Niagara Carrier - Summer 2014 by Niagara Falls Housing Authority

Niagara carrier The Official Magazine of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority

HOUSIN G LLS FA

P o ssi b i

NFHA RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR EMPLOYEE SAFETY PLAN 2014 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS IDEAS FOR A CHEAP SUMMER VACATION

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Pressing Towards the Mark of Excellence

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• NIAGARA

JULY 2014 V17 Issue 3

Summer 2014

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A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

COVER STORY: NFHA RECEIVES AN AWARD

SPOTLIGHT ON RESIDENTS

13 EMPOWERING OUR RESIDENTS 25 A WORD FROM OUR STAFF 38 IN THE KNOW 43 IN THE KNOW - NFHA NEWS BRIEFS 45 CALENDAR 46 DIRECTORY

on the cover NFHA Receives a National Award for Employee Safety Plan Story Page 5

N I A G A R A FA L L S H O U S I N G A U T H O R I T Y

Photo: Mr. John Hickey, award winning photographer

We Empower. We Enrich. We Build Strong Communities! Board of Commissioners Rev. Kevin Dobbs, Chairman Cynthia A. Bianco, Vice Chairman Vivian M. Watkins, Secretary Carmelette M. Rotella, Member Owen T. Steed, Member Jeff M. Paterson, Member Stephanie W. Cowart, Executive Director Jason J. Cafarella, Counsel

Anonymous Tip Line You can report suspicious or criminal activity anonymously by calling the NFPDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Anonymous Tip Line at (716) 286-4711. For emergencies (716) 285-6961 Place a work order request (716) 284-9675 Visit our website www.nfha.org Email us nfha@nfha.org

The Niagara Carrier is published quarterly by the Niagara Falls Housing Authority. If you have any articles or announcements, please contact Kelly Mariano at (716) 285-6961. Contributors: Thank you to our staff for your articles and photos. Editorial assistance and creative design provided by Jackson Parker Communications LLC.

Strength, Courage and Wisdom S t e p h a n i e W. C o w a r t , E x e c u t i v e D i re c t o r

In Remembering the spirit of Dr. Maya Angelou, I am reminded of the lyrics of the song, “Strength, Courage, and Wisdom”, written by soul singer, India Arie. “Strength, courage, and wisdom / And it’s been inside

of me all along / Strength, courage, and wisdom / Inside of me”

he passing of Dr. Maya Angelou was a time to reflect upon her life and life in general. Not only was Maya Angelou a very talented author and poet, but her life profiled a woman who had demonstrated strength, courage, and wisdom. Most likely the tragedies of her younger life and other obstacles resulted in the strength she resonated; however, to overcome the struggles one must have the courage to make the steps to survive and succeed. This talented lady was a very wise woman. Her life journey provided the wisdom that has now become her legacy. Her words of inspiration, motivation and wisdom will live on to touch future generations. At her memorial service, the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey all spoke of Angelou’s wisdom and courage. Her son spoke during the memorial service about his mother’s thoughts on courage. He stated she often

said, “That courage was the most important virtue because without courage, one would not practice any of the others with consistency.”

merciful, generous, or honest.” “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”

This quote was just one of many wise messages that caused people to pause and reflect upon their actions. Most importantly, the motivating messages provided encouragement. A few of her strength, wisdom and courage messages:

In summary words that can provide strength and wisdom for everyday living... “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”

STRENGTH

I am inspired!

“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”

WISDOM “I learned a long time ago the wisest thing I can do is be on my own side, be an advocate for myself and others like me.”

COURAGE “One isn’t necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true,

Maya Angelou. CREDIT: Adria Richards via Flickr Niagara carrier JULY 2014

COVER STORY

NFHA Receives National Recognition for Excellence in Implementing Plan for Employee Safety Empowerment and Teamwork is Success Formula

he Public Employer Risk Management Association, Inc. (PERMA), New York’s premier provider of workers compensation for public entities, awarded the Niagara Falls Housing Authority with the Most Improved Experience Modification Factor Award: For largest reduction in Experience Modification Factor

(EMF) between the 2012 and 2013 policy years. This award recognized the Housing Authority’s significant results in reducing employee workers compensation claims between the 2012 and 2013 policy years. PERMA noted in their award summary that the Niagara Falls Housing

Authority’s Experience Modification Factor (EMF dropped 32% from 2012 to 2013). The Niagara Falls Housing Authority prides itself with focusing on their employees and residents by enriching, empowering and building strong communities. However, PERMA has recognized that safety is another important part of this mission. PERMA further noted that, “there is a lot of real estate to manage, a lot of services to provide and a lot of risks to manage”. Yet, despite this large responsibility, the NFHA has been successful in reducing insurance claims and PERMA believes the Housing Authority’s culture of safety as a priority was the winning formula. What was stated as a key success factor was the NFHA’s management direct communication with employees. “They tell them exactly how much insurance costs and how much it should cost with proper controls and procedures.

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They create a culture where every individual feels ownership for keeping up safety and keeping down costs.” The Niagara Falls Housing Authority’s continual safety training and awareness programs are diverse and innovative. They include regular safety meetings and workplace violence prevention programs for employees, informational workshops and seminars, resident safety orientation, and nutrition and exercise programs for elderly residents, all with a focus on prevention. PERMA also acknowledged that the NFHA’s “People and Possibilities” cable television show and “Niagara Carrier” news magazine were important pieces of the puzzle. The show has featured numerous

guest speakers addressing topics that encompass factors that have a profound positive impact on the health and safety of both employees and residents. The “Niagara Carrier” news magazine is important as it serves as a standard communication between both staff and residents. NFHA Executive Director Stephanie W. Cowart proudly agreed with PERMA’s observations, “We work hard to continually improve the health and safety for employees and residents and the end result is evidenced by fewer hazards, reduced exposures, fewer injuries and illnesses. We strive as a management team to work collaboratively to increase awareness and develop a workplace culture that has a commitment to excellence.”

PREVIOUS PAGE: Annie Fields-Chapman, General Manager, Doris W. Jones Family Resource Building, accepted the award on behalf of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority. ABOVE: PERMA sent a film crew (Working Pictures, Inc) to visit the NFHA’s communities to see first-hand the great strides that are being made to improve health and safety. The crew talked with both staff and residents and took part in an interactive seminar on the warning signs of drug and alcohol abuse. A video was created and shown at PERMA’s Annual Safety Awards Ceremony this past May.

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SPOTLIGHT ON RESIDENTS

My Home. My Choice. We continue our series of articles that tell the stories and experiences of Niagara Falls Housing Authority residents. This series is inspired by the national initiative, ReThink: Public Housing, created to build awareness, educate and inspire others about public housing in the U.S. The initiative encourages the public to consider the people and families in their own community who could be served by public housing. By sharing success stories,the initiative hopes to challenge negative perceptions.

In this issue, we profile Mr. Charles Curren, a resident of Wrobel Towers and a community volunteer.

Charles Curren Retired Social Worker and proud father of 2 children, grandfather of 7 children, and a great-grandfather to one child. A resident of Wrobel Towers. We got the chance to catch up with Charles Curren, a resident of the Wrobel Tower. We chatted about everything from Christmas décor to volunteering, as well as his pride for living in the Niagara Falls Housing Authority.

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On Moving In “I’ve been living here for two and a half years…it’ll be 3 years in October.” Charles considers himself lucky to live in the Niagara Falls Housing Authority. He said, “Every moment has been positive. I have nothing bad to say about [living here] at all.” Safety First When we asked Charles about his favorite aspect of living in the NFHA community, he was quick to answer. He said, “Safety, first of all. It’s very safe; you’re on camera before you even step on the property.” Giving A Helping Hand Charles was quick to tell us about how active he is in the community. He said from the moment he moved

SPOTLIGHT ON RESIDENTS

in, he made an effort to ask Marcia (his building manager) how and where he could volunteer. When we called him for this interview, he was out working in the Peace Garden, a garden located outside the Niagara Falls Public Library. He is the Vice President of the Peace Garden and is proud to serve with the Garden’s President, Margaret Toper. Eager to show off his hard work, Charles exclaimed, “We’re still installing it in front of the library. Stop by and walk through!” Charles has a serious green thumb, and the local Peace Garden isn’t the only endeavor that he’s taken on. He’s also on the committee for the Garden at Oakwoods Cemetery. It is through this involvement that he came to help organize a garden walk on August 9th. Called the Grand Gardens of the Niagara Portage, Charles and his fellow committee members are planning a walk through the Peace Garden, the Garden at Oakwoods Cemetery, Shell Cross Park, and a sculpture garden as well. A love of Literacy Charles’ involvement in the Niagara community expands beyond gardening. Charles is also passionate about learning and literacy, and serves on the board of directors for Friends of the Niagara Falls Public Library. Charles is also a tutor for Literacy NY, where he tutors students throughout the

week at the library. In addition, he runs a drop-in center on Saturday afternoons – from noon to 2pm – where community members can drop by and receive help reading everyday literature such as mail that they received and may not be able to understand.

“For some reason, living here just inspires me.” Even when Charles isn’t tutoring, you might still find him hanging out at the library. He told us, “I’ve been boxing up packages for Better World Books,” an organization that sends books to underprivileged children and people in third world countries. His Holiday Treasure Around the holidays, Charles is known for his amazing Christmas decorations. When asked if he plans to decorate again this year, Charles said, “Yes and I’m going to put it up early,” since people absolutely love his decorations. His décor primarily consists of a manger scene that he has collected pieces for over the years as he traveled. Before finances became restrictive, Charles said that he had been to Europe “over 30 times” and has been collecting pieces for

his Manger Scene for over 40 years. Talk about a labor of love! Major Misconceptions of Pubic Housing We asked Charles about what he thought the biggest misconception of public housing is. He said that cleanliness is much better than people think. Charles explained, “First of all the building is CLEAN,” referring to his home in Wrobel Towers. He added, “The maintenance staff is like my family… from the day I moved in. And Marcia, the manger of Wrobel Towers, is wonderful – she’s like my family too.” The way Charles gets so excited in describing his experiences you can tell that he really loves it here. He proudly explained, “I spread the word…I tell [everyone] that this is the most wonderful place I’ve lived.” Everything that Charles shared with us during our candid talk can be summed up by his take on life. He told us, “You can take something bad and turn it into something positive…You know how they say all the clouds have silver linings? It’s absolutely true.” And as we were wrapping up the interview and thanking Charles for his time, he was proud to add one more gleaming sentiment about his happiness living in NFHA housing. Charles concluded, “For some reason, living here just inspires me.”

