THIS is Columbia Housing - Vol. 1 - 2023
THIS is Columbia Housing
Weekly Roundup of CH Happenings: Volume 2023 - 1
Resident Success Story: Regina Brown - Servant Leader
Regina Brown's roots in volunteerism run deep. When growing up in Latimer Manor's public housing community, Regina Brown realized many of her peers weren't reading during the summer. So as a young adult, she started the successful Book Buddies Program bringing community leaders to public housing to read with the children.
As a young executive in her early 20s at Palmetto Health (now Prisma Health) Regina and the late Vince Ford ran the hospital's United Way Campaign. This year Regina is celebrating her 30th year as a "bell-ringer" for the Salvation Army's Holiday Red Kettle campaign. She recruited hundreds of others to join her each year.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, Regina conducted weekly bingo games with senior citizens at the Oak Read High Rise. She even helps build homes for Habitat for Humanity.
An Ordained Elder, Regina Brown's faith guides her as she reminds us of our responsibility to help our fellow man. That commitment was recognized when Regina received the Golden Palmetto Award for outstanding service to others.
These are some of the reasons that Regina's work is highlighted on the Columbia Housing Wall of Fame where she is an Honoree. Columbia Housing is proud to highlight Regina Brown, Community Servant, Ordained Elder, Wall of Fame Honoree, 34-year Career Standout at Prisma Health.
Columbia Housing Youth Compete in 2023 SERC MLK Basketball & Cheer Tournament in Goldsboro, NC
The Columbia Strong Basketball team, comprised of Columbia Housing youth ages 13-15, competed in the Southeastern Regional Conference Martin Luther King, Jr. Basketball Tournament January 13-15, 2023, in Goldsboro, NC.
For three decades the event has impacted the lives of youth residing in public housing throughout the southeast. The tournament provides a chance for the youth to showcase their talent and offers them the opportunity to participate in cultural experiences and learn about educational opportunities.
The team practiced hard and brought home the 3rd place trophy in their division. CH Staff accompanied the team as coaches and chaperones. Team Coordinator Cynthia Boykin said, "We are so excited to have participated in this year's tournament. It gave the participants a chance to not only play a sport they love, but to travel and experience new things."
Thanks to the staff and parents for supporting this worthy endeavor! Congratulations Columbia Strong!
#THISisColumbiaHousing
"Growing Up Gen Z" Launches for Columbia Housing Teens
Columbia Housing in partnership with SC DHEC recently launched a program called "Growing Up Gen Z" to promote peer mentoring and youth leadership among CH teen residents.
The "Growing Up Gen Z" program will include life skills, educational guidance, and health resources. A team of youth leaders called Ambassadors is currently preparing for the next phase of the program. Once the Ambassadors have completed their training, they will begin recruiting their friends to participate in weekly classes and activities.
SVP of Resident & Strategic Initiatives Taleshia Stewart said, "Our commitment to young people is ongoing throughout the year and we are thrilled to have this chance to offer additional programming to our teens. The resources being presented are so important for navigating issues faced by Gen Z."
If you would like more information about is program, please contact Youth Services Coordinator Keisha Lewis via email.
CH Team Attends National Industry Conference
Thousands of housing authorities, executive directors, staff, and commissioners attended the Commissioners Conference of the Public Housing Authorities Directors Association (PHADA) from January 8-11, 2023. This annual conference provides valuable information about legislative administrative topics relevant to the governance of public housing authorities.
Sessions regarding the new budget session, the 2023 HUD Appropriations Act, new physical inspection protocols, and many other topics were discussed during the conference. Professional development opportunities were also available through the Executive Director Education Program (EDEP) for registered participants.
Commissioners from the Columbia Housing Board, Cayce Housing Board, and staff attended. "Investing in our team is an investment in the agency's continued success." - Yvonda A. Bean, CH CEO.
Resident Resources
Attention CH Public Housing Residents, Family Self-Sufficiency Program Now Taking Applications
The CH Resident & Family Services Department is now accepting applications from CH public housing residents for the Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS). The FSS Program promotes financial independence among participants through increased earnings and savings.
Program participants work with an FSS service coordinator to identify their financial and employment-related goals. They can access education or training; and a range of support services, such as child care or credit repair. FSS participation is voluntary and typically lasts for up to five years, with a possible extension up to a total of seven years.
For additional information, please contact the FSS Coordinator for public housing, Angela Sumpter, via email.
Attention Residents of Oak Read High Rise & Arrington Manor - Prisma Heath Conducting "Take Charge of Your Health" Sessions Soon!
Start the new year off right by focusing on your health!
Health Coaches from Prisma Health will conduct classes at Oak Read High Rise and Arrington Manor to help residents stay on track or get back on track with their health goals!
Everybody gets together every Tuesday at Oak Read and every Wednesday at Arrington Manor from 9:00 am until Noon beginning January 24, 2023, to receive valuable information regarding health and wellness topics.
Blood pressure screenings will be conducted at the end of each session.
For more information, please contact Senior Services Coordinator Shonda Jordan via email.
