THA Monthly Newsletter Vol 8. December 2022

Vol. 8 December 2022

Highlights

Job Fair

Events List

Table of Contents

Director's Note

THA Operations

Demolition & Revitalization

Boys and Girls Clubs of the Big Bend

Resident News & Events

Resident Resources

Recipe of the Month

THA News & Highlights

Director's Corner

Welcome to the THA monthly newsletter!

Dear Residents - As we redefine our work and deepen our commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable community residence, we are pleased to share this newsletter to provide you with the latest news, developments, accomplishments, and updates from the Tallahassee Housing Authority (THA) properties and staff.

As Executive Director, it is our mission to enhance and expand the quality of life in our community and to maintain and provide quality affordable housing. THA will facilitate a network of supportive services to enhance the quality of life for our residents. We are committed to quality service and will provide a professional atmosphere to our employees, partners, and the greater Tallahassee constituency.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any concerns you may have. I am here to serve you.

Email Brenda Williams | 850.385.6126

Brenda Williams,
Executive Director

THA Operations

The Mission of the Tallahassee Housing Authority is to maintain and provide quality, affordable housing and facilitate a network of supportive services to enhance the quality of life for our residents.

Here's What We Do and How We Do It

Tallahassee Housing Authority provides quality affordable housing for low-to-moderate-income households, fosters sustainable communities, and cultivates opportunities for residents to improve their lives in collaboration with local support services. Much of the public housing stock in Tallahassee is over forty years old and is well-maintained by the housing authority. Over time, we will work toward the redevelopment of our housing stock. A principal plan for redevelopment was recently completed for our Orange Avenue Apartments.

The Authority is governed by a volunteer seven-person Board of Commissioners appointed by the City of Tallahassee Commission. Through formal adoption of the policy, they ensure that the Authority is fiscally responsible and operates in an efficient manner.

The Authority consists of three (3) distinctive residential Public Housing communities (aka Asset Management Properties or AMPs) located in the incorporated areas of Tallahassee, Florida. There are a total of 346 residential units consisting of 41 single-family detached homes and 12 duplex units. The Authority also owns and maintains a 93-unit Low-Income Housing Tax Credit apartment community.

The Tallahassee Housing Authority is working to improve efficiencies so that all of our customers have access to information and services.

Explore the various links on our website. You'll find available rentals, services, more about our programs, information about payments, and lots more. TallHA.org/About-THA.

Demolition & Revitalization

Through a partnership with Purpose Built Communities, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving racial equity, economic mobility, and health outcomes in communities across the country, the revitalization plan for Orange Avenue will also improve educational and health outcomes. The purpose-built model is designed with a holistic cradle-to-college approach not only to address residents' housing but to connect resources at all angles, including educational resources and access to quality healthcare.

Demolition for Phases 1 and 2 is now complete, and Phase 1 construction is underway. The stormwater retention ponds have been formed, and storm drainage pipes have also been set. Forming for the first two foundations has been poured. The City of Tallahassee has approved a new water distribution plan for Phase 1. An arborist has determined that the three large trees from the footprint of Building 5 can be saved and replanted elsewhere on the property.

Replacement Units/Right to Return:

All residents relocated because of the new development at the Orange Avenue Apartments site will have first priority preference right of return to move back into the new development upon its completion. Each returning resident exercising the preference right of return will be offered a unit at a rental price based on 30% of the resident's income under HUD project-based voucher rent criteria. Subject to changes in income, family size, and assets within HUD rental guidelines, no resident shall pay more for rent than such resident was paying at the time of relocation.

Building 1 & 2 formed for plumbing, electrical, & concrete

Footers for
building 2

New sewer
system

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend

BGCBB and THA

The mission of the BGCBB is to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Club membership is free to Tallahassee Housing Authority residents, and enrollment is accepted at any time. The Boys & Girls Club of the Big Bend provides youth development activities, at no cost, to the residents of the Springfield and Pinewood Place communities. Our program operates Monday through Friday from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM after school. During the summer, our hours extend from 8:00 AM thru 5:30 PM.

At the beginning of each Boys & Girls Club program, the boys and girls are greeted by staff and then served a healthy snack. Afterwards, the boys and girls begin their "Powerhour", during which they complete homework assignments and receive tutoring in any subject that may present them with difficulty. After completing homework, the boys and girls participate in one of the character and citizenship-building activities. These programs teach young people how to make positive decisions and develop good character traits. Prior to ending the day, the youth participate in a high-yield activity that gets them moving and energized. These activities include football, basketball, and dance. The Boys & Girls Club provides a positive environment in which the youth are encouraged to evolve into responsible, caring, and productive citizens. For information, email Kacy Dennis or call 850-656-8100.

Springfield Updates

Springfield has 162 registered members and a daily attendance average of 35 youth members. Springfield is working on renovating the teen room and will be including suggestions from the teen members.