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Spring Concert

he Niagara Falls Housing Authority Youth Choir, under the direction of Diana M. Reeves, held their annual Spring Concert on May 9, 2014 at the Doris W. Jones Family Resource Building. The theme for this year’s event was “And the Beat Goes On.” The choir performed skits and sang songs showcasing music from the 50’s and 60’s. Such hits as “Hit the Road Jack,” “The Twist,” and “Slippin and Slidin” were just a few of the many songs that brought audience members to their feet – clapping and cheering for more. PHOTOS: Kelly Mariano

Housing Authority Residents Honored by Memorial Medical Center Residents Paying it Forward with Time and Talent

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Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center turned the spotlight on its volunteers on April 9, 2014, celebrating their dedication and service at a luncheon at the Four Points by Sheraton. Spallino Towers resident Don Roulley was acknowledged for volunteering more than 1,000 hours. In addition,

Wrobel Towers residents Marion Baker and Betty Augustyn were recognized for serving for more than 25 years. In 2013, more than 300 volunteers gave a combined 38,250 hours of service throughout the hospital’s various departments.

SPOTLIGHT ON RESIDENTS

Scholarship Winners The Niagara Falls Housing Authority continues to encourage residents to strengthen their employment skills and career opportunities by obtaining a college degree or completing a training program. 2014 Scholarship winners are profiled.

Niagara Falls Housing Authority Doris W. Jones Memorial Scholarship 2014 Awardees

CHRISTINA SCHULTE Christina Schulte is a 2014 graduate of Niagara Catholic High School, where she served as Senior Class Secretary and Senior

Yearbook Editor. She was a member of Students Against Destructive Decisions (S.A.D.D.) where she educated and reminded students about common negative behaviors. She was a member of TAG, a Transplant Awareness Group, held in collaboration with Upstate New York Transplant Services. Christina also participated in varsity soccer, basketball and softball.

Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Department at St. John AME Church where she supervises community service events, participates in the youth workshop service and attends district and annual conference meetings. She also serves as Vice President of the Junior Usher Board. She actively volunteers with the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Easter Egg Hunt, Box of Love (cards for the sick and shut-in), Clothing Drive and Beautification event.

Christina is President of the Young

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Scholarship Winners She has volunteered at numerous community service events including Niagara Catholic’s Mardi Gras Auction and Welcome Back Picnic. She volunteered with the Health Association of Niagara County’s Senior Prom, an intergenerational event that pairs older adults with high school students. She assisted with Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center’s Premier Gala. When asked what community service means to her, she stated, “Community service teaches a person many things…. resources, personal growth, selfesteem, character, leadership, communication skills and maybe the hidden talents in yourself. You also get the chance to see life from someone else’s shoes while improving the community.” Christina is currently employed at Kodak Event Imaging Solutions. She will attend Hilbert College this fall where she will major in Criminal Justice Forensics.

to receive the Niagara Falls City School District’s Breakfast of Champions Award for academic excellence and her commitment to community service.

KELSEY LYNCH Taking advanced placement and accelerated classes throughout her four years at Niagara Falls High School, has already earned Kelsey Lynch several college credits. Graduating this past June, Kelsey served as President of the Power of One group, where she participated as part of a team of students that developed and implemented presentations at various schools to bring awareness and solutions to bullying. A varsity cheerleader, Kelsey helped teach her craft to younger inner-city youth for our local Junior Football Club. She also served as a Student Ambassador. She was one of only seven students

Kelsey volunteers at Little Wonders Early Childhood Development Center, where she works with children with special needs. Kelsey stated, “I don’t like to call it volunteering, I consider it peer mentoring and friendship building.” She also is part of Stomp Out Hunger with St. John Church, where she picks up and delivers food for the holidays. Kelsey is employed at Tim Hortons. English teacher, Aimee Wolf, stated, “Kelsey is a hard worker with a quiet strength about her. She is a very caring individual and I know that she will continue to help others as she makes a difference in the lives of others.” She will attend Buffalo State College where she will study to become a law enforcement officer.

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Scholarship Winners 2014 Niagara Falls Housing Authority Nathaniel Smith Memorial Scholarship Winner

BRIONNA ARCHIE The Scholarship: The Niagara Falls Housing Authority Nathaniel Smith Memorial Scholarship was established in 1990. “Nate” Smith was a strong advocate of education and served as a positive role model for children and youth in a variety of mentoring capacities. Nate fought a long, courageous battle against Multiple Sclerosis. Even in sickness he was an inspiration to all who came in contact with him. He was determined to live each day to the fullest and to be all that he could possibly be. The scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic achievement, leadership, community service and a commitment to excellence.

Brionna Archie is a 2014 graduate of Niagara Falls High School where she successfully completed accelerated and advanced placement classes. She was a member of the varsity track team and served as both a coach and a member of the cheerleading squad. Brionna, an avid community volunteer, offers her time and talents assisting patients at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center and reading to children at the Niagara Falls Public Library. She has also participated in numerous walks for cancer and blood drives and takes part annually in the City’s “Beautify Niagara” event, helping to plant flowers and working to keep our streets clean. Extremely interested in the political process, Brionna continues to serve as a volunteer poll watch. “I think every individual should understand the role they play in the political process and that they have a voice

in key issues and in their future,” she said. Brionna works at the Nike Outlet, where her co-workers say that she is one of the happiest people they have ever met. Christa Ciccone, Brionna’s high school science teacher, said, “Brionna has demonstrated all the qualities of a dependable, mature, and responsible young lady. She sets high standards of performance for herself and always attempts to be competitive with the rest of her classmates. Brionna is an individual who can make a positive impact on any school community.” Brionna will attend the University of Buffalo this fall where she will major in law. Although uncertain as to what type of law she will pursue, she is interested in issues relating to equality, fairness and justice.

NFHA Congratulates Christina, Kelsey, and Brionna!

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Niagara Falls Housing Authority 2014 Summer Enrichment Program

“It Sounds Like Fun” July 7– August 8, 2014 This year’s program will offer: • arts and crafts • music • etiquette classes • field trips • computer literacy • self-esteem building • nature hikes/walks • recreational activities • violence prevention activities • and much, much, more!

Open to children ages 3–14, the program offers individualized components geared to each child’s level of learning. The goal of the program is to provide children a safe, happy and healthy place to play, learn and grow. Location: Events take place at the Doris W. Jones Family Resource Building, 3001 Ninth Street and Packard Court Community Center, 4300 Pine Avenue. Applications are available at all Niagara Falls Housing Authority communities.

For more information, please call (716) 285-5374.

“Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.” - Rabindranath Tagore

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Spotted... Who knew…Wrobel Towers resident, Alice Jordan, is a die-hard Yankees fan?

Tops’ Own Concierge Former Niagara Falls Housing Authority Board Member, Joseph McCoy, was recently spotted in his favorite place – Tops Friendly Markets on Portage Road. After moving to Roswell, Georgia to be with his daughter a few years ago, Mr. McCoy recently returned home to Niagara Falls for a visit. And where did he go? Well, Tops of course. Joe sits for hours on the benches

inside the entranceway of the store to find out what’s going on in the city and to catch up with old friends. “I don’t need to call anyone, I just sit here and eventually they all come to me,” he said. McCoy was a member of the NFHA Board of Commissioners for 17 years and was extremely active in the Niagara Falls community, serving on numerous committees and boards.

In Loving Memory Johnny L. Mulkey May 22, 1948 - May 31, 2014

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Dominique Sharpton, National Action Network Leader Empowers Young Women at the 8th Annual “Let’s Talk” Conference

ore than 200 participants from Niagara Falls High School, Gaskill and LaSalle Preparatory Schools attended the Niagara Falls Housing Authority’s 8th Annual Let’s Talk Conference on March 8, 2014. Held at the Doris W. Jones Family Resource Building, the conference is designed to educate, empower and elevate young women through handson workshops, motivational guest speakers and informational booths. “The Annual “Let’s Talk” Conference was developed to provide our emerging female leaders with access to successful role models and workshops that educate and provide a toolbox of life skills that can help them on their success journey”, stated Stephanie W. Cowart, Executive Director of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority. Dominique Sharpton, daughter of the Rev. Al Sharpton and Kathy Jordan-Sharpton, served as the keynote speaker. Encouraging attendees to reach out to someone they trust during times of challenge, Sharpton said, “You are not alone, there is always

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someone for you to talk to, no matter what the situation is.” “Growing up my father was always on the road and I didn’t appreciate him until I became a young adult, but I realized that what he was doing was for a bigger purpose. I encourage you to find your purpose and share your talents,” Sharpton added. Speaking on the event’s theme, “Quilted together… Mind, Body and Soul,” Sharpton said, “Our lives are quilted together in many different ways. You can do anything you want to do in this life…it is yours for the taking. Be good to you.” Ms. Sharpton serves as Membership Director of the National Action Network. She is a staunch promoter of activism with rising youth and motivating real action. She has worked hard to encourage and educate youth for the continuation of civil rights and to bridge the gap between the young and the old, in an effort to ensure action in generations to come.

EMPOWERING OUR RESIDENTS Ms. Sharpton attended Temple University and has studied theater, music and communication under the mentorship of comedian Bill Cosby. She attended the Freedom Theater in Philadelphia, PA and the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City where she graduated in 2007. She devotes a great amount of time mentoring youth. Dominique and her sister Ashley are the co-founders of Harlem INK, a youth based organization which has transformed into an entertainment company called Sharpton Entertainment LLC. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conference was co-sponsored by the Niagara Falls City School District.

PHOTOS: LEFT Dominique Sharpton speaking to young women. CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Talk Conference attendees and participants. Samika Sullivan speaking at workshop. Conference attendees enjoying presentation.

