NAHRO Awards

NAHRO National Roll of Achievers

You may also view by state.

Larry W. Arnold
Mr. Larry W. Arnold has helped thousands of public housing residents who did not have phone services obtain them through a pre-paid service. They then have phone access for health emergencies, for reporting criminal activity, for having a place for a job interviewer to call, and to keep in touch with family and friends. Larry, through his efforts and extensive training and public housing experience, is convinced that phone services are no longer a luxury, but a necessity. He is therefore committed to helping residents obtain the service and learn how to budget for it.

Pleasantview, TN
Sponsored by:
Indianapolis Housing Agency
Indianapolis, IN

Traci Atwood
Traci Atwood has resided in one of Livonia Housing Commission's single family homes (Public Housing) for the past five years and is a single mother of 3 boys, ages 11, 8, and 6. Traci works between 25 and 40 hours a week as a bookkeeper/receptionist for a construction company, attends Walsh College 8-10 hours per week and will receive her degree in accounting in July 2003. In her spare time she is involved in many extra curricular activities with their sons, such as cub-scout leader, transporting them to basketball, football, hockey, and soccer practice. Traci also volunteers at the children's local school for 3 hours each Wednesday, is involved with her church and is a member of the Agency Plan Resident Advisory Board (RAB). Traci is also a candidate for our Home Ownership program that will be in place this year. She and her sons are looking forward to owning a home of their own. Traci and her family are a real inspiration to the community as well as proof that the programs do work!

Livonia Housing Commission, Livonia, MI
2002

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

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

Vicki Wheat Barry
Ms. Barry moved into public housing from a Battered Women's Shelter on September 8, 1988. She brought with her nothing but her child and the desire to improve herself. She mentioned that a counselor said "if you are riding a dead horse you need to get off" and so she did. She took part in every program that the Housing Authority of Texarkana offered including the Family Self-Sufficiency and job training programs. She was interested in helping people, and the housing authority was able to place her in a training program with the Department of Human Services. The funding for her training was done through the housing authority's Drug Elimination grant. She soon became an asset to the Department's staff and played a key role in obtaining donations for the family programs. The Department wished to hire her in a permanent position, but they did not have the authorization of the State, so the housing authority extended her training time until the Department was authorized to hire her.

Ms. Barry also coordinated the "Shop with a Cop" program, done in cooperation with the Texarkana local police department and Wal-Mart, that allows low-income children to have $100 to spend while shopping with a police officer for things they wish for Christmas.

In December 1999, she moved into a house the authority offers to Family Self-Sufficiency participants who are fulfilling their agreement. She is building up her escrow account in the FSS Program, which will one day help her to buy her own home. Last year the Housing Authority of Texarkana's Commissioners selected her as the resident commissioner. They were impressed with her energy, good-humor and desire to make public housing the best place in Texarkana to live. Ms. Barry's job at the Department of Human Services and her role as resident commissioner are helping her fulfill her wish to help others.

Sponsored by:
Texarkana Housing Authority
Texarkana, AR
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

Mary Brockman
Mary Brockman has been a public housing resident since May 1996. During that time, she has proved to be a very active resident advocate. She is an officer of the Denver Housing Authority Resident Councils' Board which deals with quality of life issues affecting public housing residents. Ms. Brockman is also an active member of the Denver Housing Authority COMP Grant Committee and the Resident Councils' Board Violence Task Force. She finds time to chair the Resident Councils' Board Fundraising Committee and she began participating on the Denver Housing Authority's Quality Housing Work Responsibility Act Committee in early 1999. Ms. Brockman is very committed to serving as an advocate for public housing residents in Denver. She not only cares about her community but also participates to make a difference.

Sponsored by:
Denver Housing Authority
Denver, CO

Mabel Alicia Brown
Ms. Brown and her five children were enrolled into the Family Unification Program (FUP) offered by Rural Opportunities, Inc., Section 8 Housing Rental Assistance program July 1996. This program afforded the family rental assistance in safe and affordable housing. Mabel also enrolled in the HUD Section 8 Housing Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program. These programs require that participants commit to setting goals to improve themselves and their families economic independence. A financial incentive, saved as an escrow is provided to FSS families when they increase their earned income.

Ms. Brown's most important goal was to remain sober from her past addiction. She wanted to take care of her family and all health issues, learn to drive and get a car, become employed and support her family, without public assistance. Most important Ms. Brown wanted to be a good mother to her children. Mabel, who prefers to be called Alicia has accomplished all those goals and far more.

