Spring 2015

IMPORTANT CONTACTSDirector of Client Services

Greg Claycamp 207-4455

Associate Director of Community ServicesMia Navarro 207-4444

Program ManagersMary Syslo 207-4447Jean Brownell 207-4404

Project ManagerAndrea Cobb 448-2784

General Services CaseworkersCarlena Allen 448-2785Kendra Peischel 207-4472Valorie Le 284-9488

FSS CaseworkersMariya Yakimenko 207-4442Sharon Fletcher-Jackson 274-5586Tammy Hoang 207-4446

Families in Transition CaseworkerBridgette Johnson 207-4411

Elderly & Disabled SpecialistCaroline Cabellon 720-6784

Employment SpecialistNicole Fillmore-Meshesha 207-4414

Community Services Office AssistantDenise Gralski 207-4443

McCarver Housing Project CaseworkersDana Duncan 571-4909Trish Mozo 341-9031

Salishan Association ManagerCDC Management ServicesRachel Drew 682-0205

Director of Property ManagementPat Paterson 274-5583

Salishan Senior Property ManagerFrankie Johnson 207-4477

Salishan 1, 2Antoinette Ellis, Site Manager 682-6214

Salishan 3, 4Tonyia Coleman, Site Manager 207-4423

Salishan 5, 6, 7Barbara Pearsall, Site Manager 284-9484

SalishanNicole Thomas, L&O 207-4407Public Housing UnitsCindy Bergee, L&O 207-4431Project Based S8 Units

Property Management AssistantLinda Ramsey 207-4408Melody Jacobs 682-6209

Salishan Management Office/Work OrdersMain Line 682-6206

EMERGENCY After Hours Work Orders 620-3701Security (253) 223-7552

Bergerson Terrace, Hillside, Dixon Village & Bay Terrace

Gretchen Sinkula, Property Manager 274-5585

Senior SitesNadine Silvestre, Property Manager 682-1223

I came to America in 2003. I did not speak English at the time. Two weeks later, I studied at Tacoma Community House (TCH) while working at a daycare. Although I was only paid about $5.20 an hour, it was a good experience. What was hard was I didn’t speak English. I didn’t understand what people were trying to tell me, but I was surrounded by good people. They explained to me by hand gestures, drew pictures. Many times I thought I wouldn’t be able to make it, I wanted to give up. But I had to do it, I had to support my family. I finished 4 ESL classes at TCH.

After TCH, I went to Clover Park to continue with ESL. I finished about 6 quarters there and then started taking classes for Material Management because I

always wanted to work in a hospital. My dream came true! On my graduation day, I was hired to work. Now I make $15.54 an hour. I have benefits, and I can now support my family.

When I moved to Salishan, I met Tammy and Maria who introduced me to the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program. It took a lot of translation because English is my 2nd language. I finished the FSS program, and they even gave me money for it! I was surprised because I never thought there is such a program. I am very grateful and appreciate for everyone’s help.

Thank you to Tammy, Maria, Tonyia and all the teachers from Salishan.

Family Self-Sufficiency Program Graduate!

By Nadezhda

Munoz

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) is an employment and savings incentive program for low income families who are in Public Housing, the Housing Opportunity Program (HOP) or have Housing Choice Vouchers. The program offers a unique opportunity for participants to receive supportive services in overcoming challenges and obstacles that block their road to financial success. FSS participants can earn up to $8,500 completing goals to help become self-sufficient while living 5 years in THA. Enrolling in the FSS Program means you are saving money to make your dreams come true.

