NAHRO Awards

NAHRO National Roll of Achievers

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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
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
2001

Elbita Perez
At the onset of the Paterson Housing Authority's 1997 award of a Hope VI Grant, Elbita Perez was a public housing resident at Christopher Columbus Family Development. As an unemployed mother of five trying to survive a troubled marriage, she was forced to depend on social services. Ms. Perez used the Self-Sufficiency Program to get her life back on track. She graduated from the Paterson Leadership Program, and in 1998 she was appointed as the Hope VI Community Task Force Supervisor. She is currently a Coordinator with the Paterson Development and Management Inc. Ms. Perez maintains a full-time job to support her family, attends college, and sits on the Paterson Board of Libraries and Museums. She is also a Board member of the Paterson Task Force for Community Action, Inc. and a Community and Educational Advocate.

Sponsored by:
Christina Mutual Housing Association, Inc.
Paterson, NJ

Marisa Pixley
When Marisa signed a contract with the Family Self Sufficiency Program in July 1997, she was a single mother struggling to raise two children with an income of less than $5000.00 a year. Marisa set a high goal for herself, to become a certified daycare provider and to open her own daycare in her home. She sacrificed her family's living room to open a daycare for 6 children called "Sunflower Daycare". Through Marisa's hard work and dedication, she has managed in 3 years to become free of all financial subsidies and has declined her Section 8 rental assistance. Marisa became a homeowner on February 16, 2000. She accumulated $13, 182 in escrow money, which she used for the closing cost on her family's new home. Marisa's new home has a separate room for her to run her daycare. Marisa and her children no longer need to sacrifice the family's living quarters as she has completed all of her goals she set to achieve. There is a great need for daycare in Orange County. Marisa is now able to give back to the community to help others that may be in a similar situation that she once struggled through. Rural Opportunities, Inc. is proud to have played a part in Marisa's success and we hope to inspire many others to do the same.

Sponsored by:
Rural Opportunities, Inc.
Middletown, New York 10940

Amanda Q. Powell

Mary Priddy
Mary S. Priddy enrolled in the FSS program in January 1999. She is a single mom with two children, and struggled to provide the basic necessities for her family. Her employment history was unstable, and she did not own transportation. She realized that she would have to receive additional training if she were to find a decent paying job, with benefits. With the help of the Texas Workforce Center, she entered a job training program with Frito Lay.

She has been employed full-time with Frito Lay since April 2001. She is now earning enough money to provide for her family, and has purchased a reliable car. Mary has successfully completed her goals, and has moved off the Section 8 program. She received over $10,000 in escrow, with which she purchased her first home.

Housing Authority of the City of Lubbock, TX
2002

Samuel Pulliam
Mr. Pulliam has been a Rockford Housing Authority resident since 1997. Before that he lived with his child at various locations for brief periods. He became his son’s guardian when the child was one year old. Mr. Pulliam was not in the best economic position to take care of the baby though he was directed to take part in the Family Self-Sufficiency Program and construction training classes through Youth Build. After completing the basic training he was offered a position within the agency as an assistant to the lead carpenter that went on for six months. Consequently, HUD and Rockford Housing Authority funded the Step-Up Program to give a more advanced training to participants. Mr. Pulliam became an on-the-job trainee through Rockford Housing Authority and will be involved with that phase of the program for two years. Later, after completing the training in various tasks, he will take part in the carpentry apprenticeship at the local union program. Thanks to the program sponsored by HUD and Rockford Housing Authority Mr. Pulliam is becoming increasingly self-sufficient as he completes his training.

Rockford, IL

Antonieta Quepons
Antoneita Quepons signed with the Fort Worth Housing Authority Section 8 Program in 1997 with a dream of one day making a better life for herself. A mother of now 14 adult children and 1 teenage boy at home, she struggled with a lack of education and job skills to make her dream come true. Through the FWHA Resident Services & Family Self-Sufficiency Department, Ms. Quepons learned about the Business Careers Program. She felt this program would give her with the skills necessary to secure a better paying a job. Ms. Quepons enrolled in the FWHA Business Careers Program and received Computer/Clerical and job readiness training. After completing the training program she secured employment as a translator for a major airline. The Fort Worth Star Telegram did a feature story on Ms. Quepons highlighting her efforts to move towards self-sufficiency. Ms. Quepons continues to work with the Family Self-Sufficiency Specialist to pursuing home ownership.

