It took years to complete the transformation but nowthe West Philadelphia homes on Lex Street have gonefrom depressing to inspiring. The Philadelphia HousingAuthority has totally revitalized the area making thisstreet vibrant, alive and new. This is the same street thatmade national headlines in December of 2000, as thescene of the worst mass execution in the city’s history.Gone is the house where ten people were shot and sevendied in what was known as the Lex Street massacre.

A ribbon cutting earlier this year officially heraldedthe opening of the new Lex Street, 18 brand new homes.Today, residents live in these attractive houses as part ofthe PHA’s Lucien E. Blackwell development. With newhomes, streets, and landscaping, PHA has revitalizedthis once drug infested neighborhood, improving thequality of life for those who live in and around thedevelopment.

Brenda Mosely is one of the residents who moved inrecently. Although sheremembers little of theLex Street murders, sherecollects the deplorableconditions that existed.“A few years ago thisarea needed a ‘do notenter’ sign. Now the signshould say ‘welcome.’ Itis beautiful and a greatplace for my disabled

daughter and myself. This home accommodates mydaughter with wider entryways, accessible bathrooms,ramps and more. PHA is trying to make this new

(Continued Page 14)

Longtime neighborhood resident CynthiaWaltoncuts ribbon at Lex Street opening. PHAExec. Dir. Carl Greene (R) led the celebration.

Lex Street - An Amazing Transformation

“If you care about the future of affordable hous-ing in this country you must let your voice beheard.” With those words, PHA Resident AdvisoryBoard president Asia Coney announced plans for amarch in Washington on June 20.

The announcement came at a summit on afford-able housing in Wilmington on April 10, whereabout 200 residents and housing agency leadersgathered to discuss the latest round of federal budg-et cuts threatening the future of public housing.

Organizers have formed a group to coordinatethe D.C. march – The National Coalition to

Preserve Public and Assisted Housing. Coney saysthe group consists of resident leaders from acrossthe nation. Coney says this is a grass roots move-ment that will depend on neighbors calling neigh-bors. “We are still planning our marching route,but you can count on HUD seeing and hearing us,”Coney said. She also said the group would ask forabout $5 from each resident traveling on the bus toDC to help defray the costs.

Anyone interested in learning more about partic-ipating in the June 20 event in Washington shouldcall 1-888-443-0978.

Residents Set Housing March In Washington

It took just three weeks to close out the sale of 28new homes at PHA’s Falls Ridge development locat-ed in East Falls. Eight of the new homeowners arePHA residents, making the major step from renter tohomeowner. The rest of the buyers came from thegeneral public who met the income guidelines. Thesell out at Falls Ridge was the fastest of any PHA siteso far, the other three being Blackwell Homes,Greater Grays Ferry Estates and Martin Luther King.

PHA has set a new housing trend at Falls Ridge,with public housing and market-rate housing builtside-by-side. These homeownership units are the sec-ond phase following 135 rental units completed in2003. Westrum Development Company has begunbuilding 128 market-rate homes on the same site.

PHA plans to continue this new model in future devel-opments as part of a commitment to create balancedcommunities.

Elizabeth Williams, a medical assistant at ThomasJefferson University hospital, bought the very firsthome. Elizabeth is a Housing Choice Voucher recipi-ent who lives in Philadelphia’s Wynnefield neighbor-hood and has a 9-year old-daughter.

When she first came to the HCV program,Elizabeth learned that she had seven years to becomeself-sufficient. PHA hooked her up with a self-suffi-ciency coordinator. She went back to school andobtained a diploma to become a medical assistant,eventually landing her job at the hospital. Williamsalso began to repair her credit and save money for adown payment on a home.

“I couldn’t see renting for the rest of my life.(Continued Page 13)

Public Housing Families Fuel Falls Ridge Sale

East Falls homes almost done.

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 6868

PHILA, PA

Vol. III No. 2 (Issue 13) A Community Newspaper for and about Residents April 2007

Resident Advisory Board President Asia Coneyurged residents to be knowledgeable becausethat knowledge might save their homes.

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Despite the recent staffingcuts at PHA, the CommunityPartners Program is still oper-ating with a full range of educa-tional and training opportuni-ties for residents.

“The Community PartnersProgram is in full swing,” saysLeighanne Tancredi, the man-ager of the program. “Anyonewho is interested can enroll byfollowing the sign-up proce-dures with their economic self-sufficiency coordinator.”

PHA recently met with rep-resentatives from allCommunity Partners to clarifyprocedures on reporting andtracking residents’ progress inthe programs.

“We emphasized the link

between the training offered inthe programs, employment andself-sufficiency that will openup homeownership opportuni-ties to residents,” Tancredisaid. “Residents can takeadvantage of PHA’s homeown-ership programs if they areemployed.”

Tancredi also says theCommunity Partners Programgives residents flexibility andvariety. For example, someresidents may need training in aspecific skill, others may needtheir GED to enter a trainingprogram, and others may wantto learn about starting their ownbusiness.

Participation in theCommunity Partners Program

is particularly important forresidents in the Housing ChoiceVoucher program. Residentswho have entered the HCVprogram since 2003 have 7years to become independent,before their voucher expires(excluding the elderly and dis-abled). People who successful-ly take part in the program gofrom zero income to earning aliving wage (now averaging$11 an hour at the start) andthey put themselves on track tomove up the economic ladder.

“The contracts with thePartners are in place and themoney is there,” Tancredisays. “We want our residents totake advantage of these pro-grams and get ahead.”

Page 3The PHA

Experience • January 2007www.pha.phila.gov

March proved a rewarding month for PHAExecutive Director Carl Greene. On March 21in Washington, DC, one of the nation's topaffordable housing advocacy groups presentedMr. Greene with its first annual advocacyaward. The National Association of Housingand Redevelopment Officials cited Mr.Greene's successful efforts to raise the profileof public housing on a level well beyondPhiladelphia and even Pennsylvania. Mr.Greene and PHA have won numerous awardsfor real estate design and development, residenttraining programs and technology, but Mr.Greene feels this one is extra special because somany housing authorities across the nation havefollowed PHA's example in bringing the issue

of inadequate federal funding to the public'sattention.

Mr. Greene will continue to guide PHA wellinto the future. On March 29, the PHA board ofcommissioners voted unanimously to sign thehousing authority leader to a five-year contract.Mr. Greene had worked without the benefit of acontract for his first nine years at the helm, butlast fall Pennsylvania law was changed to allowfor housing authority senior management tohave contracts. The signing is a message toinvestors, residents of PHA, and the generalpublic that the agency will continue under thesame stable leadership that has produced somany positive changes in both the public hous-ing and Housing Choice Voucher program.

Community Partners Program in Full Swing

National Honor - And A New Contract for PHA's leader

There was excitement in the airbefore PHA’s vehicle auction held inthe lot across from PHA Police head-quarters in South Philadelphia. Neverbefore had the agency conducted suchan event.

