NAHRO Awards

NAHRO National Roll of Achievers

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Shauna Fitch
Shauna Fitch enrolled in the FSS Program in January 1998. She was employed part-time as a teacher’s assistant at that time. She was promoted to the position of Director of a childcare center, and graduated from FSS in August 1999 as a homebuyer. Before the FSS program, she was in Transitional Housing. She used FSS case management assistance for budget and relationship counseling, received a Welfare Avoidance Grant to purchase a car for employment. She received therapy during a divorce. She sought help for her children’s learning disability.

Kensington, MD

Felicita Flores
Felicita had a dream that one day she would own her own home. Through one of Norwalk Housing Authority's many mailings to public housing and Section 8 residents, Felicita's dream seemed closer. In October 1997, Norwalk Housing Authority looking to fill a few rare FSS slots gave Felicita and her family the opportunity she thought would never come. A single mother of three boys ages, 15, 14, 4, and a daughter 2 years old, Felicita works to support her family and pay her portion of rent on her three bedroom apartment. Felicita explains. "Having four children, working and only basically maintaining things is a struggle." The Family Self Sufficiency Program became the way foe Felicita and her family to own their own home. It became their way to A PIECE OF THE AMERICAN DREAM. Officially beginning the FSS program in November 1997, Felicita was on her journey to homeownership. In January 2002, Felicita purchased a four family (multi-family) home in Norwalk, Connecticut. Felicita had a deam. She followed the vision. Now she too is enjoying what the fruit of her labor brought. Congratulations to Felicita and her family. Now they are able to live their dream.

Norwalk Housing Authority, Norwalk, CT
2002

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

Melissa Freeman
Melissa was a young single parent with two children in grade school. She was on welfare and did not know how to get off. She felt her life was hopeless. She spent much of her days at home on the couch with the shades drawn. She joined Municipal Housing Agency of Council Bluffs FSS (Family Self Sufficiency) Program. She set her goals of going to college and earning a salary that would enable her to be independent of welfare. This was a very scary idea for her to be off welfare. What if she couldn't make it? How would she provide for her two daughters and herself? How would she provide medical care? But Melissa had courage. She began classes at the local community college. She worked hard in her classes. After about two years, she obtained a clerical job that looked good to her. In no time at all, she was bored. There was not enough work to keep her busy. She looked for and found a different job. This time at a hospital. She found she really enjoyed the work. Working with people was her original idea when she started college.

Melissa's oldest daughter began acting out. Melissa was not sure how to deal with the behavior. She talked with the FSS Coordinator and tried the agencies that were suggested for help. It took perseverance and continually trying to get her daughter the help she needed. Melissa also learned new parenting skills. Melissa worked and she continued to deal with problems as they arose for several years. She took the training to be a Certified Nursing Assistant. She worked hours which would provide the best salary and that would work best to keep tabs on her daughters. Turning a child around takes time. Melissa stuck with the struggle as she worked to build her skills and earn a living. She was off welfare and making it even though it was not easy.

Her second daughter also began acting out as she reached her teens. Melissa had skills now. She knew what she had to do to turn things around before they got out of hand.

This year Melissa obtained a second job as a Psychiatric Therapy Technician at another hospital to increase her income. This has been working for her. She completed her FSS goals, graduated FSS, and received the escrow savings. She used part of the money to take her daughters on a trip to South Carolina for a combination vacation and family reunion this spring. Melissa plans to go on to receive her bachelor degree in the human service field once her daughters graduate high school.

Melissa said she has come so far from where she was when she entered the FSS Program. She has jobs in the field she enjoys, she owns a new car, her bills are paid, and her credit is good. On top of it all, she feels very good about herself. She knows she can handle whatever comes along. She knows where to seek help if she needs it.

Municipal Housing Agency of Council Bluffs
Council Bluffs, IA
2001

Omar Garcia
Omar Garcia is nothing less than a success story. His humble beginnings and family struggles provided him with the motivation to strive for the best. He grew up with his family under BHA’s Section 8 Program. Seeing his family struggles were what made Omar dedicated and determined to be successful. Omar Garcia received a $250,000 scholarship to West Point Academy. He graduated May 29th, with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Brownsville, TX

Augusteen Garner
Augusteen Garner is a single parent who was living in Public housing since May of 2000. Augusteen is also a recovering alcoholic who has faced many challenges.

