NEW VISION HOUSE OF HOPE
Thinking Outside the Box: Housing the Homeless T hrough the Pandemic
the Program and Helping Peers James Dupree: Peer Specialist
Transitional Housing: Providing Homes & Healing DARREN COLE : Transitional Housing Coordinator
CHARLES CULVER, SR: FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF NEW VISION HOUSE OF HOPE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
F E A T U R E A R T I C L E
04
The Man Behind The Vision: Charles Culver Sr,: Founder & President
08
12
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20
08 12 16 20 24 28 30 36
Transitional Housing: Providing Homes & Healing; Darren Cole
Giving Back to Those Who Gave: SSVF Serves Veterans & Families
Through the Program & Helping Peers: James Dupree
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28
PRP Program: Above & Beyond Psychiatric Care: Donna Allen
Seasoned Client Mentors Newcomers in Their Journey to Recovery
Employing the “Hard to Place” Thomas Hardnett: INIATIVES INC.
Thinking Outside the Box: Housing the Homeless Through the Pandemic
The Kelly Hill Ross Show: Fall Feature Will Shine a Light on NVHOH
30
36
C harles Culver, Sr., founded New Vision of Hope in 2003 with a dream made into a reality to serve those in need. As quoted on the NVHOH website, “I’ll give my last dollar and the shirt off my back to help someone.” He started off wearing many hats, working as a case manager, substance abuse counselor, offering transportation, and much more. Nearly twenty years later, he has a thriving non-profit organization staffed with like-minded philanthropists, some of whom were former clients. Mr. Culver shares that he, too, struggled with addiction and incarceration. Perhaps that is what makes NVHOH so special. He’s been there, and now he’s giving back. Continually improving, Mr. Culver announces the latest project for NVHOH: “We will be establishing a workforce development team, a workforce rehabilitation team, a job
readiness team—the VA has approved and given us funding on a year-to-year basis to help homeless veterans and veterans on the verge of becoming homeless, to become employed…. To do that, we have to have a job developer, job coaches, and peers, so we’ll be hiring people with experience, including veterans.” He knows something about veterans and their needs— he is one. “I was an army veteran, six years in the military. When I came home, these programs weren’t there, and I was homeless with a wife and child. I want to help veterans because I was one of those men.” Mr. Culver told
the story of a client who’d been formerly incarcerated and came to New Vision House of Hope. “He sat
CHARLES CULVER, SR: FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF NEW VISION HOUSE OF HOPE
with us, and we talked.” Mr. Carter shared with his client, “I’m a recovering addict and formerly incarcerated too. I have twenty-nine years clean now. If I can do it, you can do it. We came from the same streets in Baltimore.” Another client came in broken, beaten
rather be in prison. Why? Because he’d been institutionalized. They tell him when to get up, when to eat, when to shower, and when to go to bed. And I’m trying. It’s a slow process, but I’m trying.” He and his team tell the client, “Give me one goal you want to accomplish.”
down, and with a walker. “We put a team of ladies around her. They helped and prayed for her to get through her demons of addictions and homelessness. We tell our clients, “We will reach down to help pull you up. You’ve just got to grab hold of that hand. Don’t let go, and we’ll love you until you learn to love yourself.” That lady is now one of
The client answers, “A job.” So, his team is looking to place him in a vocational program. Hands-on. That’s what NVHOH is all about. “I couldn’t ask for a better staff, from our executive team to our janitor. HOPE stands for Helping Other People Every day.”
our most prominent people. She’s the president of the CAB (Consumer Advisory Board). She tells us our clients’ needs because she’s been through it.” He adds wistfully, “Those are the stories I love to talk about. I’ve lost a lot of people in between; people who just took this [opportunity] for granted and didn’t make it.” But there is always hope,
including one gentleman who’d been in prison for thirty years. “He says he’d
No matter where you are on your life's journey, we can help. Our dedicated staff will be with you every step of the way. If you have any questions, reach out to learn more about what makes us different. If you or someone you know needs help, please call our helpline at 410-466-8558. If you are requesting materials to be mailed to you, please provide your mailing address .
