THIS is Columbia Housing - Vol. 2 - 2023
THIS is Columbia Housing
Weekly Roundup of CH Happenings: Volume 2023 - 2
Columbia Housing Salutes Employee of the Year - Robert Levine
Robert Levine has worked with Columbia Housing for 22 years. First as a contractor and now in his current role of overseeing the Office of Fleet and Grounds Management. Mr. Levine does so much more than his job title suggests. He is responsible for the upkeep on Columbia Housing's 100-vehivle fleet. He oversees the grounds keeping of ALL the agency's properties. He's the agency's official grill-master. He's even responsible for the raising and lowering of the flag each day in front of the headquarters building.
Mr. Levine routinely spends his off time helping Columbia Housing residents with various chores, repairs, and transportation. Mr. Levine (who is also an Assistant Pastor) does the same thing with others in the community.
When asked about his commitment to his work and to others; Mr. Levine's response was fitting: "To much is given, much is requires. I have been blessed in my personal and professional life; and I am thankful. Giving back comes naturally."
Columbia Housing CEO Yvonda Bean likes the way Mr. Levine goes the extra mile - not just some days, but EVERY day. "Mr. Lavine is often here when we arrive before 8 am and he is often here when we are leaving after 5 pm. He gives freely of himself and of his time. I love the compassion he has for our residents and others in the community. Columbia Housing is a better place because of the professional qualities of Mr. Robert Lavine."
#THISisColumbiaHousing
#HousersAtWork
#CHProud
#CHCares
Artist Keith Tolen Brings Arts & Crafts to Senior Residents
Award-winning artist Keith Tolen has teamed with our staff at Oak Read High Rise to host monthly arts & crafts workshops for our senior residents.
January's Paint & Sip session was a hit and participants created beautiful "Believe You Can Be Happy" paintings!
Thanks to Humana Medicare Advantage Plan for sponsoring the art supplies!
#THISisColumbiaHousing
#CHCares
#BelieveYouCan
#OurSeniorsROCK
"Growing Up Gen Z" Program Prepares Youth for a Healthy, Successful Future
Columbia Housing's collaboration with Fact Forward and SC DHEC is helping to prepare our youth for a healthy, successful future.
"Growing Up Gen Z" is an awesome youth project that pulls in many of our partners to provide direct resources to our young leaders. Thank you Richland Library Main, Prisma Health, Midlands Technical College, and Kiwan N. Fitch for "pouring into our children"!
Participants are challenged to increase their skills in decision-making, leadership, and public presentations. Weekly sessions are facilitated by Life Coach Kiwan Fitch, or Couch K as the students call her.
Thanks to the Resident & Family Services Team for making this important program happen!
#THISisColumbiaHousing
#PreparingTodayForTomorrow
#OurKidsAreGreatKids
#CHProud
In Memoriam
Remembering David Caldwell
Columbia Housing lost a long-time resident and friend on Sunday, January 30, 2023. Mr. David Caldwell served as the Treasurer for the Resident Executive Committee for many years and was a staunch advocate for his fellow CH residents.
Mr. Caldwell was quick with a smile and loved to dance. he frequently attended resident activities and was passionate about ensuring his community was served.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Caldwell's family during this difficult time. He will be missed by many.
Employee Spotlight - LaQuile Bracey CH Cares Coordinator & Certified Hearing Officer
Problem-Solver. Chief Advocate for the Residents. Quality Control Officer. All are great descriptors for LaQuile Bracey, Columbia Housing's CH Cares Coordinator & Certified Hearing Officer.
In her newly created role, LaQuile is tasked with making sure Columbia Housing staff is dotting 'I's and crossing 'T's when it comes to service delivery to residents. "If a resident calls with a concern - I work to resolve it. A lost of times, I will convene a Hearing to allow both sides to come together and provide documentation to back up their concern or request. After a fair hearing of all the facts - my role is to issue a decision and follow it through."
Columbia Housing CEO Yvonda Bean created the position to troubleshoot when needed. "I want our residents to know they have a welcoming place to go and a dedicated person to work with if they have housing-related concerns. LaQuile is a good fit for the position."
Columbia Housing resident Belinda Clark agrees that LaQuile Bracey is the right person for the job. "A few months ago, I needed Miss. LaQuile to help me get increased resources/services. She helped me so much. She is awesome. She is my guardian angel."
Congratulations to Columbia Housing's Family Self-Sufficiency Department on Recent Grant Award!
The CH Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Department was recently awarded a $109,532 grant by the Department of Housing & Urban Development.
The FSS Program enable s HUD-assisted families to increase their earned income and reduce their dependency on assistance programs. Services coordinated through the FSS Program include: childcare, transportation, education, job training, employment counseling, financial literacy, and homeownership.
For more information on the FSS Program, please contact Cynthia Boykin via email.
Columbia Housing Participates in Annual Pink Ice Gala to Benefit Local Scholarships
Columbia Housing was delighted to support Gamma NU Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the annual Pink Ice Scholarship Fundraiser!
The Pink Ice Gala is the largest scholarship fundraiser in the state of South Carolina and has taken place since 1981. Over half a million dollars has be awarded in college scholarships and to community efforts since its inception.
Thanks to the event organizers and sponsors for hosting such an awesome event and giving back tot the community!
#CommunityEngagement
#Scholarship
#PinkIce2023
