National Roll of Achievers

California

How Au-Yung
How Au-Yung was born in China. In 1976 at the age of 30, he moved to the United States with his parents and two brothers. They settled in the town of Marysville, CA.

When How moved to the US, he had to overcome two barriers: he was blind and he didn't speak any English. How was determined to learn the English language. The Department of Rehabilitation sent people to their home to help the family learn to speak English. How remembers how very hard it was for him at first. After several months, the Department of Rehabilitation explained that their services had expired and they would no longer be coming out to their home.

In 1978, How's father died and the remainder of the family relocated to Sacramento, California. How has been educating himself, with special learning programs and schooling. While attending special schools for the blind, a big break came for How. He found out about a special learning school in Berkley, CA for the blind. It was there that How learned to read Braille.

How attended three years at Sacramento City College and he finally felt he had accomplished what he wanted most: to speak and learn the English language.

After this, things didn't seem so hard for How any longer. How worked for eight years, as a volunteer for UCD Medical Center for their LifeLine Services. How is currently working as one of Resident Services' volunteers for the Telecare Program, making sunshine calls to 30-40 residents. How makes calls to residents who reside in Sacramento Housing Authority's senior and disabled housing developments, reaching out to people who are senior, disabled, bedridden, homebound, no family or are lonely. A friendly voice on the telephone from a man who came such a long way, both physically and personally.

Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Sacramento, CA
2001

Tasharah Benjamin
Born and raised in Oakland, California, Tasharah Benjamin grew up in an environment with a high propensity for criminal activity. As a resident of the Oakland Housing Authority's Lockwood Gardens residential community, which has had a history of reported criminal activity related to the sale of drugs, Ms. Benjamin aspired to change the course of her journey. Although dwelling in the midst of the vicious pandemonium of crime overshadowing her community, her drive to change encouraged her participation in the Lockwood Gardens Boys and Girls Club, "The Positive Place for Kids." Inspired by her interaction at the Boys & Girls Club, she became involved in the community while maintaining a 3.0 grade point average.

Tasharah was hired as a Junior Staff Person at the Boys & Girls Club. While serving in this position she was recognized for her diligence on numerous occasions. In addition, Tasharah volunteered for the Bay Area Urban League's (BAUL) Parent Empowerment Program (PEP) and for the Resident Council at Lockwood Gardens. She assisted with new resident orientations, community events, health fairs, parades, Easter egg hunts and community outreach.

In acknowledgement of her commendable endeavors, the Oakland Housing Authority honored her with a Youth Achievement Award in 1995. She also received an award as Head Cheerleader for her participation and leadership at Fremont High School. She was featured recently in the November 2001 Positive Images calendar, sponsored and published by BAUL.

Tashara's love for children led her to enroll in the Lockwood Gardens Children Center's Family Day Care Training Program, an 18-month intern program. As a program participant, Tasharah is receiving hands-on experience and is very receptive to learning all she can. She hopes to someday become a child care provider herself, and ultimately her goal is to become the proprietor of her own child development center. She truly believes that knowledge is power and learning leads to success.

Sponsored by:
Oakland Housing Authority
Oakland, CA
2001

Damian Billups
Damian Billups is a 16-year-old high school freshman and resident of the Oakland Housing Authority (OHA) Lockwood Gardens residential community in Oakland, California. Damian, an intelligent and talented young man, is an effective leader among the youth in his community and at his school. As a well-rounded student with average grades, Damian works hard and intends to go to a four-year university. He was selected for "Upward Bound," a program that guides "at risk" junior high and high school students through school to help them prepare for entry into college. For the next four years, Damian will spend his summers and weekends taking math, English and life skill courses with Upward Bound.

Damian currently holds the position of "star" running back on the football team at Fremont High School and enjoys writing fiction and poetry. He also is strongly involved in the Lockwood Gardens Boys & Girls Club and volunteers much of his free time helping the club's staff. In addition, Damian helps his disabled mother provide care for his two younger brothers and for an eight-year-old relative who resides with the family.

