Submitted by Dr. Nadine Jarmon

Deerfield Beach Housing Authority

Fiscal year 2015-2016

DEERFIELD BEACH HOUSING AUTHORITY

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ANNUAL REPORT

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Mission Statement

To advocate and provide quality affordable housing and self-sufficiency programs that improves the quality of life for individual and families in Deerfield Beach.

Vision Statement

The Deerfield Beach Housing Authority will be the leader in advocating, promoting and developing affordable housing opportunities in the community.

Summary

Since our establishment by a charter of the City of Deerfield Beach in 1969, the Deerfield Beach Housing Authority has been committed to advocating for and providing affordable

housing for eligible individuals and families.

The Deerfield Beach Housing Authority works closely with the U.S. Department of HUD, the City of Deerfield Beach, and area agencies and organizations.

Our current housing portfolio and programs consist of 196 Public Housing units, Housing

Choice Voucher (Section 8), Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) “56 Tax Credit units; and we are the only Public Housing Authority to administer CDBG, HOME and SHIP in the state of

Florida.

Although we are a small housing authority, we have consistently and effectively been able to bring about organizational change, program integrity, operational effectiveness and

amalgamating federal, state and local resources.

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Executive Director's Message

I am pleased to present the 2015-2016 Executive Director’s Annual Report. The Deerfield Beach Housing Authority looks forward to future challenges and successes. Most importantly we look forward to assisting those in need and betterment of our community.

This message comes at a time of key transition for our organization. As you review this Annual Executive Report, you will notice we have accomplished a number of important initiatives. Concurrently, we have been spending a great deal of time working on the future of the Public Housing/RAD. Our goal remains; to serve our residents and provide affordable programs in the long term.

The fiscal year 2015-2016 was a remarkable turning point for the Deerfield Beach Housing Authority in many ways. In particular, it marked the end of the strategic period 2012-2016 with RAD. This was a historic achievement for the Deerfield Beach Housing Authority. We received a RAD grant award that should yield over $20 million in total disbursement cost for the renovation of 100 apartments at Stanley Terrace. Funds will also be used to aid in the new construction of a community resource center and management office.

Even in the face of this year’s challenges, DBHA has continued to focus on its mission and commitment to the residents of Deerfield Beach. DBHA has actively listened to the community and responded with new policies implemented to promote transparency, resident safety, and crime reduction and other public housing developments. We are determined to continue improving the living conditions and the economic status of DBHA.

As you review this report, we hope it reminds you of our recent successes and energize you for the future.

Thank you for tirelessly committing your time and energy to the success of this organization. I look forward to working with you in 2017.

Respectfully submitted,

Dr. Nadine Jarmon, Executive Director

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Deerfield Beach Housing Authority Organizational Chart

BoardofCommissioners

ExecutiveDirector

DeputyDirector

DirectorofHousing

Operations

PalmsPropertyManager

Maintenance

StanleyTerracePropertyManager

Maintenance

TownhomesPropertyManager

Maintenance

HCVDirector

FSSManager

HCVCoordinator

HQSInspector

CDBG

ComplianceOfficer

GeneralCounsel FinancialAdvisor

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Building on Past Successes -TOP 10 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

1. Community Development Block Grant– on-site renovation, received additional funding through SHIP (new allocation of $1,000,000). Dr. Jarmon successfully represented DBHA at the HUD meeting with Chairman Pelt.

2. Rental Assistance Demonstration Program (RAD) - 1st RAD coming to an end and the 2nd RAD beginning.

3. Policy Updates - Updated DBHA’s Personnel Policy and Employee Handbook. DBHA’s customer service survey implemented on all sites and with the work orders and the implementation of the Streamline Rule Provision adopted.

4. Several Memorandums of Understanding– Broward County Housing Authority (FRAUD) and Light Ones Path Foundations Inc (Free Clinic), DMV system and a NEW Summer School Enrichment Program at Stanley Terrace Apartments.

5. The 4th Annual Destination Graduation was held in May 2016. This was another awesome year. There were 12 seniors participating.

6. Hiring new executive positions as discussed at the Strategic Planning Session in July 2015, including the new direction the agency would be taking under the RAD.

7. City of Deerfield presented DBHA with a certificate of appreciation for participation in the STOP the Violence Initiative.

