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____________________________________________________________________________________________________

VOLUME 3 FIRST QUARTER 2014

Community Connector Strengthening the bond of unity between the Lakeland Housing Authority and the communities that it serves.

Inside you will find………………………

From the desk of the LHA Executive Director

From the desk of the LHA Resident Services Director

LHA Residents Organization’s Christmas Social

The Cooking Corner

2013 Rock the Block

Community Calendar

The residents of West Lake Homes and John Wright Homes enjoyed the Christmas Social that was held

at the West Lake community during the holiday season of 2013. The event was coordinated by Karen

Rudolph, City-Wide Residents Organization Representative who is pictured above with DeAundray

Williams (left) and Ronald Rodman, President/CEO of Rodman & Rodman Landscaping (right).

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From the desk of ……………

Benjamin Stevenson, Executive Director

Greetings Everyone:

I would like to begin by wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!! I trust everyone had a

wonderful and blessed holiday season. We are still trying to make progress at LHA and continue

to provide quality services for the residents of our communities.

I also want to thank the members of the City-Wide Resident Organization for the many

activities that they held over the holidays. Special recognition goes to Karen Rudolph for the

Christmas Gala at West Lake Apartments, Shakia Young and Judy Haggins for the Rock the

Block celebration at 10th

Street and North Florida Avenue (which was attended by more than

1,000 people) and Joyce Giles for organizing the Senior Luncheon for the senior residents of

the Manor at West Bartow, Cecil Gober Villas and The Renaissance. Ms. Haggins also

organized a group of residents to participate in the 2014 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade.

LHA greatly appreciates all of the resident leaders for the wonderful job they are doing. LHA

recently received written notice of HUD’s approval of the City-Wide Resident Organization as

the official Resident Advisory Board for LHA residents.

Appreciation and thanks is also extended to those residents that are participating in the

“Resident Employment Transportation Assistance Program” or “RETAP.” The RETAP

provides bus passes for any resident of a LHA community that needs transportation to and from

work, a job interview, job training or self-sufficiency program or training event. We also want to

thank Citrus Connection for partnering with LHA to provide this service. Persons interested in

the program may contact Earl Haynes or Cynthia Zorn-Shaw by calling (863) 413-3394 Ext.

308, for more information.

Finally, I would like to wish each and every one peace, love and all of God’s blessing during

2014. I want to also thank all of our partners for working with LHA to provide employment,

healthcare and affordable housing opportunities for our youth and adults. Our LHA families

greatly benefited from the services and opportunities provided by our community partners. We

are very grateful and thankful.

__________________________________________________________________________

COMMUNITY CONNECTOR Cynthia E. Zorn-Shaw, Editor/Publisher

Telephone: (863) 413-3394 Ext. 308

E-mail: czornshaw@lakelandhousing.org

.

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LAKELAND HOUSING AUTHORITY’S

RESIDENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT

Resident Services Office

Monday – Friday

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (unless otherwise posted)

Computer Center

Monday – Thursday

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (unless otherwise posted)

Friday

9:00 a.m. – 12 noon (unless otherwise posted)

Computer usage reservations are available. To make a reservation, please call

(863) 413-3394 Ext. 308

Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when using the computers. Shirts and

pants (worn at waistline with belt) are required. No undershirts, boxers only, or pajamas allowed.

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Reflections of 2013

As we look back at the beginning of 2013. I am proud of the accomplishments we have made. We have

recognized that the Authority can no longer work in isolation and that collaboration and building a

positive relationship with our residents and community partners are our greatest asset.

We are especially proud of YouthBuild graduation rate and placement both exceeded the goal and

requirement of the Department of Labor.

The Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinators assisted twelve (12) Family Self-Sufficiency Participants in a

successful graduation were public assistance was no longer needed.

The Authority began publication of an agency newsletter, upon a suggestion, from the LHA Board

Chairman, Michael Pimentel; thus resulting in the Community Connector, being a Florida Association of

Housing , award-winning newsletter in 2013.

