ROSS Newsletter April 2015 - The Housing Authority of Columbus

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF
COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
2015

P
Dealing with Stress
Article by:
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
What’s Up?
2
Leap into Fun
Congratulations
Circles Graduates!
2
April is Child Abuse
Prevention Month
2
VITA (Volunteer
Income Tax Assistance)
A New Beginning
3
Job Listings for
Job Seekers
Unity with Pam
TV Show
4
Contacts and
Resource Centers
April Facts

Easter Sunday
is April 5th

April is Child
Abuse
Prevention Month

April is Mathematics
Awareness Month

April is Youth Sports
Safety Month

April is Alcohol
Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault
Awareness Month
4
Why Do We Teach
Our Children to Count?
Article by: Lyn Seaman
Why do we teach our children to count? Counting is a building block
for math learning
which begins before
school. Counting is a
basic skill to be learned
before a child starts
kindergarten. Young
children need to count objects not just recite
numbers. There are many daily activities a parent can do to have their children count, like
ducks on a page, shoes, food, etc.
On March 10, Miss Lyn and Miss Danielle of
Chattahoochee Valley Libraries, used the St.
Patrick’s Day theme to
count lucky charms from
Lucky Charm cereal and
green things like green
shamrock stickers. The
parents and children took
a walk outside to count
how many green things could be found. Each
child received a cupcake, a juice box and a take
home craft.
Money Smarts for Kids
Article by: Lakisa
Russell
In this tough economy, this is the perfect opportunity to raise money-smart kids. The Family Center of Columbus provided public housing residents the opportunity to
learn financial literacy by
engaging and empowering
students to learn money
skills for good personal
finance. Students gained
experience in making financial decisions they'll
face as adults, and get a jumpstart on setting
personal financial goals.
If you want to get an idea of how to budget and
become financially stable in a tough economy,
please call Lakisa Russell @706-571-2800 ext.
889.
Sydney Peeler
Did you know that April is Child Abuse and
Neglect Prevention Month?
Handling and coping with
stress is an important topic to
discuss when talking about
parenting. Childwelfare.gov
states, “Learning to manage
your stress will improve your happiness and
show your children that they can handle stress,
too.” Below are some tips taken from
www.childwelfare.gov on how parents can
learn to manage their own stress, so that their
children are not inadvertently effected by stress.






