Newsbriefs 11 6 14

New Hope Housing - Newsbriefs

Newsbriefs Volume 18 Issue 10 November 6, 2014

New Hope Housing, Administration Office 8407-E Richmond Highway,

Alexandria, VA 22309 703-799-2293

Rethinking Homelessness since 1977

There is nothing more constant than change. It is happening all around us, every day, all of the time. Yet, why is it that so

many people fear change? One of the biggest reasons is we get comfortable in the way we’re doing things. Then, when

something takes us out of our comfort zone - loss of job, moving to a new town - we feel uncomfortable because we are

going through some difficulty adjusting. Winston Churchill once said: “A pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity; an

optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty”. There is always something valuable that can be derived out of difficulty, ad-

versity or change; we just have to look for it with open minds.

In Eastern thinking one of the main teachings is that everything in life is impermanent. The good and the not so good

do not last; everything exists only for a finite time. That is a fact of life and to resist that fact does no good,

because it does not change the reality.

When we accept the fact that nothing lasts forever, we are better equipped for the journey. Struggle occurs when we re-

sist reality, so the best way to end the struggle is to embrace the impermanence in life. We must enjoy the good times

while we can and remember that the not so good times are just temporary. The light will appear at the end of the tunnel; it

is bound to happen eventually, we just need patience.

When we find ourselves going through any kind of change in our lives, our natural response may be to tense up on the

physical, mental, or emotional level. We may not even notice that we have braced ourselves against a shift until we recog-

nize the anxiety, mood swings or general worried feeling toward the unknown that usually results. However, there are

positive ways to move through change without pushing it away or attempting to deny that it is happening. Since change

will occur in almost every aspect of our lives, we can learn to make our response to it an affirmative one of anticipation;

welcoming the new while releasing the past with grace.

Change can be a beautiful thing, yet it is one aspect of life that many people resist. Why is it that some people can easily

embrace change, while others will do everything in their power to prevent it? It all boils down to a matter of perception.

One thing we can do is to alter our perspective by changing the labels we use to identify our feelings. We can

re-interpret our feelings of anxiety as the butterflies that come with eager expectation. With this shift, we begin to look for

the good that may be on its way. Although we may only be able to imagine the possibilities, when we acknowledge that

there may be good ahead, we can focus our energy on joyful anticipation and bring it into our

experience while allowing the feelings to carry us forward.

Even though it may occur due to a negative event, change almost always leads to something good. The ability to go from

resisting change to embracing change is possible, although it may not happen overnight. So the next time you are faced

with an experience which causes your reality to change, take a deep breath, take a step back and embrace the

opportunity.

Article Courtesy of Lorraine Kemble (www.peoplewithpotential.org)

WELCOME NEW ESG Case Manager

(ACS)

Simajah Jackson

BIO Hi New Hope Housing Team, My name is Simajah Jackson and I am the new ESG Case Manager at ACS. You are probably wondering how to pronounce my first name... It is Sa-Mya, but please feel free to use my nickname, Mya. How about those COWBOYS?! I do not really watch football, but I will claim the Dallas Cowboys to the full-est! I am a native Texan, born in Marshall; however, I was raised as an “Army Brat”. The military is what brought me to Virginia in 2009. I graduated from Spelman College in 2009 with a B.A. in Sociology and graduated from George Mason University in May 2014 with a Master of Social Work. I am happy to become a part of New Hope Housing

and ACS. I look forward to meeting all of you!

Interesting Facts About Me

Aside from my passion for working with others, here are a few facts about me: I LOVE listening to music and dancing; I am a fan of

nature, but not of bugs; and, I am known to wear a smile.

Out of Poverty Fall 2014 Class Graduation

November 17, 2014 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Aldersgate Church (Wesley Hall)

1301 Collingwood Road Alexandria, VA 22307

RSVP attendance to:

[email protected]

“Success isn’t just about what you accomplish in your life, it’s about what you inspire others to do.”