PHA had no trouble attracting buyers

to its auction of cars, trucks, trailers,and heavy machinery in late February.The auction successfully raised$221,000, another step toward eliminat-ing the budget deficit caused by federalfunding cuts. With fewer vehicles, PHAwill lower its ongoing overhead costs.

Unfortunately some services to trans-port residents have been eliminated.

Aside from the cash brought in by thesale, the elimination of the vehicles alsomeans a savings of $200,000 a year ininsurance and maintenance costs,according to PHA Contracts andProcurement GM Shari Hamilton. “I’dsay the auction was a success because ofoutstanding teamwork and a compre-hensive marketing strategy,” Hamiltonsaid.

Brian Lyons, the auction coordina-tor, said the event drew over 250 reg-istered buyers, although many moreshowed up to watch. He said wide-spread publicity helped to create a“phenomenal turnout.”

Bidders from a wide geographicarea came to the auction for moneysaving deals and business opportuni-ties. Some came to pick up a second

car for the family. Small businessowners came to buy heavier equip-ment at a bargain price. Others cameto buy vehicles that could be repairedand resold by themselves or dealers.One of the successful bidders repre-sented a dealer from westernPennsylvania.

The largest purchase was a 1996Ford truck with a “cherry picker” bas-ket and a “tree chipper” that sold for$32,000 to a New Jersey businessmanwho runs a tree service.

PHA Police Department CommanderRaymond Hartfield, who arrangestransportation for residents to events,says PHA will not be able to offer near-ly the service to residents that it has inthe past. He says the agency has neitherthe employees nor the vehicles to trans-port residents to such events as seniorsummits. (Continued Page 14)

PHA Sells Off Fleet Vehicles To Reduce Expenses

Leighanne Tancredi, manager of the CommunityPartners Program explains the connection betweentraining, employment, and self-sufficiency, that open uphome ownership opportunities to residents.

The PHA vehicle auction drew just over 250 registered buyers,although many more showed up to watch.

Executive Director Carl R. Greene receives the NAHROAward for national advocacy leadership to restore funding.

MayMay 1 Event: Tai Chi with Bob

Location:Wilson Park Community Room2508 Jackson Street

Time: 11:00 am -12:00 noon May 1 Event: Yoga Class

Location:Emlen Arms 6733 Emlen Street

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.Info: Class held every Tue. & Thurs.

May 4 Event: Arthritis Foundation: "Self Help Workshop"

Location:Wilson Park Café area2508 Jackson Street

Time: 10:00am- 12:00noonMay 7 Event: Computer Lab Class

Location:Wilson Park Computer Lab2508 Jackson Street

Time: 1:30pm- 3:00pmInfo: Class held every Mon.

May 9 Meeting: Senior Advisory Board Meeting Location:Holmecrest

8533 Erdrick DriveTime: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

May 11 Event: Arthritis Foundation: "Self Help Workshop"

Location:Wilson Park Café area2508 Jackson Street

Time: 10:00am- 12:00noonMay 15 Event: Tai Chi with Bob

Location:Wilson Park Community Room2508 Jackson Street

Time: 11:00 am -12:00 noon May 13 Event: Arthritis Foundation:

"Self Help Workshop"Location: Wilson Park Café areaTime: 10:00am- 12:00noon

May 18 Event: Health & Fitness Day Location:Mount Olivet

642 N. 41st StreetTime: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

May 25 Meeting: Senior Town MeetingLocation:Abbottsford

3226 McMichael StreetTime: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

JuneJune 4 Event: Computer Lab Class

Location:Wilson Park Computer Lab2508 Jackson Street

Time: 1:30pm- 3:00pmInfo: Class held every Mon.

June 5 Event: Tai Chi with BobLocation:Wilson Park Community Room

2508 Jackson StreetTime: 11:00 am -12:00 noon

June 5 Event: Yoga ClassLocation:Emlen Arms 6733 Emlen Street

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.Info: Class held every Tues. & Thurs.

If you or a loved one is experiencing health prob-lems, disability or memory loss that limits your abilityto be independent, you may be eligible for LIFE(Living Independently For Elders). LIFE providescomprehensive medical and social services for adultsage 55 and over.

LIFE helps chronically ill or disabled adults by pro-moting independence at home. The program providesprimary medical care, social work services, physicaland occupational therapies, assistance with personalcare at home, transportation and much more.

Since 1998, St. Agnes Continuing Care Center andthe University of Pennsylvania School of NursingLIFE programs have been helping older adultsthroughout the community regain their independence.

Two years ago, PHA opened (Continued Page 14)

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PHA Senior Programs Special Committee Meetingsand Special Events Schedules 2007*

The fourth graduating class of computer studentshas received their Certificate of Accomplishmentaward for their achievement. In three months, the 50graduates from Norman Blumberg and the JohnsonHomes developments learned how to navigate throughWindows, surf the web, send emails, text messages,design documents and learn that Microsoft Word ismore than just a word.

Carolyn Warren, Tenant Council President atHerbert Arlene Homes was among the graduates.“Before I couldn’t open attachments, make addressbooks, navigate through programs or make presenta-tions. After attending the computer graduation of afriend, I was inspired to take the class myself. WilliamBrown is an excellent instructor and he’s so patient.”Now using email several times a week, Carolyn shares

pictures and notes with her daughter Barbara who is inthe Air Force in Japan.

The computer center opened at Johnson Homes fouryears ago. The Center offers after school programs forchildren, computer lessons for seniors, and generalaccess to computers for a segment of the populationthat often can’t afford their own PC’s. Students whohave taken the course range from eight years old toeighty-seven. PHA Commissioner and resident, NellieReynolds took the first course offered a few years agoand says it’s fantastic. “I didn’t even know how to turnthe computer on but realized that if I didn’t learn thebasics I would be left far behind. This course taughtme how to surf the web and respond to email mes-sages. And besides, the games are a lot of fun.”

The facility is open not only to public housing resi-

dents but also to anyone in the surrounding communi-ty. PHA Executive Director Carl Greene believes verystrongly in the importance of technology and has madethese classes a priority. The program is funded througha grant from the U.S. Department of Housing andUrban Development (HUD) that calls centers such asthis one “Neighborhood Networks.”

The goals of the program are to use technology toincrease academic performance for children andadults, increase the employability skills of adults andworking age young people, and increase computertechnology skills among all demographic groups.

William Brown has been the instructor from thebeginning, “Through diligence and commitment, any-one no matter how old or young can grasp the con-cepts. Thus far we have people who have been able tostart from the beginner’s class and graduate to theadvanced class and use every application in theMicrosoft Office Suite with ease, while becoming suc-cessful with email and web surfing. Thank youCommissioner Reynolds and PHA for the opportunityto give back not just to the younger generation, but mymother and father’s generation who have sacrificed somuch for us to be where we are today.”

PHA just received another federal grant making itpossible to open even more centers. Computer trainingis available at Bartram Village, Harrison Plaza, HillCreek, Spring Garden Apartments, WestparkApartments, Norris Apartments and Johnson Homes.If you want to learn computer basics or improve yourskills call Monet Williams at 215.684.4628, or instruc-tor William Brown at 215.684.8660.