NEWVISIONHOUSEOFHOPE.ORG 300 E. Lombard St, Suite 100, Baltimore, MD 21202 410-466-8558
Transitional Housing: Providing Homes & Healing DARREN COLE : Transitional Housing Coordinator
D arren Cole is the Transitional Housing Coordinator for New Vision House of Hope (NVHOH). His job is in charge of maintaining the housing; he assigns job duties, places food and supply orders, and provides transportation, ensuring NVHOH’s clients “Get to go where they need to go.” New Vision House of Hope is not just a housing organization. They provide food, transportation, and more. They take care of the whole person. And Darren makes sure they are never lacking in supplies. When asked if New Vision House of Hope also supplies clothing, he answers in a rhyme, “If we have their size, we will provide.” He laughs and adds that if they don’t, they’ll provide anyway, stating, “We take care of all their needs, from top to bottom. I order, pay for, and supply anything we need for the houses here at New Vision House of Hope.” Darren can relate in a special way to clients in recovery. “I am a recovering addict. I was six months clean when I started here.” Soon he’ll celebrate a significant anniversary working at New Vision House of Hope: “July 11 will be ten years!” Since he started, he’s worked in many positions at New Vision House of Hope, from
driver to house manager, to shelter manager, to shelter coordinator, and now to his current position as housing coordinator. He shares a story about a client who came from prison with a mandated stay at New Vision House of Hope. Darren says with pride, “He completed the program and started working here. He's my assistant—employed two years now and doing great.” Along with NVHOH’s programs, there is another aspect to the healing process: Darren is involved in planning “Retreat” activities. Not a program, not a class—it’s good, old-fashioned fun. Every major holiday, clients are treated to a party in the park—food, drink, DJ, a tent—the works. When asked if this is an outreach for the community, Darren says fondly, “No, this one is for the clients.” Are there any new programs he would like to see added? Darren shares that he would love to see an additional “Detox” program. When asked why,
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“Whatever needs to be done, I’m on it.”
-DARREN COLE
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since New Vision House of Hope already has a mental
health department, he explains that a detox program would “get them off what they were using, get them stable first, and then they could enroll in the mental health and substance abuse program.” One additional step, which just goes to show how new programs come about—New Vision House of Hope staff really care. It’s almost a moot question, but why New Vision House of Hope? “New Vision House of Hope was something I wanted. The longer I stayed here, the more I became passionate about what I'm doing. The more I dealt with individuals, the more I became involved.” Darren cares: “Not just for the client, but what I'm doing for the client.”
Enter Safely.
Call: 410.466.8558
300 E. Lombard St, Suite 1000 Baltimore, MD 21202
Visit In Person:
Visit Online: newvisionhouseofhope.org
N ew V ision S ervices: • Transitional Housing • Substance Abuse Outpatient Therapy • Mental Health Services • Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
E merge STRONG.
GIVING Back to Those WHO GAVE: SSVF Serves V eterans & Their Families
V ictoria Wynn: Deputy Director for Supportive Services
for Veteran Families “I am really grateful I am able to serve.”