8. Internal Staff Development - We have developed internal training to be held on the 2nd Friday (Lunch-N-Learn Leadership). We will continue our ongoing Lindsey System training on software in preparation for the RAD conversion. The executive staff attended FAHRO Executive Forum.

9. Roll Call- BSO and DBHA staff will be conducting roll call at different DBHA sites. The first one took place at The Palms and was very successful.

10. Grant Submissions- ROSS grant for the FSS coordinator and Elderly Supportive Services grant. MDRC Study funded $5,000 each year until 2018.

DBHA will continue to explore ways to improve our portfolio as we modernize our units. We will move forward to ensure Deerfield Beach Housing Authority empowers its residents and elevates the community to its greatest potential.

We have created Deerfield Beach Family Empowerment (501C3) which will foster strong relationships with community service providers and other non-profit organizations. DBHA continues to worked side-by-side with the community to bring real changes to Deerfield Beach through our RAD initiative.

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DEPARTMENTAL SECTION – DBHA PROPERTIES

Maintenance Department

The DBHA Maintenance department has continuously provided a safe and pleasant atmosphere for the residents of our public housing and townhome units. We are a dedicated team working towards the success of this agency, so I’m pleased to report that the maintenance department has completed the following projects for the fiscal year 2015-2016.

Palms of Deerfield Apartments 1. Restoration of hallway floors. (Stripped and Waxed) 2. The replacement of the wooden fencing around the Palms building 3. Tree trimming behind the Palms building 4. Annual Fire Extinguisher Recertification 5. Annual Sprinkler Recertification

Palms of Deerfield Beach Townhomes

1. Pressure cleaned sidewalks 2. Tree trimming 3. Installation of ceiling fans per audit finding 4. Pending Preventative Maintenance

Stanley Terrace Apartments 1. Tree branch trimming on trees near dwelling areas 2. Lighting upgrades on all 7 building walkways 3. Pressure cleaning of grounds with special attention to dumpster areas 4. Preparing vacant units for RAD relocation

Business Skill Center 1. Created personalized mobile parking decals for Commissioners 2. Weekly cleaning of grounds 3. Monthly preparations for Board Meetings 4. Monthly building light inspections 5. Ongoing AC repairs 6. Completion of roof repairs

Work Orders – During the fiscal year the maintenance team has completed over 2,081 work orders! Year to date emergency work order percentage completed within 24 hours is 94%. Percent of units inspected year to date is 99.49%

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DEPARTMENTAL SECTION – DBHA PROPERTIES

Compliance and Special Projects

This division conducts, develops, and implements DBHA’s procedures and policies for reviewing files in accordance with HUD requirements. This division is also responsible for ensuring the staff/program compliance and performance in monitoring SEMAP Indicators, Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Inspections, Rent Reasonableness processes, and ongoing Quality Control Review of Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program.

Highlights and accomplishments:

• Celebrated 50 HEART families on January 28, 2016 • HUD’s Approval of the 5 Year Plan • Partnered with Broward County Housing Authority for Fraud Recovery

Projects completed in 2015-2016:

• Assist CDBG with income determination • 5 Year Plan • Setting up Accurint • Quality Control Inspections • Assist HCV Director with the Waiting List • Review and update policies and procedures

Staff Training (internal and external):

• Early access to RentWatch5 Demo • Minor Home Repair Informational Workshop • GoSection8 Training • VAWA Training Workshop • LUNCH & LEARN-A Year in the Life of a SHIP Administrator • LUNCH & LEARN-Pitfalls to Avoid in the Rehab Process • LUNCH & LEARN-Purchase Assistance • LUNCH & LEARN-Notice of Funding Availability and Waiting Lists • Workshop-Special Needs Assistance with SHIP Funds • Accurint Product Demo • Nan McKay Housing Help Session-Streamlining Final Rule • Accurint for Government Training • DAVID Training • JLBR Non-Profit Leadership Series-Collaborative and Collective Impact

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DEPARTMENTAL SECTION – DBHA PROPERTIES