We Thank Our Funders Special thanks to M&T Bank, United Way of Greater Niagara, KeyBank, Niagara Area Foundation and First Niagara for their continued commitment and support of Niagara Falls Housing Authority programs and services. LEFT: Laurie Finn, Vice President of Government Banking, M&T Bank presents Stephanie W. Cowart, Executive Director, Niagara Falls Housing Authority with a check this past May, to help support the many quality of life programs offered at the Doris W. Jones Family Resource Building and Packard Court Community Center.

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Buffalo Bills’ Director of Player Engagement is Speaker for NFHA’s Annual Male Summit

peaking to a packed house at the Doris W. Jones Family Resource Building on April 11, 2014, Keynote speaker Paul Lancaster, Director of Player Engagement for the Buffalo Bills, encouraged young men through what he calls the “PEEPS” initiative. The PEEPS acronym stands for Plan, Execute, Enjoy, Performance, and Success. Lancaster asked attendees, “What is the vision for your future? It is never too early to start planning. Then you must execute your plan…put it in motion, enjoy what you do.” He added that you should then “review your performance, make any necessary changes, and you will reach the desired outcome of your plan – success!”

Lancaster is in his 13th season with the team. As the Director of Player Engagement, he works closely with Buffalo Bills players overseeing the areas of continuing education, family assistance, career internships, financial assistance, and post-football transition. “I help prepare players for life after football. The average life of a football player is only 3.5 years. He has to plan for his future. Everyday our players and our coaches plan for the next day and so should you. Life is all about transition. But it’s the planning will put you in the right direction,” Lancaster said. Developed for males ages 12 and older, the empowering and interactive event provides information and hands-on activities to assist participants in becoming responsible young men. The event features a variety of hands-on workshops relating to trends affecting young men in today’s society. Additionally, workshop presenter Joseph Lowery made a presentation about bullying. Lowery discussed the different types of bullying: verbal, social, physical, and cyber. The group discussed solutions and completed role-playing exercises. “The most important thing someone should do if they’re bullied is to talk to a trusted adult,” Lowery said. While presenting a workshop entitled, “Relationships – A Thin Line between Love and Hate,”Pastor Timothy J. Brown Sr. asked attendees, “What does family mean to you?” Responses included having a strong bond, having someone who understands you, having someone to lean on, someone to give you advice, and someone to look out for you. Pastor Brown encouraged participants to “Think about these things on a daily basis and don’t take them for granted. Realize their importance.”

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Other workshops included: The Time is Now…Plan Your Future (Earl Bass), Employment and Preparation (Willie Dunn), Youth Spirituality (Pastor Bruce Points), Technology (Joseph Brown and Alfonzo Carter), Life Choices (Howard Patton), Being Healthy/Staying Healthy (Charles A. Walker III). Participants also had the opportunity to visit informational booths from Bryant and Stratton College, Niagara County Employment and Training, Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, and Niagara County Legislator Owen T. Steed. The event was sponsored by the Niagara Falls Housing Authority, in collaboration with the Niagara Falls City School District and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

PHOTO: Paul Lancaster with Charles Walker, Niagara Falls Council Chairman

Spring Job Fair Provides Opportunities Job seekers flocked to the Doris W. Jones Family Resource Building on April 24, 2014 for Niagara County Legislator Owen T. Steed’s 3rd Annual Spring Job Fair. Employers from numerous occupational fields were on hand with plenty of opportunities available. The Niagara Falls Housing Authority co-sponsored the event. “Faceto-face contact with employers is crucial in a competitive job market. Direct interaction with employers at a job fair allows you to sell your skills, show your personal qualities, and polish your networking skills,” said Stephanie W. Cowart, Executive Director of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority.

PHOTO: Legislator Owen Steed with Job Fair attendees

“A job fair is a great opportunity to meet employers. It provides you with a chance to explore career opportunities that you may never have thought about,” said Legislator Owen T. Steed.

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Teaching Children How to Save

hildren are our future. As parents, we want the best for them. Spending habits are formed by age seven, so even with our busy schedules, it is important to teach our children how to save money at an early age. Believe it or not, it is possible to teach personal finance in a way that is fun and understandable. The earlier you start, the better. Here are some simple ways to teach your child to save money: • Create your own savings jar with your child • Match your child’s contribution • Allowing your child to earn money by doing simple chores for the week Children need to learn to wait and save. Have your child set a standard goal, and when your child wants to buy something, teach them to save a certain percentage of allowance each week. This allows children to think about what they really want to buy and how much money and time it will take to save for it. If the desired purchase is something expensive, encourage them to save a certain amount with your help. For example: If a child earns $5.00 per week, allocate: • 10% to church tithes $ .50 • 20% to saving for toys $1.00 • 20% for spending money $1.00 • 50% to piggy bank savings $2.50

Set your child up for success, not financial failure. Sometimes children need to be encouraged with a little spending money; at any age, it always feels nice to be able to treat yourself. After your child saves a decent amount of money, show them how to take it to the bank and open up a children’s bank account. Parents: be truthful with your child. Show them how you set goals with your own money for things like groceries, bills, toiletries, and other household necessities. This allows them to truly see the fruits of your labor and the value of a dollar.

events, vacations, etc.) • Christmas Club (use for Christmas gifts) • Checking (direct deposit, pay bills, extra cash, debit/ATM, etc.) With these goals in mind, by the time your child reaches the age of 30, they could have as much as $20,000 or more saved! Of course, this all depends on how early they begin implementing these saving habits. Article written by Michelle Lowery, Great Returns Newsletter, April 2014.

You can also teach your child at an early age to give to someone in need or donate to a special cause. Even if it’s for someone they know or someone in their community, giving back is a great character trait to teach your children. As your child gets older, there’s a lot to think about – especially with saving for college! Teens and Saving If your children are teenagers, it is smart to have them open a regular savings account, Christmas Club savings, special savings, and if possible, a checking account with a debit card. Examples using some different types of accounts: • Regular Savings (never touch) • Special Savings (use for special

HOW TO SAVE $1,000 IN 10 YEARS: • $1,000 divided by 10 years = you save $100 a year • $100 divided by 12 months = you save $8.34 a month • $100 divided by 52 weeks = you save $1.93 a week Teach your child to save $1.93 a week each week, and they will have $1,000 in 10 years!

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Students Received Free Books Thanks to Project Flight, students enrolled in the Housing Authority’s “I Can Read” and “Livin Large” afterschool tutorial programs at the Doris W. Jones Family Resource Building and Packard Court Community Center received free books in May.

Thank you, Project Flight! Project Flight places books into the hands of children who need them most and promotes interactive reading within families.

Project Flight is a not-for-profit organization devoted to promoting literacy in children and caregivers through school and family literacy initiatives. Established in 1994 at Buffalo State College, Project Flight has become an important part of the literacy community by providing intergenerational families with opportunities for individual and family growth, parenting, socialization, education, and job skills training.

Free Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program The Niagara Falls City School District is offering a FREE program for children of Niagara Falls residents who will be 4 years of age on or before December 1, 2014. ABOUT THE PROGRAM • Full-time program Monday through Friday, with a 2:00 pm dismissal on Tuesdays. • Literacy rich program designed to help young children enter school ready to learn. • Transportation is NOT provided. Parent is responsible to get child to and from school. • Applicants must be toilet trained unless documentation of a medical condition is presented. • Child must turn 4 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2014.

LOCATIONS

Register your child today! HOW TO APPLY: Applications may be obtained at the Doris W. Jones Family Resource Building at 3001 Ninth Street, the Packard Court Community Center at 4300 Pine Avenue, or by calling (716) 286-4253.

The Niagara Falls Housing Authority operates two Universal Pre-Kindergarten programs in collaboration with the Niagara Falls City School District. Locations are as follows: • Doris W. Jones Family Resource Building, 3001 Ninth Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14305 • Harry F. Abate Elementary School, 1625 Lockport Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14305

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Successfully Transitioning Youth through Adolescence

STYA: Sharing the Journey S a m i k a S u l l i v a n , S T YA C o o r d i n a t o r

s we come to the close of the first session of the STYA program, we are extremely proud of all of the accomplishments that we have made in the creation and development this program. Three short months ago, I and four facilitators sat in a classroom and had the time of our lives doing what we love: working together to create a better community for the youth entrusted in our care. We were bursting at the seams with the possibilities. While recently speaking with the core group of youth at the Beloved Community Center, I took a few moments to ask them questions about their experiences with STYA. One of the questions I asked was, what do you like most about the program? The children had to write their answers, and much to my amazement, even though none of them spoke, almost all of them had field trips listed as their favorite part of the program. This answer was a confirmation because the field trips were to teach as well as entertain. The Youth Power Summit at Bennett High School in Buffalo, NY was our first field trip. The event was sponsored by the CAO of Erie County and set the stage as the perfect springboard for all that we hope to accomplish through

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this program. The youth gained exposure to a variety of speakers and special guests who spoke on topics ranging from goal setting and financial literacy to peer pressure and career development. They also had the opportunity to hear a message from nationally known Pastor Eric Thomas (known as the Hip Hop Preacher). The event was a learning experience for all. Our facilitators participated in mentor workshops and several of our youth were chosen to participate on stage in various activities.