Fort Worth, TX

Juan and Olga Quesada
Juan and Olga Quesada, achieved their life long dream and became homeowners November of 2001. The couple has six children ranging in age from a 14 year-old daughter to 7-year-old twin boys.

The family was able to achieve this dream with the assistance received from the Harlingen Housing Authority's Family Self-Sufficiency Program Escrow account. The family enrolled for participation in the FSS program August of 1997. Their goal was to seek stable employment and try to get advancements that would help them become independent of government assistance. They were also very excited about the escrow program because their biggest dream was to become homeowners. They both worked very hard to reach this goal. Mr. Quesada changed jobs several times in the course of the time that they were enrolled in the program. His focus was always to earn a high enough income so that he could support his family and be able to purchase a home. The Quesada's encountered many mortgage rejections due to their credit history. During their time of enrollment in the FSS program they had been working to repair their credit history, but the task seemed harder then they anticipated. This however, did not deter the family's main goal, which was one day to own their own home. Mr. Quesada was determined to become a homeowner. Mr. and Mrs. Quesada finally found a home, and because of the funds that they had with the FSS Escrow account the owner agreed to owner financing.

Mr. Quesada is currently working with X-Ray Transport Company. His wife is currently employed with the Ninos Head Start Program as a teacher's assistant. They are both very happy to have their home and are making every effort to maintain their financial stability. To accomplish this Mrs. Quesada is planning on attending Texas State Technical College.

Harlingen, TX
2002

Julia Rahmaan
Ms. Rahmaan is a public housing resident who resides in the Parsons Apartments, designed for the elderly and disabled, in downtown Spokane WA. She became a member of the Spokane Housing Authority's Board of Commissioners in 1998. She is the Past President of the Parsons Resident Association and while serving with the Association, she was instrumental in the creation of a 501-C-3 non-profit. Her vision was to create an organization that could empower the residents of the Parsons Apartments and help to bring them to self-sufficiency individually and as an Association. She makes resident preferences known for the use of HUD Modernization Funding, and she was instrumental in getting an outdoor Parsons Apartment roof top garden and recreational area. She has served as a volunteer for the Spokane Community Oriented Police Substation called "TOP COPS." She was instrumental in starting the Parsons food bank, partially supported by the Spokane Housing Authority, and she started a small vending machine business at the Parsons Apartments to support resident activities. Ms. Rahmaan graduated form the Spokane Neighborhood Leadership Institute, and she now works with VOICES (Voices for Opportunity, Income, Children, Education & Support). She teaches parenting and thrifty shopping to poor mothers and dads through the institute, and has become a Notary Public to offer discount services to low income families. Ms. Rahmaan is a Board member of a low-income action committee called Riverside Neighborhood Council, and she takes an active role in the Spokane Housing Affordable Campaign (SHAC). She is also a board member of Communiqué, which provides a newsletter and resource booklet for low-income families. Ms. Rahmaan has recently been appointed to serve on NAHRO's Commissioners Committee where her knowledge and experience will be invaluable.

Sponsored by:
Spokane Housing Authority
Spokane, WA

Juanita Abrego Ramirez
Ms. Ramirez, was a single mom with three children and has been a resident of the Lubbock Housing Authority’s Section 8 program since 1995. She attended South Plains College (SPC) for two years, earning her Associates of Applied Science/Office Technology Administrative Emphasis degrees in May 1999. Juanita maintained an overall grade point average of 3.4 and made the Dean’s list twice. Prior to entering South Plains College, Juanita attended Bridges at the Adult Learning Center and continued with remedial classes. At one period of her life, Juanita felt that she was not going to make it, but with the support she received from her family and friends she was able to obtain success. Even though she maintained a full academic schedule, she still managed to participate in the Texas College Work Study Program with South Plains College. Juanita took another big step in he life, she took the vows of matrimony on July 31, 1997, she not only got a husband but two more children as well. Juanita is currently working for the Volunteer Center for Lubbock.

Sponsored by:
Housing Authority of the City of Lubbock
Lubbock, TX

Vanassa Reaves and Amanda Q. Powell
Vanassa Reaves and Amanda Powell are residents of the Winnebago County Housing Authority's Champion Park development, which is part of a current HOPE VI application. Vanassa and Amanda, both age 11, have been creating holiday cards for all the residents throughout the housing authority, which include their 61-unit family development, the 150-unit Collier Gardens across the city from their home, and the 50-unit Robert Johnston Gardens and 50-unit Louis J. D'Agnolo apartments, both located over 20 miles away in separate cities!

