The Community Connect 2021 Issue 03


The Community Connect 2021 Issue 03 - Cover

The Community Connect 

2021 Issue 03

Partners in Education

$25k to Local Schools / Lunch Buddies / College Tour / CCHRCO Award / Trunk or Treat / Jobs Plus

Community Connect 2021 Issue 03 Cover


The Community Connect 2021 Issue 03 - Directory

Directory.

HACG Main Building
700 N. Jefferson Ave.
(919) 735-4226

Occupancy
1608 E. Holly St.
(919) 735-4226 x 1135

Jobs Plus
138 Dupont Circle
(919) 750-6847

FSS
1608 E. Holly St.
(919) 750-6957

ROSS
1906 Edgerton St.
(919) 735-4226 x 1301

Resident Services
1906 Edgerton St.
(919) 735-4226 x 1300

Fairview Apartments
1729 Edgerton St.
Goldsboro, NC 27530
(919) 735-4226 x 1133

Lincoln Homes
1009 Slaughter St.
(919) 735-4226 x 1138
(919) 735-4226 x 1137

Elmwood Terrace
409 Hinson St.
(919) 735-4226 x 1140
(919) 735-4226 x 1141

West Haven Development
701 West Oak St.
(919) 735-4226 x 1142
(919) 735-4226 x 1143

GHA Maintenance Emergencies
(919) 735-4080

Law Enforcement
Non-Emergency
(919) 705-6572

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Board of Commissioners

Richard Durham
Chair

Jean Whitfield
Vice-Chair

Goldie Smith
Commissioner

William Turner
Commissioner

Don Barnes
Commissioner

Geoff Hulse
Commissioner

Sierra Carmichael
Commissioner

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www.hacg.org

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Facebook 


The Community Connect 2021 Issue 03 - From the CEO

What a difference a year makes! Here we are wearing optional masks, a good majority of us vaccinated and planning to enjoy the holidays with our friends and loved ones. If you're reading this, just like me, we have a lot to be thankful for! Although our daily lives may not be functioning as expected, we have made it this far!

I want to commend you for being patient with our agency this year as we tackled the pandemic the best way we knew how. By taking our classes and meetings virtual and limiting in-person contact as much as we have. The good news is that we all have pulled together and became a closer community. This shows just how resilient in nature we all are! As you go into the new year, remember this.

Whatever goal you're interested in achieving, whatever hurdle you want to jump, allow my staff and our numerous partners throughout the county to help!

"Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much." - Helen Keller

We're in this together; let's make 2022 a year to remember!

I invite you to stay up to date on news and community resources by connecting with us on social media. Subscribe to receive these updates by email or text message on our website at hacg.org.

Enjoy the holiday season ahead, and from all of us at HACG, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

ANTHONY GOODSON, JR.

Chief Executive Officer


The Community Connect 2021 Issue 03 - Lunch Buddies

Jobs Plus Staff with Lunch Buddies at Carver Heights

Our Jobs Plus staff volunteer weekly at Carver Heights Elementary School. They enjoy time spent with their Lunch Buddies!


The Community Connect 2021 Issue 03 - $25K to Local Schools

HACG Donates $25K to Local Schools

The Housing Authority of the City of Goldsboro (HACG) is committed to giving back to the community. As students and schools work to adjust to the challenges of learning amidst a pandemic and staffing shortages, HACG is stepping up to alleviate strain. HACG has donated $25,000 towards education, precisely $5,000 to each of our local feeder schools.

HACG's donations will help support the school's academic achievement initiatives, various parental involvement activities, and any other efforts geared at educational enhancement for students and/or staff outlined in their continuous learning and improvement plans.

We want our students, their families, and the educational staff entrusted to them to know we support them and want them to succeed.

north drive donation North Drive Elementary School
Carver heights donation hacg Carver Heights Elementary School
dillard middle hacg donation Dillard Middle School
wayne academy hacg donation Wayne Middle/High Academy
goldsboro high hacg donation Goldsboro High School

The Community Connect 2021 Issue 03 - Trunk or Treat Caravan

We hope everyone enjoyed our Halloween festivities. Here are a few pictures from the event!