Ms. Brown's dream goal is to purchase a home for her family. Her enrollment in HUD's FSS program and the first time home owner's program will help her acquire that goal. These programs offer escrow and matching fund accounts to enrollees that are employed and working towards economic independence. Since Rural Opportunities, Inc. nominated Alicia as our candidate on the National Roll of Achievers, her family experienced an electrical fire in the home. Some furniture was lost. The family was not physically harmed, but they are all looking forward to a new home.

Wappingers Falls, NY

Mercedes Brown
The United Resident Council (URC) is a 501c3 not for profit organization established in August of 1994, owned and operated by the residents of public housing of the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale. Mercedes Brown has been the President of the URC since 1999.

Ms. Brown has been actively involved with the URC since its inception. Collaborating with the Housing Authority, the City of Fort Lauderdale, the Transit Authority, various social service agencies, churches and educational institutions, always seeking innovative ways to empower the residents and to develop social and economical programs for youth and adults.

The URC and public housing started their own welfare to work program in 1995. Hiring residents as vacancy cleaners, housing inspectors, service aides, maintenance clerks, appliance helpers, receptionists, occupant specialists, and service coordinators.

The URC Transit provides community-based transportation linking residents and neighbors of public housing in Fort Lauderdale with sites of employment. It also provides, service to daily sites, assisting with shopping, medical, and educational needs. This program remains a viable operation under the capable management of Ms. Mercedes Brown and the URC Board.

Ms. Brown developed an idea and scouted funding to operate two teen centers, one of them being "The Gathering Place". The Gathering Place is a teen/youth program that is operated by the youth of the Fort Lauderdale Housing Authority. The purpose of this much-needed program is to help reach out to the inner city teen/youth in the NW communities and curtail inner city gang activities.

Fort Lauderdale, FL
2001

Edith Bubli
As an elderly public housing resident, Edith Bubli is an enormously effective advocate for affordable housing and community revitalization issues. Edie has frequently and unabashedly shared her story of "how easy it is to suddenly become eligible for public housing" after struggling with her husbands illness and death which rapidly drained her of the financial resources that were to have provided them with a comfortable retirement together.

Edie is compassionate and outspoken in her advocacy for the poor, the elderly, the disabled, and those who have no options but to rely on the "safety nets" that are so critical in a caring society. Edie is well known by the Duluth City Council, many state legislators, and the Minnesota Congressional delegation. She has participated in the annual NAHRO Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. each year since 1994, and is remembered with some trepidation by Congressman that she has lectured in previous years! She has spoken with fervor for adequate funding for housing programs, and has been particularly animated in opposing the "Home Rule" provisions of recent Congressional action.

Duluth City,
Minnesota
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
2002

Isabel Cabello
Isabel Cabello has been a participant of the Lubbock Housing Authority's public housing program since March 1996. She enrolled in the housing authority's Family Self-Sufficiency program in June 1998. At the age of fifteen, she became a teenage mother and housewife, but continued her high school education. Shortly after, she separated from her husband and had to rear three children alone. Isabel always aspired to obtain employment in the secretarial field, but possessed no office skills, lacked discipline and was a victim of low self-esteem.

In the fall of 1998, she decided to enroll in a local business college, and became employed part-time in a work study program at the Texas Tech Health Science's Center. Shortly after receiving job placement through the work-study program, she was offered full-time employment as a Clerical Specialist and was soon promoted to Patient Services Specialist. Shortly after employment she purchased a new automobile resulting in another completed goal.

She recently informed the FSS department that her current employer has offered her a job promotion to Senior Patient Specialist after she completes a one-year coursework in coding. She looks forward to completing her ultimate goal of becoming a homeowner, which her escrow funds will help her achieve.

Sponsored by:
Lubbock Housing Authority
Lubbock, TX
2001

Esther Campbell
Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a 13 story brick-veneer local landmark, houses 156 elderly and disabled persons, as well as Mrs. Esther Campbell, a 90 year old retired nurse and a care giver throughout her life. When a local meal on wheels program expanded a year ago, it no longer had the staff for delivering meals to JFM’s individual apartments. Mrs. Campbell agreed that she would deliver the meals to the apartments. Delivering the meals, permits her to notice when people are ill or in need of assistance. She then notified the Public Housing Director, who is located within JFM, and she sees to it that the tenant receives the needed help or referrals. Mrs. Campbell acknowledges that all of the residents at JFM co-exist as one big happy family and they try to take care of one another.