Damian attended the HOPE VI "Youth Leadership by Design" conference held in Washington, DC during the winter of 2001. At the conference, he gave presentations that were moving and insightful, and he was an excellent representative for the Oakland Housing Authority. Damian has many creative ideas for motivating youth involvement in the HOPE VI process. He has proven his commitment by recruiting four community youth to begin meetings after returning from the conference. Damian will most certainly prove to be a wonderful role model for his siblings as well as the youth in the Lockwood Gardens HOPE VI community.

Sponsored by:
Oakland Housing Authority
Oakland, CA
2001

Huy Thuc Bui
Huy Thuc Bui, an Oakland Housing Authority resident, came to the United States as an immigrant from Vietnam. Upon arriving in America, Huy Thuc Bui quickly realized that his future plans and dreams could be achieved through hard work in the academic opportunities that were available to him in his newly adopted country.

Coming from a small country and getting used to the ways, customs and surroundings of Oakland has been tough for Huy. He has missed some things from home like the lush rice fields, the singing of his country's native birds and the roaring of the rivers and waterways. He is now adjusting to the roar of cars and buses, the sounds of a busy city and the throngs of people in his new home. Even though he misses the land he came from, Huy has been quick to take advantage of the abundant academic opportunities that this country gives to its' people, and the freedom that Americans have to pursue their personal ambitions through scholastic endeavors.

Huy has worked hard to become a student at Laney College in hopes of transferring to a university and pursuing a career in Engineering. He has already come to the attention of his instructors who note, "Mr. Bui is an exceptional student who has been able to attain a 4.0 grade point average, and excels in all his classes that include english, math, social sciences and humanities. He is a truly deserving student based on his hard work and dedication. Mr. Huy's math instructor notes, "As a student of calculus and linear algebra, he is one of the very best (students) I have seen for a while. He has adapted to the needs of the diverse students of Laney. He demonstrates care and concern for the students he helps."

Huy currently is pursuing his dream to become an Engineer, a dream he says, " was instilled to me by my Father." He is well on his way in achieving his American dream through taking advantage of the educational system and exercising his freedom to be the best he can be at his chosen path.

Oakland Housing Authority
Oakland, CA
2003

Juan Cruz
Juan is a long time farm worker and current public housing resident in Thornton, CA. He completed the Resident Construction Training program on February 17, 1999. Juan originally enrolled in this program to learn skills to get out of farm work and into another trade. Immediately after completing the program, Juan was hired by the Authority as a Training Assistant. Juan trains new trainees in basic construction skills. He has completed our Family Self-Sufficiency Specialist Program and is in the process of buying a new home.

Housing Authority of the County of San Joaquin in Stockton, CA
2001

Ethel Darnell
Ethel Darnell is a former resident of Chestnut Court, one of the Oakland Housing Authority's (OHA) HOPE VI sites. Ethel is a committed resident advocate, and she serves as a member of the Resident Council. She was active in providing tutoring services to the youth that resided at Chestnut Court, and she helped to raise funds that allowed the children to go on field trips.

Once OHA received the HOPE VI grant award, Ethel became heavily involved in the HOPE VI process in her community. She attended the HOPE VI training in Phoenix, Arizona, and was later hired as a HOPE VI resident aide for the relocation process at Chestnut Court. As resident Aide, Ethel was a tremendous help to the housing managers. She assisted residents in locating Section 8 units, and in most cases, she transported them to the units personally.

After her term as HOPE VI resident aide was completed, Ethel returned to the Housing Authority as a resident volunteer in the selection of a developer for the Chestnut Court revitalization. Her considerable intelligence and quick wit enabled her to keep in step with the many attorneys, architects, contractors and developers who submitted bid proposals. She was uncompromising in her commitment to protecting the rights of the Chestnut Court residents throughout this HOPE VI process.

"The Oakland Housing Authority is indeed fortunate to know Ethel Darnell. We anticipate that she will continue to be an asset to her community," Sharon Harrison Brown, Deputy Executive Director, Oakland Housing Authority.

Sponsored by:
Oakland Housing Authority
Oakland, CA
2001

Roslynn DeCuir
Going back to school is a cherished dream for many that have had to put their aspirations on hold. To a parent over 30, pursuing that dream may seem selfish or irresponsible. Roslynn DeCuir, a Section 8 resident, single mom and proprietress of a catering company, took the chance at age 33 to return to school as a full time student, and she encourages others likewise to take their goals down from the shelf and "just do it."