Recognized Achievements (Program Awards 2013) Best Practice Award for the Office Skills Training

Program and Best Newsletter (FAHRO).

Received 2013 NAHRO (National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials) Award of Merit

in Housing and Community Development for our Youth-Build Lakeland and Office Skills Program.

Received a Race to Place Champion Award from workforce partner agency Polk Works.

LHA absorbed trainees from all of our training programs; they were made either permanent or hired as

temporary.

All of our Communities now have resident representative. They are active and really motivated to get

things accomplished.

As Resident Services Director, I attended the Community Meeting about gangs in Lakeland in November

2013. The meeting opened my eyes to the seriousness of gang activity in our Lakeland Community. It is

real and prevalent with 260 documented gang members and associates. At that time, there were 46 listed

gangs in Lakeland.

In 2014, we are looking forward to offering our residents a variety of self-sufficiency opportunities that

encourage employment (as did the RETAP in 2013), homeownership, entrepreneurship and most

importantly, enhance resident and management relations.

From the desk of ………

Earl W. Haynes, Resident Services Director

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Housing Authority Residents

Organization host Christmas Social

The members of the Lakeland Housing Authority’s City-Wide Residents Organization (CWRO)

were busy serving the residents during the month of December. In conjunction with the

Lakeland Housing Authority, Karen Rudolph, CWRO West Lake Homes Representative, put in

a lot of time and energy to coordinate a Christmas Social for the residents of West Lake and John

Wright Homes. The social gala was held at the West Lake Community center on Saturday,

December 14, 2013 from 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. This “meet and greet” event was one of the

largest events that has ever been held at West Lake Homes. Rudolph reached out to partner with

the Lakeland Housing Authority, Lighthouse Ministry, Polk Works, Florida Department of

Health, U.S. Small Business Development Center-Tampa Office, Africreations, Sarah Ashe

Ministries, Pinxster Entertainment DJ Services, E3 Life Church, Polk State College, Peace

River Center, Coney Funeral Home, Polk County Sheriff Office, TD Bank, Northlake Wire

Association, the American Lung Association Health, Rodmon & Rodmon Landscaping,

Mimi Café and YouthBuild-Lakeland.

Throughout the day, everyone enjoyed free beverages and grilled foods. There was a bounce

house for the children (and young at heart!). Various vendors provided health, employment, and

safety information to the residents. Pinxster Entertainment’s DJ rendered musical

entertainment to keep the atmosphere lively. Forty turkeys with other food commodities were

distributed to families with a need. Four ticket holders received gift certificates.

AfriCreations Crochet was one of the participating vendors at the Christmas Social.

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Residents visited the different vendor booths that were set-up.

Children enjoyed the bounce house. Vanessa Johnson, LHA Property

Manager enjoyed helping the children on the bounce house.

Housing Authority Residents Organization host Christmas Social (cont.)

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We Care

IN ENGLISH Benefits for Enrolling with

We Care Services, Inc. Access to Extensive Physician Services as needed on site.

One entitled monthly office or home Check–Up

Unlimited Access to “Ask-A-Nurse Program” as Needed

One Entitled Monthly Nurse Home Visit

Individualized Disease Management protocol per client

On – Going Monitoring

Medication compliance

Fall Prevention Program

Mental Health Access

Medical Social Services

Pharmacy Services

Monthly Home Health Aide Visit for Light House Keeping

Unlimited access to Angel Watch Dog Program

EN ESPAÑOL

Beneficios de Enrolarse con We Care Services, Inc.

Acceso a servicios de doctores según la necesidad

Una cita mensual o chequeo en su casa

Programa de acceso sin limite para preguntas-a –una- enfermera según sea necesario

Derecho a una visita mensual de una enfermera

Cuidado de salud personalizado según la necesidad del paciente

Chequeo Continuo De sus medicinas

Programa para prevenir caidas

Acceso a servicios de salud mental

Servicios sociales medicos

Servicios de farmacia

Una visita mensual para ayuda casera de parte de una assistente de salud

Acceso sin limite al programa Angel Watch Dog

We Care Services, Inc., Now providing services to the residents of the Lakeland Housing Authority at

The Renaissance Manor, 150 West 14th

Street, Lakeland, Florida 33805. Call (863) 413-3394 Ext. 308 for further information.