Trunk or Treat youth 1 Trunk or Treat 2 Trunk or Treat 3
Trunk or Treat 4 Trunk or Treat 5 Trunk or Treat 6

The Community Connect 2021 Issue 03 - Holiday Safety Tips

Source: Safe Kids Worldwide
www.safekids.org/holiday-safety-tips

Holiday Decorate

  • Hang breakable ornaments at top of the tree. This leaves room for kids to decorate the bottom with non-breakable items.
  • Keep harmful plants out of reach. Some popular holiday plants are poisonous to children and pets, including mistletoe and holly berries.

Fire Prevention

  • Water natural trees regularly. When needles are dry, they can catch fire easily.
  • Turn off decorative lights before leaving home or going to sleep. Regularly check lights for exposed or frayed wires and loose connections.
  • Keep candles and matches out of reach. Lit candles should be at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn, and don't forget to blow them out when you leave the room or before you go to sleep.
  • Check smoke alarms. Make sure there is a working smoke alarm on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and near sleeping areas. Review your fire escape plan with family members and guests.

Holiday Cooking

  • Create a kid-free zone. Teach younger children to stay at least 3 feet away from your cooking space. Place babies in a high chair outside of the kid-free zone where you can see them.
  • Keep hot foods and liquids out of children's reach. Cook on the back burners of the stove and keep hot foods away from the edge of your counters to prevent burns.
  • Teach older children how to cook safely. Teach them never to leave the kitchen while they're cooking and always use oven mitts or potholders to carry hot pots and pans.

The Community Connect 2021 Issue 03 - Resident Cohort Program

Resident Cohort Program Registration Opens Jan 2nd!

Sponsored by: HACG, ROSS, Community Partners

Don't miss this opportunity classes begin soon!

To register or for more info:  919.735.4226 ext 1301

Mission: To take a more intimate approach with a small group of individuals and see them through their self-sufficiency development, barrier elimination, and accruement of positive resources. We believe in quality over quantity. Classes are at no cost to participants.


The Community Connect 2021 Issue 03 - ROSS Program

We Help You Accomplish Your Goals!

Don't wait any longer to pursue your goals and leave your legacy! Yes, that is right, you have more in you than you may think!
Our ROSS Program staff are ready and willing to push you to your next level!

Whether you need supportive services to live independently, want to further your education, or increase your employability skills, the ROSS program is here to help make your transition from public assistance to economic independence as smooth as possible.

If you're interested in learning more or beginning your self-sufficiency journey contact Jedidiah Hayes at 919-735-4226 ext. 1301 or jhayes@hacg.org.


The Community Connect 2021 Issue 03 - FSS Program

We are excited to celebrate such a successful year for our Family Self Sufficiency Program who serves Housing Choice Vouchers & residents in Elmwood, Little Washington, and Woodcrest! We have seen two families obtain homeownership, graduating from our FSS program. Families utilize their earned escrow money for various opportunities such as vehicle expenses to continue working, creating businesses, and purchasing inventory as they have seen an increase in sales for their business.

We have just completed our first round of Cohorts for Homeownership by connecting with various community partners to discuss budgeting, loan approval, credit repair & from contract to close. We desire to create an environment for our residents to learn, grow & conquer through self-sufficiency. You still have time and opportunity to enroll.

Connect with our coordinator, James Jones Jr for more information: 919.750.6957 or jjones@hacg.org.


The Community Connect 2021 Issue 03 - Senior Thanksgiving Luncheon

Over 100 to-go meals were distributed to our senior residents for Thanksgiving this year.

We appreciate Catering by Faith for partnering with us to prepare these delicious meals!

Thanksgiving luncheon residenthacg staff and resident thanksgiving luncheonthanksgiving luncheon resident with staff


The Community Connect 2021 Issue 03 - Aging in Place

Aging in Place is also a part of the ROSS program. It focuses on helping residents aged 62 and over stay active, live healthier lives, and live safely at home instead of a nursing home or assisted living facility.

Based on the needs of the senior residents, the Senior Services Program was created. The program offers monthly blood pressure checks in each community and free blood pressure cuffs for residents who need them.

Senior Services also has pantries at each management office with supplies for senior residents ages 62 and older who need toilet paper, adult diapers, soap, dish detergent, laundry soap. These pantries are to be used as needed, not as a monthly resource. Senior residents who have a need can reach out to the property managers on Wednesday mornings between 8 am and 12 pm.

