the HomeFronta newsletter for REACH residents Volume 20 Issue 1

Teach Her to Quilt and the Entire Family Stays WarmFrom our partnership with Retired Citizens Volunteer Program, also known as RSVP, we were privileged with two exceptionally talented volunteers who gave of their time, skills and talents in quilting to teach our residents at Orchards and Gateway Gardens in Washougal.During the 20 week series in Orchards, Washington we had four women learn how to make their first quilt. They learned how to use a sewing machine, a round blade fabric cutter, and other tools and materials designed to make quilting easier. Although there were many seams that had to be taken out and re-sewn, fabric squares and other pieces having to be recut to maintain the integrity of their quilts. Those residents soon discovered this was a commitment they had not anticipated, but stuck through it and their finished products were definite beauties to cherish.The volunteers loved sharing their quilting talents, along with witnessing the growth and beauty of the quilts they had taught the women to sew. They quickly prepared to start another series of classes at Gateway Gardens in Washougal, Washington.At Gateway Gardens we had six women wanting to learn the finer skills of quilting. We found more used sewing machines, and in addition the volunteers brought in their own machines every week to share with the residents and the fun began.The quilting patterns and fabrics were chosen and they soon got started. They quickly found a sense of pleasure. They enjoyed learning how to use the new "scissors” along with the other tools and materials, and learning that accuracy was essential to making the quilting pattern.One of the participants, Bambi Scates, just did not care for that "rolling cutter thingy" (as she called it,) but as hard as she tried to get the volunteers to let her use regular scissors, she finally conceded. The volunteers were adamant she too needed to use the right tools for the right job.That lesson and many more resonated deeply for Bambi and today she has made a total of 6 quilts for herself, her children, and grandson. She is now making one for the newest addition to her family, her newborn niece.Bambi now creates her own quilt patterns and puts quilts together as if she has been quilting for years and years. She is just as adamant about doing them as exact as she was taught and still on occasion has to rip out a seam or two and re­ sew it; but to see the pride she feels every time she completes another quilt is awesome.Her next desire is to begin making lap quilts and donate them to senior citizens and veterans at the VA here in Vancouver, Washington. She said she wants to give back what she has been taught and believes there is a reason she has acquired this talent. She is so grateful to the volunteers who did not give in to her and made her learn how to use the tools of the trade.

GOING GREEN – HomeFront Newsletter Going ElectronicREACH has been successful in our Green efforts.  As we continue to do business in a socially and environmentally responsible way, the next issue of the REACH resident newsletter will be sent out electronically.  You will be receiving more information from your Resident Services Coordinator on how to get on the email notification list.

Community Connections

REACH Resident Newsletter

Holiday Gift AssistanceOnce again the REACH community came together to ensure that children living in REACH housing were better able to have a happy holiday. Children under the age of 12 were able to choose a gift and children 13-18 received a $25 gift card. Every household with a child named on their lease was eligible. Residents had an opportunity to choose their donated gifts at designated sites. We received toys and cash donations from many individual donors and several organizations including the KGW Toy Drive, which provided toys and other gifts for over 230 children in REACH housing.

Holiday Parties in ReviewHoliday celebrations have been happening at multiples properties this season. The festivities vary, but include music, good food, Santa and good times for everyone.  Hope your holidays were filled of joy and peace.

