Get Started Today! Quarterly 2018 Newsletter: January, February, March. What s Inside. 1. Who is Eligible? 2. What s new in Lake County 3. FSS NEWS!

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1 ISSUE 00 MONTH YEAR Quarterly 2018 Newsletter: January, February, March this issue Open Source Revolution P.1 IT Management Tips P.2 Non-Profit Solutions P.3 Trends & New Software P.4 Get Started Today! What is the Family Self-Sufficiency Program? The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) is a program administered by Lake County Housing Authority, that enables HUD-assisted families to increase their earned income and reduce their dependency on welfare assistance. What s Inside 1. Who is Eligible? 2. What s new in Lake County 3. FSS NEWS! 4. Black Tie Gala 5. Contact Us! You don t have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great Z. Z.

2 WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Anyone currently participating in Lake County Housing Voucher/Section 8 Program who has employment goals and wishes to achieve financial independence may enroll. HOW DOES FSS WORK? Each head of household voluntarily enrolls in the FSS program by completing an application, signing a five-year Contract of Participation and developing an Individual Training and Service Plan with an FSS Manager. The program offers case management services to help participants pursue and maintain employment and financial independence. An incentive component of the program includes an escrow savings account into which Lake County Housing Authority deposits a portion of the increased rental charges that a family pays as its income from earnings rise. Families that successfully complete the FSS program by reaching their goals, may graduate from the program and withdraw the funds from the FSS escrow account after the successful completion of their five-year contract. WHAT ABOUT SUPPORT SERVICES? The participant and FSS specialist develop economic independence strategies with local social service providers. FSS participants can expect help from their FSS specialist or other community service providers to resolve the following needs: Child care Transportation Education/Job Training Job search and resume preparation Financial planning, including credit repair Homebuyers Education Classes Participants are responsible for requesting assistance and completing any program requirements.

3 What s Happening in Lake County Need help with sealing or expunging your record? Check out the Lake County Job Center. Update your resume! Start filling out job applications! Find a job! Check out the LC Job Center...

4 Achieve Educational Goals!

5 FSS News! Celebrating African American History & Culture FSS celebrated African American History & Culture on February 22, 2018 at the Warren-Newport Library in Gurnee, IL. Our FSS participants, their families, and LCHA staff enjoyed a program focused on African American accomplishments by guest speakers Dr. Courtney Cain of Lake Forest College who presented the history of Hip-Hop and Professor Gregory Gordon of Lake County College, who presented Accomplishments by African American Youth. The program also included a motivating and inspiring speech by Keynote Speaker, Dr. Michele Vaughn about keeping focused, achieving your goals to be successful. Dr. Michele Vaughn is the CEO of Teen & Single Mother Resource Center, Inc in Gurnee, IL offers teens & single mothers services to focus on a holistic change leading to self-sufficiency. Children activities and refreshments were also enjoyed. The exhibit featured accomplishments of African Americans. Scholarship Opportunities Educational Scholarship and Enrichment Scholarships are now available at Lake County Housing Authority Eligibility Guidelines for Educational Scholarship *Applicant must be in good standing with LCHA for 12 consecutive months prior to the application date. *Any Lake County Housing Authority FSS participant who has been in the FSS Program for at least 6 months and completed certain interim goals designated by the Authority is eligible to apply for the LCHA scholarship. *All applicants who are awarded a scholarship must submit proof of completing class/course paid for with scholarship funds. *Awards up to $1,000. Eligibility Guidelines for Enrichment* Program *Financial Need-Provide basic information about the family s income, financial obligation, and inability to pay for summer camp or enrichment is required. *Employment Status- Applicant must be employed or actively seeking employment and provide proof of such. *Acceptable proof is up to the discretion of the Selection Committee. *Awards up to $500. *Enrichment for the purposes of this scholarship may be defined as: School extra curricular activity fees, school field trips, etc. To learn more about our scholarship program and how to apply, please visit our website: or call the FSS Department.

6 Dear Partners, Vendors and Agency Friends: The Lake County Housing Authority, in conjunction with Aim North Development Corporation will host an evening of dinner, live entertainment, dancing, and a silent auction at its 4th Annual Black Tie Gala. Friday, June 15, :00 P.M. to Midnight Doubletree Hotel 510 East Route 83, Mundelein, IL The proceeds from this event will be used to fund academic scholarships for Family Self Sufficiency Program (FSS) participants who are pursuing the goals in their case plan and are attending or planning to attend college or technical training to increase their career opportunities. Participants can also use scholarship funds to help pay for their youth s summer and enrichment activities. Please feel free to contact us for additional information at: gala@lakecountyha.org. Consider and contact us in becoming a SPONSOR! Tickets available for purchase on EventBrite.com!

7 Thanks for spending spring break with FSS! FSS organized 3 outings during Spring Break. The children of our FSS participants enjoyed a trip to Gurnee Mills Theater for the Black Panther Movie, a trip to Chicago Botanic Gardens, and a fun day at the park and Warren-Newport Library to see Disney s movie Coco on the big screen. Transportation and lunch were provided on all days.

8 Be on the lookout for FSS hosted Job Fairs! Did you know? FSS hosts Job Fairs! Our last Job Fair in February was a huge success! There were over 16 employers from Lake County ready with open positions! One job seeker was offered a position on the spot! Lake County Housing Authority interviewed an applicant from the Job Fair and Kent (picture below) was hired as the Modernization Coordinator! Congratulations to these individuals. Keep watch for our next Job Fair! Tips to Get the Most Out of Job Fairs *Bring many copies of your resume to submit to employers. *Come prepared. *Dress appropriately. First impressions are important. *Allow yourself adequate time. Come as early as possible. Kent was hired at LCHA as Modernization Coordinator. Welcome Kent! *Prioritize the employers you're most interested in. *Introduce yourself and be prepared to give your "career pitch." Extend your hand, say "hello" and state your name. *Take notes when you inquire about next steps and the possibility of talking with additional managers. *Ask the representative for his/her card, and then promptly send a thank-you note. *Be courteous! Let your positive attitude show! Hired on the spot! Congratulations!

9 The Lake County Housing Authority s Housing Counseling Programs Mission is to: Provide a Housing Counseling Program that promotes affordable housing for low and moderate-income families through housing counseling and the sharing of knowledge, resources, and counseling services. Questions? Want to register for a class? Call Alecia Boddie, Director of Community Affairs/Housing Counselor x2040 Offered monthly! Check out our website for dates and details! Lakecountyha.org

10 Am I Eligible for FSS? To find out: Contact one of the Family Self- Sufficiency Managers Felipe Cortez FSS Manager fcortez@lakecountyha.org Ext Damon Coleman FSS Manager dcoleman@lakecountyha.org Ext Jelena Milunovic FSS Manager jmilunovic@lakecountyha.org Ext. 2520