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program can help you to complete an education, find and maintain a job, increase earned income, earn money for accomplishing goals and much more…

Attendance at a FSS Orientation is required. To register for an orientation or for more information about the FSS Program, please contact a FSS caseworker:

• Sharon Fletcher-Jackson 253-274-5586• Mariya Yakimenko 253-207-4442• Tammy Hoang at 253-207-4446

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Community ChronicleSpring 2015

Financial Education Series

Mondays and Wednesdays: 6:00 PM — 8:00 PM2nd quarter: April 6 - April 22, 20153rd quarter: June 1 - June 17, 20154th quarter: Oct. 5 - Oct. 21, 2015

Where: Family Investment Center1724 East 44th Street Tacoma, WA 98404

Registration Required. Contact: Denise Gralski: (253) 207-4443dgralski@tacomahousing.org

Topics Covered: Banking BasicsAccount ManagementBudgetingDebt ManagementSavings and InvestingBorrowing MoneyInsuranceRetirement AccountsCredit ReportsNegotiating with Creditors

What Do You Get?KnowledgeGraduation Certificate

Take preventative measures to stop this

FREE

EVENT!

Spring 2015

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Community Chronicle

You’re invited to...Eating Well For Less

WSU Pierce County Extension is offering THREE FREE cooking & nutrition classes called Eating Well for Less. WSU Food $ense provides hands-on nutrition education.

During these hands-on classes, we will: • Prepare quick, simple, and healthy meals together.• Share tips on how to stretch your food dollars and still make sure you are eating well.• Explore healthy meal options that work for you.• Go home with new recipes & activity tips.

When: Thursdays: April 2nd, 9th and 16th Time: 4-5 pm Where:SalishanAssociationOffice 4205 East 44th St, Tacoma.

Sign up today!Please call or email: Svetlana Melnichuk

WSU Food $ense Educator(253) 798-3263

smelnichuk@wsu.edu

Who can attend?If you or your family use a food bank or are eligible for programs such as Basic Food (SNAP), WIC, Head Start, TANF, or free or reduced price school meals, you are eligible for Food $ense. If you are interested in attending and require auxiliary aids or services, please contact Svetlana Melnichuk at least two weeks prior to the event.

Learn About Healthy Eating and Some Basic Cooking Skills! *Participants must attend the first informational session and/or RSVP, in preparation for each session. There will be informational sessions coming soon.

Sponsored by Salishan Association and Foundation for Healthy GenerationsNext Session coming soon!

Meet us at 4205 East R Street

For questions and to RSVP, email us at liszetc@gmail.com or emmarcandelario@hotmail.com

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Community ChronicleSpring 2015

253-223-7552

Tacoma Housing AuthorityFamily Investment Center

1724 E. 44th StreetTacoma, WA 98404

Tacoma Housing Authority has a WorkSource computer lab located at the Family Investment Center (FIC). The computer lab contains computers with internet access, a printer and a fax machine. Please feel free to make use of this valuable resource.

The computer lab hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and closed on Wednesdays.

Salishan “Off the Chain” Bike Club for Youth

The Salishan Community Health Advocates are gearing up for Bike Club! We are hoping to have:• two bike derbies this summer• more repair stations• lots of trail rides in Swan Creek Park• Defiance to Dome ride

We are looking for youth to join the fun and adult volunteers to ride with the youth. For more information call Lisa Miller at (253) 682-0190.

Spring 2015

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Community Chronicle

Is the Safety and Security of your Neighborhood

important to you?If so, join us for the start of our Neighborhood Watch Program. We will be partnering with the

Safe Streets Organization to help implement ideas from the

Community of ways we can keep our streets safe and family friendly.

Join us every second Monday of the month.

Next meeting: April 13 at 6 PM

Where: Family Investment Center (FIC) Room 102, 1724 East 44th Street

Who: Residents of Salishan who want to work for Neighborhood Safety

Refreshments, Neighbors, and Great Ideas. We need you!

For more information, please call Rachel Drew at 253-682-0205

CLASS DETAILS:WHEN: Fridays (Starting Dec. 5, 2014)LOCATION: Lister Elementary School GymADDRESS: 2106 East 44th StreetTIME: 6:00pm-6:45pmCOST: Free for Salishan residents!

Please bring your own yoga mat.