Starting as a program coordinator in 2013, Victoria Wynn has been in her position of Deputy Director for SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families) at New Vision House of Hope for a year and a half. With a Veteran’s Administration- funded grant, Victoria’s job is “To make sure we are reaching the goal of serving 250 veterans a year,” providing housing stability for the homeless and those at-risk for homelessness. Serving individuals and families, she oversees operations and staff to ensure that veteran families receive the best level of service possible. In addition, Ms. Wynn is responsible for seeing that the grant's goals are executed in accordance with the Veterans Administration’s SSVF Program guidelines. Ms. Wynn states, “Helping veterans establish a consistent income is a key factor in stabilizing housing crises. Our case managers assess barriers and make the appropriate referrals for employment and/or compensation through state, federal and community benefits. We currently work with Easter Seals, which has an employment development program.” Ms. Wynn shared that, in the near future, New Vision House of Hope will provide employment services via their newly acquired HVRP grant award. “Our President, Mr. Charles
Culver, is very excited about providing such a vital service to our veteran population.” When asked whether she works in the background or with the veterans, she
laughs and says, “All hands on deck! My position is not only responsible for administration and operations, but I also collaborate with my staff daily to help resolve issues. Sometimes I may be incredibly involved with a veteran family. You may find me anywhere in the office helping with anything from assisting veterans with paperwork to cleaning out the refrigerator.” When asked what she hopes for the future of New Vision House of Hope, she shares: “I am hoping the Supportive Services for Veterans Families Program continues to expand
and to provide additional services. Our veterans deserve the very best comprehensive services we can provide to them” So, what inspired Victoria to choose New Vision House of Hope? “I’ve always worked in community organizations, especially nonprofit.” Victoria started in healthcare, and she saw the vulnerable population there. So, transitioning to helping the homeless population was a natural choice for her, as she saw the need for this service. More than a job, Victoria feels it is her mission to help others and dives into her work wholeheartedly: “I am really grateful I am able to serve.” -VICTORIA WYNN
AGENCY AD 9
INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAM NVHOH is committed to providing a therapeutic, yet compassionate environment for both men and women and to equipping participants with the tools, skills and resources needed to maintain a sober and healthy lifestyle.
Our curriculum includes:
• Individual Counseling • Group Counseling
• Early Recovery Skills • Relapse Prevention • Stress Management & Emotional Well-Being
• Alcohol & Other Drug Education • Random Toxicology Screenings
• Mental Health Treatment • Resources and Referrals
DON’T GET LOST ADDICTION PLEASE... CONTACT US SO WE CAN HELP YOU RECOVER BECAUSE OF YOUR NEWVISIONHOUSEOFHOPE.ORG 410-466-8558 300 E. Lombard St, Suite 100, Baltimore, MD 21202 CONTACT US TODAY!
“New Vision House of Hope has helped me see a new vision in my life.” -James Dupree
W hen James Dupree came to New Vision House of Hope looking for housing assistance seven months ago, little did he know how quickly his life would change. When he realized how many different programs were available, he answered with an enthusiastic “YES! I want everything. Give me mental health, behavioral health, I want addictions, I want it all.” Though he wasn’t sure if he needed help in certain areas of his life, he decided there was always room for improvement: “Even if it ain't broke, I’m trying to make it better than it was. And that’s still my motivation since I’ve been here. Once they gave me a real glimpse of what is possible to do, I jumped on board and started to pursue those things. Now I'm on my way to being an addictions counselor. I plan on going to college.” As a former client, he can connect with the newcomers. He is now a peer coach, sitting in on meetings and working directly with his peers. “I’m an advocate. I do the best job I can do for myself and my peers.” And just who are his clients? “Most clients are recovering. Everybody comes in at different stages in their lives.” So what does being a peer coach entail? James answers that it differs daily: “Sometimes I'm talking to the group, sometimes one-on- one, trying to be supportive when they have issues. A lot of guys are coming straight off the street or coming out of very difficult living situations, so we’re trying to give them a little normalcy.”
the Program and Helping Peers James Dupree: Peer Specialist
And they need housing. Clients are given a room in a house when they first come in. As they progress through the program, they graduate to their own space. “We have house managers— usually someone who has gone through the program or is still going thru the program but has progressed and graduated IOP [Intensive Outpatient Program] and are starting their PRP (Psychological Rehabilitation Program) process. We are making leaders. We are trying to pull that leadership out of them.” From housing to behavioral health and more, James shares that he’s a “resource guy,” and if NVOH doesn’t have a program a client needs, they’ll find it: “This is a one-stop-shop. Anything and everything you need to progress and move forward, you can get at New Vision House of Hope. If you can't get it here, we know where to send you.” James is excited about the next leg of his journey— he’s well on his way to getting certified as a support specialist intern. “New Vision House of Hope has helped me see a new vision in my life. That’s me, all the way. I can appreciate everything NVHOH has given; their effort to help me get into school, to help me take the CPRS [Certified Peer Recovery Specialist] classes, to help me get a scholarship– and the counselors here are phenomenal.”