During October, the Boys & Girls Club hosted the "Untangled" event, a youth-led conversation on mental health. Three teens from Springfield sat on the panel with professional psychologists and social workers who advocated for the youth in the community. We had over 100 youth members in attendance for this event.

The FAMU Jewels program started again this month. This program meets with the young ladies at the club once a month and discusses life issues and how to overcome them. This month, they focused on "Getting to Know the Real You."

In October, Springfield partnered with the Refuge House for Domestic Violence Awareness month and volunteered at its annual candlelight vigil for survivors. The members assisted at the event by facilitating activities for the children while their parents participated in the vigil.

Members of Springfield had the opportunity to participate in the FAMU Homecoming parade. The Boys & Girls Club had over 100 youth members march and represented the organization well.

Pinewood Place Updates

Pinewood currently has 180 registered members and an average of 35 daily attendees. Sessions in the Pathfinder lab, in partnership with TCC, have officially begun. Youth members are learning about graphic design, NFTs, and computer coding.

The FAMU chapter of Progressive Black Men has been mentoring the young men at Pinewood and facilitating our Passport to Manhood program. This month, they have focused on hygiene and educating young men on healthy habits.

During October, the Boys & Girls Club hosted the "Untangled" event, a youth-led conversation on mental health. Two teens from Pinewood sat on the panel with professional psychologists and social workers who advocated for the youth in the community. Pinewood has been taking the time to focus on having discussions around decision-making with the youth members. The Smart Moves program has been running and aims to aid youth in combating violent behavior, peer pressure, and decision-making.

The FSU Chapters of SISTAHs hosted a trunk or treat for the Pinewood members. The members were treated to snacks, games, music, and tons of candy!

Members at Pinewood had the opportunity to participate in the FAMU Homecoming parade. The Boys & Girls Club had over 100 youth members march in the parade and represented the organization well.

Weekly Activities

Second Harvest Commodities food deliveries

Second Harvest of the Big Bend food giveaway

Second Harvest delivery dates for Springfield: 2nd Tuesdays and Thursday from 2:00PM - 3:30PM

Resident News & Events

Attention Parents!
Boys and Girls Club is recruiting youth!

The Boys and Girls Club is recruiting youth for their after-school program, which started in September. For more information, call Club Director Shavonda Dennis at 850-656-8100.

Attention Seniors!
Elder Care Qualification for Senior Residents

Any residents 60 years of age or older may qualify for services at Elder Care Services. Free fans and space heaters may be provided depending upon the need. Also, assistance with utility bills may be provided to these eligible. For more information, contact Elder Care Services at 850-921-5554.

Second Harvest of the Big Bend
Locate a food pantry near you by clicking HERE!

Second Harvest of the Big Bend provides healthy food to relieve situations of emergency and distress year-round.

Free Events

36th Annual Winter Festival | Saturday, December 3rd | 3 PM
Downtown Tallahassee, Park Avenue and Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32301

A Very Lofty Musical Christmas | Saturday, December 10th | 1 PM
Lofty Pursuits, 1355 Market St., Tallahassee, FL 32312

Cookies with Santa | Tuesday, December 13th | 6 PM
Verity Health Center, 6668 Thomasville Rd Suite 18 Tallahassee, FL 32312
Reserve a spot at Eventbrite.com

Local Events

The Nutcracker Children's Party | Sunday, December 4th | 11 AM
The Tallahassee Ballet, 2910 Kerry Forest Parkway, Suite C1 Tallahassee, FL 32309
Admission: $30 per child, $10 per additional guest. Admission is FREE for Petite Patrons

Festive Family Fun Day | Thursday, December 17th | 1 PM
LeMoyne Arts, 125 N. Gadsden St., Tallahassee, FL 32301
Admission: Free for children ages 12 and younger, $10 entry fee for LeMoyne Arts members, $15 entry fee for non-members

Holiday Magic | Cirque de Noel | Thursday, December 17th | 8 PM
Ruby Diamond Concert Hall - Florida State University, 222 S Copeland St., Tallahassee, FL 32306
Admission: Ticket prices range from $36-60 | Senior, child, and student discounts are available

Resident Resources

Rebuild Florida Project

In response to Hurricane Michael, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has awarded Tallahassee Community College funding through the Rebuild Florida program. Funding will support training in construction-related trades, including masonry, carpentry, HVAC, and drones. Program participants must be authorized to work in the United States, be at least 18 years old, and provide proof of identity and documentation of income. Participants will have the opportunity to attend a pre-apprenticeship program to become OSHA and CPR certified. Residents in Gadsden, Leon, and Wakulla who meet income eligibility requirements will be able to take advantage of this no-cost training that leads to entry and mid-level employment in the trades. The program will officially launch in January 2023.

To learn more, please contact TCC Workforce Development at 1-833-TCC-JOBS or via email.

Attention All!