Roslynn experienced her youth as a resident of the Oakland Housing Authority (OHA) Lockwood Gardens residential community. At age 16, she obtained her first restaurant management job and fell in love with the business. Roslynn refined her cooking skills and began to cater parties and events, mostly for her family and friends. In her heart, she dreamed of someday becoming a professional chef and owning her own restaurant. After graduating from high school, Roslynn completed catering and business certificate programs at Laney College.

For the next 17 years, Roslynn continued to manage restaurants and to make the hard choices life sent her way, such as walking out on an unhealthy relationship, thereby becoming a single mom. Despite the obstacles she experienced, she succeeded in obtaining a market rate rental apartment. However, she did not forget her career "dream deferred."

As she entered her 30's, Roslynn, still a restaurant manager, despaired that her dream was no nearer to reality. She set her sights on the famous California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, a chef school respected worldwide, known for its extremely difficult program and for the many master chefs it has trained. The program cost $30,000, which Roslynn did not have, but she was determined not to let the lack of money decide her future.

Fortunately, Roslynn became eligible for the OHA Section 8 Program at this time. She seized upon this opportunity to reduce expenses while in school. An OHA Section 8 Housing Assistance Manager, Eddie Williams, encouraged her to pursue her lifelong ambition despite the considerable sacrifice involved.

Chef school was stressful, especially during the first months as Roslynn struggled to keep working. Roslynn reminisces of the uncertain period when she first left her job, "I finally had to let my employment go. It was a leap of faith." In March 2000, Roslynn DeCuir graduated from the California Culinary Academy at the top of her class, receiving a bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts. She is one step away from obtaining her dream.

Sponsored by:
Oakland Housing Authority
Oakland, CA
2001

Lea (Leataata) Floyd
Lea Floyd was born and raised in the island of Samoa. She grew up in an environment where family and neighbors looked out for each other. She has strong beliefs in that philosophy and has definitely proved it with her actions in her community.

As a young adult in the 60's she moved to San Francisco, attended City College and San Francisco State University. While living in San Francisco she met her husband James Floyd. Lea and Floyd were married 25 years with a total of nine children. They moved to Sacramento Housing Authority River Oaks public housing complex 17 years ago, and since day one, Lea and her family have been in sports or some other activity where the community of River Oaks is involved. They have organized the youth to participate in various sports tournaments with the other public housing complexes of the Sacramento Housing Authority. In the early years many times the teams may not have had the proper equipment however, the children were there in full force enjoying themselves. Currently Lea and her son Malcolm Floyd (a well-known professional football player) are organizing a softball league. Her youngest son, Sam, with mom's guidance is tutoring and mentoring a group of youngsters. Lea and her husband Floyd, who passed away last years, founded two non-profit organizations for River Oaks and New Helevita public housing complexes. These organizations for the community are The Seavey Circle Panthers Youth Organization and the Neighborhood Assistance Program. Lea is president of both these organizations.

Lea has been awarded two Resolutions from the State of California Senate Rules Committee. She received one in 1996 for participation and efforts in combating Anti-drug activities in River Oaks and New Helevita. In 1998, the Senate Rules Committee awarded her "Woman of the Year".

Lea is still taking care of her village. She is a dance instructor for the Seavey Circle Polynesian Dancers. Lea started this group five years ago. There are 38 children ages 5 through 13 years who perform at various events. Lea is the President of the Resident Council, representing all public housing residents in Sacramento County. She is also on the Sacramento County Advisory Board for New Helevita Service Center. Lea has been considering retiring this year. However, that will not stop her from all her involvement's with her village/community.

Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Sacramento, CA
2001

Laura Graham
"The fruit doesn't fall far from the tree", like mother (Achiever Evelyn Spoor) like daughter. Laura Graham was born in Meccilla Park, New Mexico. When the family moved to California, Laura attended Roseville High School. Later, Laura went to work at McClellan Air Force Base. Laura was the one who informed her mother about public housing available in Rio Linda, Sacramento County. They both lived there until Laura moved out to another section of Sacramento County. Laura has raised two boys, and like her mother has always been very interested in her community. She is back in Rio Linda again, enjoying the birds and pheasants across the street. She also volunteers for the Gleaners. She picks up groceries on Tuesdays for 7 persons. Like her mother she had a leg amputated. This occurred 5 years ago due to complications from diabetes. Laura is currently a Resident Commissioner for Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency. She enjoys learning and sharing her experiences from being on the commission. She feels the more knowledge and input residents have regarding housing issues the better the relationship with the housing authority and residents. We salute both of these ladies who have strong feelings about being involved in their community. Laura pointed out "we are physically impaired, not handicapped!"

Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Sacramento, CA
2001

Lydia Granados
Lydia, a former public housing resident, participated in the Authority's General Clerical Training program in the past. She also joined the Family Self-Sufficiency program where she developed goals that would lead to homeownership. Lydia found a job within one week of graduation from our clerical program. Once employed, Lydia began saving for a home. In June 2001, Lydia purchased a brand new home built by the Authority. Her dreams came true as a result of her own efforts because the Authority's programs were able to assist her on her path to self-sufficiency.

Housing Authority of the County of San Joaquin in Stockton, CA
2001

Jim Hoag
Enthusiastic is the best word to describe Jim Hoag. Whether he is writing a grant, helping an individual resolve a public housing issue or trying to change "the world", he does it with lots of enthusiasm. There are stories of Jim during elementary and junior high school where he would go door-to-door raising funds for the school by selling donuts or magazines. It was in his high school years while working after school and fighting for another cause, that he decided his future was in politics. In forty years Jim has worked for a variety of elected officials, a variety of positions, and for a variety of causes, many he would like to forget. Youth ideology often got in the way of common sense.

Over the years Jim has received many awards and certificates for his community involvement in working for the elderly, disabled and poor. In recent years he has been recognized by Housing California 97, receiving the 1997 California reinvestment Committee's "Tiger Award". In 1994 Jim wrote the proposal and received $100,000 HUD Tenant Opportunity Grant for the Riverview Apartments public housing complex, where he has been living for the past ten years. He is also past president of the non-profit organization that received those funds. The Bureau of the Census and the City of Sacramento awarded Jim resolutions of appreciation for his involvement and participation in the U.S. Census Dress Rehearsal for the year 2000. In 1999 he was selected by the Arthritis Foundation as Humanitarian of the Year. He is the past president for the University of California Medical Center's Community Advisory Board, where he served for 6 years. Jim was a Board Member of the Sacramento Housing Alliance (1995-2000) and continues to be a member. He is also a founding member of the Neighborhood Association Advisory Group (1994), and a graduate of the Sacramento City Management Academy. He is proud to point out he was #1 in his class. Jim also founded in 1997 a non-profit organization (Helping Hand Housing Project) made up of public housing residents to develop self-sufficiency through educational, employment and economic opportunities.

The last two years Jim has been reading to second graders at William Land Elementary School. That has been an enjoyable experience for him. He will be doing less of that now due to his various commitments. Jim is currently involved in Sacramento Housing Authority's Family Self-Sufficiency Program, and is a hard-working Commissioner with the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency where he takes his responsibility to protect resident's interests very seriously.

Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency
Sacramento, CA
2001

Fonda Houston
With the assistance of the Section 8 Family Self-Sufficiency Program, Fonda Houston has successfully moved from Section 8 rental assistance to the purchase of her first home. On January 29th, she received the keys to a newly built 4-bedroom house in Bayport, a group of 71 single family homes developed for first-time homebuyers by the East Bay Asian Local Development Center and Oakland Community Housing Inc. Ms. Houston enrolled in Oakland Housing Authority’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program in July 1997. She was working as a part-time accounting assistant at the time, but she dreamed of raising her son and daughter in a home of their own. Ambitious, bright and highly motivated, she set goals for herself which included earning an AA Degree, obtaining a full-time accounting position at the University of California, Berkeley, and preparing for homeownership. In less than five years Ms. Houston achieved all of her Family Self-Sufficiency goals. On December 11, 1999 Ms. Houston graduated from Vista College in Berkeley, with an AA Degree in Liberal Arts. Not only is she a full-time permanent University employee, she has been promoted several times, most recently to Accounts Receivable Supervisor in the Parking and Transportation department.