A Place to Thrive NVHOH welcomes people of all cultures, races, genders and sexual orientation.
To date, NVHOH has directly and indirectly served over 4,500 men and women all across the great State of Maryland, and beyond.
newvisionhouseofhope.org 410.466.8558 CALL: VISIT US ONLINE: Contact New Vision Today!
VISIT US IN PERSON:
300 E. Lombard St, Suite 1000 Baltimore, MD 21202
PRP Program: Above & Beyond Psychiatric Care
P RP, which stands for Psychiatric Rehabilitative Program, is for those needing psychiatric care. Because of PRP, New Vision House of Hope has an on-site therapist, Timothy McLaurin, a licensed clinical professional counselor, and executive director at ‘You and M.E.’ counseling. Donna explains that with PRP, patients have the right to choose outside help: “When clients come in, we ask if they want inpatient or outpatient. Some are uncomfortable with inpatient. So we’ll ask if they want us to help them or if they are already seeing a therapist..” If they choose to go through the program, “We want two months. We’ll refer them to a therapist. Our job is to be an advocate for them. Do they need disability pay, SSI, MCA, housing, or even just daily living skills? Are they having a problem with a roommate in transitional housing? Sometimes they are scared or don’t know where a location is, and so we accompany them to a doctor or therapist.” Donna is very involved with her clients. “I do notes.” That’s what she calls her meetings
Donna Allen: PRP SPECIALIST
and write-ups. She sees each of her eleven clients “six times a month.” She laughs and says,
“That’s what the program requires. In reality, it's way
for our company. He’s giving back.” So, what happens to those who go through PRP? “They get their hope back. They definitely get that hope back, that passion and joy for living, rebuilding what they lost. They take off. They say, “It’s me! I’m back!” Donna reflects on what her position means to her. “I help them, but they help me too. I like doing what I do; it brings me joy.
more!” She shares how recently, a client called needing to go to the bank on her day off. “So, I got out of bed, picked up the client, and went to the bank!” Donna explained that she always answers the phone calls or texts, even on her day off. “They may be in crisis and can’t wait that long. If I had a counselor, I would want them to be there for me.” She added, “You’ve got to go beyond, sometimes.” With a master's
I go home at night and think about what I did today. It’s another day to help somebody.”
in addiction, Donna could be working in substance abuse, but she enjoys the psychiatric side, which often overlaps. “Many clients need therapy because of their addiction.” The
PRP program has made quite a positive impact on those who otherwise couldn’t afford psychiatric care. “PRP is a big part of mental health care now.” Donna shares that “A gentleman came in so broken. When they come in, they have no hope; I'm glad our name has ‘hope’ in it. He grabbed onto that hope and turned his recovery into a passion. He went to school to be a counselor, became an intern, and now has a part- time job. Now he's working
The WORST thing is watching someone DROWN and not being able to convince them that they can SAVE THEMSELVES by just standing up.
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SEASONED CLIENT Mentors Newcomers in their
N e w V i s i o
A nthony Harris’ optimism is contagious. But it wasn’t always that way. Before New Vision House of Hope (which he found through Google), he had been living in an “Abandominium,” as he calls it—less than a house, boarded up—and completely unsafe. “When I first came here, to be honest with you, I was afraid. I didn’t know how it was going to turn out. Then the house manager came thru the door and spoke to me: ‘What's your name, where are you from?’ Then he asked me what I was doing to try to propel myself forward. And said, ‘You made the right choice.’” Anthony explains that they “really cared, and they didn’t even know me. It made me want to stay.” He shared his experience regarding his first night at NVHOH. “They gave me a room and a blanket. I asked for two.” He laughs. “So, they gave me two blankets.”
