THIS is Columbia Housing - May 23 - 27, 2022
THIS is Columbia Housing
Weekly Roundup of CH Happenings: May 23 - May 27, 2022
Resident Success Story: Asia Lykes
"When Your Destiny Meets Opportunity"
Asia Lykes was a single mom living in Henley Homes public housing community when it was designated for Hope VI redevelopment. As Henley Homes readied for demolition, Asia took advantage of all the career development resources provided by Columbia Housing to aid in her relocation. "I got a Section 8 voucher and moved out of Public Housing. I went back to school to get my cosmetology license. The Housing Authority paid for childcare, cosmetology uniforms, and transportation to and from class. Those opportunities and resources made a huge difference."
Asia says there was always something inside her that wanted better. But it wasn't until she met Carrie Geiger & Katrina Bridgette at Columbia Housing that she began to see how to get it.
Asia recently returned to Columbia Housing to say "thank you" for the difference Mrs. Geiger and Mrs. Bridgette made in her life. By chance, Asia ran into Interim CEO Yvonda Bean in the agency parking lot and was excited to tell Mrs. Bean about her appreciation for all the agency did for her. "When I went back to cosmetology school, I met the man I was destined to marry. With our combined incomes, I no longer qualified for my Section 8 Voucher. I still remember how proud I was of myself when I gave my voucher back because I no longer needed it." Mrs. Bean was elated to hear about Asia's successes and insisted she tell her story.
Today, Asia is a licensed cosmetologist and Master Barber. She and her husband - a retired paramedic, are currently building their new home on family-owned land in Swansea.
"I always knew I wanted better for myself and my family. Thank you Columbia Housing, Carrie Geiger, and Katrina Bridgette for inspiring me, pushing me, supporting me, and helping me achieve my dreams. This is what it looks like when your destiny meets your opportunity," concludes Asia.
Columbia Urban League Holds Prayer Breakfast to Address Recent Gun Violence
Columbia Urban League made a recent community appeal for increased summer youth activities amid a rise in youth gun violence in the Midlands. Columbia Housing Board Commissioner George Green and Interim CEO Yvonda Bean attended the Urban League's Prayer Breakfast, along with staff and residents from Columbia Housing's Resident Executive Council.
"We are committed to doing our part and are excited about offering summer youth employment opportunities to our youth," says Bean. "We have also agreed to be a placement site for the Urban League's Summer Employment Program, as it truly takes a village to address community needs concerning our youth."
#CommunityEngagement
#PowerofPartnerships
#THISisColumbiaHousing
Soda City Speaks: Keeping the Community Informed!
Thanks 'Soda City Speaks' Podcast for the invitation to talk about affordable housing needs in the area.
Interim CEO Yvonda Bean recently sat down with podcast hosts Dylan Gunnels and Omme Salma Rahemtullah to talk about how Columbia Housing's efforts impact the state of affordable housing in Columbia and Richland County.
"I want to thank Soda City Speaks for giving us the opportunity to clearly articulate Columbia Housing's current and future efforts to provide quality affordable housing to area residents," says Interim CEO Yvonda Bean. "We are excited to talk about current development projects like Oaks at St. Anna's Park and others outlined in our Vision 2030 plan."
To listen to the podcast, please click here.
To learn more about our Vision 2030 plan, click here.
2022 Senior Jamboree!
Oak Street Health
Thank you Shonda Jordan and Cynthia Boykin for representing Columbia Housing at the Senior Jamboree held at Dutch Square Mall. Great seeing our seniors stop by for information about Columbia Housing's Senior Services and Resources, fun-filled day with lots of fellowship.
#ResidentsFirst
#CommunityEngagement
#THISisColumbiaHousing
Community Resources
Richland Library StoryWalks Offer Summer Fun!
Richland Library | Access Freely
Add this to your #todolist for summer fun! Our StoryWalks are a delightful way for children, and adults, to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Accessible trails located throughout Richland County offer readers of all ages a change to walk along their favorite trails while reading a story, step-by-step and page-by-page.
To learn more about StoryWalks, please click here.
How to Talk to Kids About Gun Violence
The Midlands of South Carolina, like much of the country, is seeing a spike in gun violence.
Here are some useful tips to help parents talk to their children about it.
- Assure your child that you are doing your best to keep them safe.
- Don't let the TV do the talking.
- Make sure your children understand gun safety.
- Make your message age-appropriate.
- Let your child share their thoughts.
To read the full article on how to talk to kids about gun violence, please click here.
Richland County Recreation Commissioner NOW HIRING for Summer 2022!
- Camp Counselors
- Adaptive Recreation Camp Counselors
- Lifeguards
- and more!
To learn more, find jobs, and/or apply, please click here or scan the QR code above!
Attention Richland County Seniors!
The Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program is offering $25 vouchers to low-income seniors living in Richland County starting June 6th.
Seniors must qualify for the program to receive vouchers to buy fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables from authorized farmers this summer.
Seniors must apply in person, June 6 - June 13 at the designated locations listed below:
- 6/6: 9 am - 1 pm
Hopkins Park - 150 Hopkins Park Rd, Hopkins 29061 - 6/7: 9 am - 1 pm
Grace United Methodist Church - 410 Harbison Blvd., Columbia 29212 - 6/8: 9 am - 1 pm
Mr. Nebo Baptist Church - 8801 Bluff Rd., Eastover 29044 - 6/9: 9 am - 1 pm
Delta Life Development Center - 5307 Fairfield Rd, Columbia 29203 - 6/10: 9 am - 1 pm
Killian Park - 1434 Marthan Rd., Blythewood 29016 - 6/13: 1 pm - 3 pm
Senior Resources - 2817 Millwood Ave., Columbia 29205
Please note the following:
- The application is hard copy only and will be completed on the day of voucher distribution.
- WE WILL NOT complete the application prior to scheduled dates and times listed.
This program starts June 1, if you live in a neighboring county and have questions in regards to your county's voucher program, please contact Willie Nixon at South Columbia Department of Social Services via email or by calling 803-898-1760.
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