Oakland, CA

Marion Jones, Jr.
Marion began with the Authority as a Resident Construction Trainee. He gained skills in all areas of construction. He now uses the skills he learned in the program to teach them to new students. He was hired by the authority as a Training Specialist. He lived in the Authority's development, Sierra Vista, for many years. Now he resides in a home outside the development. Currently, Marion is working on a re-roof project at Diablo Homes, another development of the Authority. He is a valuable part of our team.

Housing Authority of the County of San Joaquin in Stockton, CA
2001

Mikesha Jones
Mikesha Jones is a 24-year-old single mother of two who has been a Section 8 Program participant since 1996. She credits her current employment success to the Oakland Housing Authority's (OHA) Resident Internship Program and said, "It provided me with the administrative skills necessary to get my new job." As a secretary at San Francisco Bay Girl Scout Council, she is able to utilize all of her skills in an office setting, and she is preparing herself for the next step.

Mikesha grew up in her grandmother's house. She was a teenage mother at the age of 16 and did not finish high school, but she always wanted more for her life. Soon after her classmates graduated from high school, she received her GED. She was receiving Aid for Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) when the Welfare to Work Program went into effect in California. As a participant of the California Welfare to Work Program, she obtained a job as a cashier. Even though the job was a good experience for her, she wanted more. She wanted a "professional" job in an office, but she did not have the required experience.

Her journey began with a postcard she received from OHA recruiting for the Resident Internship Program. Excited about the opportunity, she hand-delivered her application to the OHA before the due date. Mikesha describes being excited and scared when she found out that she was granted an interview for that position. About six weeks later, Mikesha got the news that changed the path of her career. She had been hired as a Resident Intern. The position was funded under the 1997 Resident Uplift and Economic Development (RUED) grant.

Mikesha learned a variety of tasks to aid her through her journey. Mikesha learned "office culture," the ability to express and conduct herself in a professional manner. She also began speaking publicly to provide information to other public housing authority residents, conducting one-on-one basis assessment interviews for economic development and generating reports for the department director.

Mikesha is a role model to her family, and she feels that she can offer them a better path. She states that, "I didn't have anyone to tell me what to do or show me the way, but I learned from my mistakes. I learned it the hard way. I hope other teenagers will listen to me and not make the same mistakes. I am going to make it!"

Sponsored by:
Oakland Housing Authority
Oakland, CA
2001

Khamkeo Lo
Khamkeo is a current resident of the Authority's public housing development at Conway Homes. He completed the Resident Construction Training program on February 17, 1999. He was hired by the Authority as a Training Assistant immediately following the program's completion. He is currently participating in the Authority's Family Self-Sufficiency program to purchase his own home.

Housing Authority of the County of San Joaquin in Stockton, CA
2001

Ricky Lopez
Ricky is a former resident of public housing. He completed the Resident Construction Training program on February 17, 1999. He was hired by the Authority as a Training Assistant after the program ended. Ricky participated in a project in developing low cost furniture for migrant camp units. He assisted in the construction of the first home built by the Authority for sale to former program participants. This event was publicized in the local newspaper.

Housing Authority of the County of San Joaquin in Stockton, CA
2001

Thomas and Mary Lou Miller
Thomas and Mary Lou Miller live in a public housing development in Goleta, CA. Mrs. Miller was appointed to serve on the board of commissioners of the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara, by the County Board of Supervisors. Her goal is to help the housing authority blend with the community for the common cause of providing housing. Mr. Miller attends the Board meetings as his wife's aide. The Millers have also been involved in the following programs in their community: Housing Rehabilitation Program, Comprehensive Grant Program, Neighborhood Watch Program, USDA Food Distribution Program, and the Brownfield Grant Program. They volunteer for Goleta Now! and the Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Miller also serves on the Resident Advisory Board and was the leader in developing traffic mitigation in his community. The Millers are both advocates for affordable housing. They attend many workshops and public meetings to keep up-to-date on community issues, and they make themselves available to testify before the Board of Supervisors in support of affordable housing and local housing issues.