Anthony explains that when people off the streets first come to NVHOH, sometimes they simply look for the necessities of life: getting something to eat, fresh clothing, and shelter.” And so, his journey to recovery began. Going through the different programs and meetings offered, he committed himself. When asked what kind of meetings he went to, he answered, “AA meetings, NA meetings, house meetings; I wanted to go to all of them. I still go to meetings. The whole group has been so helpful, especially Charles— Senior, Junior, and Darren.” He added with gratitude, “ This program is so awesome; it helped me so much. I
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Anthony admits that recovery takes work. “I’m not going to say it's easy peasy; we must do something to maintain sobriety. I have to be vigilant. I'm subject to use at any time. By the grace of God, I really don’t want to use again. And if I don’t want to use again, I don’t have to use again. I already made that choice. We
cannot say enough about the program. I thank God for the program.” Anthony now helps clients who are just starting their journey. “I love helping people. If I can do anything to help the next individual out, I will. I call them my brothers. That’s what made me
stay longer. It's not about me all the time; it's about others. I want to pay it forward.” He shares his joy in seeing others
learn from each other that no man stands alone. One day at a time. One step at a time. I'm sticking with that.”
recover, in mind and body. It's so wonderful. You
get that mushy feeling. Then, after thirty days in the program, their demeanor changes. “The
program teaches me to be independent, to someday live by myself. I don’t know what God has in store for me, but I am so grateful to be in this House of Hope.” He explains that part of moving towards independence means getting a job, and NVHOH helped him. “I have a job right now in the janitorial division. They helped me with that and helped me with my resume. Then, before you know it, they told me to come in for my second interview. That was four months ago.”
A t New Vision House of Hope our treatment philosophy is based on the concept of chemical dependency as a chronic and progressive disease, and our treatment program encompasses services that are patient-centered, comprehensive, and culturally appropriate to the client populations that we serve.
NEWVISIONHOUSEOFHOPE.ORG 410-466-8558 300 E. Lombard St, Suite 100, Baltimore, MD 21202 CONTACT US TODAY!
T homas Hardnett and his partner, John Bugg, founded Initiatives Inc in 2010, a workforce development non-profit organization helping “hard to place” people get jobs. A true advocate for his clients, Mr. Hardnett talks to employers looking for help and introduces them to people looking for work. What sets his company apart is that Initiatives Inc’s potential employees have obstacles in the way of their job hunting. Perhaps they’ve just gotten out of jail, are recovering addicts, have mental health issues, or have simply been out of the workforce for too long. Or, perhaps they just live in a disadvantaged community with no opportunity for growth. Mr. Hardnett informs employers of incentive programs, such as Wage Subsidy, specially intended to encourage employers to take that leap of faith. However, incentives can only go so far. Employers wanted to do something good for their community. But they also wanted an employee they could count on. Potential employees just need a connection, and Initiatives Inc is their liaison, saying, ‘Take a chance on this person.’ Initiatives Inc teaches employees how to relate to people properly. “I always emphasize the importance of communication—written or body language.” Mr. Hardnett explains that what does or doesn’t get you a job is not the fact that you “don’t have a high school diploma, or you were incarcerated. Your communication skills will get you in the door.” Employing the “Hard to Place” Thomas Hardnett: Initiatives Inc
“It’s not the fact that you don’t have a high school diploma or you’ve been incarcerated. Your communication skills will get you in the door.” -THOMAS HARDNET
That’s where Initiatives Inc shines. Mr. Hardnett shares that Initiatives Inc. trains potential employees in skills they may be lacking, from social skills to how to do their job efficiently and effectively. When they meet with employers, Mr. Hardnett and John Bugg are both businessmen, so they go to other businesses not as social workers but as businesspeople. And it's not one way. “Many times, they come to us, especially since the pandemic. We are now getting calls from employers.” Initiatives Inc also provides Retention Services— the company’s duties don’t end when someone finds employment. “Retention Services’ job is to keep that client employed.” Employees call in weekly, and Retention Services give them support, such as “… a uniform, shoes, advice, whatever they need.” Mr. Hardnett sees the change in these employees and how they can eventually go on to buy cars and be homeowners. Thomas shares several success stories: “A young lady came to our office. We hired her as an intern, and she was making a stipend. She didn’t know how to use any office equipment. Now, she’s doing quite well, and her income has increased tremendously. Another young lady who started with us now owns a childcare service and is doing quite well. Another one started with us and is now a licensed mortgage broker.” When asked what he hopes for the future, Mr. Hardnett says, “We want to get the word out there. We have been very successful behind the scenes. The employers know who we are, but we need to get the message out there to the community.”