A community garden experience Our next activity involved outreach to youth from the various sites to participate in a gardening activity sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extensionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4H program. During this outing the youth learned about environmental awareness, gardening and healthy eating. The youth enjoyed this more than anyone would have imagined. They had the opportunity to start seedlings which will be maintained by the students and eventually planted in a community garden. Due to this experience several youth

EMPOWERING OUR RESIDENTS

have become part of a garden club, which will focus on the various aspects of community gardening. Trip to an Interactive Museum To add a bit more excitement, we took a trip the Strong Museum of Play in Rochester, NY to view a newly opened exhibit on animation and of course, to play. The kids had a great time and were even rewarded by Museum staff for their great behavior. Giving Back to the Community In our continuing effort to ensure that the youth we serve are active participants in their surrounding community, we offered them an opportunity to complete community service hours by volunteering to participate in Beautify Niagara. In conjunction with the Highland Community Revitalization Committee, over 40 community members assisted with the clean-up. We cleaned the areas around Highland Avenue, including empty lots and pocket parks, and throughout the Packard Court Community. We are thankful to United Health Care who treated all of the volunteers to a well deserved lunch. Enjoying a Taste of Niagara: A Visit to the Culinary Institute Many of the youth who participated in the community cleanup were able to attend a special field trip to the Culinary Institute. The 20 chosen participants were able to earn points by exhibiting good behavior and their community service. The points allowed them to participate in a tour of the facility

We are STYA, and We are STRONG! and a private cooking class where they made their own pizzas and decorated cupcakes. For many of the youth this was their first time in this facility and they were genuinely proud that such a place existed in their own backyard. As one student exclaimed, “This is the BEST trip we have been on so far… I’m going to go home and make my mom a pizza for Mother’s Day!” This statement was music to our ears! Offering diverse experiences While the field trips are definitely an eye opening experience for both youth and facilitators, we have also had the opportunity to gain valuable information from agencies such as Consumer Credit Counseling Services, which provided age appropriate financial literacy information for the youth at three sites. Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Nutrition program provided a six week workshop for all of our communities.

in workshops such as digital movie making, arts and crafts projects, music, popular culture, conflict resolution, decision making, relationships, homelessness, public speaking and adolescence. We have witnessed youth who have made a commitment to the program. Moving forward, we hope to continue the momentum that we have begun and we will continue to remind our youth that - We are STYA and We are STRONG!

PHOTOS: LEFT Break-dancing class with Marcelo Lopez. ABOVE LEFT STYA students, facilitators, and volunteers at the Youth Power Summit. ABOVE RIGHT Making homemade pizzas at the culinary institute.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please visit the NFHA’s website at www. nfha.org.

Additionally, students have participated in hikes at the Gorge, walks to the parks, and participated

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NFHA to Host

Honeywell’s Adventures in Environmental Leadership Aug. 2014 A Summer Experience Highlighting Kayaking and Niagara’s Waterways “It’s interesting to learn about how the water can be affected by what happens on land,” said Niagara Falls High School student, Christa Fiori. Christa was one of 60 students who participated in the Honeywell “Adventures in Environmental Leadership” summer program in 2013. This unique learning experience provided students the opportunity to explore our local waterways while learning about science and the environment. The two-day program was a successful collaboration between the Niagara Falls Housing Authority, Honeywell and Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper. 23

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“The Niagara Falls Housing Authority is proud to be part of this collaboration. The program opened up a whole new world to our youth and at the same time, provided an interesting way to integrate exercise in their schedule and expand their knowledge about the importance of our beautiful landscape and waterways”, stated Stephanie W. Cowart, Executive Director of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority. The 2014 two-day summer program is FREE and open to all youth 12 years and older. The two sessions are scheduled August 11 & 12 or August 13 & 14 from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm. The Closing Ceremony will be held on August 15. Space is limited to 60 spots.

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A WORD FROM OUR STAFF

How to Take a Vacation Cheaply Patricia L. Barone, Deputy Executive Director Vacations are one of those things that seem to be cut when budgets are tight. However, with the proper planning and some tips – a vacation may not be such a far-fetched idea. • Research for off the beaten path destinations. Do some research and you can find beautiful beaches, breathtaking mountain views, luxury resorts and family camps that are reasonable. They may not be as well known, but just as nice as the popular places. • Plan a group trip. Traveling with a group can get you many discounts on things such as hotels and meals.

• Plan travel for “off days”. Airlines usually increase prices for weekends so plan on a weekday instead. • Travel off-season. Find out what are the peak and offpeak seasons for your desired destination. • Visit Friends. Call an old friend

and ask if you can spend the weekend. A free place can really save on the pocketbook. • Find the freebies. Many place have free days, like museums, national parks and look for kids eat free restaurants. Use the internet – coupons galore! • The bottom line. Time and internet are your besties when it comes to planning in advance and saving. The more time you have to plan, the more searching you can do to find and obtain the best deals. Have a safe and fun-filled summer!

Summer Fun in Your Own Community

Plan a Staycation

hether you don’t have the money to head out on a lavish trip or you just don’t feel like traveling, there are many ways that you can create a nice vacation in your own backyard. A “staycation” is a vacation with a twist – you don’t travel far, but instead enjoy the events and attractions in your own neighborhood. Three great activities to consider if you’re planning a staycation: GUIDED MUSEUM TOUR On

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the first Wednesday of every month (until November), patrons can take a guided tour of the Herschell Carousel Factory Museum. This is a perfect event for all ages, because everyone loves merry-go-rounds! Visit their website at carouselmuseum.org for more information. ERIE CANAL Get outdoors and experience the history of the Erie Canal. Enjoy the outdoors by walking or biking along the canal from Lockport to Middleport on the Erie Canal Towpath. The path runs along the historic canal, so

you can enjoy warm weather, a scenic view, and some casual exercise during this fun – and free – family activity. ENJOY HISTORY Embrace our local history by spending a day at Old Fort Niagara, which is another great historic site in the Niagara area. It has original 18th century buildings, fortifications, and dynamic programming for guests. This is a fun local site to experience, and it is an engaging learning experience for all ages. You can learn more at www. oldfortniagara.org.

A WORD FROM OUR STAFF

Modernization and Maintenance Updates N a n c y H a l e y, D i r e c t o r o f M a i n t e n a n c e a n d M o d e r n i z a t i o n LAWN CARE With the coming of the warm weather, it is grass-cutting time again. The Authority has contracted with a new lawn service care provider this year, and each week they become more familiar with

LAWN CUTTING SCHEDULE NFHA Lawn cutting services are scheduled for Wednesday of each week. If we’re rained out on Wednesday, we are scheduled for Thursday of that week.

our communities. The Authority requests your assistance and cooperation to keep your yards free of all summer items likes bikes, porch rugs, BBQ grills, wading pools, and lawn furniture. Please keep these belongings stacked neatly near your apartment on the day grass is being cut. Furthermore, when these items are not being

used, they should always be stored neatly up against the building near your apartment. We cannot make special accommodations with regard to our grass cutting service contract – the Authority pays for a consistent, Authority-wide service and we must enforce regulations accordingly. REMINDER The NFHA’s insurance provider has requested that we provide our residents with a reminder for the proper storage of your seasonal items such as barbecue grills, propane tanks, and the proper disposal of hot charcoal. These items must be safely stored away

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A WORD FROM OUR STAFF from your porches and entry doors or disposed of properly away from your building. There should be no indoor storage of any flammable or combustible items. The NFHA’s Tenant Lease notes, “The tenant shall be obligated to keep the premises, adjacent grounds and other such areas as may be assigned to the tenant’s use, in a clean, orderly, and safe condition.” We thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding with regard to the storage of your seasonal items. THANK YOU A very special thank you to those residents at our hi-rises that like to volunteer their time and assist us in our mission to keep our building grounds neat and tidy. Thank you for pushing the brooms and taking the time to help. We appreciate you. MAINTENANCE As always, please remember that if you have a problem during the day that needs the attention of maintenance, it is best to notify the office prior to 4:30PM so it can be taken care of promptly. We want to take care of a problem right away and we certainly do not want anyone to suffer discomfort. Please notify the work order line as soon as you think you may have a problem and in doing so, this will allow us to correct the problem as quickly as possible. This will not only eliminate the potential for damage caused by waiting, but most importantly it will prevent any inconvenience to you. UPCS INSPECTIONS The NFHA is required to conduct

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a minimum of one (1) annual inspection of all our apartments during our fiscal year, which is April 1 through March 31. If you have moved in between April 1, 2014 and March 31, 2015, your movein inspection meets this annual requirement. For all other residents, we must enter your apartment to complete our inspection and if necessary, maintenance work orders are generated as well. We thank you for your cooperation with this mandatory inspection. You will receive a specific notice in your mailbox from your site manager or foreman scheduling the exact date that your unit will be inspected.

WORK ORDERS CALL IMMEDIATELY FOR ALL ITEMS IN YOUR HOME THAT ARE IN NEED OF REPAIR. We greatly appreciate your prompt call to the work order line for your maintenance needs. Dial carefully: 284-WORK (9675) AFTER HOURS - EMERGENCY Should you have a need for emergency services after 4:30 pm, you are required to call our emergency answering service at (716) 285-6961.

REAC INSPECTIONS – JORDAN GARDENS AND DWJ FAMILY RESOURCE BUILDING The Doris W. Jones Family Resource Building and Harry S. Jordan Gardens units will be inspected this fall. The actual dates for this mandatory inspection have not been determined yet. Apartments

to be inspected will be randomly selected on the morning of the inspection. If your apartment is among those selected, a member of NFHA management will accompany the inspector to your unit. All selected units must be entered, whether you are home or not. You will receive more information along with a detailed checklist of HUD’s inspection requirements. HOPE VI – Our Beloved Community Our beloved Community is BEAUTIFUL. We are very excited to see the new families occupying these beautiful homes. The rental office is located in the Beloved Community Event Center, 1710 Calumet Avenue. The rental office number is 285-8050 and I am sure that Jillian, the Site Property Manager would be happy to meet you. PACKARD COURT Please make sure that your furnace room is kept clutter free. The area around your hot water tank and furnace must be accessible at all times. Please watch for any NFHA announcements for site work coming within the next few weeks. We will be repairing asphalt, concrete sidewalks and completing landscaping improvements to the Packard Court grounds. Please call the work order line if your window and doors screens are in need of repair. All air conditioners installed MUST BE SECURE and SAFE. SPALLINO TOWERS and WROBEL TOWERS We hope you are enjoying your new elevator lobby furniture!

A WORD FROM OUR STAFF However, please speak with your building manager before placing anything on the furniture or in the lobby areas. Each site is receiving upgrades to the elevators and we thank you for your understanding as this work is being completed. The air conditioner installation has begun at both sites; your patience is appreciated while we complete this task. Note: only NFHA Maintenance Staff are to install air conditioners, so you may not install one yourself or hire a third-party contractor. JORDAN GARDENS The NFHA would like to thank everyone for their cooperation and understanding while the replacement of your roofs, gutters, and downspouts was completed. We will continue on with our improvements at Jordan Gardens in order to be REAC ready. Please call the work order line for any maintenance items that need our attention within your home. MODERNIZATION Once our service contracts are in place, it will be time to work on the individual site modernization projects. We are anxious to procure the very best design firms to assist us in getting the best bang for our construction funding. Please

watch for updates regarding future construction planned for the NFHA communities.

maintenance staff dispatched that not only lists your name but your address as well.