In March of 2001, Augusteen was having a difficult time finding employment to support herself and her three dependent children. During this same period of time, another Public Housing tenant was struggling to meet his own basic needs such as feeding himself, taking his medication and other necessities as he had been suffering from a debilitating medical condition.

The Livingston County Housing Authority became involved with retaining services for the tenant who was struggling with feeding himself and other basic survival needs. The Department of Rehabilitation agreed to provide services for an ailing man. There was one problem with the Department of Rehabilitation providing services, the tenant had to hire his own service provider. This was initially thought to be a difficult challenge, as the tenant had no family or friends in the area. The situation was discussed with the Executive Director. "Augusteen Garner" was the Executive Director's response. Augusteen had worked as an in-home health care provider in the past.

Augusteen agreed to take the job providing care for the ailing tenant. Augusteen has literally saved this man's life. The improvement in quality of life for this gentleman has been inspirational to everyone at the Housing Authority. Augusteen has gone above and beyond the expectations of her new position. Augusteen has faced each challenge with determination and courage.

In working with this gentleman, Augusteen also benefited from the experience. She was often praised for her hard work in which she gained further self-esteem. The additional income allowed Augusteen the opportunity to better provide for her family.

Six months later, Augusteen was able to move from Public Housing. Augusteen continues to provide quality care for our tenant who needs assistance. Augusteen also works a second job. Recently, Augusteen came into the Housing office, she proudly, spoke of her new home and how well her client is doing. She has continued to attend AA meetings. Public Housing touched the lives of two very different individuals and brought them together. These lives have both have changed for the better. The hard work and determination shown by Augusteen has been an inspiration to all of us that have had the privilege to be a part of her life.

Livingston County Housing Authority
Pontiac, IL
2001

Sherrie Garth
Ms. Garth, a single mother of a 16-year-old daught, obtained her B.S. in Family Studies from the University of AZ and will receive her Masters in Social Work in May 2000. Ms. Garth works part-time as a family and individual therapist at the Family Counseling Agency. She also works part-time as a case manager and advocate for services for older and disabled adult program. She gives lectures and provides training on the subject of diversity. She has also written articles for the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Newsletter. In the summer, she coaches and provides education for 60 adolescent youths. She served in the United Way Consortium to develop a Welfare to Work assistance program. She was instrumental in partnering Unidos Para Servir (UPS) and FSS, and she serves a mentor for UPS participants. Ms. Garth was runner-up for Regional NAHRO FSS Participant of the Year.

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

Carla Gayten
The Mississippi Regional Housing Authority No. VII in McComb has awarded an FSS Incentive bonus to Ms. Carla Gayten of Brookhaven. Ms. Gayten recently received the award totaling $2192.88 for successfully completing her LPN training. She has participated in the Housing Authority’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program since 1995. Miss Gayten attended Brookhaven High School where she was a cheerleader for seven years and played basketball. She received her LPN license from Coipah-Lincoln Community Residential College in Wesson, and is presently employed with Lincoln Residential Center. She has wanted to be a nurse since grade school and plans to pursue her RN license in the near future. Ms. Gayten is a 30 year old mother of three children, ages 12, 11, 8. She states that she felt like giving up when faced with many obstacles. However, with the encouragement and support from her mother and sister, she persisted. She urges other single mothers not to give up!

McComb, MS

Cynthia Goggans
Cynthia Goggans enrolled in the FSS Program in July, 1995, when she employed part-time. She found full-time employment in 1997, and is now an Equipment Technician with Premier Surgery Center. She used FSS funds for additional technical training, volunteer work experience, therapy, job search, budget counseling, the Employment Support Group, and received Welfare Avoidance Grant funds to buy a car. She plans to purchase a home, thanks to her FSS escrow savings.

Kensington, MD

Carmita Gonzalez
When Carmita enrolled in the FSS Program in July, 1995, she was receiving welfare assistance. While in FSS, she attended college and expects to complete an AA degree in June 2000. She became employed in 1997 part-time, then full time in 1999, with Head Start. She will surely be a successful FSS graduate soon.