The Palms Townhouses

The Palms of Deerfield Beach Townhomes is a Low Income Housing Tax Credit property constructed and opened in 2008, through collaboration with private and public partners. The property is designed for working families and consists of 56 Townhome units; 24 two bedroom units (1.5 bath) and 32 three bedroom units (2.5 baths). Occupancy is 3-4 persons for a two bedroom and 5-6 persons for a three bedroom. Rents at the 50% range start at $779.00 for the two bedroom units and $895.00 for the three bedroom units. The 60% range starts from $935.00 for the two bedroom units and $1074.00 for the three bedroom units. The landlord pays the water, trash and sewer. We also offer washer and dryer rentals at $40.00 monthly. Amenities include central A/C, monthly pest control, ceiling fans in bedrooms and living room area, dishwasher, blinds, stove, refrigerator, car care area, clubhouse, and resident activities. Highlights and Accomplishments

• 100% occupied • Preventative maintenance for all dryer vents-cleaned • Resident meetings-resident activities • Summer Feeding Program • 56 ceiling fans installed in living room areas • Tree Trimming and landscape beautification (putting in bushes in empty areas) • Community policing-increased security • Fair Housing Audit • Tax Credit Specialist Training and Certification • Summer Employment Program • First Housing Compliance Training

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DEPARTMENTAL SECTION – DBHA PROPERTIES

Stanley Terrace Milestones

The Stanley Terrace Apartment community, built in 1970, provides a total of 96 two and three bedroom units for eligible low-income families. In an effort to meet the much needed renovations and upkeep for the property, the housing authority applied and was approved for HUD’s Rental Assistance Program (RAD) in 2013. The total development cost is over $20 million. The RAD conversion provides a more stable and predictable funding platform and allows owners to leverage additional funding for capital improvements. Over the next twelve to thirty-six months, all of DBHA’s 196 public housing units will be converted to RAD, triggering over $44 million in sorely needed construction at the housing developments throughout the city of Deerfield Beach, FL. In addition, this transformation will include Section 3 business owners, who offer our residents and the community economic opportunity. The RAD conversion is a transformative solution, allowing the housing authority to stabilize and raise the quality of its properties portfolio-wide. The construction plans consist of a complete renovation to include energy efficient appliances, solar panels on the roofs, new roofs, state of the art security cameras throughout the site, a laundry facility, a business center for the residents, modern-living, and outdoor family style living. Well renowned artist, George Gadson, will be enlisted to create a visually ecstatic art piece that exemplifies and transcends the evolution of our organization. Furthermore, this venture will promote the transformation of improvised areas into viable, mixed-income neighborhoods with access to economic opportunities helping to de-concentrated poverty.

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DEPARTMENTAL SECTION – DBHA PROPERTIES

The Palms Townhouses

The Palms of Deerfield Apartments is designated as a senior community. It features a total of 100 one bedroom and efficiency units, secured entry and patrolled grounds, laundry facilities, onsite staff and maintenance, and a large community room. The DBHA partners with agencies throughout the community to provide additional services to residents. Efficiency and one bedroom applications are currently being accepted for the Palms of Deerfield Apartments for individuals over age 52 only. We currently have 12 vacancies from 2015 to present due to the pending RAD construction project. Throughout the year our residents are kept informed and engaged in various meetings and social events and activities. Resident meetings: Housekeeping presentation meeting/Emergency preparedness meeting. Trainings: Tax Credit Specialist, Tax Credit Compliance and Fair Housing Property goals for 2015-2016

• To have a resident council that meets the residents’ social needs promoting positive and creative interactions

• Close and complete RAD construction project • Continue developing partnerships that enhance our programs and the clients we serve

Events and activities held at the Palms

• Legal shield documents safety presentation • Community beautification project - butterfly garden started • Volunteers participated in Earth Day • Spring lunch celebration • Bingo and house cleaning raffles • 211 Senior touch line presentation and registration • Pickett Fences – mental health presentation

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

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This program is administered by the City of Deerfield Beach in conjunction with the City’s consultant, Deerfield Beach Housing Authority (DBHA). The City of Deerfield Beach, through the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) and Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds, is pleased to provide purchase assistance and Home Rehabilitation for very low to moderate-income households.

• Jeanette Smith, CDBG Administrator (to your left)

• • Loleta Harris, Program Coordinator

• • Sheryl Dickey, Program Director (standing in the center)

Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS)

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The Family Self-Sufficiency Program had the following participants graduate and receive escrow from July 2015 through May 2016.

• One participant graduated by achieving 30% of the family’s gross adjusted income the family has moved into the private market.

• The other participant became a proud business owner. • Two participants graduated by becoming homeowners.