AFTER HOURS - EMERGENCY Should you have a need for emergency services after 4:30 p.m., you are required to call our emergency answering service number at 285-6961. Our answering service will ask you your name, address, phone number, and the nature of your emergency. This information is then turned immediately over to the NFHA emergency on call staff member.

If it is truly NOT an emergency situation and possibly more of an inconvenience, please wait until regular business hours and call the work order line. Some examples of emergency situations are no heat, no hot water, being locked out, beeping smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector sounding, commode plugged, no electricity, or smelling gas within your apartment.

You will receive a call back to the number you provided in a very timely matter. The on call staff member will assess your call and advise you accordingly if someone will be dispatched out immediately -- or if we will provide the necessary maintenance on the next working day. Please understand that the on call staff member WILL NOT send anyone out without first talking to the resident. In addition, you must be home to grant the maintenance staff access into your home to make the needed emergency repairs. For your own safety and security, should you lock yourself out of your apartment, you should be prepared to show identification to the

Please be advised that the Niagara Falls Housing Authority’s answering service has been instructed to call the NFHA on call Representative with EVERY call received no matter what time of the day or night. We ask for your understanding and cooperation with calling in the true emergencies. Please remember to be patient with our Answering Service – they are committed to providing quick and thorough service to everyone. THANK YOU – THANK US! It is with great pride that the ladies and gentlemen of the NFHA Maintenance Team serve you – our valued residents. Please remember to tell our staff “good job.”

Have a safe and happy Summer!

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A WORD FROM OUR STAFF

Good Record Keeping Melissa A. Matsulavage, Director of Occupancy

Do you know where your birth certificate is? How many of you have a folded, deeply creased or torn copy in your wallet or purse that is barely legible? How about your Social Security card: is it old and so worn that you are afraid to take it out of your wallet? Are your bank statements scattered throughout the house, a few in a desk drawer or some on top of the refrigerator? Perhaps they were thrown out. If any of these scenarios pertain to you, then this article is definitely for you.

eeping good records is essential to everyone. Having a safe, a filing cabinet, a file box, or even a desk drawer, which contains all of your personal records in one place, is very important. Some of these documents include: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Birth Certificates Social Security Cards Passports School Records Medical Records Wills Marriage/Divorce Records Death Certificates Pay Stubs or other verification of income Bank Statements Income Taxes Mortgage or Rental Agreements Receipts for major purchases

You will need these documents for various reasons during the course of your lifetime - to enroll in school, get a driver’s license, get a job, get

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married, rent or lease an apartment, purchase a home or vehicle, obtain government benefits and so on. Therefore, they must be easily accessible and in good condition when the need arises. Oftentimes applicants come in for their interviews for housing without many of these items. They cannot find certain documents, or they have been damaged or just never safeguarded. It is extremely important to have these when applying for housing and for your annual re-examination. When you have some spare time, go through the list above and

try to locate personal items that pertain to you and your family. If you find that some items are missing or have been lost, you may be able to get copies or replacements from the appropriate agencies. Make photocopies of original documents. Next, find that “special” place where you can store the files. Sealing the documents in waterproof plastic or zip-lock bags before placing them in the cabinet, box or drawer will help keep out air and moisture which can yellow and damage your documents. By following this simple guide, you will save yourself a lot time and trouble in the future. Happy organizing!

A WORD FROM OUR STAFF

A message to residents of

Harry S. Jordan Gardens Angela L. Smith, Senior Housing Manager

Summer is finally here! While we wish all of you an enjoyable summer, we also ask that you follow the rules and regulations of the Authority for a safe summer season. PLEASE WATCH YOUR CHILDREN Please do not allow your children or your visitor’s to play on other resident’s lawns or in the parking area. Children should always be accompanied by an adult. If you are allowing your children to play outside, be sure that you are watching them and their actions. Fighting, arguing and vandalism are serious violations of the lease and you can be evicted for your children’s actions. TAKE CARE OF YOUR PROPERTY Please do not leave any articles out, either on the porch or in the yard overnight.

small backyard pool (June-August). The size of the pool cannot exceed 8’ diameter x 18” deep. The pool must be emptied daily at sundown and stored at the rear of the building. All pools must be emptied completely at any time that a responsible adult is not at home to supervise and monitor it.

Please take the time to read your lease and become familiar with the rules and regulations. Bicycles, toys, grills, etc. must be neatly stored on rear side of the premises or in basements. Please keep your yard (front and back) clean. Pick up all paper and debris and clean your front and back window wells. SWIMMING POOLS You are permitted to maintain a

AIR CONDITIONER INSTALLATION No air conditioners may be installed without specific permission of management. Management must be notified in advance. Niagara Falls Housing Authority personnel must do all installations and removals. There is a charge for installation and removal. Please take the time to read your lease and become familiar with the rules and regulations. Lastly, we encourage you to take care of yourselves. We wish each and every one of you a safe, happy, and successful summer!

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A WORD FROM OUR STAFF

A Look at the Poverty Industry:

Buyer Beware

S t e v e H a e f n e r, S e n i o r S e r v i c e s C o o r d i n a t o r

n order to make money, many businesses target individuals who are believed to have disposable income. Disposable income is the money that is left over from a person’s income after paying mortgage, rent, utilities, and other expenses for living. People living at or just above the poverty level, have very little, if any, disposable income. However, there are a good number of businesses that market specifically to those with very little money. This is something referred to as the “poverty industry.”

Every day, individuals are flooded with messages about the “good life” and what people have to do in order to make themselves a part of this lifestyle. Businesses include, but are not limited to, rent-to-own stores, check cashing services, stores and vendors that illegally sell designer knock-offs, and pawn shops. CONSUMERS BEWARE When people don’t have money and have great difficulty getting credit, they may feel as if they are in a bind and have to patronize businesses that may exist only to make money from people in their situation. Rent-to-own stores charge huge markups, some of which are equivalent to a 300% interest rate on an item. Yes, it is true you can get your laptop computer or television right away — no matter what your credit rating. But by 31

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waiting as little as four months, you can buy such an item outright by setting aside the $38.95 weekly payment you would otherwise be handing over. You can save on those high rent-to-own costs by simply saving in advance. TAX REFUNDS During tax season, a number of businesses pop up offering to give you the amount of your refund right away so you don’t have to wait for your refund. Of course, this comes with a price. They likely charge a premium price for filling out and filing your return. Additionally, they will give you your refund immediately, but it is essentially the same as a high interest loan. In this day of electronic filing, a refund usually comes in about 10 days anyway. There are organizations that will assist limited income individuals in filing returns for free and you can even get your refund processed rather quickly. CHECK CASHING SERVICES For people who receive a regular check — whether a paycheck or a

government-issued or retirement benefits check — it may be a challenge to get the check cashed. Banks and credit unions do have fees associated with having an account. However, this likely will still be cheaper than using a service that will cash your check. Check cashing services have fees that are much higher than the fees at banks. Check cashing services may offer other services — such as selling stamps or having extended hours — that may make them more attractive to customers than a traditional bank. But you pay a premium for these services, so beware. Many of the fees incurred by individuals who feel they have no alternative but to patronize these businesses can be prevented. This is done through patience, planning, and education. CONSIDER OTHER OPTIONS People and programs exist to help with navigation through the mainstream banking systems. There are ways to get the things you need without paying rent-to-own fees. Negotiations may be handled through a third party individual so it is not necessary to visit a pawn shop or similar such establishment to get access to quick money to solve a problem or crisis. Remember: patience, planning, and education.

A WORD FROM OUR STAFF

“Pay it Forward” M. Anne Smith, Ma n a g e r, A n th o n y S p a llin o To w e rs

he world can appear to be unfriendly at times. In spite of that, all we want is safety, health, and happiness for our loved ones and ourselves. I pose the question: How can ordinary people like you and me make a positive difference in someone’s’ life? A small gesture – often referred to as “paying it forward”– is a third party beneficiary concept that involves doing something good for someone in response to a good deed done on your behalf, or in response to a gift that you received. When you pay it forward, you do not repay the person who did something nice for you; instead, you do something nice for someone else. The practice of paying it forward creates a sense of good will and positive karma that can make a difference in our communities. When you aspire to perform a favor for someone, you should first be attentive to the opportunities that allow you to help or extend yourself to others. Second, you should do something nice for someone you do not already know. Thirdly, you should be excited to spread the karma seed of paying it forward. Lastly – tag, you’re it! By this I mean that you should recognize the small expressions of kindness that others have granted to you, and remind yourself of the things for which you are grateful. While every person’s journey is

one is perfect, you can work on lifting up others, treating people with respect, being positive, and pursuing your passions.

different, discovering yourself and your role in your community helps some people find their ability to do good in the world. Consider what “goodness” means to you. Perhaps this means doing good for others; maybe it simply means being an honest and kind person. Sometimes you can learn the most by acknowledging your own actions – both right and wrong.