Seniors will also begin receiving monthly mailers with preventative tips and health hacks.

resident hugging staff member with food box

Upcoming Calendar of Events:

  • Walking Wednesday will become Work-out Wednesdays beginning January 19, 2022, and will be held in Lincoln Homes @ 9 am.
  • Free blood pressure checks will be done monthly in each community beginning January 25, 2022.
  • Monthly Bingo games and activities will begin in February 2022.
  • Food boxes will continue to be delivered on the 2nd Tuesday of each month to residents 60+ who meet the income requirements.

To learn more about our Aging in Place program or to suggest ideas, please contact Ayisha Razzak-Ellis at
919-750-6847 or aellis@hacg.org.

 


The Community Connect 2021 Issue 03 - Jobs Plus Flyer

JP staff group

Jobs Plus is Coming to Lincoln Homes in January!

Official Kick-Off Event
January 12, 2022
11 AM to 1 PM

All residents of Lincoln Homes are invited to come out, meet the Jobs Plus team, listen to music, eat, be entered into a drawing for goody bags, and have fun.

For more information please reach out to Ayisha Razzak-Ellis @ 919-750-6847.


The Community Connect 2021 Issue 03 - About Jobs Plus

Are you interested in getting a job, your GED, a certification, or maybe you want your associate's degree? If so, Jobs Plus is for you!

Any resident age 18 to 64 on the lease at Lincoln Homes qualifies for the new Jobs Plus Program.

Jobs Plus is a self-sufficiency program that supports residents ages 18 to 64 by connecting them with job opportunities, helping with transportation and daycare costs, referrals to partner agencies, helping with resume writing, financial literacy courses, assistance with continuing education, and rent incentives for those who qualify.

In addition to adults ages 18-64, Jobs Plus also has a Jobs Plus Teen extension, which works with youth ages 14-17 to support education, financial literacy, volunteering, and youth employment.

For more information about this program, please reach out to Ayisha Razzak-Ellis at aellis@hacg.org or 919-750-6847.

ayisha director jobs plus Director: Ayisha Razzak-Ellis
thad job developer Job Developer: Thad Washington
joi case manager Case Manager: Joi Peacock
nate case manager jobs plus Case Manager: Nate Dupree
cassandra jobs plus Case Manager: Cassandra Hinnant

The Community Connect 2021 Issue 03 - Job Opportunities

  • More than 800 job openings with the State of North Carolina. Which one is right for you? Make your next career move at nc.gov/jobs
  • 150+ positions available through Wayne County Public Schools visit waynecountyschools.org to view job openings!
  • View positions currently available within Wayne County Government at waynegov.com/Jobs.aspx
  • Multiple positions currently available within the City of Goldsboro see vacancies at goldsboronc.gov/

Also hiring:
Wayne UNC Health Care
Wayne Community College
O'Berry Medical Treatment Center
Johnston Health
Caterpillar
Georgia pacific
JMA placement

For more opportunities at indeed.com
Contact Resident Services for assistance at (919) 735-4226 x 1300


The Community Connect 2021 Issue 03 - Resources

Housing

The Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions Program (HOPE) provides rent and utility assistance to low-income renters that are experiencing financial hardship due to the economic impacts of COVID-19. If you have questions or need help applying, call (888) 927-5467.

Note: HACG Occupancy Dept. is accepting applications for public housing. We have a Waiting list for 1 bedroom to 5 bedrooms. Applications are available at 1608 E. Holly St.

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Continuing Education

The Workforce Continuing Education - Wayne Community College division offers a wide array of learning opportunities to promote workforce, economic, and personal development. You can earn an adult high school or high school equivalency diploma, get into the workforce quickly with short-term training, take personal enrichment classes just for fun, and so much more.

Know an adult who wants to complete high school? They can pick up a packet at one of these locations:

Fairview Community Center

Fairview Management Office

Jobs Plus Building

Contact the ROSS Program at 919.735.4226 ext 1301 for assistance.

