Criterium

contentsChoice Neighborhoods Update .............. 2Geraldine Barnes Recipient .................... 3What’s Happening?................................... 3

President’s Message ............................. 4Upcoming Events................................... 4

the GazetteVolume 2013

Issue 1

monthly in-house publication for THA employees and its publics

The Tampa Housing Authority welcomes the Criterium Bike Races to Encore!

Without a cloud in the sky, the 5th annual Crit or Criterium Bike Race kicked off on Saturday, March 16th on the Encore grounds with an approximate crowd of more than 500 people; cyclists from all over came to enjoy a day of cycling, food, vendors and fun for the entire family. The Encore development site, which consists of 28 acres, is currently the home of ‘the Ella’ and soon ‘the Reed and Trio’, was host to number of amateur qualifying races. This was the first year that the Tampa Housing Authority partnered with the Criterium organization and hopes to play a part in next year’s festivities.

Bikers from all over the state of Florida get ready for race qualifiers.

Competitor making his way to the starting line

Mike Butler, David Hollis, Leroy Moore and Lorenzo Reed enjoying the races.

The Ella at Encore!

the Gazette Spring 2013 3 Spring 2013 2

What’s Happening?

“Old people love to give good advice; it compensates them for their inability to set a bad example.”Francois de la R o c h e f o u c a u l d

On May 9th @ 10:00am The Housing Authority with the City of Tampa Senior Services Department will be hosting its Annual Elder Affairs Day Celebration at the Oaks of Riverview located at 110 E. Kirby Street, Tampa, Fl. 33604

the Gazette HATS OFF TO YOU!!

GERALDINE BARNES RECIPIENT (February 2013)

Ms. Bershauna Moore is a resident of C. Blythe Andrews, and currently receives Case Management Services through the ROSS Service Coordinator Program. She has successfully completed the FSS program while achieving all her goals which included: Howenership, Financial Literacy and Computer Essentials Training. Ms. Moore did all of this while remaining gainfully employed and Public Assistance free. Ms. Moore has been very instrumental with participating in Crime Watch for her community and serves as the

Secretary for Resident Council. She currently sits on the Board for the Hillsborough County Head Start Policy Council. She is a member of the Ladies Interested in Life Involvement Education and Self-Motivation, aka the LILIES Women’s Involvement Project. The LILIES program was created to empower woman and caregivers of children enrolled into the Headstart Program, allowing them to gain the skills necessary for personal and professional growth amongst themselves, family members, and the community at large. The ultimate goal of the LILIES program is to improve self-esteem and increased independence which Ms. Moore has clearly displayed. Ms. Moore previously participated in the Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance Leadership Academy, earning leadership candidate of the year, for her essay on lobbying to save different programs here in Hillsborough County.

CENTRAL PARK / YBOR COMMUNITIES ARE THE BENEFICIARIES OF A $30 MILLION HUD CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD GRANT AwARDED TO THA!

The Tampa Housing Authority is one of four agencies to be awarded a 2012 Choice Neighborhood Implementation Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD made the announcement on December 13, 2012 that it will be awarding the Tampa Housing Authority and its partners $30 million dollars to help revitalize the Central Park Village and Ybor City neighborhoods. The funds will be used to build the Tempo, a new multi-family apartment building at the Encore, provide further supportive services to former Central Park residents, provide streetscape improvements along Scott Street, create an instructive urban farm on the Meacham School site, renovate Perry Harvey Park, and create a job training facility on land provided by GTE Federal Credit Union. The Grant will also extend case management services for families relocated from Central Park Village for another 5 years.For more information visit www.thafl.com/Choice-Neighborhoods.

HUD officials pose in front of a picture of Ella Fitzgerald that hangs in the lobby of the Ella building during a recent tour of

the Choice Neighborhood sites.

The Trio construction is on schedule. A quick drive by shows the first level of the buildings under construction.

Congratulations for a job well done!

April 2013Employees of the Month!

Twelve partners comprise the Just Neighborhood Collaborative funded by the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County. Building Resilient Individuals Developed through Guidance, Education and Strengthening (BRIDGES) a local, grant funded program awarded to the Housing Authority of the City of Tampa, will provide case management and supportive services to preganant women and families with children. The focus of this program is to groom children, through community, family social support systems so that they may reach their fullest potential.

The kick-off event celebrating this program was held at the N. Boulevard park earlier this month. More than 300 residents and their families attended this informative occasion.

Ms. Moore with her counselor Keara Thompson

Maria RuizManager of Budget/Performance

ORED3 year Employee

Shon RouseMechanic IIJ.L. Young

13 year Employee

B.R.I.D.G.E.SBuilding Resilient Individuals Developed through Guidance,

Education and Strengthening

Families who attended the kick-off enjoyed a multitude of vendors who offered informational materials, face painting, music, food and games.

Spring 2013 4

Housing Authority contact information

(813) 341-9101

Public Relations (813) 341-9101 ext. 3540

Lillian StringerDirector of Public Relations

(813) 341-9101

NewsletterLaToya Carter

(813) 341-9101 ext. 3590

www.thafl.com

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF TAMPA5301 West Cypress StreetTampa, FL 33607

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Dr. Hazel HarveyChairperson

Robert ShimbergVice Chairperson

M.G. “Manny” Alvarez, Jr.

James A. Cloar

Billi Johnson-Griffin

Ruben E. Padgett

Ben Wacksman

Jerome D. RyansPresident / CEO

As we enter into spring anticipating all of the festivities that the summer season will bring; I am reminded of how important it is for us to treat every opportunity as a blessing and a way for us to take an assessment of the things that we could all do to help others. I come to work enthralled knowing that I work with a group of dedicated and committed professionals.

This year is definitely a year of promise for THA and it will only get better! There are a lot of things happening with so many authorities all over the state of Florida unfortunately being affected by the Federal Sequestration, I would be remiss if I didn’t say in spite of these set backs- we are one of the most fortunate organizations around.

No matter what happens, I am confident that we will do great things in the months to come and in the years to follow. My hope is that we embody the tenacity and patience it will take for all of us to make it through this rough patch within our economy and country. Again, thank you for all of your hardwork and remember to spring into action as we are always moving forward.

Jerome D. RyansPresident/CEO FR

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UPCOMING CLASSES &

EVENTS

PARENTING CLASSES - every Thursday 10 a.m. at 1390 W. Green StreetANGER MANAGEMENT CLASSES - every Thursday 11 a.m. at 1390 W. Green Street

the Gazette

the Gazette