Sponsored by:
Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara
Lompoc, CA

Andres Moreno
Andres is a resident of public housing at Mokulumne Manor in Thornton, CA. He was enrolled in the Resident Construction Training program from February 17, 1998 to February 17, 1999. Upon completion of the program, Andres was hired by the Continental Labor Company as a temporary maintenance worker for the Authority. Recently, he has accepted employment as a full-time maintenance worker for Humphreys College in Stockton, CA.

Housing Authority of the County of San Joaquin in Stockton, CA
2001

Anita Morgan
Anita Morgan, a former Oakland Housing Authority (OHA) resident, launched her first job on television as a News Anchor for KMTP, a local public broadcasting station in San Francisco. Her show, entitled "News-night," was televised on San Francisco channel 32, and Berkeley channel 27. During this time, she also worked two part-time jobs as a writer and editor for the local radio news program on Sundays.

"Being raised in a family of three by a single mother on public assistance, while residing in public housing for the last 18 years, was hard for my whole family," recalls Anita.

Anita accepted her first job as a file clerk with the Oakland Private Industry Council (OPIC) summer youth program at the age of 14. Exposure to the workforce at an early age gave her energy to continue down the road to success. Throughout her teenage years, Anita gave motivational speeches to youth at the local middle schools. Anita attended the Oakland Technical High School where she remained on the honor roll and also served as the Associate Student Body President in her senior year. She graduated in 1994 and went on to Humboldt State University in 1994 to pursue her interest in journalism. Anita graduated from San Francisco State University in 2000, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast and Electronic Communications with an emphasis in Radio/Television. Anita is currently employed with the CNN station in Atlanta, Georgia as one of the evening news writers.

Sponsored by:
Oakland Housing Authority
Oakland, CA
2001

James Pearson
In 1997, after residing in public housing for only a few months, Mr. Pearson eagerly volunteered to run for a position on the local Resident Council. He was elected to serve as Secretary of the Horn Homes/Miller Plaza Resident Council, a position he held from 1997-1999. During that same period, Mr. Pearson served on the Housing Authority Comprehensive Grant Program Resident Advisory Committee and attended NAHRO Comprehensive Grant Training. In November 2000, Mr. Pearson was appointed as a tenant representative to the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, a position he currently holds.

Mr. Pearson also volunteers for the local Head Start and Catholic Charities programs, and he currently attends a local community college. He intends to obtain an Associate of Science degree and get a teaching credential so that he can teach elementary school-age children.

Truly, Mr. Pearson, a disabled veteran, serves as a fine example of an individual who is dedicated to self-improvement and improving his community.

Sponsored by:
Housing Authority of Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA

Maria Salcedo
Maria is a single parent with 3 children. She has received public assistance off and on for the last seven years, and has been a resident for a number of years. On August 23, 2000, Maria enrolled in the Authority's Resident Construction Training program. On June 21, 2001 Maria secured full-time employment as a painter for Peter Weldon Painting, Inc. in Manteca, CA. Painting is not a traditional trade for women, however, Maria has managed to overcome standard obstacles for women in the construction work force.

Housing Authority of the County of San Joaquin in Stockton, CA
2001

Shelia Smith
Shelia Smith is a determined individual who several years ago established a five-year plan for herself. She then set about reaching her first goal - obtaining a full-time job with benefits in a field related to her area of study. Shelia had some work experience and an Associate in Arts degree, but had been out of the job market for a while. “It took a lot of gumption to apply”, but she did when she saw the announcement from the Oakland Housing Authority about the Resident Internship Program. Shelia was selected for the program and her goal was in sight, but at the beginning of her internship both her mother and her son became sick. While assuming these family responsibilities, Shelia was able to complete her internship, and became employed full-time at the Oakland Housing Authority. Last year Shelia was asked to become a member of the Public Housing Resident Advisory Board which represents the authority’s 10,000 public housing residents.

Oakland, CA

Evelyn Spoor
Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Authority is fortunate to have public housing residents like the mother/daughter team of Evelyn Spoor and Laura Graham. Both these ladies reside in the Rio Linda area of Sacramento County. Evelyn lives in Crystal Gardens an elderly/disable-housing complex and Laura in Creekside Apartments, a family complex, which is located right next door to her mother's complex.