Vanassa and Amanda first started by making valentine cards for all 108 children under the age of 12 for the Champion Park Valentine's party, and even surprised the housing authority staff with Valentine cards. The cards were so successful that they included the additional three other apartment sites for Easter cards, and now Mother's Day cards (again surprising the Social Service Coordinator, Pamela McCann, with a special Mother's Day card). They intend to continue their work for all the holidays.

Both young ladies spend a great deal of time on the cards, each of which contain a separate message, drawing, and holiday theme decorations. The over 250 residents at the other three apartment sites are elderly and disabled residents, and for some, these cards are the only ones they receive to be remembered on holidays. Vanassa and Amanda have done a remarkable job in reaching out from their own distressed apartment development to all of their neighbors throughout the authority, and their hard work has been recognized with cards of appreciation. The senior and disabled residents of the Robert Johnston apartments even went so far in their appreciation as to assemble Easter baskets of donated candy and toys for the Champion Park children's Easter party. They are true heroes to our housing authority, and we are privileged that they have made their homes with the Winnebago County Housing Authority and the Champion Park apartments.

Winnebago County Housing Authority
Rockford, IL
2002

Eula Redding
We would like to recognize Ms. Eula Redding. Ms. Redding is very active in her community. She is the Resident Association President and the after school programs founder and Administrator. Ms. Redding also serves as one of the Griffin Housing Authority's Commissioners. Ms. Redding is a very important part of CHARM (Caring Helpful Active Residents of Meriwether Homes).

Housing Authority of the City of Griffin, Griffin, GA
2002

Terry Reed
Terry Reed joined the Fort Worth Housing Authority Family Self-Sufficiency Program in July, 1995, with hopes and dreams of making a better life for herself and her children. Terry overcame the odds by becoming drug free and enrolling in the local Junior College. With self-determination and the support of the FWHA Residents Service and Family Self-Sufficiency staff, Terry was able to successfully maintain a family, school and employment. In May of 1996, Terry obtained her Associates Degree in Applied Sciences/Computer Graphics and Design. In 1998, she completed all requirements under the FWHA FSS Program and received a substantial escrow check. Terry is now employed by a major industry working as a Computer Drafter Designer.

Fort Worth, TX

Olivia Rodriguez
Olivia enrolled in the FSS program in July 1997. She is a single mom of two children, and who like most single moms felt the constant pressure of not having enough money to make ends meet. She was working 20 hours per week as a bus driver and teacher's aide. She realized that she would have to receive additional job training and further her education. If she were to ever provide for her family without government subsidies.

Other than financial problems, there were health issues that she must overcome. She experienced three major surgeries within a six-month period. Her road to recovery was painful, but she overcame her goal to improve her health and to further her education. She is now employed full-time in the wireless communication field, and is no longer by government subsidies. Olivia received approximately $3,800.00 in escrow funds.

Housing Authority of the City of Lubbock, TX
2002

Sandra Rodriguez
Sandra Rodriguez grew up in the Citrus Gardens developments of the Brownsville Housing Authority. Sandra is a 17 year-old student at Porter High School, this year she is a senior and will be graduating in June. Sandra is an active volunteer with the Resident’s Association of the Brownsville Housing Authority. Recently Sandy received the following achievement awards at the awards presentation held at the high school. Science, Engineering Professions, Elks Teenager of the Month and the Most Valuable Student Award. She is graduating with a 4.30 grade point average. She took advantage of the after school learning centers that are provided and funded through the Drug Elimination Program of the housing authority. She achieved academic success by studying hard and participating in civic clubs and organizations.

Brownsville, TX

Yanerys Rosario
Eight years ago, at the age of 16, Yanerys Rosario was attending high school, working two jobs, and living by herself in her own apartment. She had come to this country with her mother, but after a short time, her mother's health forced her to relocate to a warmer climate leaving Yanerys on her own. At the of age 22, Yanerys was pregnant and homeless. "I was living in a shelter in New Rochelle," she said. "One of the nuns there knew I was anxious to go to school, and told me about the orientation at CCE." (Westhab's collaboration in the Project Own Employment and Training Program.) Yanerys began training in adolescent childcare, but her pregnancy made the work too risky, so she switched to basic business operations. "I finished the six-week course, but I was still anxious to do more -- to get hands-on experience," she said. For the duration of her pregnancy, Yanerys volunteered at Westhab's Employment and Training office in Mt. Vernon. "I learned a lot," said Yanerys. "The people there shared so much with me. And I was doing exactly what I wanted to do, helping people."