Charleston, SC

Janet Campbell
Ms. Campbell began the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program in 1994 when she was unemployed. During her time in the program, she studied for and passed the GED (high school equivalency) exam, joined the Housing Opportunities Commission's Employment Support Group, took computer training, and earned a Certificate as a Geriatric Activities Coordinator. She completed a volunteer work placement, moved on to part-time employment, and in 1998 she began full-time employment. While in the program, she also became a U.S. citizen. Ms. Campbell plans to study nursing at Montgomery College while maintaining full-time employment at a department store. The FSS Program helped her learn to believe in herself.

Sponsored by:
Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County
Kensington, MD

Hilda Jessica Mendoza Carreno
Hilda Jessica Mendoza Carreno is a Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program participant nearing the end of her second year of her FSS contract. A single mother of two, she has conquered many personal barriers and accomplished much in a relatively short time. Hilda is employed full-time at Lessner Dental Laboratory as a Dental Lab Technician whose primary job is to prepare all incoming models for the delicate processes involved in producing dental prosthetics. She is quick to smile and I cannot help feeling impressed as I listen to her switch back and forth smoothly from English to Spanish as she explained each process she performs. I marvel at how far she has come in mastering a second language. Ms. Carreno's position at the dental lab started out as part-time, but as a result of her hard work, persistence, and the dedication she devotes to learning her craft, she earned a full-time position. A recent $1 per hour raise shows that she continues to more than meet the lab's expectations. Spend five minutes with the ambitious 25-year-old and you will come away with a deep feeling of respect for her accomplishments realized in the face of so many roadblocks. Growing up in a matriarchal household with three generations under one roof, Hilda's father spent several years in prison and did not return to the family after his release. Flaring tempers and violence were not uncommon in her home and at the age of 18, she turned to drugs as a means of escape. After a year of cocaine and marijuana use, Hilda realized drugs were not the answer and stopped using them. Currently sharing an apartment with her mother, brother, and her two other children, Hilda is fiercely determined to purchase her own home and leave the city's public housing program. She is strong and tenacious. There is no doubt in my mind that she will attain this goal also. Hilda graduated from the Dental Lab Tech Program at Pima College on May 17th. She is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished when one is given the opportunity.

Sponsored by:
City of Tucson Community Services Department
Tucson, AZ
2001

Constance Causey
Ms. Causey was an AFDC mother of nine children. She graduated from high school in 1967 and in 1992, through the IMPACT/Job Works program, she took refresher courses to prepare for college entry. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work in 1997. Currently she is a case manager for Vincent House, Inc., a homeless shelter and transitional housing program that accepts two-parent families with children and single parents (mothers or fathers) with children. She has been the president of McCormick Place Apartment Tenant Council since 1995 and serves on the Agency's Board of Commissioners. She is also the treasurer of Fort Wayne Housing Authority's Housing Residential Presidents, Inc. (HRPI), the central resident council for public housing residents.

Sponsored by:
Fort Wayne Housing Authority
Fort Wayne, IN

Jacqueline Christiansen
Jacqueline entered Municipal Housing Agency of Council Bluffs' FSS (Family Self Sufficiency) Program in March 1994. She had not worked in fifteen years. She was a single parent with two teenage sons. Jacqueline did not have skills that would enable her to earn more than minimum wage initially. Her goals were to be full-time employed, learn to drive, purchase a car, and buy a house. Jacqueline had a number of obstacles that hampered her achieving these goals, however, she persevered. In the area of employment she found a job cleaning motel rooms. She held that job for a time and then changed to another doing the same work, but having slightly better pay and working conditions. She changed jobs four or five times before she began working at a local hospital in their kitchen in September of 1997. Each time the job was a little better in some way. Working at the hospital was finally the job she would enjoy and earn an income which would enable her to be self-sufficient. She is still in that job.

Besides only being able to earn minimum wage initially, she also had some problems with her two sons. The oldest son almost had her evicted from her home. Through some intervention with the landlord and a strong effort on Jacqueline's part, she was able to stay at the complex. She had to be tough though and not allow this son, then 21 years old, to live with her. He was not working and he would have to find his own way now. This was not an easy thing for Jacqueline to do. As a mother, she did not want to see her child out on the street with no place to live and not knowing how he would survive. But she did do it. She had support from her minister and the FSS Coordinator.