Computer Course Graduation For PHA Seniors

Fifty proud graduates from Norman Blumberg and Johnson Homes developments can nowsurf the web, send emails and make presentations.

Attractive AlternativeTo Nursing Home Care

Germantown House will open a LIFE Center thisspring to keep seniors living independently.

I recently had the honor of accepting anaward from the U.S. Department of Energyin recognition of PHA’s energy conservationprogram – and specifically for becoming thefirst housing authority in Pennsylvania tobuild homes to the ENERGY STAR stan-dard. That designation means the homes mustuse at least 15% less energy than homes withtraditional construction.

It does cost PHA more to build homes inthis way, but that investment will be made up

in saved energy costs. That’s why we decid-ed to build our new Ludlow development tothe same Energy Star standard.

The cost of utilities has continued to takea larger and larger chunk of our budget, butwe have been fighting back. Aside from theENERGY STAR construction, we have putenergy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs inall of our buildings, replaced windows,doors, gas heaters and roofing materials, andreplaced old toilets with efficient ones.

Still, the most important energy savingasset at PHA is you. If we are to provideaffordable housing for the most families pos-sible, we have to use less energy. It meansturning off lights and appliances when weleave a room or our home. It means report-ing leaks. And it means keeping our homes at74 in summer and 68 in winter.

We are proud of the energy award. Wewill be even prouder when we see our ener-gy bills begin to come down.

Page 5The PHA

Experience • April 2007www.pha.phila.gov

Carl R. Greene

A Message from the Executive Director

MargaretBrownM a n y

people buyh o m e swhen theyare in there20’s or 30’sand thinkthat if you

wait much longer you’re too old. Well, don’t tell thatto Margaret Brown, now in her 50’s and happy to beoff the Housing Choice voucher program. She recent-ly bought a home as a first time homebuyer. “This isjust wonderful. A bigger place was needed for thekids and myself. When I first saw this house I knewit would be my home.” PHA gave her the idea byasking her if she wanted to buy a home. She original-ly told them she was too old. PHA told her theywould show her how.

Margaret who has a disability, has four adoptedgirls, 13-year-old Shartece, 11-year-old Malika, 10-

year-old Markita, and 8-year-old Tanisha. The girlsare excited to have moved from a two-bedroom apart-ment to a four-bedroom house. They now have a nicesized kitchen, big basement, backyard and a frontporch. And equally important is that they live in agood neighborhood, close to their church.

For most people it takes about a year from the startof homeownership seminars, to actually moving intoa house. Margaret was very lucky. The wholeprocess in her case only took three months. She wentto the required homeownership classes, found thelender, searched for and found the house onSpringfield Avenue and then closed the deal on the$83,500 home in record time. Now she is taking thetime to furnish and decorate her home.

“I am truly blessed. This is beautiful and the kidsare so happy. I’ll never have to move again. This wasmeant for me.”

Since Naytisha Sheaff was a teenager, she alwayswanted to own her own home. That dream came trueearlier this year. Naytisha now enjoys the comfort ofa new home along with her 7-year-old son, Anwar.

“It’s a greatopportunityto buy ahome, inmy case athree-bed-r o o md r e a mhome andnow it’sm i n e .M o v i n gfrom the Housing Choice Voucher program to home-ownership is wonderful. Now I have the fun of dec-orating each room one at a time,” she says.

It took Naytisha a year to find the reasonablypriced new home in North Philadelphia that cost$82,500, and she says the time was worth the wait.The thought of looking for a home came after read-ing articles about PHA residents who had gonethrough the homeownership program and were suc-cessful in purchasing homes. The program works likethis: Potential homeowners bring all of their financialinformation to the homeowners’ workshops.Advisors then help clients set up a bank account andif necessary help set a strategy to improve bad cred-it. Clients are also given information on how to takecare of a home and how to budget. And in Naytisha’scase, PHA’s programs help out with the house pay-ments. Money that would have gone toward herrental voucher now helps toward her mortgage.

Naytisha originally planned to use the extra roomfor the computer but was happily surprised to learnthat in June it will become a room for her new baby.Until the baby is born, Naytisha will continue towork a part-time job at the Allegheny School inPhiladelphia and has this advise for anyone thinkingof buying a home: “don’t get discouraged when theroad gets bumpy. Just keep trying and you will suc-ceed.”

“ I love it, I love it, I love it.” That was the gleefrom Sherita Goodmond who recently bought an$84,000 house in the Germantown area ofPhiladelphia, not far from where she used to rent.She is happy that she has finally been able to movefrom the Housing Choice Voucher rental program bybecoming a homeowner. Khaseem, Sherita’s six-year-old son, loves having his own room. “It doesn’tget much better than this, and PHA is applying thehousing voucher money toward my mortgage,” saidSherita. The amount applied (Continued Page 14)

Housing Choice Voucher Key to Homeownership

Nytisha Sheaff and Anwar

OIC Hospitality Training Graduation

Congratulations to the PHA residents who graduated from the hospitality training program atOpportunities Industrialization Corporation, Inc. (OIC) in mid-March at the PennsylvaniaConvention Center! Feature in this photo are (front-center) Shirlene Pugh, Devanna Foster andReethal Blackwell. (First row) Leighanne Tancredi, manager of PHA's Community PartnersProgram, John Wallace, Kevin Davis, Khadijah Reid, Aisha Perry, Rebecca Phillips, StarrlisaRoebuck, and Saeema Saunders, PHA economic self-sufficiency coordinator. (back row)Yvette Simpson and Aaron Jones, OIC recruiter/coordinator. Students of OIC take part in oneof four training programs that run from 9 or 16 weeks, with a two-week on the job internship.

Margaret Brown

You hardly begin talking to PatriciaThomas and her warm, sunny dispositioncomes through, even on the phone. The lis-tener can sense a vivacious woman with abright smile. Thomas is a former welfarerecipient who has found her calling as amental health coordinator for Resources forHuman Development (RHD), a nonprofitgroup based at PHA’s Abbottsford develop-ment.

Thomas’ positive outlook is quiteremarkable, considering that her son wasmurdered and a grandchild died in a fire inthe 1990’s. The support that she receivedfrom the community at Abbottsford evenbefore those tragedies gave her the motiva-tion to change her career and give back.

Thomas came to Abbottsford 28 yearsago when she was having trouble makingends meet. She had separated from her hus-band and was living in a private home inNorth Philadelphia with four kids. The util-ity bills were eating her alive.

The more you talk to Pat Thomas, theclearer it becomes that she’s very proud of

the clinic where she works, known asAbbottsford Family Practice. She points outthat the clinic, which also offers medicalcare, has been in existence for 15 years. As

mental health coordinator for the clinic,Thomas schedules patient appointments,follows up on their conditions, helpspatients with their medications, and doescommunity outreach. Before coming toRHD, Pat was a payroll supervisor at theCensus Bureau.

Thomas says she was influenced by acaseworker who helped her during a layofffrom the Census Bureau. The caseworkerreferred her to the office of the late StateRep. David Richardson. At that time,reports started to surface that a clinic toserve PHA residents wasgoing to open. It wasThomas’ dream to workwith folks who needed her.Eventually, her dream cametrue when AbbottsfordFamily Practice hired her in1992.