Believe in yourself. Do what you love. And most importantly, be kind to others, even if you don’t like them.” – Stacy London When people see our good deeds, it can nurture someone else to strive to be a paragon as well. Try to reflect on your own beliefs and actions objectively. While no

The best part of life is not just surviving, but thriving with compassion, humor, generosity, and kindness. We find joy in not just merely existing, but living to improve the lives of those around us! “Pay it forward” is not synonymous with the “golden rule” to treat others as you want to be treated. The pay it forward model is great because it does not always have to be something that you actively set out to do. Instead, it is the beauty of spontaneity that helps provide the self-fulfillment of paying it forward. Not to mention, it’s amazing to see what a great chain of events you can start by doing something kind and not expecting anything in return. Just being the recipient of a kind deed can motivate you to be a kind person in the future. It could be as simple as letting another person in the elevator before you, giving a friendly smile or compliment, giving up your place in line, or paying for someone’s lunch. It was challenged to me, and consequently, I pay it forward to you to make a difference daily in someone’s life. Don’t let fear or insecurity stop you from trying new things. You can start small and make a big impact. Niagara carrier JULY 2014

A WORD FROM OUR STAFF

Stop Paying Fees and Save Your Money M a r c i a E . M a s s a r o , M a n a g e r, H e n r y E . W r o b e l To w e r s

aving money on a fixed income can seem to be an impossible task. How can anyone save when their income is not increasing at the same pace as the price of food and gasoline? But saving money is possible. ‘Saving money’ also has two meanings. One meaning of saving money is to place a designated amount of money away, like into a savings bank account, on a regular basis. Putting $20.00 each week in a bank account adds up to $1,040 a year. Even just depositing $5.00 a week would be $260.00 in savings over the course of a year. The second meaning of ‘saving money’ is not spending money unnecessarily. Here are some ways it may be possible to save costs: 1. Bank accounts Is there a fee charged every month for having an account? Some banks charge as much as $15.00 every month just for having an account with their bank. 2. Debit and ATM cards Debit cards associated with a bank account, charge a fee each time it is used with a PIN number to make a purchase. Some debit cards can be used as a credit card with no fees charged. Of course there must be money in the account to cover the purchase. Check with your bank to see if your debit card qualifies. 3. ATM charges This can eat up your money quickly. Using a nonbank ATM can rack up charges from $3.00 to $10.50 for each transaction. First, the ATM charges

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an immediate usage fee, and then your bank charges your account another fee. If you take a non-bank ATM withdrawal of $20.00 two times each week and are charged $3.50 for each transaction, you will have paid $364.00 in a year just to use your own money. Plan out how much money you need for the week and use the ATM located at your bank, which is usually free. 4. Balance inquiries at an ATM Most banks have a toll free number to call to get the balance on the account. 5. Bounced checks and returned payments These can wreak havoc on a bank account. Banks can charge $35.00 or more for each non-sufficient fund charge. Keeping track of the account activity is vital. If you use a debit card, keep all of the receipts in an envelope so they can be deducted from the balance. Remember to record checks as they are written. 6. Check billing statements for charges that are “hidden” I recently found a $10.72 charge on a cable bill for informational calls that were never made. After calling the service provider and explaining the situation, the charges were removed. 7. Late charges Not only are late charges expensive, they mess up your credit. Paying one late charge of $25.00 each month adds up $300.00 a year. All of these charges are small amounts alone but when added together over time can become costly. As the saying goes, “a penny saved is a penny earned.”

A WORD FROM OUR STAFF

Welcome Summertime! Welcome Sunshine! Ida P. Se right, M a n a g e r, P a ck a rd C o u rt C o mmu n ity After a long, hard winter, we’re ready to welcome summer with open arms. It’s time for vacations, days at the park, relaxing on the beach, and embarking on camping trips just to take a break from the routine of everyday life. Summer is a time for lots of fun and enjoyment, and now that it’s here, I would like to take the time to remind you of some of the NFHA Rules and Regulations. Although most Packard Court residents do follow these instructions, a friendly reminder is always helpful. CHILDREN Sit down with your children and reinforce showing respect for adults and other people’s property. Go over safety rules with them and make sure that you’re aware of what your kids are doing at all times. When attending the Packard Court Community Center for activities, please stress the importance of good behavior. PARKING/VEHICLES Be sure to drive with caution at all times and park your car in designated lots. Cars should never be parked or driven on the lawn. If these rules are not adhered to, violators will be charged a minimum of $75.00 to their account for any damages caused by parking or driving onto the grass. In addition, no vehicles are to be parked along the access road. As the head of your household and a member of our

community, it is your responsibility to inform household members and guests of our parking rules.

Let’s have a safe, enjoyable, and beautiful Summer. With your help, Packard Court will remain a great place to call home! The NFHA Statement of Policy, Section XXIII says, “Parking and Parking Lots: #1 Vehicles may only be parked in areas specifically designated for parking. No moving vans whether moving in/out, or trucks making deliveries to your unit of furniture or appliances are to be driven on lawn/grass. If it is found that you have driven your vehicle or allowed delivery trucks to drive onto the lawn/grass for any reason, your account will be charged for repair of the damages.” Now that you’re aware of these rules, you can remind your family members and avoid potential charges from noncompliance to these rules.

NOISE We know how it is: in the summer, you want to play your favorite music and have a good time. If you play music, please be considerate of your neighbors and turn your stereo (and television) down to a reasonable level that will not be a disturbance to others. Particularly now that the nice weather is here, windows will be open and sound will travel farther. SWIMMING POOLS If you’re looking to buy a “kiddy pool” for your child to enjoy on hot days, it must not exceed 8’ in diameter and be no more than 18” deep. All pools are to be emptied daily and are to be moved around frequently in order to avoid lawn damages. Keep in mind: adult supervision is required at all times. The grass will be cut on Wednesdays. On those days pools, lawn furniture, and barbecue grills are to be moved and stored close to your unit so the grass can be cut and trimmed. Please be conscious about water usage; continuous running of water hoses is prohibited, as are car washes. Although water is supplied by the NFHA, that privilege may not be abused. PAYING RENT All rent, utilities, and maintenance charges are due on the 1st, and no later than the fifth day of the Niagara carrier JULY 2014

A WORD FROM OUR STAFF month. Rent that is not paid in full by close of business on the 5th of the month is considered late. On the 6th day of the month, a $25.00 late fee will be assessed and a two-week notice will be issued demanding payment in full within 14 days. Remember: paying your rent should be a top priority. GARBAGE Garbage pickup day at Packard Court is on Friday mornings. All garbage totes must be brought curbside before pickup. If it becomes necessary for NFHA staff to bring your

garbage tote to the curb, a charge will be assessed to your account. Your garbage area and yard must be kept free of garbage, and garbage totes should be kept sitting next to your steps. Residents are responsible for their assigned tote and are the property of the NFHA. You will be responsible for the replacement cost if your garbage tote is lost or damaged. We know that certain things can be tricky to dispose of. Household cooking grease is to be disposed of in a safe and sanitary way, so in order to avoid clogging up pipes, drains

and sewer systems, do not dispose of grease by pouring it down the sink or toilet. Do not pour it out in the yard either. Please dispose of grease by putting it in a plastic container or can, placing it in a garbage bag, and putting it out for pickup with regular household garbage. DRUG OR CRIMINAL ACTIVITY If you observe any suspected drug activity, please call the NFPD. Your help is needed in preserving the community and protecting the quality of life of all residents and children.

Summer Safety Tips for Kids J i l l i a n K u k u l k a , M a n a g e r, B e l o v e d C o m m u n i t y

he National Safe Kids Campaign estimates that every year, one in four kids ages 14 and younger will sustain an injury that requires medical attention. Forty percent of all injury related emergency room visits and 42% of all injury related deaths happen between May and August. These are some shocking statistics in their report, but luckily we can avoid some of these hazards. We are able to keep kids free from about 90 percent of these accidents by educating ourselves (and our kids) on summer safety. Bites and Stings Planning to spend time outside means planning to spray yourself and your kids with insect repellent. Repellents don’t kill insects, but they can help reduce bites from mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and other bothersome bugs. Pool Safety They don’t hang those “no 35 | Niagara carrier JULY 2014

degrees or warmer outside. Heat Related Illness Kids are more susceptible to heat illnesses than adults are because their central nervous system is not fully developed yet. Keep water or sports drinks (with electrolytes) on hand to maintain hydration, and encourage them to stay in a shady or air-conditioned location during the hottest parts of the afternoon.

running” signs poolside for decoration. According to Safe Kids, in 2006, more than 3,700 kids younger than 5 years old were injured in near-drowning incidents. Never leave kids alone near the pool, regardless of their age or swimming capabilities.

Playground Safety Be sure to check playground equipment before letting kids play on it. For example, surfaces such as slides that are too hot can cause burns.

Food Poisoning One of the best ways to avoid food poisoning during the summertime is to be sure food items that contain mayonnaise, milk, eggs, meat, poultry and seafood aren’t kept at room temperature for more than an hour or two. Note: the maximum changes to just one hour if it is 90

Safe Rides It is a requirement for kids to wear a helmet. Nearly 300,000 kids make a visit to the emergency room every year with bike-related injuries. This is avoidable with proper equipment and safety precautions. Keep these precautions in mind and have a fun and safe Summer!

A WORD FROM OUR STAFF

Education is a Jewel “Education is the jewel casting brilliance into the future” -Mari Evans K h a l e e l a h F. S h a r e e f , D i r e c t o r P a c k a r d C o u r t C o m m u n i t y C e n t e r As parents and community members, it is absolutely necessary to take every action to educate our children. If we fail to educate our children, we are setting them up for failure and potentially creating the environment for lifelong struggle and hardships. Recently, I had the pleasure of watching Bishop T. D. Jakes on the Arsenio Hall show. I listened intently as he spoke about the struggles and challenges he has faced throughout his life, while opening my eyes once again to the level of possibilities that are available for our children if they have access to quality education. Bishop T. D. Jakes candidly recalled the times in his life where he was only able to afford one of his three utility bills at a time. It may be hard to believe that he has come so very far — but he has.

Parents and members of the community: we must invest in our children’s future and help them see and understand the significance of receiving an education. The Niagara Falls City School District held the Board of Education elections on May 20, 2014. Based on the voter turnout in our community, I remain puzzled about the lack of interest in our children’s education. We must show interest in the policy makers who make decisions about our lives and our children’s lives, and we must be advocates for learning. Our children and our community deserve the best opportunities.

Everyday, we should choose to exemplify hard work and excellence in our homes and in our communities. It is through leading by example that we will create the desire for our children to understand the importance of excellence. Let’s be clear: getting a good education is not an absolute guarantee that life will be perfect and untouched by challenges and struggles. But a good education can provide the foundation to better deal with those challenges. Not having a solid education does not necessarily mean that people cannot achieve security and success; sometimes, it just makes that success a little bit harder to attain. We all must make a commitment to educate our children and show them what a gift, a right, and an honor it is to be able to learn.