Wellness Campaign to Keep You Out of the Hospital

Campaña de Salud para Mantenerse Fuera del Hospital

We Care Services, Inc.

“Working Together for Healthier Communities”

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The Cooking Corner

Spicy Jerk Pork with Fried Rice

_________________________________________________________________________

Let’s Move! America’s Move to Raise a Healthier Generation of Kids

“The physical and emotional health of an entire generation and the economic health and security of our nation is at stake." First Lady Michelle Obama at the Let’s Move! - February 9, 2010

Let’s Move! is a comprehensive initiative, launched by the First Lady, dedicated to solving the challenge of childhood obesity within a

generation, so that children born today will grow up healthier and able to pursue their dreams. Combining comprehensive strategies with

common sense, Let's Move! is about putting children on the path to a healthy future during their earliest months and years. Giving parents

helpful information and fostering environments that support healthy choices. Providing healthier foods in our schools. Ensuring that every

family has access to healthy, affordable food. And, helping kids become more physically active.

Everyone has a role to play in reducing childhood obesity, including parents, elected officials from all levels of government, schools, health care

professionals, faith-based and community-based organizations, and private sector companies. Your involvement is key to ensuring a healthy

future for our children.

Visit the Let’s Move website at: http://www.letsmove.gov/

2 - 3 teaspoons curry powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon dry white wine or dry sherry

12 ounces pork tenderloin, thinly sliced crosswise

3 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil

2 red, orange, and/or yellow sweet peppers, cut into bite-size pieces

1 banana pepper, sliced crosswise and seeded, if desired

3 cups cold cooked long grain rice*

Fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley

Lime halves or wedges

In a small bowl combine curry powder, salt, cayenne pepper, and ginger. In a separate small bowl combine soy sauce and wine;

set aside. Place pork in a resealable plastic bag. Add spice mixture to bag. Seal bag; toss to coat. Heat a 14-inch flat-bottomed

wok or 12-inch stainless-steel skillet over high heat until a bead of water vaporizes within 2 seconds of contact. Swirl in 1

tablespoon. of peanut oil, add pork and stir-fry 2 minutes or until pork is no longer pink. Remove pork from skillet. Swirl in another

Tbsp. of oil. Add peppers; stir-fry 2 to 3 minutes. Remove peppers from pan. Add remaining 1 tablespoon. of oil and rice; stir-fry 2

minutes, breaking up rice with spatula until heated through. Swirl in soy sauce mixture. Return pork and peppers to pan; stir-fry 1

minute until heated through. To serve, sprinkle with parsley. Pass lime wedges.

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Harvest Rocks the Block in Lakeland

During the 2013 holiday season, the Harvest Outreach community Rock the Block was held at the corner

of 10th Street and North Florida Avenue in Lakeland. The free family event was attended by a crowd of

more than a thousand adults, teens and children who enjoyed free hotdogs, beverages, chips, sno-cones,

cotton candy, and a bounce house throughout the day. Some of them received free haircuts, disposable

diapers, more than 5,000 wrapped Christmas gifts and/or one of the 60 bicycles that were given away.

Numerous families were afforded the opportunity for their first family portrait, at no cost. “It was

awesome. This was the first family portrait for my son and I,” shared Yosmendia Williams. A donation

of 500 pairs of children’s shoes provided the opportunity for 500 children to be fitted and receive a brand

new pair of tennis shoes. The Harvest Assembly Youth Choir treated the audience with beautiful

Christmas songs. More than 2,000 bags of groceries and 450 hams were distributed to families who were

in need of food. Amidst the morning of fun, all activities ceased as A Special Christmas Message was

shared by Pastor Robbie Morrow of Harvest Assembly of God. Afterwards many youth and adults came

forth to receive prayer for their individual needs. Thirteen Lakeland Housing Authority families each

received a free Christmas Turkey & Foods Basket donated by the Lakeland Masonic Lodge No. 52. The

baskets were distributed by some of the lodge members during Rock the Block. This effort was

coordinated by Ronald Rodman, Owner of Rodman and Rodman Landscaping in Winter Haven.