Community Clothing Drive

THA with Bethel A.M.E. Church Stewardess Board #3 is collecting gently worn clothing to donate to families in our communities.

Accepting:

shirts

pants

dresses

coats

mittens

scarves

hats

gloves

socks for all ages.

Not Accepting:

pillows

blankets

linens

Donation Drop-Off | December 2nd from 4PM-7PM at the Springfield Community Center 1700 Joe Louis St, Tallahassee, FL 32304

A New Grocery Locker is Open!

In partnership with Sabal Palm Elementary, Second Harvest opened a new grocery locker! This locker is temperature-controlled and will be a resource for families to pick up groceries outside of normal pantry hours. This is an exciting and innovative program at Second Harvest. Program Coordinator Kevin Hutcheson led the project. Leon County residents may order food for pick-up by using this link.

FSS Success Story

Rayschella Forbes

Rayschella Forbes has been with THA for two years and is an enrollee in the Family Self-Sufficiency Program. With the assistance from THA and other resources the program provides, she has earned two degrees, including an Associate of Science in Building Construction Management and an Associate of Science in General Studies. She was nominated by TCC for the National Honor Society with a 4.0 GPA. She intends to continue at a Florida university and become a small business owner.

What is FSS?

FSS Family Self-Sufficiency Program is a HUD sponsorship effort to assist families to become economically self-sufficient. FSS participants sign a five-year contract during which they complete an educational or vocational program, obtain employment, and become independent from governmental assistance.

Congratulations Rayschella!

GC Murray Turkey Drive

Innovative Community Engagement Foundation (ICE)President & CEO, G.C. Murray II, Esq. provided 50 turkeys to the families of Springfield Community on Monday, November 21st.

Resident Resource Links

Salvation Army
The Salvation Army offers special one-time assistance to help you pay your rent.

Leon County School Calendar

Scholarship Info

Domestic Violence Protections (VAWA)

Recipe of the Month

Creamy Turkey Pasta Casserole courtesy of The Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen

Upgrade your average Thanksgiving leftovers by introducing this crowd-pleasing pasta bake filled with Gruyere cheese, mushrooms, and spinach.

Ingredients

4 tbsp. olive oil, divided, plus more for dish

8 oz. mezze rigatoni

1 large onion, chopped

1 lb cremini mushrooms, quartered

2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped

2 tbsp. fresh thyme

4 c. spinach

1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

3 tbsp. all-purpose flour

3 cups whole milk

8 oz. Gruyere cheese, coarsely grated

1/4 tsp. cayenne

Kosher salt and pepper

3 cups shredded leftover cooked turkey or chicken

Instructions

Heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Add oil to a 3-quart or 9-by-13-inch casserole dish. Cook pasta according to the package directions.

Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook, covered, stirring occasionally until tender, for 6 to 8 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook, tossing occasionally until tender, for 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in garlic and thyme and cook for 1 minute. Transfer to a large bowl and toss with spinach and parsley.

Wipe out the skillet and heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil on medium heat. Sprinkle flour over the top and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk. Simmer while whisking often until thickened, for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add Gruyere, cayenne, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; stir until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.

Fold turkey and pasta into the cheese mixture and toss to coat. Fold in the spinach mixture.

Transfer to prepared dish. Bake until heated through, about 10 to 12 minutes.

THA News & Highlights

Employee Spotlight | Meet Tamara Fort

Springfield would like to introduce the newAssistant Manager, Tamara Fort! Ms. Fort is a mother of two boys, ages 9 and 12. She has been employed at the Housing Authority for two years. Before assuming the role of Assistant Property Manager, she worked in the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Tamara has more than 20 years of customer service experience and 5 years of property management experience. Ms. Fort is a member of several charitable organizations such as Della Walker #86, Order of the Eastern Star, PHA and Ahmed Court #134, and Daughters of Imperial. She utilizes her passion for service by supporting the community with food, back-to-school, and clothing drives, as well as scholarship opportunities and health awareness initiatives.

Congratulations, Public Housing Staff!

Congratulations to the Public Housing staff for achieving an 87 out of 100 points on our Public Assessment Systems score for the fiscal year 2022. This is a wonderful accomplishment and the result of their hard work and dedication to providing outstanding service to our residents. Thank you!

The Public Housing Assessment System, or PHAS, is the system that HUD uses to assess a PHA's performance in managing low-rent public housing programs. HUD uses a centralized system to collect individual subsystem scores. The system uses various sub-indicators in the assessment and produces a composite PHAS score representing a PHA's performance management. PHAS uses a 100-point scoring system based on four indicating categories: PASS (Physical Assessment Subsystem), FASS (Financial Assessment Subsystem), MASS (Management Assessment Subsystem), and CFP (Capital Fund Program).

Happy Birthday!

Tiffany Hunter
December 17

Motivational Corner

"In every day, there are 1,440 minutes. That means we have 1,440 daily opportunities to make a positive impact." - Les Brown