Dr. Maya Angelou expressed the joy of learning when she said, “The greatest gift I’ve ever had was the birth of my son…because of him, I educated myself…I started my lifelong love affair with libraries…I’ve learned an awful lot because of him.” Niagara carrier JULY 2014

A WORD FROM OUR STAFF

Want to be a Millionaire? Evelyn Buffone, Junior Accountant

Who wouldn’t like to be a millionaire? Seems like a silly question, doesn’t it? Most people who actually achieve millionaire status didn’t do it by winning the lottery or inheriting their wealth. They did it through hard work, entrepreneurship, and by taking risks. A lot of people think that millionaires have a lifestyle that is different than their own, but research has shown that most millionaires are just like everyone else – they just did things a little differently. One of the misconceptions people have is that millionaires are smarter than everyone else. They’re not – they’re just more driven than most of us. They didn’t spend their time dreaming of becoming a millionaire or how they were going to spend the money once they earned it. They pushed themselves and thought creatively. They see opportunities where the rest of us may not see, or if we see, we don’t do anything about it. Just having an idea is not good enough – you’ve got to work, follow through, and not give up. Some people think that millionaires are just plain lucky. Luck has little to do with much of anything in life – we make our own luck, and the harder we work, the luckier we are. You can’t quit because it gets too hard, or you hit an obstacle, 37

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you lived an ordinary life. Most millionaires consider themselves to be frugal, and spend money to invest in themselves or their business enterprises.

Some people think that millionaires are just plain lucky. Luck has little to do with much of anything in life – we make our own luck, and the harder we work, the luckier we are. and then expect luck to pick up the pieces. Only you can make your own luck. Luck doesn’t even work out at the casino or the lottery – think about how much money the ‘lucky’ person spent before they hit the jackpot. I mentioned dreaming about how you would spend the money if you became a millionaire, and many people think that millionaires live very lavish lives. That isn’t true, and if we think about all the sports stars we’ve heard of who were millionaires because of their earnings and then wound up completely broke, you’ll be able see that for yourself. Living a lavish lifestyle simply means that you’ll spend your money faster than if

Millionaires are also not afraid to take a chance – or, if they are afraid, they do it anyway. There’s a saying you may have heard – if your dreams don’t make you afraid, you’re not dreaming big enough. Most millionaires took chances. They may have spent their last dollar investing in their own dream, but they also worked toward the goal. When you are working hard toward your dream, you’ll find that you don’t really have time to be afraid, and when you are, you just push forward – pushing those fears aside. Finally, some people think that millionaires are happy people. There is some evidence of this, but a recent survey found that just having some savings in the bank made people happy. In fact, the survey showed a direct correlation between the amount of money people had in the bank and their perceived level of happiness. So, it follows that just beginning the process of saving money will help to make you a happier person – and on your way toward becoming a millionaire! Reference: finance.yahoo.com/news

IN THE KNOW IN THE KNOW is “All About You”; Keeping you informed about NFHA and community news, training opportunities, job information, and events that will entertain and inform.

Annie Fields-Chapman The Lady Implementing the Mission of the Doris W. Jones Family Resource Building

nnie Fields-Chapman, not only serves as the General Manager of one of the Housing Authority’s greatest assets, but is considered by many as the mother of the facility overseeing a number of programs that have touched the lives of so many residents. Annie, a take charge leader who prefers to work behind the scenes to get the job done, assumed the position of General Manager of the Doris W. Jones Family Resource Center in 1995. Her professional career is highlighted by years of service, including working in a number of leadership positions at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center for 21 years.

Large” After-School program which has been in existence for more than 30 years.

Stephanie W. Cowart, Executive Director of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority. In addition to academic instruction other components of the program include guest speakers, music appreciation, recreational activities, mentoring, life skills and a healthy dinner served Monday – Friday under the New York State Department of Health Children and Adult Care Food Program. All meals are cooked by the Resource staff.

Annie Fields-Chapman. Photo: Willie Dunn.

Her Motivation Anyone who has observed Annie during one of the building’s many community programs can see her passion and attention to detail. She explains her continued dedication the best, “What also motivates me is the fact that every day is different. There are never two days that are the same at the Resource. I have been blessed to do the job that I like to do.”

“Our babies” is how she affectionately refers to the youth who attend the premier after school program. She states, “This program is a gem.” It is a quality program, in which all staff is cleared by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and are mandated to continue with on-going training in Early Childhood Education. The program is offered to the residents and the community-at-large for children in grades K – 12.

Her Favorite Program When asked this question, her eyes light up and voice feels with pride when she speaks about the “Livin

“The ‘Livin Large’ After School Program is developed to provide students an engaging and quality learning experience” states

Proudest and Memorable Moments “There are many proud moments during my tenure here; however, one of my proudest and challenging experiences as manager for the Resource Building was planning for the arrival of two New York State Governors, George Pataki and David Paterson.” She explained that working with their staff including the New York State Police, gave her insight into the many details that had to be covered prior to an official state visit. She recalls, “Details were vital, from where was the nearest hospital to where does this exit lead. Working with both of these Governors Advance Teams made for a very long week. But it was great!”

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IN THE KNOW

HEAD START

For Preschool Children

A P P LY N O W F O R S E P T E M B E R Niagara County Headstart, Inc. Accepting applications for children born between Dec. 2, 2009 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dec. 1, 2011. Preference will be given to children turning 4 by December 1, 2014. Head Start is a FREE preschool program for three and four-year-olds who meet Federal Income Guidelines. The program operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm. Children do not have to be potty trained to attend. Head Start children participate in a variety of educational activities. The students spend time in a stimulating and safe setting where they form good habits, enjoy playing with toys, and work on tasks with classmates. The goal of this program is to help children build a strong foundation for kindergarten. Children receive nutritious meals and snacks. All of the children are taught good hygiene, hand washing, and the importance of brushing their teeth. Head Start offers services not only to the enrolled child, but to the whole family. Parents can take part in training classes such as job training, parenting, tax assistance, and nutrition. The program also offers assistance in obtaining your GED, English as a Second Language, and Literacy needs.

Niagara Falls Locations:

Donovan 1631 Main Street Niagara Falls

DiFrancesco 901 24th Street Niagara Falls

For more information and/or to register, please call (716) 285-8883.

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IN THE KNOW

Become acquainted with services to help you attain your career goals

t’s time to become acquainted with the ATTAIN Lab. The ATTAIN Lab was created as a resource for community members who want to expand their skill sets. Established in 2004 as a SUNY program, the community ATTAIN Lab is located in the Doris W. Jones Family Resource Building. The Lab consists of 24 IBM computer workstations, a 19-inch monitor for the visually impaired, and over 30 interactive, multimedia, occupational, academic, and life skills courses. All courses are free to residents of Niagara County, and there are a variety of topics that are covered in the ATTAIN Lab’s programming. Workshops include topics on Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, Garage Band, web design, and much more. Job readiness courses include online job searches and preparing and submitting resumes electronically. In addition, the ATTAIN Lab offers academic and occupational courses. Some of the programs include GED courses, advanced reading comprehension, nursing assistant courses, building maintenance, carpentry, electrical training, customer service, and childcare. Striving to provide holistic continuing education, the NFHA SUNY ATTAIN Lab offers personal development courses on topics such as life skills and parenting.

ABOVE: ATTAIN LAB supervised by Howard Patton, Joseph Brown and Antoinette Polito. BELOW: Willie Dunn.

WANTED: LIFE LONG LEARNERS, PEOPLE SEEKING TRAINING AND SEEKING NEW CAREERS ATTAIN provides academic assistance, workplace readiness, and occupational training in order to help community members obtain economic self-sufficiency and foster a love of learning. CALL 716-285-5374 for a list of classes and programs.

Willie Dunn Do you know Willie Dunn? If not, it’s time to get acquainted! One of the NFHA’s major goals is to ensure that residents are self-sufficient and continually working to build a better life for themselves and their families. Willie Dunn plays a huge role in helping residents accomplish these goals. Willie is the Niagara Falls Housing Authority coordinator for the Resident Opportunity and Self Sufficiency program, and he heads up many of the employment and job training resources that the NFHA has to offer. Whether you’re looking to complete your GED, striving to improve your skills, or looking for employment opportunities or a career change, Willie Dunn can help! He likes to tell residents that his personal slogan is, “Willie Dunn gets it done.” Give Willie a call at (716) 285-5374 to inquire about how you can get involved with professional development, job training, and career guidance.

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IN THE KNOW

Important Information on Flat Rents Most residents in public housing pay an income-based rent, which is 30 percent of their adjusted gross income. Flat rents (currently $600) are offered to those residents whose income-based rents exceed $600. In determining flat rents, the housing authority considers the size and type of apartment, condition, amenities, services and neighborhood. The market value of the apartment is determined and the housing authority sets the flat rent accordingly. The resident decides to choose either income-based or flat rent. Families have the option once per year to choose between the flat rent and the income-based rent, except for cases of financial hardship. The

percent of the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for their area (according to bedroom size). As a result, changes and/or increases to the current flat rent schedule will be necessary. Any initial increase cannot exceed 35 percent of the current flat rent. Therefore, when it is necessary to increase more than 35 percent to meet the 80 percent of FMR requirement, a 35 percent increase may be implemented the first year and the remainder of the increase will be implemented the following year.

These changes will affect some, but not all of our sites. Spallino and Wrobel Towers will not be affected. Only those sites with 3 or more bedrooms, or have tenant-paid utilities, will be affected. housing authority must then offer the household the opportunity to return to an income-based rent. In accordance with the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014, HUD is requiring public housing authorities to set their flat rents at no lower than 80

The new flat rents are proposed to go into effect at each current households next re-examination (April 1, 2015) and after June 1, 2014 for new residents.

The proposed changes to our flat rents are outlined below. These changes affect only those residents who choose the flat rent option. If you have any questions or concerns regarding flat rents, please call the Occupancy Department at (716) 285-6961. FAIR MARKET RENT and FLAT RENT 2014

FAIR MARKET RENT ($/month) 0 BR

1 BR

2 BR

3 BR

4 BR

5 BR

6 BR

Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY FMR-2014

$537

$570

$710

$908

$1,027

$1,182

$1,336

80% of Fair Market Rent

$430

$456

$568

$726

$822

$946

$1,069

35% of Fair Market Rent

$210

Proposed New Flat Rent 2014

$600

$726

$810

$12

$136

$259

Site with Utilities Included *(Spallino, Wrobel, Packard Court)

$600

$726

$810

Site with Tenant Paid Utilities *(Jordan Gardens)

N/A

$561

N/A

$687

$762

$759

N/A

Site with Tenant Paid Utilities *(Beloved Community)

N/A

$493

$465

$564

$622

N/A

Amount to be added at Phase-in 2015

CURRENT UTILITY ALLOWANCES Site Name Harry S. Jordan Gardens Beloved Community 41

1 BR

2 BR

3 BR

4 BR

5 BR

$37-39

N/A

$47-48

$50-51

$50-52

$107

$135

$162

$188

N/A

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IN THE KNOW

Beautify Niagara Day Part of the Mount St. Mary’s Neighborhood Health Center team tackled the area around the health center and the Doris W. Jones Resource Center on May 3, 2014, Beautify Niagara Day. Thanks to all!