While working as a volunteer, Yanerys moved into Westhab's temporary housing. After working temporarily, than part-time, she was hired in a full-time position at Westhab. She graduated from Top Step, a federally funded housing and self-sufficiency program, and after a great reference from her case worker, she and her young son were able to move into their own apartment. Yanerys is continuing her studies, and she plans to graduate from PACE in December 2001.

Sponsored by:
Westhab, Inc.
Elmsford, NY
2001

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

Velma E. Sanders
Ms. Sanders, a Section 8 participant with the Winnebago County Housing Authority, accepted a position as a housing authority Board Commissioner on January 13, 2002. For almost three years, Ms. Sanders has continually demonstrated her commitment to her commissioner responsibilities by attending every commissioner's meeting despite severe physical adversity. Ms. Sanders difficulties impact her physical mobility, yet she keeps the commissioners meetings which rotate between three distant cities. Her medical situation has at times required immediate hospitalization without notice, which once evidenced itself when Ms. Sanders was required to leave a meeting for emergency medical treatment - a meeting which she was careful to initially attend despite great pain from her disability. We wish to recognize the dedication in which Ms. Sanders selflessly brings to the housing authority and her diligence in providing a resident representation presence not limited by her medical difficulties.

In addition to her commitment as a commissioner and her health difficulties, Ms. Sanders has served as a foster parent for over three years with the Department of Children and Family Services, and has an extensive history of working in children's programs with the Northwest Community Center and the Rockford Park District's Beattie Park children's programs. Ms. Sanders has worked with the Jefferson Elderly Home Day Care, with the elderly at Rockford Memorial Hospital, and at Fairview Plaza Nursing Home with bedridden patients and patients suffering from cerebral palsy. The housing authority is proud to nominate Ms. Sanders for the NAHRO National Roll of Achievers.

Winnebago County, IL
2002

Theresa Sciumbato
Theresa "Crystal" Sciumbato, a resident of over seven years at the Winnebago County Housing Authority's Collier Garden Apartments, has been recognized by the state of Illinois for her photography talents. Participating in a photography program from the Janet Wattles Mental Health Care Center, Ms. Sciumbato's photographs were featured in the Rockford Registry Star, and then selected for display at both the city hall, the Illinois state capitol, and traveling exhibit.

Ms. Sciumbato has translated her photography skills into countless hours of volunteer work for the housing authority. Over the past years Ms. Sciumbato has freely given her time providing the photo documentation for the authority's various media coverage events, such as the new signage dedication for her development, and has covered the events for the housing authority's multi-bedroom Champion Park family development, located across the city from her residence. Ms. Sciumbato has provided mentoring skills for the 108 children under 12 years of age at this development in planning, organizing, and then assisting in each of the developments holiday parties for the senior and disabled residents at her own apartment complex.

Ms. Sciumbato is a valued resident who has built an outreach in bringing together the housing authority's residents of diverse backgrounds and locations. All of her help, work, and caring is recognized and appreciated by everyone at the Winnebago County Housing Authority.

Winnebago County Housing Authority
Rockford, IL
2002

Beatrice Segura
In the face of rather imposing obstacles, Tucson FSS Participant Beatrice (Bea) Segura clearly demonstrated what resiliency, determination, and truly focused effort can produce. A single mother of four children, Bea fought her way to welfare freedom. Despite having to survive past episodes of domestic violence and recent threats on her life. Furthermore, she had to endure the heartache of seeing her teenage son incarcerated in a youth facility. Despite the fact that her low wages called for creative domestic budgeting during the early years of her FSS contract, she established a goal to save a modest amount from each pay check and purchased a more dependable vehicle for getting to work. Bea has been a Secretary for many years with the Arizona Department of Economic Security's Child Care Administration when she realized one of her professional dreams and was promoted to her current position of Case Manager. With that promotion, she was able to raise her monthly FSS escrow savings contribution to nearly $200 monthly. In September 2000, a little over a year later, she had accrued an escrow account of over $2200. During 2000, Bea participated in the FSS Home-buying Counseling Program in preparation for her lifelong dream of owning her own home. In September 2000, Bea received 3 to 1 matching IDEA funds to combine with her escrow account toward a down payment and a new home.