Kensington, MD

Sabrina Gordon
Ms. Gordon is an eighteen year old single mom who has lived in public housing for six months. During this time, she has enrolled in our GED program has received her GED in less than three months. Ms. Gordon is presently enrolled in the Cosmetology Program at Coosa Valley Tech. This is made possible by her participation in our Family Self-Sufficiency Program and the tuition cost is funded by Economic Development Support Services Grant (E.D.S.S.) During the summer of 1999, Ms. Gordon worked in Rome Housing Authority’s Earning-By-Learning Summer reading program and Tot’s Day Out. Ms. Gordon is very dependable, hard-working and was well-liked by all the children in these two programs she was involved with. She was also nominated and received the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) Worker of the year award. Ms. Gordon’s one year old daughter attends the Wee Care Daycare provided by Rome Housing Authority.

Rome, GA

Maribel Gracia
Maribel Gracia was born and raised in Brownsville, TX on the border, by the sea, in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. She graduated from Porter High School in 1985. Maribel was a client in the Section 8 Vouchers Program from January 10, 1993 to November 30, 2001. Shortly after her divorce from an abusive husband leaving her alone with two very young sons she was introduced to the Family Self-Sufficiency Program in August 1996. The FSS program was the perfect opportunity for Maribel to continue her education and become self-sufficient. Maribel's goals consisted of receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Education, working as a teacher for the Brownsville Independent School District, and becoming a homeowner.

Having already earned an Associate Degree in Child Care and Development at the University of Texas at Brownsville, Maribel began working towards a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts-Education. She received her degree in May 2001 majoring in English with a minor in Kinesiology. She received her escrow funds.

Currently, Maribel is working as a third grade teacher at Rosa Del Castillo Elementary School with BISD, and is attending classes at night at UTB hoping to receive a certification in Elementary Bilingual Education by May 2003. She will continue her education by working towards a Masters Degree in Education by December 2004.

Housing Authority of the City of Brownsville
Brownsville, TX
2002

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

Alva Guebara
Alva Guebara received a FSS contract on June 20, 1995. She had just lost her job prior to enrolling in the FSS program and listed a creer in the medical field as her top goal. Enrolled in Midland College in January, 1996 with a class load of 6 hours. Accepted into R.N. Program at the college in June 1998. Graduated with a R.N. Degree in December 1999. Salary at Midland Memorial Hospital went from $5.74 an hour to $12.26 an hour.

Midland, TX

Patricia Hale
Patricia Hale is a single parent of two children. Ms. Hale, because of life adversities lived in a Woman’s shelter with her children before receiving Section 8 in 1994. In October of 1995 Patricia enrolled in the FSS program and established individual goals that would allow her to become self-sufficient. While on the FSS program, Patricia worked closely with FSS staff to obtain the supportive services that would allow her to attend college full-time. She enrolled in Tarrant County College where she received her Associates Degree in Office Professional. After completing her degree, Patricia secured permanent employment as a Customer Service Representative with Texas Health Systems. After successfully completing her goals, Patricia purchased a home in 1999.

Fort Worth, TX

Tiwanda Hill
Tiwanda Hill came into the Family Self-Sufficiency Program with 3 young children. She did not have a job, a high school diploma, any transportation, or any income. Things did not look too bright for her, or her children. However, one thing she did have was a strong desire to make changes in her life - to better herself and make it better for her children.

Tiwanda began her residency in Section 8 at a bottom rent of $50.00 per month, and her only income was $38.00 a month in child support - when she was lucky enough to get it. Once she joined the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, Tiwanda immediately began attending the offered FSS Life Skills Training Classes. She attended Parenting, Budgeting, Self Esteem, and Stress Management and Job Hunting Techniques. Tiwanda learned from all of these classes, and then utilized the skills at home, with her family, and out in the community.

Within a month, Tiwanda got her first job, and started attending Adult Education classes. It was difficult juggling three children, a work schedule, and a class schedule. Tiwanda did not give up. Because of the earned income increase, the FPHA was able to start an FSS escrow account for Tiwanda and the monthly amount grew quickly. As a reward for her hard work (before the end of her first year) FSS was able to purchase a car for Tiwanda using a portion of her escrow. By the end of the second year FSS was able to help Tiwanda create and utilize a strict family budget, and clear up some credit issues by using another portion of escrow funds.

By moving the obstacles that kept her from success, the Family Self-Sufficiency Program helped Tiwanda's success. She is now preparing to become a homeowner. Tiwanda earned her CNA certification still attends classes at the college and works. She, along with her children and new husband, live within their budget and plan ahead.