Identify what is making you stressed
Have faith that you can overcome stressful
situations
Relax by either exercising, playing a board
game with your kids, or listening to music
Take care of your health by eating healthy
foods, exercising, and getting a proper
amount of sleep
Take time for yourself to either read a
book, take a bath, or pick a hobby
Develop a support network where you can
ask for help
As a community, it is our duty to bring awareness to this situation. There are over 20 tip
sheets on www.childwelfare.gov for you to
share with your friends, family, and neighbors
on how to provide support for parents and protect children throughout the community.
Protect Yourself and Your Family
Accidental poisoning by common household
items kills more people than car accidents each
year. Products we use everyday
such as medicines, household
cleaning solutions, children’s art
supplies, makeup and other
personal items can be toxic if used
incorrectly.
Learn about the dangers and
who’s most at risk, how to poison - proof your
place, and what you can do if you experience an
emergency. Contact the Poison Help Line at 1800-222-122 and use the emergency checklist
as a guide for what information to give the poison expert on the phone. Keep the Poison Help
Line number available and be sure to save it in
your cell phone.
PAGE
2
What’s Up!
Boys of Distinction @
BTW Community Room
Mon. April 13 & 27
6:00pm
Simple Steps @ Wilson &
BTW Community Rooms
Tues. April 14
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Leap Into Fun
Congratulations Circles Graduates!
It’s St. Patrick’s Day and a Leprechaun visits your
school...he’s carrying a large sack filled with
magical items, and when he
opens the bag and gives you a
magical item, out pops a RAINBOW! What was so exciting
about this activity was fourteen
children were sitting on the
edge of their seats filled with anticipation and
waiting in awe!
Circles in Columbus is a part of a national
movement to end poverty. “Circles® USA is a
high-impact community strategy to end poverty one family at a time through intentional
relationships built across economic class
lines.”
Article By: Keyshia
Adams
I’m a little shamrock look at me
Oh what color can I be
Columbus Regional Mobile
Health Unit @ Farley
2nd Wed. each Month
9:00am - 12:00pm
Columbus Regional Mobile
Health Unit @ Canty
3rd Wed. each Month
9:00am - 12:00pm
Simple Steps @ E. Canty
Community Room
Tues. April 28
12:30am - 1:30pm
Great Start Georgia
of Columbus
Great Start Georgia is a
FREE group of services
that care about helping
pregnant mothers and
mothers who have
children, aged newborn to
3 years old, and their
families. Mothers,
please contact Great Start
Georgia of Columbus at
(706) 225-3859 to learn
more about keeping your
children and yourself
healthy, happy, safe, and
successful.
If you said that I was the color green
then stand right up and YELL
YIPPEE!
The Housing Authority of Columbus, Georgia is
very grateful for its partnership with the
Chattahoochee Valley Libraries. The time and
stories read to the children provides an opportunity for them to explore unknown territories. Hats
off to Ms. Debra and the Chattahoochee Valley
Libraries!
If you are between the ages of 18 to 21, you can
“Earn While You Learn” with
PAXEN learning program in
Columbus. To learn more, call
(706) 505-2597. Hurry - “spots
are going fast!”
Literacy Alliance
FREE Classes - Reading & Math
(706) 748-2609
GeorgiaCares
GeorgiaCares will be on site at E.J. Knight
Senior Citizen Nutrition Center - 1121 Fort
Benning Road, Columbus, Georgia
on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the
month from 9am-10:30am to answer
Medicare questions, help Medicare
Beneficiaries apply for extra help with
getting their Part B Premium paid, and
assist them with completing their SNAP
applications.
To learn more, please contact GeorgiaCares at
1 866-552-4464 option 4.
For additional
information
Please Call:
Quote
(706) 571-2800,
ext. 812 or 859
“Sometimes questions are more
important than answers.”
- Nancy Willard
Article by: Lakisa
Russell
Several residents of The Housing Authority of
Columbus, Georgia, recently participated with
two to four Allies who supported them in their
ongoing efforts to develop emotional,
intellectual, financial, and spiritual resources
necessary for achieving self-sufficiency. With
pride, all participating residents successfully
completed the Circles Leader Training.
On behalf of the Housing Authority of
Columbus, Georgia, congratulations and good
luck to all participants on future endeavors.
If you are interested in becoming involved
with Circles of Columbus, please call Lakisa
Russell at 706-571-2800 ext. 889.
April is Child Abuse
Prevention Month
Article by: Tewa
Harris
Did you know that Child neglect is the most
common type of child abuse. Neglect can be
anything from failing to provide for a child's
basic needs, whether it be adequate food, clothing, hygiene,
or supervision. Child neglect is
not always easy to spot. Sometimes, a parent might become
physically or mentally unable
to care for a child, such as with a serious injury, untreated depression, or anxiety. Other
times, alcohol or drug abuse may seriously
impair judgment and the ability to keep a child
safe. Older children might not show outward
signs of neglect, becoming used to presenting
a competent face to the outside world, and
even taking on the role of the parent. But at the
end of the day, neglected children are not getting their physical and emotional needs met.
Did you know?...
The IRS stops and flags suspicious or
duplicate federal tax returns that falsely
represent your identity, such as
your name or social security number. If the
IRS suspects tax ID theft, the agency will
send a 5071C letter to your home
address. If you receive this letter, verify
your identity at idverify.irs.gov or
call the toll-free number listed in the letter.
Homeownership - The American Dream Make it a Reality! To learn more, please call
your ROSS Service Coordinator @
(706) 571-2800, ext. 812 or 859
PAGE 3
Taxes Done FREE
Free tax services are available if your household income
was $58,000 or less in 2014.
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)
Locations:
Goodwill Columbus Midtown Career Center
2601 Cross Country Drive, Columbus, GA 31906
(706) 324-4366
Tues. - Thurs.: 10am - 7pm
Fri: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Sat: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Britt David Baptist Church
2801 W. Britt David Rd. Columbus, GA 31909