Evelyn was born in Arkansas and raised in Oklahoma. She is from a family of three brothers and 3 sisters. Evelyn has always enjoyed working with people. When she came to California she worked in restaurants. In 1985, she moved into Crystal Gardens. It was a brand new complex and she was one of the first residents to reside there. Evelyn was instrumental in organizing a resident association for Crystal Gardens in 1992. She was elected President of the group then, and has continued to represent residents from her complex. Evelyn joined Senior Gleaners, Inc., an organization that feeds the needy in 1988. She recalls climbing the ladders and picking cherries for the Senior Gleaners. However, bypass surgery and removal of her right leg, due to a blood clot, Evelyn had to stop going to the fields with the rest of the Gleaners. Evelyn has not stopped volunteering for the Gleaners, she is picked up in her wheelchair on Fridays to get items for distribution to her crew. She is the Crew Team Leader.

Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Sacramento, CA
2001

Vuthy Tuy
Vuthy Tuy is an 18-year-old high school senior and resident of the Oakland High School Coliseum Gardens residential community. Vuthy is an exceptional young woman who has overcome many obstacles in her journey towards success. She was born in a Cambodia refugee camp in Thailand, and immigrated to the United States with her parents as a toddler. After repeated doctor's visits because of concerns with her physical development, Vuthy was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of three. Living with her disability has created in Vuthy a fierce determination to succeed.

Vuthy helps her parents care for her older brother who also suffers from a severe form of cerebral palsy despite her own physical challenges. In addition, she holds a part-time job, is a volunteer tutor, translates documents for her limited English speaking parents, and attends the Upward Bound Program on weekends and during summer vacation. Vuthy currently maintains a 3.65 grade point average and has recently applied to 21 universities for admission to college for the fall semester of 2001.

Vuthy was selected to attend the HOPE VI "Youth Leadership by Design" conference held in Washington, DC during the winter of 2001. While at the conference, Vuthy proved to be an inspirational speaker and was lauded by her peers and HUD staff for her poetry and passionate presentations. She has proven herself to be an excellent representative of the Oakland Housing Authority's youth. Vuthy has committed herself to helping the youth in her community have a voice in redesign of the Coliseum Gardens HOPE VI community and will certainly be a leader among her peers. The HOPE VI process at Coliseum Gardens is fortunate to have Vuthy Tuy as a resident youth leader.

Sponsored by:
Oakland Housing Authority
Oakland, CA
2001

Helen Margaret Wilson
Helen is 84 years of age and still going strong. Helen has written all her life as a writer/poet. In her younger days, she did a lot of volunteer work for the Grass Valley Nevada City Union Newspaper. When one of the owners left for a business trip, asking Helen to help cover for staff, it was then that Helen got her big break. They were so impressed with an article she wrote, the owners of Grass Valley Nevada Union Newspaper hired Helen to join their staff. After this job, Helen worked for the federal government for nineteen years and retired.

Currently, Helen is one of the volunteers for Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency's Telecare Program. Volunteers provide daily sunshine calls to senior and disabled residents who reside in SHRA's senior and disabled housing developments. Helen has been a volunteer for the program for ten years.

In addition, Helen volunteers for the Senior Nutrition Service, in the senior development in which she resides. Helen is looking forward to her 67th annual high school reunion in Grass Valley.

Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Sacramento, CA
2001

Michelle Williams
Michelle is a former resident of public housing and a single parent. She completed the Resident Construction Training program on February 17, 1999. Immediately after completing the program, Michelle was hired by the Authority as a Training Assistant. She is the only woman in the Maintenance/Development department and has overcome many obstacles in this situation. Michelle participated in the Family Self-Sufficiency program and moved her family out of public housing and into a large single family dwelling. She helped with developing low cost furniture for migrant camp.

Housing Authority of the County of San Joaquin in Stockton, CA
2001

Bee Xiong
Bee is a current resident of public housing and participating in the Family Self-Sufficiency program run by the Authority. He was hired by the Authority immediately after completing the Resident Construction Training program on February 17, 1999. He assisted in the construction of the first home built by the Authority for sale to former participants.

Housing Authority of the County of San Joaquin in Stockton, CA
2001