FREE LINE DANCING CLASSES The Niagara Falls Housing Authority is offering FREE LineDancing classes at the Doris W. Jones Family Resource Building. WHEN: Wednesdays from 5:30 pm–7:30 pm.

All ages are welcome to participate.

WHERE: Doris W. Jones Family Resource Building, 3001 Ninth Street, Niagara Falls.

For more information, please call (716) 285-5374.

City of Niagara Falls Trash and Recycling Schedules CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS 2014 TRASH COLLECTION HOLIDAYS • Independence Day – Fri., July 4 • Labor Day - Mon., Sept. 1 • Thanksgiving Day – Thurs., Nov. 27 • Christmas Day – Thurs., Dec. 25 If your collection falls on or after the holiday, collection will be delayed by one day. CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS 2014 ELECTRONIC WASTE RECYCLING COLLECTION SCHEDULE Electronic items may be dropped off at the DPW Corporation Yard, 1785 New Road, Niagara Falls, between the hours of 9 am – 2 pm on the following dates: • July 10 • July 24 • August 14 • August 28 • September 11 • September 25 • October 9 • December 11 Electronic items include: computers, televisions, cathode ray tubes, small scale servers, computer peripherals, monitors, keyboards, fax machines, scanners, printers, small electronic equipment, vcr’s, digital video recorders, portable digital music players, dvd’s, digital converter boxes, cable or satellite receivers, electronic video game consoles and speakers.

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IN THE KNOW NFHA NEWS BRIEFS

Schumer Fights for the City of Niagara Falls as Population Dwindles Schumer says Federal Community Development Funding is one of the most important programs helping to turn around Niagara Falls. HUD must keep Community Development Funding flowing to Niagara Falls.

ith the population of the City of Niagara Falls dwindling to fewer than 50,000, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer is fighting to make sure that the city still receives the millions of federal dollars it gets every year through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Standing in front of a vacant fire hall in the north end of the city this past April, Schumer vowed to fight changes the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is planning to make to its CDBG program that would make Niagara Falls ineligible for the millions of federal dollars it receives each year. The vacant fire hall location for his visit truly showed the impact that these funds have on our city. The fire hall is set to be remodeled into a fully operational job training center, funded in part with CDBG funds. The training center will provide resume assistance, career readiness programs, employment training and job placement opportunities benefiting many Niagara Falls residents.

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PHOTOS: Stephanie W. Cowart, Executive Director of Niagara Falls Housing Authority, attended the press briefing to express to U.S. Senator Schumer the importance of the funds in providing much needed services and employment training programs to residents in most need of assistance.

IN THE KNOW NFHA NEWS BRIEFS

“While I can’t make any promises, I can promise that I will fight as hard as I can, and when I fight as hard as I can, I usually succeed.” — U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer CDBG grants are available to cities with a population of at least 50,000, Niagara Falls is slightly under at 49,700, but was “grandfathered in to eligibility.” HUD is considering ending this grandfathering provision. “I am here today to tell the people of the city of Niagara Falls that I will do everything I can to prevent any legislative change and see that Niagara Falls continues to get its CDBG money,” Schumer said. If Niagara Falls is denied CDBG funds, the city could lose a significant amount of funding. These monies are used for such things as new playgrounds, the repair of streets and sidewalks and various community programs.

SUMMER highLIGHTS

The Senate Banking Committee oversees the CDBG program, which Schumer is a senior member. “While I can’t make any promises, I can promise that I will fight as hard as I can, and when I fight as hard as I can, I usually succeed.”

2014 Falls Fireworks Schedule Enjoy stunning displays over Niagara Falls every Friday, Sunday and Holidays until November 30th. Additional shows every Wednesday from June 18-August 20, and every day from August 25-29. Holiday shows include: Victoria Day (May 19), Canada Day (July 1), Independence Day (July 4), Civic Holiday (August 4), Labor Day (September 1) and Canadian Thanksgiving/ US Columbus Day (October 13). All performances begin at 10 p.m. and are subject to change. As always, fireworks performances are weather permitting and may be canceled due to poor weather conditions like high winds or rain.

Be sure to watch “People and Possibilities” with Co-host Angela Smith and Guest Host, Jennifer Parker

Niagara Area Foundation awards grants to nine nonprofits The Buffalo News.com, City & Region; Published: April 18, 2014 Niagara Falls Housing Authority’s “People and Possibilities” program among Niagara Area Foundation award grantees.

2014 Falls Illumination Schedule Illumination times are approximate and subject to change according to light conditions. 2014

OFF

July 1 – August 14

9:00pm

Midnight

August 15 – September 30

8:30pm

Midnight

October 1 – November 1

7:00pm

Midnight

November 2 – December 30

5:00pm

Midnight

December 31

5:00pm

1:00am

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Calendar of Events WEDNESDAYS

JULY 25

JULY 27

Free line dancing lessons 5:30 pm–7:30 pm. Doris W. Jones Family Resource Building, 3001 Ninth Street, Niagara Falls

Center Court Reunion Meet and Greet 6:00 pm–midnight. VFW Post, 2435 Seneca Avenue, Niagara Falls. Tickets: $10.00. Food, music, cards, fun and more!

Sunday Family Worship Services • Christ Redemption Tabernacle Church, 339 22nd Street, Niagara Falls. Elder Kevin Dobbs, Pastor • Potter’s House Christian Community Church, 723 7th Street, Niagara Falls. Archbishop Stephan Booze and Pastor Celestine Booze

JULY 7–AUGUST 8 Summer Enrichment Program 8:00 am–3:00 pm, Monday–Friday Doris W. Jones Family Resource Building, 3001 Ninth Street, Niagara Falls, and Packard Court Community Center, 4700 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls

JULY 26 Family Fun Day 10:00 am–dusk. Center Court Field, Niagara Falls. Free and open to the public. Food, music, bounce house, games, fun and more!

JULY 9–AUGUST 1 NFHA/NFCSD 2014 Summer Camp for Prep & High School Students 11:30 am–3:00 pm, Monday–Friday

August 12–15 NFHA/Honeywell Adventures in Environmental Leadership 8:30 am–2:00 pm Doris W. Jones Family Resource Building, 3001 Ninth Street, Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls Housing Authority 2014 Holiday Schedule Our offices will be closed on the following dates: July

November

4 – Independence Day

11 – Veterans Day 27 – Thanksgiving Day 28 – Day After Thanksgiving

September 1 – Labor Day

December October 13 – Columbus Day

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25 – Christmas

EMERGENCY SERVICES Should you have a need for emergency services, you are required to call our emergency answering service at (716) 285-6961.

Directory (716) 285-5374 General Manager: Annie Fields-Chapman Packard Court Community Center 4300 Pine Avenue Niagara Falls, NY 14301 (716) 278-0228 Director: Khaleelah Shareef Senior Services Program (located at Anthony Spallino Towers & Henry E. Wrobel Towers) (716) 285-7812 Coordinator: Steve Haefner NFHA SUNY ATTAIN LAB (Located in the Doris W. Jones Family Resource Building) Site Supervisor: Howard Patton (716)285-5374

HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH US

Executive Offices 744 Tenth Street Niagara Falls, NY 14301 (716) 285-6961 Anthony Spallino Towers 720 Tenth Street Niagara Falls, NY 14301 (716) 285-5505 Manager: Margaret Anne Smith Henry E. Wrobel Towers 800 Niagara Avenue Niagara Falls, NY 14305 (716) 284-9129 Manager: Marcia Massaro Packard Court 4200 Pine Avenue Niagara Falls, NY 14301 (716) 285-6111 Manager: Ida Seright Beloved Community 1710 Calumet Avenue Niagara Falls, NY 14305 (716) 285-8050 Manager: Jillian Kukula Harry S. Jordan Gardens 2910 Highland Avenue Niagara Falls, NY 14305 (716) 285-5381 Senior Public Housing Manager: Angela L. Smith Doris W. Jones Family Resource Bldg. 3001 Ninth Street Niagara Falls, NY 14305

For emergencies (716) 285-6961 Place a work order request (716) 284-9675 Visit our website www.nfha.org Email us nfha@nfha.org

Anonymous Tip Line You can report suspicious or criminal activity anonymously by calling the NFPDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Anonymous Tip Line at (716) 286-4711.

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chat 2014 Resident/Management Chat Schedule Anthony Spallino Towers Meeting to be held in the Rec. Room, 6:00 p.m. Sept. 23 & Dec. 16, 2014

Packard Court Meeting to be held at the Packard Court Community Center, 6:00 p.m. Sept. 18 & Dec. 18, 2014

Henry E. Wrobel Towers Meeting to be held in the Rec. Room, 6:00 p.m. Sept. 23 & Dec. 16, 2014

Beloved Community Meeting to be held at 1710 Calumet Avenue at 6:00 p.m. July 30 & October 29, 2014

Harry S. Jordan Gardens Meeting to be held at the Doris W. Jones Family Resource Building, 6:00 p.m. July 24 & Oct. 23, 2014

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We Empower. We Enrich. We Build Strong Communities.

Connect with us! KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US on facebook. WATCH OUR WEEKLY TV SHOW, “People and Possibilities” on Channel 21 (Our Schools Channel).

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Alice Jordan, resident of Wrobel Towers; Comedian and Actor Mike Epps is a Niagara Carrier Reader!; Charles Curren, resident of Wrobel Towers; Residents reading Niagara Carrier Magazine; NFHA Youth Choir Members preforming in the Spring Concert.