The Newark Housing Authority’s Family Self–Sufficiency Program held its 2007 graduation ceremony on April 25th. There were 24 graduates this year. As a class their list of accomplishments is impressive. Six families became homeowners. Graduates also completed vocational training, obtained higher education including GEDs, college degrees, and one Master’s degree, obtained permanent full time employment, and overcame substance abuse. In addition all 24 graduates have been off of TANF assistance for over a year.

The FSS Program helps participants become self-sufficient by providing opportunities for education, job training, counseling, and other forms of supportive services, so that they may obtain the education, employment, business and social skills necessary to achieve economic independence.

Families in FSS sign a five-year contract with NHA specifying the steps both the family and the NHA will take to move them toward financial independence. One of the many advantages of FSS is the ability save money through an FSS escrow account. When a participants income goes up instead of their rent increasing the increased amount goes into an escrow account.

The family can only claim this money upon successful completion of their FSS contract. The class of 2007’s accumulated escrow accounts totaled almost $250,000.

Congratulations to the Class of 2007: Idalia Arcelay, Linda Bearfield, Karen Bridges-Epps, Aminah Cooley, Nancy Crespo-Thompson, Julia Cuascut, Robin Green, Michelle Hargrove, Teresa Harris, Shawn Henderson, Carla Hollinger, Valacy Kennedy, Luz Maldonado, Kathryn McGraw, Annette Mejias, Mary Pittman, Maria Reyes, Tasha Scantling, Mary Taylor, Sherlonda Thomas, Shahidah Tonsul, Tammy Travis, Viva White, and Renee Wiggins