I need everyone to read the following very carefully!!! As we approach year end, we have been notified by ADP of a change to our normal paycheck dates. For pay period ending December 26, 2014; PAYCHECKS WILL BE DATED FOR FRIDAY, JANUARY 2, 2015 NOTE: A FRIDAY. (our normal pay day is Thursday). This is due to the fact that January 1, 2015 is a Federal Holiday and all banks are closed.** Therefore, direct deposit of your paycheck will happen on JANUARY 2, 2015 A FRIDAY. Non direct deposit checks will also be dated for JANUARY 2, 2015 A FRIDAY. Please contact your bank to see how this may affect your individual banking account(s). Timesheets will be due as normally scheduled, so no changes there. However, be mindful of the holiday season and make sure your timesheets stay up to date daily. If you have any questions, please contact either Lee or myself. Thank you everyone! Jo Mullen (HR Director)

**In addition to the federal holiday/banks closed, New Hope Housing pays biweekly, therefore, we enjoy 26 pays per year. Paycheck dated for December 18, 2014 is the 26th paycheck for year ending

2014. Paycheck dated for January 2, 2015 will be the 1st paycheck of 2015.

Do you want to get in shape?

Are you looking for a workout challenge?

Do you want a healthier

lifestyle?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then the New

Hope Housing “Get Fit Challenge” is for YOU!

If you’d like to sign up for a chance

to be the Biggest Loser at New Hope, contact LaKesha

McGuire for more details.

[email protected]


Eden Ghebretinsae Gives Kudos To: Stephanie Sheehan for spending 8 hours helping a client move on a Friday! Simajah Jackson for jumping right in and work-ing the ESG cases! Pam Longshore for all her great advice and al-ways being in good spirits! Ellen Shepard for helping me deal with a difficult client! Yvonne, Natalie and Stephanie for answering all my questions during my transition to shelter case management! Stacie Thomas for helping me connect a client to employment services!

Tava White Gives Kudos To: Ashley, Chimere and Alyss for being great team players !!!!! YOU GUYS ROCK !!!! Martha, Jeff, Anthony, Luke, Susan and Ollie for helping with packing the Squiredale unit. Priscilla for helping out with the APS unit!! Ollie for just being all around AMAZING!!! For accompanying me on home visits, ASSISTING WITH MIKA!! Helping clients pack and move!! Working with Von, keeping us informed of client situations !!!!!!! We are so blessed to have you as a part of the Mondloch Team. Tonya for being an ear when I need one, and for all your support.

Tava White Kudos Cont’d: Summer, thanks for celebrating Mondloch Place’s one year anniversary with us!

Stacey, Zach, Clarence, Veronica, Sheila, Lisa, Barbara, Cordelia, Marion, Roscoe, Rosetta- THANK YOU ALL FOR ALWAYS STEPPING UP TO COVER AND FOR ALWAYS BEING READY TO TAKE ON EXTRA SHIFTS !!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!!

Alyss Aune Gives Kudos To: Ollie, Jan, Anthony, and LaKesha for each of your help with the cooking of the fish and chicken for our Halloween/1 Year Anniversary Mondloch Place Party. Martha and EUKS kitchen staff for preparing the food for many of Mondloch Place activities this week. It was delicious. Summer for bringing over residents from Max’s Place to participate in the Halloween Party! Tava, Ollie, Chimere, and Ashley for all their hard work moving several of their residents this week.

Reed Livers Gives Kudos To: Martha, Jan, Nicole and Eddie for the really hard work you all did this past Saturday when volunteers came to clean out the warehouse. It was a long day and we got a lot accomplished. Martha Faconer Gives Kudos To: Susan K., Jeff, Luke, Ollie, Tava, Ashley, and Chimere for helping clients move into their new home!


OPEN POSITIONS

New Hope Housing is currently accepting resumes for the

following job opportunities:

On Call Resident Service Specialists-

Mondloch House/Mondloch Place/EUKS/ACS Responsibilities include monitoring the shelter, answering the phones, greeting visi-

tors, and most importantly interacting in a positive manner with our residents. $13.13

an hour. Must be flexible, dependable, and have the ability to work with a diversified

group of individuals. A High School diploma or GED is necessary, and previous ex-

perience with the homeless/mentally ill a plus. Successful candidates will be called to

duty when we are short staffed. Hours are flexible, not scheduled, and you must be

willing to cover shifts at a moment’s notice. EOE

On-Call Residential Service Specialist for Susan’s Place and Max’s Place

On-Call Residential Services Specialist (RSS) for chronically homeless adults with

substance abuse/mental illness/or co-occurring disorders located in Arlington and