Community Connections

January–March, 2015 3

Resident Profile: Virginia NoggleVirginia Noggle is a cherished REACH resident and volunteer. She loves to make a difference in the lives of others because she knows what its like to change and adapt to a new way of living. Virginia had overcome great adversity in her life. She was on the streets at 12 years old. She was a couch surfer, never had any stability, never paid rent or held down a job. At 21, she got in trouble for the first time and was sent to jail. She was a frequent client at Rose Haven, and she formed relationships with staff and other clients during her visits. Visiting Rose Haven had a positive impact on Virginia, but she still remained on the streets. Then something life changing occurred: At 49 years old, Virginia was heading for the crack house and on her way there, she was literally hit by a tri met bus. Somehow Virginia ended up trapped under the bus for 2.5 hours. The bus was parked on her legs for a very long time. This gave her time to reflect, and while she was stuck under that bus, she saw a vision of God in the mud puddle and had an epiphany that the lifestyle she had been living for 43 years was not working for her. The vision in the mud puddle asked her to choose between life and death. She chose life. The bus was towed after that and Virginia claims that when they lifted that bus she lost consciousness and the next thing she remembers is her son and her best friend standing over her in the hospital. After the accident, it took Virginia one year to learn how to walk again. She returned to her lifestyle only to end up in treatment. It was through the treatment center that she finally got housing. Rose Haven put her into college. Then through college, Virginia learned about REACH. Through REACH, Virginia’s experience at college, and Rose Haven, she was able to rejoin society and change her lifestyle. Virginia has been a REACH resident for eight years. She gives back to her community and empowers residents by volunteering at REACH. She volunteers with REACH helping with various volunteer activities, does several workshops at the Rose Apartments and is an amazing role model. She inspires everyone around her with her story and encourages other women and residents to think positively. She is a wonderful and inspirational teacher.

It’s Your Money. You Earned It. Go Get It!As much as $6,044 could be waiting for you when you file a tax return and claim the earned income, child, or education tax credits! Trained volunteers are ready to help you e-file for free at many locations in Oregon and Washington.In Portland, come to the Ritzdorf Court Apartments, 1225 SE Belmont Street on any Saturday from February 7th until April 11th. First come, first served from 8:30-11:30am. For more information about this location, please call Molly McGlone at (503) 501-5736. To find out about other free tax prep locations in Portland, go to http://www.cashoregon.org/taxprep/sites.htm.Many community partners in Clark County are also hosting tax prep volunteers, including the Community Housing Resource Center and Three Creeks, Battle Ground, and Cascade Park libraries. Learn more at: http://www.aarp-tax-aide-sw-washington.org/sites.htmlBring with you:

• Your W-2s• Any 1099s• Your picture ID and Social Security card• A copy of last year’s return (if you have it)• Child care expense info and children’s social security cards• Health insurance info (if you bought health insurance on

your own in 2014)There are several special credit programs available to low-income households:Earned Income Tax Credit: If you earned income last year, you may be eligible for a larger refund. Families with two or more children get the largest amount of money back, but single people are also eligible.Child Tax Credits: Your child care expenses may offset the tax you pay and/or increase your refund. You also get a tax credit for taking care of your children.Education Credits: Were you a student in 2014? There are several different credits you are eligible for, or you may be able to deduct the tuition and other expenses you paid, resulting in lower taxes.

Youth$ave Community ServiceREACH’s Youth$ave program participants have been very busy helping in their community. So far this session our volunteers have helped to portion out 13,848 pounds of food at the Oregon Food Bank as well as baked treats for adoptable pets at the Oregon Humane Society. In February our group will be coming together to prepare a meal for a local youth homeless shelter and in March will be lending a hand removing invasive plant species. Youth$ave, REACH’s one of a kind youth savings program, provides these opportunities as a way for children living in REACH housing to earn money while contributing to our community. If interested in finding out more about Youth$ave, contact Angie Lancaster at 503-501-5732.

“A Healthy Community Begins at Home”

HomeFront January–March 2015

New Year, New You! Get Help Achieving Your Financial Goals in 2015!Do you dream of going back to school, owning a home, or just having money left over at the end of each month? REACH offers several opportunities to help our residents in Oregon and Washington achieve their goals. Financial Education Workshops: Designed for residents with a stable income who are working toward their next step. During these workshops you will learn how to organize your financial life, develop new money management skills, and set and achieve your goals. Individual Coaching: Do you have specific questions or concerns about your finances? Are you dealing with a difficult situation like student loan debt or pay day loans that have gotten out of control? Take advantage of personalized coaching with our staff! Coaching sessions can be scheduled at a time and place that’s convenient for you.Matched-Savings Program: If you are interested in higher education, buying a home, or starting a small business, a matched savings program might be a great fit. An IDA (Individual Development Account) is a special kind of savings account where each $1 you save gets matched by either $2 or $3. IDA participants can receive up to $9,000 in matching funds to use toward education, homeownership, microenterprise, or employment-related goals. To learn more or sign-up for any of these opportunities please contact Molly at 503-501-5736 or mmcglone@reachcdc.org. Space is limited, so don’t miss out!