i t’s difficult getting back on your feet when you have a record. There are many roadblocks to getting a new job, but two issues, in particular, stand out. For one, employers may simply choose not to hire someone who is an ex-offender. Secondly, getting out of a structured environment such as a prison, where one is fed and housed and taken care of, can feel daunting when suddenly released into a world where there is no structure—at least, not yet. So, where do they start? How do they start over? And what if they have no particular job skills? Maryland’s Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation website states that Maryland’s statewide re-entry Initiative provides equal opportunity and access to employment services. For starters, Northwest American Job Center at Mondawmin Mall in Baltimore focuses on those integrating back into society, providing help with resumes, job training, and even information on starting an expungement process. The Apprenticeship Career Training Pilot Program for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals offers incentives for employers to provide on-the-job training for employees. The initiative provides a grant (maximum $1,000) for the employer to take the time to train–and gain–a valuable employee— and to take that leap of faith. The Maryland Workforce Exchange (MWE) is a portal for those who are highly skilled and seeking employment, as well as for employers looking for help. Through the MWE, Maryland Labor Staff connects employers with highly skilled candidates for their business. In addition, Maryland Labor Staff introduces returning citizens who are qualified and “employment ready” to those employers interested in hiring from the returning citizen population. People on board, called reentry navigators, provide help on both sides: they help to reintegrate returning citizens by aiding in job search and training resources, and they reach out to local businesses to advocate for the now-prepared returning citizen while addressing questions and concerns employers may have, and sharing information on grant opportunities, as an incentive to hiring the returning citizen. Another incentive for the employer is the Federal Bonding Program, UNICOR, which provides a $5,000 non-
transferrable fidelity insurance bond at no cost to the employer. Federal inmates must have been employed by UNICOR for at least six months during incarceration. Workforce Development
provides Correctional Education— training while incarcerated, so clients will be prepared when they return to “the real world.” Correctional Education provides a wide variety of studies, from architectural CADD to automotive, carpentry, hospitality, and much more. Maryland’s Re-entry Initiative also includes staff training, including OWDS (Offender Workforce Development Specialist),
National Certifications, Offender Employment Retention Specialists, and Re-entry Employment Specialists, all to help with the reintegration of returning citizens. The Re-entry Initiative gives returning citizens a second chance, a fresh start, and provides a valuable service to the community--an educated and skilled workforce member.
NORTHWEST AMERICAN JOB CENTER (RE-ENTRY CENTER) Mondawmin Mall, Suite 302 2401 Liberty Heights Avenue Baltimore, MD 21215 Telephone: 410-396-7873 Fax: 410-523-0970 DEPARTMENT OF LABOR DIVISION OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND ADULT LEARNING 1100 North Eutaw Street Baltimore, Maryland 21201 Telephone number: 410-767-2173 E-mail address: dldwdworkforcedevelopment-labor@maryland.gov
Starting Over–What Now? Workforce Development for Returning Citizens MARYLAND’S Re-entry Initiative provides aid for those formerly incarcerated or with criminal records.