For more information, please call the Salishan Association @ 253-503-0460or email the Community Builder @ community.builder@managementtrust.com

The Computer Labs are Open to Help You

Bergerson Terrace Computer Lab5301 South Orchard Street

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday3:30 to 6:30 pm

Bay Terrace Computer Lab2550 South G. Street

Monday and Friday through April 1512 to 2:30 pm

For Adults• Prepare resumes• Search for work• Do school work• Prepare taxes• Emails

For Youth• After-school

learning activities• Fun educational

games• Life skills• Homework help• Job Search

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Community ChronicleSpring 2015

Play to Learn

Inclusive Fall 2014Play to Learn is a FREE collaborative program for parents, grandparents, neighbors, family and friends whonurture children ages six and under. In partnership with A Step Ahead Pierce County, the Children’s Museum of Tacoma provides inclusive Play to Learn classes forchildren with special needs and their typically developing peers. Thematic curriculum invites individual play, fun group activities, songs, and a whole group circle time for children and adults to enjoy together!

When: Fridays - 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.

Where: Salishan Family Investment Center1724 East 44th StreetTacoma, WA 98404

Registration is required. Families demonstrating financialneed will be given priority acceptance. Play to Learn classes

are also available at additional locations. For more information, please contact Alyssa Tongue at the Children’s Museum of Tacoma Phone: 253-627-6031or via email AlyssaT@PlayTacoma.org

Play to Learn is presented in partnership with the SalishanFamily Investment Center.

Sponsored by: The Baker Foundation & the City of Tacoma

THE FAMILY INVESTMENT CENTER AT SALISHAN

Main Office Phone # 253-207-4443

EXPANDED HOURS OF OPERATION

1st – 5th of each month

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Closed on Wednesday

6th – the end of the month

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Closed on Wednesday

WE HAVE CHANGED THE WAY YOU PAY RENT!

Tacoma Housing Authority has changed to a new rent payment processing system.

RETAIL LOCKBOX

This change will make paying your rent faster and easier than before. With this change, every resident isreceiving a monthly rent statement in the mail and in the future will have the option to make rent payments online. Stay tuned for more information about Retail Lockbox coming your way or contact your site manager in the Property Management Department.

The Tacoma Housing Authority offers a variety of services to assist individuals in finding employment. Through our interactive workshops or one-on-one counseling, we can help you reach your employment goal. For more information, contact Kendra Peischel at 253-207-4472 or Sharon Fletcher-Jackson at 253-207-274-5586

Need Help Finding Employment?

Spring 2015

253-274-5586

Spring 2015

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Community Chronicle

Join Us April 9, 2015

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Community ChronicleSpring 2015

6:30-7:30 PM

Spring 2015

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Community Chronicle

EVERY MONDAY & WEDNESDAY

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Community ChronicleSpring 2015

Spring 2015

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Community Chronicle

Spring 2015 Community Chronicle

Statements of Vision, Mission and Values Amended February 27, 2013

Diversity of StaffWe value the diversity of our staff. It makes us stronger and more effective.

Collegial Support and RespectThe work we do is serious. We seek to create an atmosphere of teamwork, support and respect. We also value a good humor.

ExcellenceWe strive for excellence. We will always seek to improve.

LeadershipEveryone at THA, the Board, management and staff, shares the leadership it will take to extend these values throughout THA’s work, to fulfill the mission and to advance the vision for our city.

THA’s ValuesService Work in service to others is honorable. We will do it honorably, effectively, efficiently, with pride, compassion and respect.

Integrity We strive to uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior.

Stewardship We will be careful stewards of the public and private financial and environmental resources entrusted to us.

Communication We value communication. We strive to be open and forthcoming with our customers, employees and colleagues, our partners, and our communities. We will listen to others.

THA’s Vision THA envisions a future where everyone has an affordable, safe and nurturing home, where neighborhoods are attractive places to live, work, attend school, shop and play, and where everyone has the support they need to succeed as parents, students, wage earners and neighbors.

THA’s MissionTHA provides high quality, stable and sustainable housing and supportive services to people in need. It does this in ways that help them prosper and help our communities become safe, vibrant, prosperous, attractive and just.

Tacoma Housing Authority1724 East 44th StreetTacoma, WA 98404

PRSRT STD

US POSTAGE PAID

TACOMA WA

PERMIT #397