(706) 322-0357
Mon - Wed: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Tues & Thurs: 9:00am - 7:00pm
Fri: 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Consumer Credit Counseling Service
1350 15th Ave, Columbus, GA 31901
(706) 327-3239
Call for Appointment
Homeless Resource Network
2221 2nd Ave, Columbus, GA 31901
(706) 571-3399
Mon: 9:30am - 12:00pm
Fri: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Boys and Girls Club
3200 Cusseta Rd, Columbus, GA 31903
(706) 322-0357
Fri: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Call location for availability after tax season
Share with Care
The next time that you are online, think about what you
share with others. You have lots of opportunities to share all
kinds of information about yourself, your family, and
friends when you’re on line. Think before you post and
share. Your online actions can have unwarranted
consequences for life.
Visit onguardonline.gov to learn more
Did you know?...
“If Tenant misrepresents to Management the facts
upon which Tenant’s rent is based or fails
to comply with Management’s request for
information and consequently is undercharged
an increase in rent will be put in effect
and made retroactive .”
(Section 5b of Lease)
A New Beginning with Hope Harbour
Article by: Marie
Peterson
Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of social or
economic status, age, race, gender, education, sexual orientation,
or background. On February 12,
Candice Person, Community Outreach Manager with Hope Harbour,
graciously informed residents that
domestic violence includes verbal
abuse, unnecessary jealously, control of all components of one’s life, and making threats. Ms.
Person encouraged residents to reach out for help if they are in an
abusive relationship or if they know of someone that is being
abused. She also reminded residents not to place themselves in
harm’s way (Dial 911) nor to allow themselves to be used by
someone that is being abused.
Should you find yourself in a domestic violence situation, remember, you are not alone, there is help. Domestic violence advocates
can be reached on GA’s 24-Hour Statewide Hotline
1-800-334-2836 or the local Crisis Line at (706) 324-3850.
Choose Your Attitude
Life can be so unpredictable and far beyond your control at times.
However, one thing you can always do something
about is your attitude. Make up your mind everyday to stay positive and upbeat, no matter what
happens. A positive attitude leads to happiness and
success and can change your whole life. It allows
you to look at failure and problems as blessings in disguise. A
positive attitude increases your faith in your abilities, and brings
hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Job Listings for Job Seekers
Social Worker
WellCare
Columbus GA
Coordinates the socio economic needs and service of selected member populations across
the continuum of illness. Interviews, coordinates and plan
activities and behavioral routines to meet the medical, social, and emotional needs of
members and their families.
Provide support and invention
and assists members in understanding the implications and
complexities of their current
medical situation and overall
personal care.
Apply @ jobs.wellcare.com
Cashier/Food SVC Worker
Compass Group
Columbus, GA
Help with the preparation of
foods, and prepare catering orders. Perform cashier duties
using the POS system. Perform
general cleaning duties; remove
trash and garbage to designated
areas.. Perform cashier responsibilities according to established procedures. Maintain
cash accuracy with receipts and
make deposits at the end of each
shift. Set up items for purchase
daily. Perform others duties as
required.
Apply@
Compassgroupcareers.com
Driver ( pickup & Delivery)
Valley Rescue Mission, Columbus, Georgia
Driver is responsible for collecting, transporting, and delivering
donated items according to established guidelines and schedules;
must be good steward by demonstrating sound judgment in managing, controlling, and securing donated items according to policy and procedures. Perform other duties as required.
Apply@Indeed.com
Unity with Pam TV Show
Celebrates 10 Years of Television Broadcasting
Article by: Marie
Peterson
The Unity with Pam TV Show is an outreach Christian television talk show based in Columbus, Georgia. You might
think…What is an outreach? Outreach is an interest in providing services to people who
might not otherwise have access to those services. For more than 10 years, the Unity with
Pam TV Show has done just that. Hovey has passionately
covered a multitude of topics such as ministry, business,
health education, food, fashion, and has provided helpful and
needed services to those who may otherwise not have had the
opportunity to receive those services. The show’s target is
diversification, effectively reaching and serving a culturally
diverse population. On February 16, 2015, Pam Hovey received accolades from family and friends, business leaders,
politicians and well-wishers within the community for her
noteworthy achievements, as she celebrated 10 amazing years in television broadcasting.
The celebration was held at Sugga’s Restaurant in Columbus, Georgia.
Contact Us
Neighborhood Networks
Resource Centers:
ROSS Service Program Coordinator:
Keyshia Adams
BTW, Chase, Warren Williams and
Ashley Station
(706) 571-2800, ext. 859
Elizabeth Canty
(12 computers)
100 Canty Place
(706) 571-2944
Mon. - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Wed. 10:00am - 6:00pm
ROSS Service Program Coordinator:
Marie Peterson
Wilson, Farley, Canty, E. J. Knight and
Arbor Pointe
(706) 571-2800, ext. 812
Booker T. Washington
(18 computers)
500 5th Avenue
(706) 571-2924
Tues. 10:00am - 6:00pm
Thurs. 10:00am - 6:00pm
Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator:
Lakisa Russell
Public Housing
(706) 571-2800, ext. 889
The ROSS Program is sponsored through a grant
between the Department of Housing and Urban
Development and the Housing Authority of
Columbus, Georgia.
Nicholson Terrace
(4 computers)
1313 14th Street (1st Floor)
(706) 571-2946
E.E. Farley
(6 computers)
1901 Nina Street
Warren Williams
(8 computers)
1002 Wynnton Road
(706) 571-2984
Thurs. 1:00pm - 6:00pm
Luther Wilson
(24 computers)
718 35th Street
(706) 571-2918
Mon. 12::00pm - 6:00pm
Tues. 10:00am - 12:00pm
Wed. 12:00pm - 6:00pm
Thurs. 10:00am - 12:00pm
Louis Chase
(6 computers)
120 20th Street
Tues. 1:00pm - 6:00pm
Mon.. 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Help Columbus
http:helpcolumbus.com/