The National FSS Demonstration Study with MDRC update:

• Submitted and received 2015 allotment for the study of $5,000 on 7/18/2015 • MDRC site visits • Quarterly telephone check in meeting • Report submitted to Axway secure system for: updated contact information, 50058,

Contract of Participation & Individual Training and Service Plan and FSS escrow balances

FSS monthly events:

• Quarterly FSS check your process meetings • Mother’s Day Event • “I’M Worth It “Vision Board/Goal Setting and New Participant Orientation • Credit Counseling & Money Management Workshops • Monthly H2H meeting – Boca Raton and Ft. Lauderdale • FSS county wide graduation ceremony • Holiday Gift giving 2016

Deerfield Beach Housing Authority participates in Broward County’s

“Take Your Child to Work” Initiative

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Students were introduced to technology at DBHA and they saw first-hand how various forms of technology are used within the organization.

“I work for the government. In order for someone to go in a federal building, they need security clearance. It’s difficult for parents to bring their children to work, so I’m grateful that DBHA allowed my daughter to experience the workplace and what’s forthcoming,” said Gina Macenat.

Take Your Child to Work initiative is designed to assist students in generating ideas about future career paths.

“It gives them an opportunity to see how hard we work,” said Jennifer Ray. “Unlike her day at school, my 15-year-old daughter, Shechem Varice, had to endure a longer schedule. We started at 7 AM and ended at 5 PM.”

In addition, this activity provides an outlet for parents and other adults to showcase their places of employment and explain their job responsibilities and functions.

“I was so delighted with the way my boss showed compassion,” said Solomon Trench whose two sons participated in the event.

A day at work motivates students and helps them to make the connection between the classroom and the workplace.

“It’s important for our youth to see adults in their work environment and gain an appreciation for what their parents do,” said Executive Director, Nadine Jarmon, PhD.

DEERFIELD BEACH’s FAMILY EMPOWERMENT, 501c3

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Mission

Deerfield Beach Family Empowerment was incorporated as a non-profit organization on June 11, 2015 for the purpose of developing affordable housing and supporting families towards economic development and generational growth.

Vision

To provide residents with the tools successfully economic empowerment through obtaining of valuable employability skills, to improve and develop abilities/skills assistance program that will focus resources on breaking the cycle of poverty, allow families to live in dignity while transitioning through difficult circumstances and move people into the workforce.

By participating in our customized employment assistance referral services, workers can equip themselves for rewarding careers in a wide range of interesting and challenging occupations. Thus providing meaningful partnership to participants which are motivated to better themselves and the dedication to acquire the skills, knowledge, and experience required for gainful employment and economic development. This will enable the participant to become knowledgeable of the many service providers collaborative we have to offer and restore self resilience.

Accomplishments and Highlights

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DBHA Certificate of Appreciation from Commissioner Battle for Stop the

Violence March

Earth Rangers Club – Butterf ly, Flower and Vegetables Gardens Clean Up

Stanley Resident Meeting

FREE HEALTH FAIR AT THE PALMS

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The Broward County Sherriff’s Office (BSO)

The Broward County Sherriff’s office works closely with the Deerfield Beach Housing Authority in an effort to provide safe and pleasant living conditions for all residents. The officers and deputies enjoy meeting and interacting with the residents and their children. They serve as a positive role models for the children and the youth they encounter on a daily basis at the Stanley Terrace and the Palms Apartments.

Destination Graduation 2016

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Destination Graduation was created to encourage and award exceptional accomplishments of high school students who are current Deerfield Beach Housing Authority program participants. Many of the families that reside in public housing can ill afford the cost of the pomp and circumstance surrounding the key milestone of high school graduation.

Dr. Jarmon experienced this hardship personally when graduating from her high school in Conway, Arkansas many years ago and made a promise that if ever given the opportunity she would help others to not have to endure the embarrassment in being poor and of not having full access to the rich experience garnered from this important milestone in a student’s life and educational journey.

In fulfilling this promise Dr. Jarmon sponsors a full elaborate ceremony each year in which the families residing in public housing are afforded the opportunity to hear a very positive and motivational speech on the importance of this milestone and education in general and she funds the payment of the cap and gown, class rings, and yearbooks.

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Destination Graduation 2016

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Goals for 2016-2017

With the significant strides we’ve made during the past year we understand that there continues to be much more work to be done.