Falls Church Virginia. Must be able to establish rapport and build trust with residents

and be comfortable working in a program with few rules. Need to be flexible and have

an ability to handle crisis situations. RSS will assist Outreach Counselors with leading

life skills groups/activities, cooking and cleaning with residents and general upkeep of

the house. RSS monitors residents medication. Must be able to work well inde-

pendently and must be reliable. Provides On-call coverage. Must have a valid driver’s

license and BA in behavioral science or related field. Experience can be substituted

for education. BSW preferred. Two years experience with homeless adults, adults

with mental illness or substance abusers. Counseling and crisis intervention skills.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Salary is $13.13 hr.

If interested, please send resume to [email protected]

New Hope Housing is proud to be an EOE that values diversity!

mailto:[email protected]


OPEN POSITIONS



EMPLOYMENT LIAISON-Full Time As a member of the Community Services Team you will be responsible for establishing and maintaining activities

to develop, identify, and secure job openings for clients of New Hope Housing Programs at appropriate employ-

ment sites throughout our area. Refers clients to employers and conducts necessary follow-up when placed in

positions to ensure job success and stability. Monitors job performance on the job and provides oversight when job

performance is not satisfactory; works with clients closely to enhance job performance and gain necessary job

skills or reviews other employment options; maintains contact with employers during the residents employment

and reports results to appropriate staff; may drive residents to interviews, job fairs, and other organizations;

prepares forms and reports related to placement activities; tracks participant activity and progress data. Assists

residents in assessing their job skills for positions; schedules individuals for the Career Scope, TABE, and all

other employment related assessment(s) at the local Skill Source/ Job Link ; schedules clients for job mentoring

groups, assists in interviewing, job application procedures, resume writing, interview preparation and job retention

skills and attitudes; provides job search/career information workshops and presentations.

BA/BS degree in business, marketing, education, human services, or a related field is required. Supervisory experi-

ence working with volunteers is a plus. Experience in working with homeless and/or mentally ill adults. Excellent

communication skills (verbal and written), solid Microsoft Office experience, experience with social networks,

flexible as some evenings may be required. Valid driver’s license, personal vehicle and ability to be insured

required. Bilingual preferred. $40,000 annually. EOE/ADA

Case Manager Full Time– Next Steps Family Program Reporting to the Director of Family Programs, the Case Manager will provide the support services needed to ensure

that program participants succeed in securing and retaining their housing. Emp-hasis is placed on regular home

visits and utilizing programs and benefits designed to increase income, financial stability, and quality of life. Will

be responsible for assessing participants to determine eligibility for both prevention and rapid re-housing assis-

tance. Will work closely with the Housing Locator in identifying suitable housing for program participants. Must

be able to develop a Housing Services Plan with each household; meeting with households as often as needed, at

least on a monthly basis to ensure that the participants are working towards the goals stated in their Housing Ser-

vice Plan, such as paying rent on time, maintaining the terms of their lease, maintaining employment and taking

care of their financial obligations by maintaining a budget. Bachelor’s Degree in a social services field required.

Must be a self-starter, have excellent written and oral communication skills as well as excellent interpersonal and

organizational skills. Ability to work with persons with serious mental illness and/or substance addiction is critical.

Empathy, patience, and persistence are fundamental characteristic required for this position. Knowledge of Word,

Excel, and Homeless Management Information System databases is required. Candidate must have a valid driver’s

license, a clean driving record, and willingness to use their personal vehicle to perform work related duties.

$40,000 annual


OPEN POSITIONS



Case Manager-Full Time (Bridging Affordability II)

Reporting to the Community Services Director, the Case Manager will provide the

support services needed to ensure that program participants succeed in securing and

retaining their housing. Emphasis is placed on regular home visits and utilizing pro-

grams and benefits designed to increase income, financial stability, and quality of life.

You will be responsible for assessing participants to determine eligibility for both

prevention and rapid re-housing assistance. Will work closely with the Housing

Locator in identifying suitable housing for program participants. Must be able to

develop a Housing Services Plan with each household; meeting with households as

often as needed, at least on a monthly basis to ensure that the participants are working

towards the goals stated in their Housing Service Plan, such as paying rent on time,

maintaining the terms of their lease, maintaining employment and taking care of their

financial obligations by maintaining a budget.