Fort Pierce Housing Authority
Fort Pierce, FL
2001

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

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

Edna Hopper
Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a 13 story brick-veneer local landmark, houses 156 elderly and disabled persons, as well as Mrs. Edna Hopper, a 79 year old lifelong teacher who still teaches Sunday School. 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. Hopper 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. Hopper 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

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

Mary Huffman
Ms. Huffman is the president of H.R.P., Inc. (Housing Residential Presidents, Incorporated) and has served in that capacity for several years. H.R.P., Inc. is comprised of the presidents of each of the housing resident councils. Ms Huffman has worked tirelessly and unselfishly to assist the housing authority's high-rises and family developments. For the past six years, she has worked with the Fort Wayne Christmas Bureau to provide Christmas gifts for 30 to 40 of the housing authority's families. Her relationship with that organization prompted them to donate two thousand dollars last year and one thousand this year to the housing authority to assist the residents. She has worked with the community food bank to provide turkeys to the housing authority's senior and disabled residents for the holidays, and on several occasions she has even provided the meal for the residents herself.

Ms. Huffman remains ever the visionary and refuses to give into a lot of the negativity that is inherent in her efforts. "I know that many times when I feel like surrendering, she is there to re-energize me and I cannot think of anyone who is more deserving," Jack Howell, Resident Services Director, Fort Wayne Housing Authority.

Sponsored by:
Fort Wayne Housing Authority
Fort Wayne, IN
2001

Angela Jones
Angela Jones joined the Partners in Self-Sufficiency/Family Self-Sufficiency program in August 1994. At that time, Angela was working for the Florida Department of Children and Families doing clerical duties. In order to improve her pay, she knew that she needed to stay at her job and move into a better position. She knew that her dedication would pay off someday. Angela earned Employee of the Month in February 1996 and Employee of the Year that same year. She worked each day with families just like herself, struggling to make ends meet and trying to get ahead. Throughout the next several years, as Angela maintained employment and increased her level of pay, her rent on Section 8 Assistance increased. Because she had joined FSS, her escrow began accruing. Angela has also spent a lot of hours volunteering, including being a little league coach for her daughter’s team, being an active member at her church and volunteering at her child’s day care. In 1997, Angela applied with Habitat for Humanity to get a new house. It took two years, but in April, 1999, Angela closed on her new home. She left FSS with $4117., in escrow that she used to purchase the home. She has remained free of all of her government assistance since leaving housing in 1999 and before that had not received any cash or food stamp assistance since 1995.

Clearwater, FL

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

Tracy Jones
Tracy Jones, a Section 8 resident, first became involved in resident activities at the Denver Housing Authority in August of 1996 when she was hired as a resident trainee working with the Family Self-Sufficiency Program. Ms. Jones, a single mother of four, was very aware of the obstacles and frustrations that families faced while striving for self-sufficiency. In 1997, Ms. Jones was hired by the Denver Housing Authority's Foundations for Homeownership Program as the Homeownership Assistant. She worked with self-sufficiency program participants who were becoming ready to purchase homes. She attended the Jones Real Estate College in 1998-1999 to become a Real Estate Agent, and she recently completed her classes and is preparing to take the state-licensing exam. In 1999, Ms. Jones became a member of the Denver Housing Authority's Quality Housing and Work Responsibilities Act Committee. She recently began work with several community agencies to provide homeownership education classes to low income buyers. During the last four years Ms. Jones has become a strong advocate for low income buyers in the Denver community and she is committed and dedicated to the families she serves.

Sponsored by:
Denver Housing Authority
Denver, CO

Valeria Jones
Valeria Jones resides in Section 8 housing provided by the Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) of Montgomery County, Maryland. Last year, she began attending an employment support group, a key element of HOC's Employment Initiative Program, a HUD-funded program. The support group, run by HOC employees, is available only to residents of HOC public housing or Section 8.

Ms. Jones attended the employment support group for five months during which she worked on developing a positive attitude, improving her communications skills, and being punctual, dependable and reliable. At the same time, she attended a HOC sponsored computer class at John Hopkins University twice a week for ten weeks, and during the other three days she participated in a HOC sponsored "volunteer work experience" at a senior housing facility. There she learned to answer phones professionally, take accurate messages, enter work orders into a computer, filing, and other office skills.

After completing the volunteer work experience program, Ms. Jones got a job with Mariner Health as a receptionist, but after six months in this position, she felt she needed greater challenges and successfully obtained a job at Lockheed Martin as a verification specialist. Ms. Jones is a true success story.

Sponsored by:
Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) of Montgomery County
Kensington, MD
2001

National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials
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