retrieved from the carpet where it had escaped. Two tan hormone patches, one for each buttock. She slid gold sandals onto her feet, a gold ring onto her toe, and onto her lower half, a pair of snug neon pants which she planned to keep in rotation “as long as my legs can pull it off.” To read more about Sara’s journey as a transgender woman: CLICK HERE Sara Simone is a former New Hope Housing Case Manager
ONE OF THE BEST THINGS You Can Do for Yourself. . . . Breast Health Screening on the Mammovan
Heal
Monday August 10, 2015
Neighborhood Health 2 E. Glebe Road Alexandria, VA 22305 You are eligible if you. . .
Are age 40 and over Have not had a mammogram in the past 12 months Have not experienced breast symptoms such as a lump or breast pain Do not have breast implants Have not been treated previously for breast cáncer Have a Primary Care Physician (Medical Doctor necessary) NOTE: If you do not currently have a doctor, you may phone Neighborhood Health at 703.535.5568 for an eligibility appointment to become a new patient Mammograms are free for those women who meet financial eligibilty requirements. We also accept most major insurance.
Please call to make an appointment on the GWU Mammovan between 07/07 and 08/03/15
202-741-3252 Also, please have your doctor’s contact information available when calling. For safety reasons, please DO NOT bring children to the appointments.
New Hope Housing - Newsbriefs
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Martha Faconer sends kudos to:
Priscilla Castillo-Woyak sends kudos to:
Special thank you to Dexter, Ollie, Reed, Jeff, and Eddie for the extra work that you all did at Gartlan House.
Heath for being an amazing help with Susan’s Place residents.
Tonique for covering custodial duties while Tony was on vacation.
Tania for being flexible with the Kennedy clients.
Denae Hilliard sends kudos to: Ollie for always being willing to adjust the schedule and stand in for me when needed.
Jan Sacharko sends kudos to: Clarence Jones at Mondloch Place for always helping to set up and clean up when we host tours. Alyss for working to prepare residents to speak to new volunteers. Dana for getting me so many different variations of data for all the grants. Susan Virostek for helping me understand the budget even further and planning out funding for grants
Lee Voltmer sends kudos to: Susan V. for the extra hours worked on FY16 budgets— oh the countless iterations! Your patience has been tried but you remain diligent, patient and thorough. It is recognized and appreciated.
Nicole Dillon sends kudos to: Clarence and Alyss- Thank you for all of your support for the MP tour program! Your help with setup and breakdown is greatly appreciated!
Martha Faconer sends kudos to: Thanks to the entire Operations Team (Jeff, Eddie, Donna, Tony, Alex, and Donna) for assisting with power washing the Kennedy Shelter Kitchen floor.
Susan Virostek sends kudos to: Lee for all your support and excellence. I couldn’t get things done without you. Jan for all your energy and ideas. Your attention to detail and getting me things early is awesome. LaKesha for all your hard work prepping for the BOD meetings and pulling all the detail together.
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OPEN POSITIONS New Hope Housing is currently accepting resumes for the following job opportunities: Director of Finance New Hope Housing is seeking a Director of Finance who will bring a sophisticated approach to our agency's finances and financial team. He/she will also bring a strong sense of organization-wide leadership; working closely with our Executive Director to set all financial policies for the organization and oversee other critical functions, including: Compliance, Risk Management, and I.T. contractor relations. 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/Accounting Provide oversight and management of all financial transactions (5.5 million dollar budget) and the monthly accounting cycle according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and other accepted policies. Responsible for budget development, financial statement preparations, grant management (including HUD), audit, and preparation of the 990 as well as supervision of the Accounting staff. Risk Management and Asset Protection Evaluates 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. 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 contractor. 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, better than average 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 that values diversity!
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OPEN POSITIONS FOOD SERVICES COORDINATOR, FULL TIME Responsible for the kitchen(s) , including menu planning, meal preparation, supervision of cooks, and inventory control. Specifically plans weekly menus for the Kennedy Shelter and Mondloch House. Ensures preparation and service of a nutritional and well-balanced meal for each mealtime at Kennedy Shelter and dinners for Mondloch House. Prepares and arranges distribution of bag lunches and/or late dinners for working residents. Provides food platters/dishes as required for various agency meetings as needed. Hires, trains, supervises and evaluates cooks. Coordinates scheduling for kitchen coverage. Maintains supplies/inventories to standards and orders supplies through the Director of Operations. 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
Schedules kitchen volunteers. Provides training as needed.
Ensures adequate stocking of resident(s) and staff refrigerator(s) and self-service areas.