Bachelor’s Degree in a social services field required. Must be a self-starter, have

excellent written and oral communication skills as well as excellent interpersonal and

organizational skills. Ability to work with persons with serious mental illness and/or

substance addiction is critical. Empathy, patience, and persistence are fundamental

characteristics required for this position. Knowledge of Word, Excel, and Homeless

Management Information System databases is required.

Candidate must have a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and willingness to

use personal vehicle to perform work related duties. $40,000 annual EOE/ADA


OPEN POSITIONS



Case Manager Position - Full Time (Community Case Management)

Reporting to the Program Coordinator, HUD PROGRAMS, you will case manage up to 14 single adult

residents at scattered sites in Fairfax County. Will work with area agencies to identify individuals on

waiting lists and/or in programs in need services of supportive housing. Works with residents, and other

service providers to develop a plan of service to meet social, health, emotional and economic needs to

prevent or end homelessness. Coordinates services using a wraparound approach. Provides individual and

group life skills training, socialization skills, and enrichment activities, including money management, cook-

ing, nutrition, etc.

· Addresses and if necessary, diffuses crisis situations with residents. Assesses safety issues and assists

residents to access emergency services as needed (e.g., mental health services, adult protective

services, women’s shelter, homeless shelter).

· Advocates for and actively assists residents in obtaining services (e.g., health, mental health, intellectual

disability, alcohol and drug, housing referrals, financial assistance, home based services, training,

medical services, mentoring, and socialization).

· Assists residents with upkeep of apartments by meeting regularly with residents in their units. Through life

skills training, teaches residents simple household chores, upkeep, and cleanliness of their homes.

· Develops and maintains a positive relationship with the property management for units.

· Transports residents as needed.

· Meets with the resident as needed to provide feedback. Regularly assesses, supports, and facilitates

resident progress. Maintains case notes in HMIS.

· Maintains records in compliance with agency policy and compiles requisite statistics.

· Attends interdisciplinary meetings regarding resident progress. Prepares clinical reports for inter

disciplinary team.

· Works flexible hours in order to accommodate residents’ needs.

· Models caring, concerned, respectful attitude toward residents. Maintains adherence to resident guidelines

and is familiar with and complies with policies and procedures of New Hope Housing, Inc.

· Identifies and addresses volunteer needs for program. Develops and maintains a positive relationship with

volunteers and donors.

Performs other duties as assigned. BA/MA degree and considerable experience working with adults with

serious mental illness. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Experience with

chronically homeless adults and adults with substance abuse issues. Strong counseling and crisis interven-

tion skills. Flexibility, creativity, and leadership skills. Able to make decisions independently and work

autonomously. EOE/ADA


November

Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 NHH BOARD

MTG.

12 13 14 15

16 17 OOP

GRADUATION

18 19 20 21 22

23/30 24 25 26 27 Thanksgiving

Holiday

28 29

Tea

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eet

ings

Name Location Dates Times

Next Steps Team Sacramento Drive Every Wed 9:15am

ACS Team ACS Every Wed 2pm

EUKS Team EUKS Every Thu 2pm

Housing 1st and Bridging Affordability MP Conf Rm 4th Tues of each month 2pm

Gartlan, Susan's, Max's, Just Homes Team Susan’s Place 3rd Tues of each month 10am

Mondloch House and Mondloch Place MH Conf Rm Every 1st Wed of each month 11:30am

Community Services Team Admin Every 1st Monday of each month 10am

Name Month Day

Martha Faconer Nov 2

Dana Murray Nov 6

Zach Milton Nov 7

Chandra Beander Nov 8

Barbara Nesbitt Nov 18

Louis Cook Nov 30

Name Day Years

Pam Michell 5 24

Roxanne Watkins 16 15

Eddie Davis 25 11

Yvonne Kedoin 15 10

Sherry Edelkamp 5 7

Tonya Golden 10 6

Stacie Thomas 24 6

Charles Holland 12 4

Joshua Janney 1 2

Pamela Lonshore 1 2

Tonique Melton 21 2

Eden Ghebretinsae 7 1

Anthony Hartnett 18 1

Marsha Johnson-Colquhoun 14 1

Newsbriefs 11 6 14

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