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

Julie Senckowski
Julie Senckowski has been a resident of public housing in Worcester, MA for 10 years. Long interested in helping residents help themselves, Julia was appointed to the Worcester Housing Authority Board of Commissioners by the Worcester City Manager.

Julia has worked tirelessly to assist residents in establishing duly elected "tenant associations." Her dedicated pursuit of this goal finds her working with residents several nights each week and many weekends. Her energy level is legendary -- amazing those who work with her (and who try to keep up). Her hard work has resulted in the establishment of 13 duly elected tenant associations over the past 24 years.

As a tribute to her dedication and effectiveness, Julia was elected Chairperson of the Worcester Housing Authority Board of Commissioners -- a position she now holds. Julia also is the tenant coordinator of the agency's RAB (Resident Advisory Board) and is an active member of the Massachusetts Union of Public Housing Tenants Board of Directors. The Worcester City Commission of Elder Affairs also has honored Julia for her work assisting seniors in the city.

Sponsored by:
Worcester Housing Authority
Worcester, MA
2001

Carol Smith
Ms. Carol Smith is currently a resident of the Housing Authority of Henry County’s Fairview Homes Development where she has lived since 1992. She is a single parent who is an active and innovative participant in several resident activities including the Tenant Council and Neighborhood Watch Group. She developed and writes the Fairview Homes Tenant newsletter and is always available to assist resident groups and the administration when called upon. Unable to be part of the traditional workforce because of a disability, Ms. Smith has most recently benefited from a Resident Opportunities Position made available through the Public Housing Drug Elimination Grant Program. Through this program, Ms. Smith served the Housing Authority as a Playground Monitor where she assisted in prevention activity and security awareness. We feel that she is deserving of this honor because she is a positive role model for other residents due to her willingness to take an active part in the betterment of the community.

Kewanee, IL

Jacquelyn Smith
Jacquelyn Smith is a single mother of 2 girls ages, 14 and 12. Jackie and her family became residents in one of the Livonia Housing Commission's single family homes (Public Housing) in 1995. She was working at a fast food restaurant and attending school. After a few months, the Livonia Housing Commission hired Jackie as a receptionist for the Public housing Office and than later transferred her to the Section 8 office as a Housing Specialist. Jackie and her girls are involved in Girl Scouts and in community charitable organizations. Jackie also represented the single family scattered site homes during the time the Agency Plan was being prepared, and is a candidate for our Home Ownership program. Jackie currently has an Associates Degree in Applied Science/General Business and is continuing classes one at a time to obtain her Bachelors Degree. Jackie is also active in the Michigan Chapter of NAHRO as a vendor liaison. Jackie and her family are an asset to the community, to the Livonia housing Commission and the programs it operates.

Livonia Housing Commission, Livonia, MI
2002

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

Jacqueline Stingley
Ms. Stingley began the Family Self-Sufficiency Program in February 1995 when she was in need of a job. Shortly after beginning the program, Ms. Stingley obtained a job at a local trucking company, and her escrow quickly began to build. During her time in the program she completed computer classes, small business training, and money management classes. She also completed numerous on-the-job trainings. She received her escrow funds in January 2000, and she will use these funds to start her own truck rental company. Through her motivation in reaching her goals, Ms. Stingley took advantage of the full five years of the program and was able to become more than self-sufficient.

Sponsored by:
Housing Authority of the County of Clark
Las Vegas, NV

Tina Thomas
Tina Thomas enrolled in the Family Self-Sufficiency Program of the Ripley County Public Housing Agency in October 1999. Within 31 months she had accomplished her goals and completed the program, despite a major surgery and loss of her first job.

Tina's progress is the result of hard work and consistent effort. She now works for the Independent Living Center of Southeast Missouri. Tina is an in-home health care worker for an elderly couple. Tina works seven days a week to meet their needs. She plans to continue to work for the couple as long as they need her. Tina has many fine qualities that I admire, but her dedication to her clients is exemplary.

Ripley County Public Housing Agency
Poplar Bluff, MO
2002

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

National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials
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