Responsible for the cleanliness of the Kennedy kitchen and equipment to ensure sanitary food preparation conditions. Adheres to health department regulations. Provides oversight and training of proper kitchen maintenance to other locations as needed.
Picks up, accepts and properly stores food and other donations from the community. Responsible for agency ordering, shopping, and pick up at the Capital Area Community Food Bank and maintains a positive working relationship with all.
During emergencies provides for kitchen coverage to ensure basic needs are met for all sites.
Participates in staff meetings as required.
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 cooking experience for groups over 50. Certified Food Handler License. Flexible schedule to include some late evenings as required. Previous experience managing cooking facilities to include experience with donated food items. 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. 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!
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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. 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 that values diversity!
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OPEN POSITIONS EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST - PART TIME (2) positions available. (Kennedy and ACS) Working with case managers at your site, and receiving leads from the job developer, you will be responsible for assisting residents in applying for open positions by: providing assistance with job application procedures, resume writing, interview preparation and job retention skills. May schedule individuals for the Career Scope, TABE, and all other employment related assessment(s) at the local Skill Source/ Job Link ; encourages and schedules residents for job mentoring groups and job retention skills. Once job is secured, will monitor performance on the job and provide oversight when job performance is not satisfactory; works with residents closely to enhance job performance and gain necessary job skills or reviews other employment options; maintains contact with employers during the residents employment and reports results to appropriate staff; may drive residents to interviews, job fairs, and other organizations. Maintains placement activity stats and provides reports to job developer. BA/BS degree in business, marketing, education, human services, or a related field preferred. Supervisory experience working with volunteers is a plus. Experience in working with homeless and/or mentally ill adults required. Excellent communication skills (verbal and written), solid Microsoft Office experience, experience with social networks, flexible as some evenings will be required to meet with residents. Valid driver’s license, personal vehicle and ability to be insured required. Will be required to transport residents to interviews, workshops, and trainings within the community setting. Bilingual preferred. $19.00/hr EOE/ ADA that values diversity! Falls Church Winter Shelter Coordinator– Full Time Seasonal Position Responsible for the successful operation of our FCWS program. Hire, train, and supervise Resident Services Specialists, develop staff schedules, cover the 4 to midnight shift, and perform intakes. Attend monthly meeting with City of Falls Church Human Services, Attend all Friends of Falls Church Board meetings (between October-April) Track data and complete monthly reports for the Friends of Falls Church and City of Falls Church Human Services. Provide daily updates to the Shelter Director for weekly telephone conference with the OPEH, complete end of season evaluations on RSS staff, Provide on-call coverage for FCWS (phone provided by OPEH) Meet with RSS staff for supervision , Review RSS staff documentation on a daily basis (including shift reports, intake paperwork, etc.) Ensure a safe and manageable living environment for the shelter residents. Monitor residential areas, is visible and interacts regularly and informally with shelter residents. On-call to cover shifts as needed. Valid driver's license with reliable transportation and the ability to serve as essential personnel during weather emergencies. Seasonal position starting on or about Nov 20th, and ending on or about the first week of April 9th. Reports to the Kennedy Residential Coordinator. $18.00/hr 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!
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OPEN POSITIONS Outreach Counselor (Full Time)- Susan’s Place Provide 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.
Residential Services Specialist- Mondloch Place Full Time-9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday Shift 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 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 25 pounds on a regular basis. Must be able to drive NHH van and be insured. 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 that values diversity!
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JULY Sun
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thu
1
2
Fri
Sat
NHH Closed for Holiday
4 Independence Day Happy 4th of July!
3
PAYDAY 5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
25
PAYDAY 19
20
21
22
23
24
26
27
28
29
30
31
PAYDAY
NHH Board Meeting
Team Meetings
Name
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
MP Conf Rm
4th Tues of each month
2pm
Gartlan, Susan's, Max's, Just Homes Team
Susan’s Place
3rd Tues of each month
10am
Mondloch House and Mondloch Place Team
MH Conf Rm
Every 1st Wed of each month
Community Services Team
Name Clarence Jones Mike Dzatko Naomi Lawson Xiomara Leyton Sandra Mensah Stacey Osborne Tonya Golden Priscilla Castillo-Woyak Dexter Leak Jocelin Canas
Month JUL JUL JUL JUL JUL JUL JUL JUL JUL JUL
Admin
Day 2 5 7 8 13 15 24 26 26 27
11:30am
Every 1st Monday of each month
Name
10am
Month
Day
Years
Kevin Coleman
JUL
9
3
Luis Franco
JUL
9
3
Dominic Crentsil
JUL
11
7
Simone Morgan
JUL
17
11