A year later her second son began causing problems. Jackie and this son had moved to a different apartment complex. She was nearly evicted. Once more, Jacqueline had to be tough and give the word that this son would no longer live at the complex. This time saying if he came on the premises when she was gone, the manager was to call the police; she would do the same if he came while she was home. Again this was not easy for her. But she had gone through this before and she had gained strength in the previous experience. This son was just about to turn 18. Some stalling was required until he was 18; so she would not be accused of neglect when she ousted him. By this time Jacqueline was working at the hospital.

Jacqueline's FSS contract was extended to allow her time to learn to drive. While she was going through all the problems with her sons, she did not have the energy or state of mind to learn to drive. She received an early partial FSS escrow to take the driving lessons. She took six weeks of driving instructions. She was not quite ready to take the driving test for her license. She took the driving course again. She then had to take the written test. She retook the test a number of times before she passed, but she persevered. By this time her FSS Contract had been extended over a year. She passed the written test and then the driving test. She was elated.

She graduated from FSS and received the escrow savings. With the escrow she purchased a car and paid for insurance. She still had some of the escrow savings left. This she put in the bank. She continued to save and one year later she purchased the house she had wanted for so long. She accomplished all her goals and she gained self-confidence and satisfaction with her life. Best of all she got back the person she was before she made a bad choice in the husband she picked.

Municipal Housing Agency of Council Bluffs
Council Bluffs, IA
2001

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

Vinnie Cummings
Vinnie Cummings had been a part of the FWHA Section 8 Program for many years. She enrolled in the Family Self-Sufficiency Program in 1993 with the goal of securing full-time employment and becoming a homeowner. Ms. Cummings participated in the Unpaid Work Experience Program at the Fort Worth Housing Authority to develop her job skills. She ultimately landed a full-time position at FWHA as a Clerk. Ms. Cummings successfully completed the FSS program and purchased a home in 1999.

Fort Worth, TX

Van Dao
Van Dao joined the Partners's in Self-Sufficieny/Family Investment Center program in July 1997. At that time, Van Dao was working for Tepro Inc. doing assembly work. He started earning escrow from this point. Van Dao knew to better his life and to gain stability for himself and his family that he would have to get some vocational training. He enrolled at PTEC of Clearwater to obtain a certificate in Air Condition Technology (Commercial) and he completed this course in January of 1999. While he was attending PTEC he found better employment with Maxxim Medical also doing assembly work. Immediately after he received his certification in Air Condition Technology he obtained employment with Environmental Technologies Inc. Having obtained his certification he was able to recieve a substantial increase in pay, with that his rent with Public Housing increased. Because he was a participant of PSS/FIC program his escrow also increased. Van Dao became a member of the Home Buyers Club to obtain advise on how to go about purchasing a home. Two years later, after joining the Home Buyers Club, Van Dao was able to purchase a home on his own with the assistance of Superior Mortgage. He received $5,956.80 as an early release from his escrow amount that used towards the purchase of his home. The total amount of his escrow was $10,050.00 before the early release. Van Dao is still employed and he and his family are enjoying their new home.

Clearwater, FL

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

Sherry Donahue
Sherry Donahue entered the Fort Worth Housing’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program in April 1994, with the commitment to improve the quality of life for herself and her children. With the assistance of FSS staff and the supportive services provided to Sherry, she was able to attend Paul Quinn College, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Management. After completing her college degree, Sherry obtained full-time employment with the Internal Revenue Service. She successful completed her goals and became self-sufficient and purchased a home with the escrow money she accrued while on the FSS program.

Fort Worth, TX

Gwendolyn L. Doyle
Gwendolyn Doyle is a current resident with the Winnebago County Housing Authority’s senior/disabled family site, the Collier Gardens. Shortly after becoming a resident on July 1999, Ms. Doyle worked with the housing authority in establishing a craft program for the benefit of the senior and disabled residents of the 150 unit Collier Gardens apartments. Ms. Doyle marketed the program throughout the development and brought together disabled, senior, and minority families to work together on a monthly craft project, and designed the projects to be both fun and practical. Ms. Doyle’s efforts culminated in a 12/23/99 article by the Rockford Star, which included color photographs and stories throughout the paper (150,000 circulation). The article detailed a craft program in which the residents made and dressed dolls as Christmas gifts for children in the Intensive Care Unit of the Rockford Memorial Hospital, and provided holiday baked goods for the children and faculty of the neighboring Conklin Elementary School.

Rockford, IL

National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials
630 Eye Street, NW, Washington DC 20001
Toll Free: 877-866-2476 Phone: 202-289-3500 Fax: 202-289-8181
E-mail: nahro@nahro.org
© Copyright 2002 NAHRO