Resident Services Programs

For the latest updates on the Resident Services Opportunities and Programs please friend us on Facebook at "Sha Resident". The latest monthly flyer is available below:

March 2010 - March RS-FSS Newsletter

SHA was awarded the 2006 U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Resident Opportunities and Self Sufficiency (ROSS) grant for $150,000 to operate self-sufficiency programs.

 

Executive Director, Bill Russell & Resident Services Director, Karen Curry accept the 2006 ROSS Grant.

 

 

 

 

The funding supported SHA in designing and implementing programs that would place the resident on a continuum toward acheiving HUD defined self-sufficiency.

With the successful completion of the ROSS Grant in 2010, the Resident Services department has plans to expand its class offerings. A grant from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice and a partnership with the CareerEdge Funders Collaborative makes this possible.

In Fall 2010, the SHA Resident Services deparmtent began offering scholarships for training courses with Sarasota County Technical Institute. In order to qualify for these scholarships it is required that SHA residents complete a registration form and present current Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) results. Depending on the TABE results residents will then be placed into remediation or enrolled in a course called "Realize, Acheive and Maximize your Potential" or RAMP Up. Offered on site by State College of Florida, the 5-week class covers such topics as career exploration, time management, basic computers, math for the healthcare professional, and learning styles and test taking.

NEW FOR 2011 - Expanded FSS Services

Starting in January 2011 the SHA Resident Services department will be opening its Family Self Sufficiency enrollment to all SHA Residents both public housing and housing choice voucher. Along with this change the Resident Services Department will also become the Office of Resident Services & Family Self Sufficiency (RS-FSS).

What this means is that residents will have the benefit of enrolling in the program and 'escrowing' all increases in rent over the next 5 years. Residents will be required to enroll in the SHA Family Self Sufficiency program to access training and childcare scholarships. An informational meeting will be held on January 3rd in the ROSS Portable at 2pm a second meeting scheduled for HCV residents will be held on January 18th also in the Portable at 2pm.

If you have any questions please feel free to call (941) 361-6210 select option 6 and ask to speak to a RS-FSS Case Manager.

Education & Training Options

We understand that education and training can make all the difference in better employment. The 2000 US Census reveals that those who have a high school diploma make 30% more than those who do not. The ROSS Department offers several training and education options.

SHA Residents taking the TABE Test in preparation to begin ROSS GED Classes.

 

 

 

 

General Education Diploma (GED)

Through a partnership with the Sarasota County Technical Institute (SCTI), SHA offers a free GED program to residents. The placement testing and the exam are both free and offered on site. Attendance and punctuality are required and the focus is on one on one attention.The Sarasota County Literacy Council is available to provide tutoring as needed.

Computer Lab & Computer Classes

In addition to providing Professional Development for the Job Skills module, Manatee Community College (MCC) donated five desktop computers. These computers were used to create a computer lab where residents have internet access, typing tutor software, and examples of resumes to customize.

Health Sciences Careers

According to the Florida Research and Economic Database (FRED) one of the top five careers in demand is Healthcare Practicioners and Technical Occupations. This is why the Resident Serivces department has chosen to focus our training opportunities on the healthcare area.The following trainings are now being offered.

Licensed Practical Nursing

Emergency Medical Technician

Certified Nursing Assistant

This list is subject to change and expansion as we along with our partner CareerEdge identify courses that provide immediate, real-time placement opportunties in the Sarasota/Bradenton area. Check back frequently for updates!

 

Construction Training Program

Although the outlook for the construction industry across the state is bleak, Sarasota is in a very unique position and the small community of Newtown even more so. In Newtown, where the SHA properties are located there are several construction projects currently underway including the redevelopment of our own apartment complexes.

SHA along with Sarasota County Technical Institute and Tandem Construciton work together to provide residents with a 15-week construction training program on-site. The program includes OSHA training, FIrst Aid, Ready to Work Certification and placement assistance with one of the projects through the Suncoast Workforce Board.

Financial Education

The FDIC Money Smart curriculum is used and taught by a certified Money Smart trainer. The focus of the financial edcucation is to get prepared for Homeownership therefore our case managers have access to credit reports and help residents one on one with improving scores.
Sessions include:
Bank On It - an introduction to bank services

Borrowing Basics -- an introduction to credit

Check It Out -- how to choose and keep a checking account

Money Matters -- how to keep track of your money

Pay Yourself First -- why you should save, save, save

Keep it Safe -- Your rights as a consumer

To Your Credit -- how your credit history will affect your credit future

Charge It Right -- How to make a credit card work for you

Loan to Own -- know what you're borrowing before you buy

Your Own Home -- what homeownership is all about

SHA Residents Carmen Colon and Janie Dimas compare credit reports.

 

 

 

 

 

Homeownership

Counseling is the focus of the SHA Resident Services Homeownership module. Homeownership will focus specifically on:

Fair Housing Counseling
Choosing a Lender
Appraisals and Inspections
Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA)

During the session, staff will seek to match the participants with the appropriate program for their needs. Our partners include Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill Good Homes Program and our own Section 8 Homeownership Program.