See additional photos of this event on the next page and by visiting the LHA website at: www.lakelandhousing.org

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Rock the Block

brings hope into the

community.

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THIS & THAT

Lakeland Housing Authority

Staff Relocate to New Offices

The new year began with relocation for some of the staff members at Lakeland Housing

Authority. Earl W. Haynes, Resident Services Director and Linda Willis, Public Housing

Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator were relocated to the Emma Smith-Turner Center

located at 1500 N. New York Avenue, Lakeland, Florida 33805. The new telephone number

is (863) 413-3394. Mr. Haynes can be reached at Ext. 305 and Mrs. Willis at Ext. 306.

Dayen Valentine, Housing Choice Voucher Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator was

relocated to LHA’s Section 8 office located at 1818 Harden Boulevard, Suite 140,

Lakeland, Florida 33803. Mr. Valentine can be reached at (863) 413-3200.

Applications Being Accepted for Polk County

Magnet & Choice Schools

Parents who wish to submit an application for your child or children to attend a Polk County

magnet or choice school for the 2014/2015 school year should submit an application during

the Open Enrollment Period.

All applications must be completed on-line. The application process is open until 5:00 p.m.

on Monday, February 24, 2014. The link to complete the application is: https://magnet.polk-

fl.net/app_1.asp

If you do not have a home computer, contact the school where your child attends to ask for

assistance. Also, computer usage is available at local libraries and at the Lakeland Housing

Authority’s Emma Turner Center. For an appointment, call (863) 413-3394 Ext. 308.

Get Involved, Stay Informed, Stay Engaged

The Lakeland Housing Authority encourages its residents to Get Involved, Stay Informed.

There are various monthly meetings held, free activities for residents of all ages, connections

to local agencies who can assist with supportive services, programs to help you become self-

sufficient, and much more. We encourage you to visit the information boards located on the

property where you live to see postings from LHA and/or other agencies.

For further information, call LHA’s Resident Services Department at (863) 413-3394 Ext. 308.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

LHA Residents Meeting - Cecil Gober Villa

Second Wednesday of each month - 10:00 a.m. Cecil Gober Villa Community Center

2626 N. Florida Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33805

LHA Residents Meeting – West Lake Homes and John Wright Homes

First Thursday of each month - 6:00 p.m. YouthBuild Community Center, 501 Hartsell Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33815

The public is invited to attend.

LHA Residents Meeting – Colton Meadows and Villa at Lake Bonnet

Second Thursday of each month - 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend. Location to be announced. Call (863) 687-2911 Ext. 210.

LHA Residents Meeting – Dakota Park/Lake Ridge/Washington Oaks/The Manor

Third Thursday of each month - 6:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend. Location to be announced. Call (863) 413-3394 Ext. 300.

LHA Residents Meeting – The Manor at West Bartow

Fourth Thursday of each month The public is invited to attend. Location and time to be announced. Call (863) 413-3394 Ext. 300.

Lakeland Branch NAACP Association Meeting

*Second and Fourth Tuesday of the month - 6:30 p.m. Coleman-Bush Building

1104 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33805

Lakeland Branch NAACP 2014 Freedom Fund Banquet Bishop Henry Ross Family Life Center, 1302 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue

Lakeland, FL 33805

Saturday, February 22, 2014 - 7:00 p.m.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Lakeland Housing Authority is to provide quality, affordable

housing and self-sufficiency opportunities in an effective and professional manner, in

Lakeland and Polk County, Florida.