Ohio
Patricia Bell
Patricia Bell moved into the Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority's
(LMHA) public housing in 1977, and within a year became an active member
in the Central Resident Council (CRC). For the next 22 years, Ms. Bell
remained an active volunteer in all programs at LMHA, and she served
as President of the CRC in 1985-1987 and 1995-1997. During the periods
when she was not serving as President, she continuously served as an
officer and active member in CRC in other positions such as Vice President
and Recording Secretary. Ms. Bell is active in promoting programs that
positively impact residents including youth programs, volunteer recognition
programs, luncheons, dinners, picnics and holiday functions. She is
a leader in voter registration and Block Watch Programs. She was recognized
at both the local and national level, by actively promoting LMHA resident
participation as a leader under the "One Strike and You're Out" program,
recognized by President Clinton and the agency receiving the All-America
City award. Ms. Bell was disabled when she moved into public housing
23 years ago, but during that time she was able to raise four children
who are all actively employed and self-sufficient in the community,
and she became an active leader in her community through her long-time
commitment to residents.
Sponsored by:
Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority
Toledo, OH
Vonzelle Marie Hill
Ms. Hill is a 1999 graduate of the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program,
through the Section 8 program administered by the Lucas Metropolitan
Housing Authority (LMHA). She set a goal for herself upon entering the
program that she would obtain self-sufficiency within a 5-year timeframe.
Although being a young, single mother of two girls and collecting TANF
benefits posed a challenge to her goals, through hard work and dedication
she was able to obtain an Associate Degree in social work at the University
of Toledo. Using her education and motivational talents, she continued
to remain involved with the FSS program, and while attending school
for her Bachelor's Degree, she returned to the housing authority through
a work-study position to assist and mentor other self-sufficiency clients.
In April 1999, she applied for a full-time position as a Supportive
Services Specialist, administering the economic development Self-Sufficiency
Program, which assists over 75 individuals moving on their career path
toward self-sufficiency. Ms. Hill is now in a position where Section
8 assistance is no longer required and she has truly obtained self-sufficiency
from TANF and housing assistance. She serves as a roll model and mentor
to other young female heads of household who are facing the challenges
of returning to school, or obtaining and maintaining employment.
Sponsored by:
Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority
Toledo, OH
Gwendolyn Parker
Ms. Parker successfully completed the Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority's
(LMHA) Childcare Business Development Training Program through the Childcare
Initiatives Project, on October 4, 2000. She is a certified, type B
childcare provider. The certification allows her to care for one to
six children, including her own, at one time in her home. The Childcare
Initiatives Project is a collaborative effort of the LMHA's Microenterprise
Program, YW Childcare Connections, and the Department of Human Services.
The purpose of the program is to increase the number of affordable childcare
providers in specific zip code areas, as determined by the Department
of Human Services.
Ms. Parker has custody of six school age children, none of which are
her own. These children are Foster Care children from her own family
members. She has taken on a great responsibility, and she is doing it
from her heart because she can see a need for her services.
Ms. Parker also has taken on the responsibility of providing an after
school homework assistance program for the McClinton Nunn, Brand Whitlock,
and Albertus Brown community children. Ms. Parker provides homework
assistance for first, second and third graders from 3:30 p.m. until
4:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday in the McClintock Nunn Community Room.
She is a member of the newly formed Resident Advisory Board, and she
will assist the authority with the development of their annual and 5-year
plans. Through all of her efforts, Ms. Parker is making a difference
in her community.
Sponsored by:
Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority
Toledo, OH
3/1/2001
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