Now, Thomas views her-self as a former welfare per-son who wants to help othersin that situation. “I love

working with people. I am a people per-son,” she says. “This is exactly what I’vealways wanted to do.”

Thomas, however, is hardly putting herlife on cruise control. She has plans to goback to Philadelphia Community College toget her associate’s degree. Best of all, shehas become engaged to a gentleman whoworks at Boeing Aircraft and has plans tomove out of Abbottsford to private housing.

Still, Pat Thomas plans to continueworking at the clinic. “Don’t be afraid,”she says. “Come on in. The smile is there!”

Abbotsford Resident Gives Back By Helping Others

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Jonathan Holloway has just received hisdriver’s license, but it’s not just a regular dri-ver’s license.

Jonathan, age 16, a scattered site residentand a junior at University City High School,has passed the test for his InternationalComputer Driving License Certification,Levels I and II, through an after school pro-gram offered by MET, one of PHA’sCommunity Partners.

The International Computer DrivingLicense (ICDL) program is recognized inmore than 100 countries as the standard forbasic computer skills certification.

ICDL, Level I includes knowing how touse the computer and manage files, wordprocessing, and using the internet and e-mailfor information and communication. Level Iis considered the most important by ICDL-

US, the agency that administers the programin this country.

Level II certification includes knowinghow to use Excel, Access, PowerPoint, andInformation Technology (operating systems).Achieving this certification makes Jonathanmuch more attractive to potential employersin computer engineering.

Jonathan says his participation in theMETWorks After School IT CertificationPrep Program is a career goal. He’d like tohave a career in computer engineering andhas applied for a summer program for highschool students at Drexel.

Jonathan says receiving his ICDL has paiddividends, too. It has raised his confidenceand improved his study habits and grades.

“Gaining the ICDL requires that youretain and process a lot of information about

the computer. I just do the same with othersubjects,” he says.

Jonathan wants to be an engineer and willcontinue to use the METWorks Career Prepprogram to assist other students, for technol-ogy related work placements and to exploredifferent types of engineering disciplines andthe best colleges for engineering.

“We are finding out that each student whosucceeds in any level of ICDL Certification,makes a dramatic impact on other participat-ing students, especially their peers,” saysBrenda Mitchell, the President/CEO ofMET. “Clearly Jonathan is one of our pro-gram pacesetters.”

METWorks Career Prep program is avail-able to students at University City HighSchool. The next program starts in July. Tosign up call MET @ 215-747-2781.

PHA Teenager Excels In After School Computer Program

FAMILY PRACTICE CLINICSPHA residents have access to four familypractice clinics that offer medical and mentalhealth treatment. Residents are welcome atany one of the sites, even if they don’t live inthat neighborhood, whether insured or unin-sured.

THE FOUR CLINICS ARE:ABBOTTSFORD FAMILY

PRACTICE3205 Defense Terrace 215-843-9720

FALLS FAMILY PRACTICE4333 Kelly Drive 215-843-2580

11TH STREET HEALTH CENTER 11th & Poplar 215-769-1100

THE HEALTH ANNEX58th & Kingsessing

215-727-4721

This summer Abbottsford Family Practicewill move to 47th & Wissahickon. That’sbecause PHA is demolishing some of thebuildings at Abbottsford, with plans to rede-velop the site.

Patricia Thomas, the mental healthcoordinator at Abbottsford FamilyPractice, says residents are welcomewhether or not they have insuranceto handle their physical and mentalneeds.

Jonathan Holloway, 16, sets sight oncareer in computer engineering.

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Experience • April 2007www.pha.phila.gov

James SchankControlling guns is themost important issue fac-ing this City. If the vio-lence is allowed to con-tinue, people will contin-ue to die. A city cannotgrow or prosper underthese conditions.

Audrey NashMore housing for theseniors is what the nextmayor needs to address.Their needs are beingignored and their condi-tions get worse eachyear.

Marie EmanuelI haven’t heard one of thepeople running for mayorsay anything about doingsomething for the sen-iors. Everyone willbecome a senior one dayif you’re not one already.The conditions we set forthem will apply to us.

Harold BarberTaking care of the gunproblem is number oneto me. The credability ofthis city will disappear ifthis issue is notaddressed and not at theexpense of any minorityor neighborhood.

Reuben DrewReducing crime iscentral to the pros-perity of any city.I’ve lived here a longtime and this city isturning into the wildwest.

Abraham JonesClean up the Ci tyand ge t the drugdea le r s o f f thestreet. Everyone ist a lk ing abou t theshoot ings. But drugscan also destroy anindividual, a familyand a ci ty.

Theresa BrownWhy does everyone miss thebig picture? Our city focuseson crime but the solution isnot more police or fewerguns but a better educationfor the inner city children.Society should know bynow that putting them at riskputs us all at risk.

James WelshEducation, crime and jobsgo hand in hand. If ourchildren don’t get a goodeducation, then they arelured into a life of crimeand violence. Then we allsuffer and some of usbecome victims and die.

Kimberly OrdickThe next mayor needs toaddress the horrible educa-tional system in this city. Ifyou don't give someonehope with an education,they don't have hope forthemselves. Instead of put-ting more cops on thestreet, put that money inthe schools."

Resident Questions For Mayoral Candidates“What is the most important issue the next mayor should address first?”

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Page 9The PHA

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Page 11The PHA

Experience • April 2007www.pha.phila.gov

Benny Caballero never imagined thathe would achieve the American Dreamof owning a home. He dropped out ofschool in the 10th grade to work andhelp his family. Benny’s mother, nowdeceased, was a widow.

In the winter of 1991, Benny was liv-ing in a home at 7th & Indiana that wasliterally falling apart because of a badfoundation. The city’s Licenses &Inspections Department condemned thehome and he had no place to live.

The Salvation Army put Benny up ina motel for a month or two until hisfamily could take him in. He sayssomeone at the Salvation Army suggest-ed that he sign up for housing withPHA. It was Benny’s best hope becausehe is permanently disabled from injuriesreceived while working as an auto

mechanic for 16 years. He walks with alimp, has carpal tunnel syndrome andtennis elbow.

After two years on the waiting list,PHA granted Caballero a voucher so hecould rent a private apartment. With hisvoucher, Benny first lived in Olney andthen moved to the Oxford Circle area.

One day, Benny received a letter inthe mail explaining how he couldbecome a homeowner with assistancefrom the HCV program. He attended athree-day class where he learned how tofix his credit and how to buy a home. Itwas a long and sometimes frustratingjourney that began in 1995. Bennylooked at around 300 homes beforefinding one that was in the right neigh-borhood that would pass inspection.

On the day after Christmas 2006,

Benny completed the purchase of hishome in Olney. It’s a little over 1,000square feet, with three bedrooms, wallto wall carpeting, a front porch andsmall back yard for his pet Chihuahua.The home has new windows and waterpiping. Benny moved in on January10th of this year and considers his littlepiece of the rock livable and modern.