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Financial Literacy

BANK ON WAYNE is a financial literacy program that provides instruction in budgeting, banking and managing credit. Bank on Wayne encourages participants to operate within the financial mainstream and avoid costly alternative financial services. Knowledgeable bank representatives facilitate financial classes each month. Visit literacyconnectionsofwaynecounty.org/bank-on-wayne for more information.


The Community Connect 2021 Issue 03 - More Resources

Pretty Tough Women's Support Group

Join our Pretty Tough Women's Support Group for support, encouragement, laughter, and adult conversation!

For additional information and to participate in the next virtual meeting follow on FB @goldsborohousingauthority

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Food Assistance

FREE Food Boxes are available courtesy of the Three in One Family Center on Mondays starting at 10 am at the Wayne County Correctional Facility, 700 Stevens Mill Rd.

ADLA, Inc. also provides FREE food boxes on Dec 7th and Dec 21st at their location on 612 Breazeale Avenue in Mt. Olive. Follow us on FB for their schedule.

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HACG Partner Spotlight: Resourceful Clinical Labs

Resourceful Clinical Labs HACG Covid Clinic

Stephanie Tyson Resourceful Clinical Labs

Ever since the pandemic began, we've had the opportunity to partner with Stephanie Tyson and Resourceful Clinical Laboratories to host free Covid-19 testing and administer vaccines to our residents and the local community. We're grateful for partnerships like this that help us provide resources and assistance to those we serve.


The Community Connect 2021 Issue 03 - Covid19 Clinic Flyer

Covid-19 Testing & Vaccination Clinic

Covid Clinic resident receiving vaccine

1729 Edgerton St., Goldsboro, NC

December 2nd, 8 am - 12 pm
December 16th, 8 am - 12 pm

Administered by Resourceful Clinical Laboratory, LLC

For More Information:
Ayisha Razzak-Ellis @ 919-750-6847


The Community Connect 2021 Issue 03 - Resolutions

Resolutions We All Can Make in 2022:

  1. Be more present
  2. Set achievable goals
  3. Establish a routine
  4. Laugh More
  5. Stress Less
  6. Work through challenges
  7. Learn something new
  8. Remove the toxic
  9. Eat Healthily
  10. Exercise Regularly
  11. Stay Positive
  12. Be consistent
  13. Dream Big
  14. Conquer your fears
  15. Plan your day
  16. Spread kindness
  17. Smile Often
  18. Live in the moment
  19. Spend time with people you love
  20. Drink more water
  21. Read More
  22. Buy less
  23. Take care of yourself
  24. Pay it forward
  25. Be thankful

Whatever Your Goals Are, Write Them Down! Need help accomplishing those goals?

Remember our self-sufficiency
programs are available
to help!


The Community Connect 2021 Issue 03 - CCHRCO Award

We are excited to announce that we are the recipients of the Carolinas Council of Housing Redevelopment & Codes Officials 2021 Human Service Award for our Pretty Tough Women's Support Group!

The Pretty Tough Women's Support Group has garnered interest from our residents and those within the local community. Even during this pandemic, our staff has managed to conduct these support group meetings virtually. Our ladies have obtained homeownership, gainful employment, received promotions, and focused on their mental health.

If you're seeking a safe place for empowerment, encouragement, motivation, relationship building, and goal setting, then join us at our next meeting! For more information, please contact Resident Services at 919.735.4226 ext 1300.


The Community Connect 2021 Issue 03 - College Tour

Scholar on college tour

Over the summer our HACG Scholars toured Saint Augustine's University and Johnston Community College. They learned about the admissions process, programming, student life, and campus culture! In between tours, they experienced Mellow Mushroom and gained great wisdom from our CEO, Anthony Goodson, Jr!

Scholars ages 14-17, be sure to check out the Jobs Plus Teen Program for educational support, financial literacy tips, volunteering, and employment opportunities. For more information, call 919-750-6847.


The Community Connect 2021 Issue 03 - Scholarship

HACG SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY OPENING SOON!

HACG Scholarship recipients

Eligibility Requirements:
Must be a resident of the HACG
Must be a HS graduate or equivalent
Must have record of volunteerism
Must be enrolled in college
Must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5

Up to $3000.00 will be awarded!
Stay in the know by following us on FB!


The Community Connect 2021 Issue 03 - Back Cover

lunch buddies with director ayisha