Further, we understand the overall agency goals and objectives must be comprehensively developed with the Board and staff. An agency strategic planning session is being planned in the near future and will be fully developed prior to the commencement of our next fiscal year beginning October 2016. In the meantime, we have identified a few recommended goals to undertake during the next year. Following is a list of items that we plan to focus on for the upcoming year:

• Staff training and educational opportunities.

• RAD Closing for the Palms Elderly.

• Revamp Executive Office with use of funds from Developer Fee.

• Renegotiate Contract with the City in administering the CDBG, HOME, and SHIP funds.

• Regain High Performer status for all Section 8 Program

• Diversity funding revenue.

• Enroll 50 participants in the FSS program.

• Develop Deerfield Beach Family Empowerment Office space for administration of grant programs.

• To ensure DBHA developments meet their goals.

• DBHA will continue to researched best practices in resident housing and community development services and create a redevelopment plan.

By continuing to educate the community, city officials and residents, we will position ourselves to revolutionize the way we administer low and moderate income housing in the city of Deerfield Beach.

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Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners consists of eight members appointed by the Mayor of Deerfield Beach for three years. Board members are recognized leaders in the community who use their varied areas of expertise to formulate policies and approve initiatives for DBHA.

v Anthony Pelt, Chairman

v Jamie Marlowe, Vice-Chairman

v Naomi Gayle, Commissioner

v Tony Guadagnino, Commissioner

v Marta Rivera, Commissioner

v Annette Scott Woods-Mitchell, Commissioner

v David Reynolds, Commissioner

v Attorney David Tolces – DBHA Legal Counsel

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DBHA enjoys active participation from dedicated Board of Commissioners

Farewell to Dr. Jamie Marlowe, Vice-Chairman. We will miss you!!!

Commissioner Guadagnino and volunteers from Christian Love Fellowship Church

Commissioner Woods-Mitchell has been a trooper as a resident council mentor, summer enrichment and resident empowerment initiatives.

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Commissioner Gayle support of Deerfield Beach Family Empowerment.

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FACT Resident Council

The FACT Resident Council is a viable and active council. It consist of persons residing in public housing and have met standard must meet each of the following requirements in order to receive official recognition from the HA/HUD, to be eligible to receive funds for resident council activities, and stipends for officers for their related costs for volunteer work in public housing.

2015-2016 FACT Officers

Islah A. Azizi, President

Patricia Wynter, Assistant Treasurer

Alberta Terry, Assistant Secretary

Aida Ruea, Chaplain

Beverly Copeland, Vice- President

Linda Ruise, Sergeant – At - Arms

Yvonne Patterson, Treasurer

Johnny Mae Copeland, Secretary

Mr. Childs, Public and Community Relations

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Events/Activities for the Residents 2015-2016

DBHA employee’s work really hard and we the place that our staff want to work. Most of our salary staff employees voluntarily work well over 40+ hours per week. We have implement Lunch and Learn Learning workshops.

The workshops are held once a month. We have seen evidence that if you allow employees to engage in something they want to do, (which) is playful, there are better outcomes in terms of productivity and motivation. These activities can also lower your stress levels, boost your optimism, and increase your motivation and improve concentration and perseverance.

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Partnerships/Events/Activities for the Residents 2015-2016

BSO has partnered with DBHA to do their weekly “roll call” rotating between Stanley Terrace and the Palms Campus Apartments.

The March Against Crime and Gang Activity

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DBHA Staff farewell and best wishes to Eric, Martha and Joyce….

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It is FINALLY here…RAD CLOSING!!!

There's a day when you realize that “turning the page” is the best feeling in the world. I had that feeling when we were awarded RAD. As I begin and continue to turn the page, I have embraced the uncertainties with RAD throughout the past three years but have enjoyed some of the most inspirational chapters of Deerfield Beach Housing Authority (Destination Graduation, Family Empowerment, RAD award for the Palms and most of all the beginning of a redevelopment empowerment organization).

Today, I will close the door to the Past; open the door to the Future DBHA. I will take a deep breath and step forward into a new pathway with Deerfield Beach Housing Authority. Every test that I have been challenged with in my capacity as Executive Director has made me better; with every problem there is a breakthrough. I am determined to assist with the transition of making Deerfield Beach Housing Authority one of the most successful housing authorities in the nation.

Sincerely,

DDrr.. NNaaddiinnee JJaarrmmoonn