Benny Caballero is also benefiting inanother way from the HCV homeown-ership program. He’s building equity inan asset whose value will go up overtime.

“I recommend the program to peoplewho really want to be a homeowner,”Caballero says. “I believe it’s importantso they can be responsible for theirfuture and build a family. It helps theneighborhood.”

Benny’s plans include further remod-eling of his home and a return to theclassroom through PHA’s CommunityPartners program. He’s aiming for hisGED and a new career, possibly onethat will allow him to work on his com-puter in his own home. For BennyCaballero, the possibilities are endless.

Landlord - Peter KrivitskyThe story is as old as the City of

Philadelphia. A family, fleeing oppres-sion crosses the Atlantic to find a homein the City of Brotherly Love. Exceptin this case, that family is not just seek-ing a home for themselves – they areproviding homes for hundreds of peo-ple as well.

Meet Housing Choice Voucher land-lord Peter Krivitsky. He is the ownerof Brilliant Spirit U.S. Inc. based inFeasterville, PA. The company man-ages 130 rental units in the city that 115Philadelphia Housing Authority fami-lies call home.

“There are a lot of homeless peoplein the city,” says Krivitsky. “A lot ofpeople don’t have a place to live fordifferent reasons like poor health or jobloss. When that happens the govern-ment has to help. My business helpsthem get a better start on life.”

Krivisky knows about getting a bet-

ter start on life. Born in Kiev, the cap-ital of the Ukraine, Krivisky grew upunder the rule of communist Russia.He said that since he and his family areJewish, the government denied themopportunities to practice their religion.It prevented them from attending col-lege and participating in organizedsports.

In 1991 Krivisky brought his father,wife and son to America. His son wasnearly three years old when he madethis decision to come to Philadelphiabecause he had cousins that moved here30-years ago. “I came here as arefugee. The situation for Jewish peo-ple was unstable 15 years ago,” saysKrivisky. “I wanted a better life for myfamily and my son. I also feared fortheir safety.”

The Krivisky family joined theirAmerican cousins. They found safety,security and a better life. Then afterworking several different jobs,

Krivisky said he found his calling sell-ing real estate. That interest soon ledhim to PHA and the HCV program fiveyears ago. Today, Krivisky is excitedto be able to give back to the countryand the city that has given his family “abetter start on life.”

“When people face a bad situationand other people see them in trouble,they have to be helpful. It doesn’t mat-ter who they are, its human nature tohelp people,” says Krivisky. “I like to

work with people. If you ask my ten-ants about me I don’t think you willhear any negative opinions.”

Krivisky says he loves the museumsin Philadelphia. He enjoys Penn’sLanding and the vibrancy of a bustlingdowntown. But the one thing he enjoysthe most about being a Philadelphian isthe view of the city itself.

“When I come down the DelawareRiver it is very similar to the view yousee coming down the river of my homecity,” says Krivisky. “I love my nativecountry. I was born there, my child-hood was there but it is not a perfectsociety. Right now the best society peo-ple could create is right here in thiscountry. And thanks to the support ofthe U.S. government we moved here.It’s an absolutely different society,” headded gratefully.

Voucher holders are welcome to callBrilliant Spirit U.S. Inc. at 215 953-9229.

Harold ThomasHousing Choice Voucher Program

landlord Harold Thomas knows theBelmont neighborhood. His fatherowned a take-out restaurant and a coin-operated laundry at 42nd andWestminster. Thomas literally grew upinside those stores.“I grew up lovingshellfish,” says Harold Thomas.

Today the old corner businesses havebeen demolished and Thomas hasreplaced his love of shellfish with hislove of providing low-income familieswith affordable housing. Today TJProprieties has replaced the family busi-ness with two single-family homes withgarages and a triplex.

“My father told me before he diedthat he was proud of me and thought thatI was doing a good thing,” says Thomas.Doing good things is what HaroldThomas says inspired him to go into thehome building business in the first place.He went from rehabbing two old derelictproperties with a few thousand dollars ingrant money from the city. Today, TJProprieties manages 13 limited partner-ships with 265 units in the Belmont and

Mill Creek neighborhoods of WestPhiladelphia. Thomas has been in theHCV program since 1993 and he says heenjoys the professionalism exhibited bythe people working at the PhiladelphiaHousing Authority.

“There is definitely a difference in thelevel of service from the housing author-ity staff within the last 3-4 years,” saysThomas.

“ If we have a tenant that is a problemthey will come out and do an investiga-tion. The inspections now are of a highquality level. People actually come outand do the inspections and adhere to theprogram.”

This consistent high level of servicehas helped change the image of the oldSection 8 program.

“When people ask I tell them Section8 tenants are just like tenants payingmarket rate. You have some good ten-ants and some bad. But that’s mostly nottrue, in Section 8 you have better ten-ants,” says Thomas. “I have had somefor a very long time.” Thomas said goodtenants come because of the better serv-ice provided by the staff working theHCV program.

I enjoy working with the people insection 8,” says Thomas. “I have a goodrelationship with the PHA employeesthat actually place the tenants. They do agreat job.” Working with good peoplehas made his job of being a good land-lord easier. If you are a voucher holderlooking for a good landlord, please giveTJ Properties a call at 215 477-1268.

HCV Landlords Improve City Living

Peter Krivitsky

Peter Caballero

Disabled Housing Choice Resident Has His “Piece Of The Rock”

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Community Partners, has honoredall MET 2006 Students who haveachieved outstanding participationstatus. These students, includingfive who are PHA residents, havereceived outstanding recognition forattendance, teamwork and comple-tion of their career/academic studyassignments during 2006.

MET Inc. operates an AfterSchool Information Technology/Career Prep Program targeted toUniversity City High School stu-dents in grades 9 through 12.Students are recruited fromUniversity City High School only,sponsored by the School Districtand the Philadelphia YouthNetwork.

“The program serves as a crimeprevention alternative and allowsurban community youth to self

enroll and develop computer tech-nology certification credentials,”says Brenda Mitchell, thePresident/CEO of MET Inc.

She says the program also helps

students learn about financial litera-cy, financial aid, college recruit-ment, campus tours, jobs and serv-ice learning placement opportuni-ties.

“Participating students are able toavoid the violence on the streets andtake advantage of economic self-suf-ficiency community exposure,”Mitchell says.

MET also manages a summeryouth work experience/careerplacement program targeted toyouth largely in West Philadelphia.The Philadelphia Youth Networkfunds the program, which supportspaid summer work experience andacademic study. Students interestedin science, technology, engineeringand math can win scholarships tothe Penn State Nano-Tech Campfrom MET.

(Continued Next Page)

New Wave Resources is one ofPHA’s newest community partners.They offer PHA residents training inseveral different fields, includingcustomer service, janitorial/house-keeping and commercial driving.The courses run 16 weeks.

Robert Daniel, senior vice presi-dent for New Wave, says they chosea Center City location to reach theinner city communities that neededthe company’s services. At first, thecompany focused on computer train-ing and then branched out to otherareas based on the needs of thePhiladelphia labor market. Computertraining still accounts for about one-fourth of the school’s students.

Daniel, who likes to be called“Bob,” says the training offered atNew Wave is “employer led.”Training is based on the demands ofarea employers, allowing students toimmediately move into jobs upongraduation. Starting wages for grad-uates of the programs offered toPHA residents range from $12 to$16 an hour.

In some cases, New Wave stu-dents have the opportunity to “shad-ow” employees, such as those whowork in hospitals, hotels or nursinghomes. This gives them a real worldlook at the demands of the job.

New Wave is licensed by the Stateof Pennsylvania as a business school.It also has links to the PADepartment of Labor & Industry andthe county assistance office.

Bob Daniel says he has alwaysbeen interested in workforce devel-opment training. He has two degreesin economics and has taught at sever-al business schools in New YorkCity, as well as vocational courses ata Buffalo high school.

“I went from being a teacher to adean to developing programs,” hesays. “The most pleasure that I get isseeing a person that didn’t have theskills succeed - catching them andgiving them a foundation, watchingthem grow, and then seeing thembecome a certified (medical) coder,an LPN or studying for the CPAexamination.”

The bottom line for Bob Danieland New Wave is working with peo-ple who are interested in advancingthemselves into a promising career.

To sign up for courses, call NewWave at 215-496-9388.

What is New Wave Resources

Robert Daniel, senior vicepresident for New Wave, saysthey chose a Center Citylocation to reach the innercity communities that neededthe school’s services.

Brenda MitchellPresident/CEO of MET

PHA Self-Sufficiency ContactsLeighanne Tancredi, Program ManagerCommunity PartnersBlumberg Development1516 Judson Way (23rd and Jefferson St.) 215-684-4366 (Fax #215-684-8080)

ESS Staff

Computer TechnologyMonet Williams - Neighborhood Network CoordinatorBlumberg Development 1516 Judson Way (23rd and Jefferson St.) 215-684-4628 (Fax #215-684-8080)

Team A South Philadelphia Office 1172-1174 South Broad Street Jenneane Tillar - ESS Coordinator(215) 684-3051 (Fax #215-684-3066) Zip Codes: 02, 03, 06, 07, 12, 42, 45, 46, 47, 48, 53,

Team BWest Philadelphia Office5207 Walnut StreetSaeema Saunders - ESS Coordinator(215) 684-1359 (Fax #215-684-1366)Zip Codes: 04, 31, 39, 43, 51

Team CNorthwest Germantown Office5538-A Wayne AvenueEdwina Young - ESS Coordinator(215) 684-3065 (Fax #215-684-3055)Zip Codes: 18, 19, 26, 27, 28, 29, 38, 41, 44, 50

Team DNorth Philadelphia Office642 N. Broad StreetUrsula G. Alvarado - ESS Coordinator(215) 684-3126 (Fax #215-684-1023)Zip Codes: 05, 06, 07, 08, 21, 22, 23, 25, 30, 33, 34, 40

Team ENortheast Philadelphia Office4346 Frankford Avenue Michelle Henderson-Crystal Marshall-ESS Coordinators(215) 684-1559 & 2414 (Fax #215-684-1340)Zip Codes: 11, 14, 15, 16, 20, 24, 35, 36, 37, 49, 52, 54

FSS Staff

Camille Johnson -FSS CoordinatorBlumberg Development 1516 Judson Way, 2nd Floor (23rd and Jefferson St.) 215-684-8114 (Fax #215-684-8080)

Gilbert Vega - FSS CoordinatorBlumberg Development 1516 Judson Way, 2nd Floor (23rd and Jefferson St.) 215-684-2057 (Fax #215-684-8080)

Christeen Johnson -FSS Intake Worker Blumberg Development1516 Judson Way, 2nd Floor (23rd and Jefferson St.) 215-684-3124 (Fax #215-684-8080)

Audrey Hickmon - FSS Coordinator/Case Manager 1516 Judson Way, 2nd Floor (23rd and Jefferson St.)Phone #215-684-2682

MET Summer Learning Program

“Don’t let your environment orincome determine how far you cango.” These words are from awoman who says she is now on theroad to success. Pamela Bernard,or Ms. Pam as she likes to becalled, has been living in theWhitehall Apartments for twoyears and is now starting a newbusiness from her home that pro-motes gospel.

“The message of faith is closestto my heart; I am very familiarwith the industry and the peopleinvolved, and this is a challenge Iwant,” she says. The idea came toher after reading several stories inthe PHA Experience about peoplewho became self-sufficient. Ms.Pam decided to start a business andbecome her own success story.But, as with (Continued Page 12)

Whitehall Resident Starts Gospel Business

Business owner Pamela Bernard.

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(Cont from Page 1)I think the opportunity was a goodone,” Elizabeth explained. “PHA saidafter 7 years you’re not going to haveassistance any more. Well, you couldpay a mortgage for almost the sameamount of rent.”Elizabeth says her new three-bedroomhome is in a desirable neighborhoodthat’s close to Kelly Drive and theattractions in Center City, with easyaccess to public transit. She feels it’sspacious, yet not too big, so that shouldkeep her heating bills down.

Elizabeth is excited to move into hernew home this spring. “I hope it doesset an example for someone or givesthem a little bit of hope,” she says. “Ididn’t think I’d be here at this point intime.”

Shearise Webb, who works as a sec-retary at the Philadelphia Corporationfor Aging, says she has wanted to buy

a home for a while. Even though sheearns a modest income, Shearise foundthat PHA’s homeownership programpresented her with a perfect opportuni-ty.

Shearise, who is also an HCV recip-ient, says she became interested in thenew homes at Falls Ridge as soon asshe learned about the redevelopment.She has two kids, a ten-year-old sonand a 15-year-old daughter and cur-rently lives in the Logan neighborhood.

“The location is really good. It’sreally nice and kind of close to where Iwork (in Center City). It’s close towhere the kids can walk to events thattake place, such as at the Arthur AsheTennis Center down the street.”

Shearise says she was surprised tolearned that she had been approved for

a mortgage three days after she filledout an application to buy a three-bed-room home at Falls Ridge.

“I was ecstatic. I was so happy,” shesays. “I never thought that I would getto this point in my life.”

Her kids are excited, too, becausethey’ll have their own rooms and theirgrandmother living nearby. Shearise’smother lives in one of the senior apart-ments at Falls Ridge.

“I’m just really happy to be able toown one of those homes,” she says.“It’s a really good feeling and I urgeothers to do the same.”

54-year-old Ronald Kelly is a retiredsheet metal worker who’s been livingwith PHA for one year at Emlen Arms.Kelly is disabled and, by his owndescription, he wobbles when he’sstanding up. So, a low-rise home on theground fit his lifestyle better.

The price of his new home at$160,000 is good value in Kelly’s opin-ion, too.

“I know buildings,” he says. “I sawthe plans.”

Public transportation was importantbecause Kelly doesn’t drive andSEPTA’s R6 station is nearby. He’salso planning to get married, not tomention that he has two daughters withgrandchildren on the way. So, Kellywill need room for the kids when theyvisit on the weekends.

Like the other new homeowners atFalls Ridge, Ronald Kelly is excited,especially since he’s never owned ahome before.

The Falls Ridge site has generated alot of interest because of its unique hill-side location with a suburban atmos-phere close to public transport and cen-ter city amenities. The first homeown-ers will move into their homes beforethe end of April.

(Continued From The Previous Page)

Both programs provide a high schoolcredit for students who complete eitherprogram. As an incentive, MET hasspecial achievement awards to motivateoutstanding participation.

“Prior to attending the MET pro-

gram, many students report having lit-tle to no access to career prep, employ-ment exposure, or access to collegecampuses,” Mitchell says. “Nor dothey have adult subject-matter rolemodels committed to mentoring andcoaching them in career and workforcedevelopment activities. The Career

Prep program requires students to cre-ate and/or complete collages, resumes,and job and college financial assistanceapplications.”

Students go through two interviewsto enter the program: with MET andwith the Philadelphia Youth Network.The summer program begins July 5thand runs until the first week of August.Interested students should call DeborahGrant of MET at 215-747-2781.

Brenda also says that by the middleof the program, student focus groupsconfirm that most students will pursuea college education and careers inareas such as technology, nursing,medicine, architecture, culinary art,fashion, entrepreneurship and manage-ment.

“MET Inc. believes in going the dis-tance for enrollees and parents becausethey know at the end of their technolo-

gy and career preparation program—students will reward themselves, familyand the community by deliberatelybreaking the cycle of poverty, rolemodeling productive team spirit, andencouraging others to participate inafter school and summer career/work-force development learning.”

MET Inc.’s Board, Staff,Community/Faith Based Groups,Institutional Partners, and CommunityStakeholders acknowledge the follow-ing PHA resident students.

2006 Outstanding Program Students.NAME HIGH SCHOOL ZIPDeleita Hopson - University City High19104Danai Richards - Valley Day High 19142Robert Richards - John Bartram 19142Jonathan Holloway - Univ. City High 19139Juliann Holloway - CHAD 19139

Continues Offering Educational Programs

PHA residents were among the students honored for taking part inMET’s after school technology program.

Falls Ridge Home Ownership

Elizabeth Williams

The Residents’ NewspaperPublished by:

The Philadelphia Housing Authority

Editor: Anne H. MartinezExecutive Editor: Kirk Dorn

Managing Editor: William J. Hanna

(C) 2007 by the Philadelphia HousingAuthority. No reproduction or use of thematerial herein may be made without thepermission of the publisher. ForAdvertising info, call 215-755-2000.

Shearise Webb

Ronald Kelly

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Homeowners Appealing Alternative To Nursing Homes

New Homeowner Sherita Goodman

PHA Sells Off Fleet Vehicles Gospel Business(Continued From Page 3)

Hartfield says a team of eightemployees handled resident transporta-tion before the layoffs. He estimatedthat this group provided around 1,000rides a year. Now, Hartfield is down totwo asset managers.

“It’s sad, but until HUD restores thefunding, there’s nothing we can doabout it,” he says. “Residents will haveto contact TSSI or make arrangementsto get to events the best way they pos-sibly can, including SEPTA and carpooling.”

Shari Hamilton says other auctionsof surplus PHA materials are possible,based upon the success of the first auc-tion and the agency’s need to obtainmore cash. She says an inventory ofexcess and obsolete warehouse materi-als and furniture is underway. It is

very likely that items that cannot be uti-lized in the near term will be madeavailable for auction, provided the rightmarket conditions exist.

(Continued from Page 5)to the mortgage varies depending on income and otherfactors. This helps significantly since there are nowother expenses that she never had before like paying thegas bill.

As with anyone involved in this program, Sheritaattended the mandatory homeowner workshop classesthat mentally and financially move a person from beinga renter to a homeowner, if they are eligible and passcertain PHA criteria. “I have been working at Children’sHospital to take care of my family. This is another goalaccomplished as I move forward in my life.” PHAencourages everyone with a dream of owning a home tolook into the opportunities by calling 215.684.8015.

(Continued from Page 4)Greater Grays Ferry Estates at 3001 Moore St. in

South Philadelphia. Located on the first floor of the sen-ior apartment building, the LIFE health center servessome of the residents living in the building as well asmembers of the surrounding community. Health careprofessionals specializing in geriatric care address med-ical, health and social service needs for LIFE partici-pants.

This relationship between LIFE and PHA continues togrow. The NewCourtland LIFE program has also begunleasing space in PHA’s newly renovated GermantownHouse senior apartment building.

Ms. Hattie Gardner, resident of Greater Grays FerryEstates and participant of St. Agnes LIFE, is an exampleof the beneficial relationship between LIFE and PHA.Ms. Gardner moved into Greater Grays Ferry Estateswhen it opened. She described herself at that time ashaving poor health and needing the support of a primarycare doctor and physical therapy. Six months after liv-ing at Greater Grays Ferry Estates, she decided to joinLIFE.

“They help me with my walking and everything,” shesays.

At the center, Ms. Gardner participates in a cookinggroup once a month, a walking group weekly, and hasbreakfast and lunch on the days she is scheduled toattend. Her medical appointments are coordinated byLIFE including primary care, podiatry, eye care and den-

tal care. For most members, LIFE offers assistance athome for personal care such as bathing and dressing.LIFE also provides services for family caregivers includ-ing respite care and supportive groups.

Joanne Gray, LIFE Center Director at Greater GraysFerry, says the LIFE program offers older adults theopportunity to be active, vocal and visible in the commu-nity.

“Our participants have a central location to voice theirconcerns about their health and well being,” she says.

To be eligible for LIFE you must be:• Age 55 or older • Experiencing difficulties due to health problems or

memory loss • Live in a LIFE service area

To find out more about LIFE, or to learn if you orsomeone you know is eligible, please contact the appro-priate office below.

St. Agnes LIFE 215-339-4747(at Greater Gray’sferry Estates)

(Please call this office if you live in the following zipcodes: 19106, 19107, 19123, 19125, 19134, 19137,19145, 19146, 19147, 19148)

The NewCourtland LIFE Program1-888-NCLIFE4(at Germantown House)(Please call this office if you live in the following zip

codes: 19118, 19119, 19120, 19126, 19127, 19128,19129, 19132, 19138, 19141, 19144, 19150)

(Continued from Page 1)neighborhood successful by placing the right peopleback in these homes.”

Cynthia Walton lives here also. The difference isshe has been here for decades and in that time shehas seen it all. She has seen a beautiful neighbor-hood that resembled a flower, and watched as drugsand violence turned this community into a waste-land. She says it seemed like the vast majority ofviolence in Philadelphia came from this one part ofthe city. “For 41 years I have witnessed the good,

bad and the ugly. In the 70’s life was peaceful, youknew your neighbors and everyone looked out forone another. Then the older folks gradually died offand a bad group of folks hung around. They usedthe abandoned homes to sell drugs. You didn’t wantto know your neighbors; you didn’t want to comeoutside. You were a prisoner in your own home.”

Cynthia called the police department and CityHall warning officials of the impending problemsbut she had little success. Then came the massacre.Then the city demolished the buildings. Only thenwas there peace. You didn’t have a war zone butyou didn’t have neighbors either. “Now, this neigh-borhood has been revitalized. It is a new environ-

ment with new neighbors in new homes. I want towelcome all newcomers to the block by setting upa meet and greet night so we can get to know eachother. We need to make this a community. Youdon’t have to be friends with everyone, but youshould at least be friendly.”

And to that end PHA has made every effort tobring back that harmonious environment by build-ing attractive and sturdy homes, screening allapplicants before they move in and being sure thenew residents know how to take care of theirhomes. Brenda says, “Hope is here where nonewas before. This neighborhood is moving in theright direction.”

Lex Street

(Continued from Page 12)with most dreams, it takes a lot of workand dedication. Ms. Pam spends sixhours a day on the phone bringingtogether Christian artists who preach,teach, dance, read poetry or singgospel.

And for Ms. Pam, not having totravel makes this opportunity possible.She must work from home because ofan intermittent back problem thatsometimes renders her disabled.Ironically, before her disability, sheused to be one of the artists she nowseeks. With a music degree fromXavier University, she traveled for 30years around the country promotingChristian beliefs through various per-formances, sharing the stage with suchnationally recognized groups as the

Winans. “We did theatre, single per-formances and more because we werecommitted to the message of Christ anda desire to bring a message of hope andpeace.”

Ms. Pam has a message for anyonewho is thinking about venturing on hisor her own. “Have a dream and nevergive up on that dream and rememberwhen things get rough there is a pur-pose to the madness. Don’t let peoplethink that because you don’t have ahigh income that you don’t have adream and a vision.” Ms. Pam hopesto schedule her first performance thissummer. As for the future, she plans onbecoming a homeowner and having herown full time ministry so she can touchthe lives of people in need and make adifference.

Scott Bolden, a New Jersey busi-nessman who runs a tree service,was elated as he made thelargest purchase at the auction, a1996 Ford truck with a “cherryp-icker” basket and a “tree chip-per” for $32,000.

Page 15The PHA

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What would you say if we told you - you don’thave to pay your credit card bills immediately?Most of our clients say, “Thank you.” If your onlyincome is from social security, disability pay-ments, pensions or veteran’s benefits - federallaw states that your income can’t be taken awayto repay debt. You don’t have to pay, and youdon’t have to endure frustrating calls and lettersfrom collection agencies. You can live worry freeas thousands of our clients do.

At GRACE ADULT DAY HEALTH CARE, we offer care, assistance and socialopportunities to seniors while giving respite to their families and caregivers.

At GRACE ADULT DAY HEALTH CARE, people with health problems, Alzheimer’sdisease, chronic illnesses, or physical disabilities are able to continue to live in thecommunity while receiving professional services in a group setting.

At GRACE ADULT DAY HEALTH CARE, we found that involvement in an adult daycare program can increase a senior’s health and outlook.

At GRACE ADULT DAY HEALTH CARE, we pro-vide a safe and caring setting for adults who do notwish to or cannot he left home alone.

At GRACE ADULT DAY HEALTH CARE, seniorscan socialize with their peers and participate in out-ings and activities, as well as be supported withservices that include licensed nursing care and nutri-tious meals.

We provide transportation to and from the center - Assistance with personal care.Small groups and individual activities - bingo, crafts, chess and a library!

Funding is mostly provided by state, or city run agencies to eligible individuals.Some long-term care insurance policies may provide coverage.

For more information, or to arrange a facility tour, call: 215-549-3444

Irina Levin, Program Director

101 East Olney Avenue •Philadelphia, PA 19120

Phone: 215-549-3444 Fax: 215-549-5239

Visit Us @ www.GraceADHC.com

Thanks to a proactive approach to funding, theD.A.R.E./G.R.E.A.T. program continues in 2007.One of our unit’s objectives this year is to expose theviews of some of our younger students who partici-pate in the Gang Resistance Education and Training(G.R.E.A.T.) Program. The introduction of lessonnumber three states, “In today’s society, it is com-mon for people to feel isolated and alone.” This opin-ion holds true for some of our younger residents.

To eliminate these feelings, the G.R.E.A.T. pro-gram offers a community service activity, “MakingMy School a G.R.E.A.T. Place.” This activity is

designed to have students suggest ways to improvetheir school, thereby increasing their pride and devel-oping a greater sense of well being and belonging.Research indicates when students feel more connect-ed to their school and developments, they are lessvulnerable to destructive activities. Here are exam-ples of some of their views.

The following is an essay submitted by TanishaJohns, 6th Grader, at the John B. Kelly ElementarySchool, which services the residents from QueenLane Apartments and scattered sites.

My experience with the Gang ResistanceEducation and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program hasbeen wonderful this year. It all began last year whenwe were taught the Drug Abuse Resistance Education(D.A.R.E.) program. The officer would tell myclassmates and me about ways to keep safe and drugfree at home and on the streets. Also, he informed usabout making positive choices. We were told if youmake a mistake once, we do not have to repeat it. Heencouraged us to make the right decisions and followour goals and dreams.

This year I am in the sixth grade. The officer vis-its our classroom every Thursday morning to sharepositive and useful information with my classmatesand me. We are learning ways to solve problems,peer mediation, along with ways to resist negativepeer pressure. My classmates and I appreciate thetime and energy the officer spends on us. I am espe-cially grateful for both of these programs.

An Anti-Drug Rap by the 6th grade boys in room104 at John B. Kelly Elementary School.

Drugs are dumb, don’t do’em.If you go to a rave,you may wind up in your grave.Drugs are not cool, it’ll drop your I.Q.and you’ll flunk out of school.Get yourself high and you just might die.Drugs go down straight to the core,right to your brain, they’ll make you steal somemore.

Not doing drugs is the thing to do, when you’redoing drugs they’re doing you.If you smoke some junk it may make you flunkbecause your brain can’t combine with a drugged-up mind.

Doing drugs will lose people’s trust,their faith in you will turn to dust.Nicotine and alcohol will cloud your head. You might wake up in a hospital bed. Get – drunk- and you might just slip, fall to the ground and bust your lip.

Drinking and doing drugs go to your brain, they’llmake you act stupid and drive you insane. So don’t take these trouble-taking drugs to school, don’t do ’em at home, on the streets that our rule.

If you’re thinking about drugs, think about whatwe said, we’re givin’ you a clue for your lifeahead.

DARE te be GREAT: A Poem By Sixth Graders

Get Your Personal -Experience

Into Your Paper-Tell us about your "Experience" as aclient of the Philadelphia HousingAuthority. Simply give us a call and tellus your story! Our paper reaches allresidents including: Traditional Sites,Scattered Sites, and Housing ChoiceVoucher (HCV) Program. This is agolden opportunity, so reach out. It'seasier than you think! Call AnneMartinez at 215-684-8645 or e-mailanne.martinez@pha.phila.gov.

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