GET PRIVATE ADDICTION TREATMENT & DETOX GET PRIVATE ADDICTION TREATMENT & DETOX GET PRIVATE ADDICTION TREATMENT & DETOX We have specialized programs that can start with detox through to rehabilitation. We have specialized programs that can start with detox through to rehabilitation. We have specialized programs that can start with detox through to rehabilitation. CALL: 410.466.8558 Visit: Newvisionhouseofhope.org Come to: 300 E. Lombard St, Suite 1000 Baltimore, MD 21202
A Place to Heal
• Caring and compassionate
staff committed to out clients’ success • Safe and clean living environment • Goal driven case management • Individual treatment and housing plans • Substance abuse relapse prevention counseling • Mental health monitoring and referrals • Supportive team living environment • Quality support groups and workshops • Ryan White oral health services
Thinking Outside the Box: T hrough the Pandemic Housing the Homeless A Snapshot of New Vision House of Hope During the COVID Shutdown
W hen the COVID pandemic shut down the rest of the world, New Vision House of Hope never had that option. After all, the homeless had to have somewhere to go. President Charles Culver, Sr, said, “We survived the COVID pandemic by the grace of God. We are an organization where clients come in the door from the streets, prisons, and hospitals. We had to be authorized to do COVID tests through the city health department, which could give us the results within 48 hours.” Isolating in the homes would be difficult. So, they came up with a solution. “We were allowed to put them up in hotels, but the staff still needed to bring them food and to make sure they got their vaccines. I really commend my excellent staff. I couldn't ask for a better staff.”
Darren Cole, Transitional Housing Coordinator, says, “We were hands-on, making sure all their needs were met. We were there every day— it was draining. The homeless can’t go on Zoom.” Kenny Thomas, a case manager for SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families), says, “Through the CARES act, we placed them in various hotels to get them off the streets. Other shelters and other avenues weren’t available. We were in constant contact [with our clients] because NVHOH worked straight through the pandemic. Working from home or out in the field, there was never a pause; we were always working.” Understanding that the homeless often struggle with addiction and behavioral health issues and do not do well with Zoom,
what about processing and interviews? Kenny, who helps veterans, explains, “We went out in the field, in a clean environment, and we did our interview. We masked up, practiced social distancing,
a very strong outreach coordinator who made sure we received the referrals to be able to help during the pandemic.” And for the executive side, how did things change? Michael McNeill, Vice President, says their board meetings went virtual. “There were
and made sure that our veterans were taken care of.” Given an impossible situation, New Vision House of Hope managed to house their clients in hotels so they could be isolated. However, they still needed food and vaccines, and the staff stepped up to the plate. Even with
grants available for NVHOH that we were able to take advantage
of to help us stay afloat and sustain us during the coronavirus shutdown. Still, NVHOH was impacted because sometimes in-
PPE, some team members and clients became COVID-positive, but there was no comparison to being homeless on the streets. Deputy Director of SSVF Victoria Wynn says, “We were severely impacted by COVID. However, we have a committed staff. We remained active in the community, using PPE, so we didn’t leave any veterans on the street or at risk of being homeless. We have
person training and in-person classes were switched to virtual. I used to meet with the clients and advise them on certain aspects of their lives, but I have not been able to do that, nor even mentor them in person— everything is done virtually.” As a pastor, he misses the in-person connection with his clients but maintains his virtual connections.
K elly Hill-Ross’ monthly social media talk show, The Kelly Hill Ross Show, will feature New Vision House of Hope on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter in the fall. But her relationship with NVHOH runs much deeper than a feature story. Her cousin, Harold, was incarcerated for fifty years at eighteen. He was like a brother to her. Upon his release, he needed a sponsor and a place to stay. So, Kelly took him to New Vision House of Hope. “ He was never a problem child; he was a nice person. He just hung with the wrong crowd.” But, after fifty years in prison, everything was now brand new to him. NVHOH gave him foundational support and reintegrated him back into society. “He even worked with NVHOH for a while!” And so did Kelly. While Harold was still part of the program, she designed workshops for clients needing life skills
training. “They need that foundation and someone to guide them. And that’s what I did.” She brought guest speakers, such as a nurse to discuss health and hygiene and a nutritionist to discuss food preparation and eating healthy. Sadly, her cousin passed away from COVID, but Kelly has kept her connection with NVHOH. She now works as an independent contractor. Being a creative person, some of her programs are pretty entertaining. “ In one of my workshops, clients displayed their talent, like singing, reminding them that they have skills.” In another self- affirming workshop, they all wore hats with the request: “Now describe yourself in relation to this hat.” Yet another, they all wore masks and were asked to “identify who you’re hiding behind.” Hidden behind a mask, they felt more comfortable opening up.
Kelly Hill Ross Show: Fall Feature Will Shine a Light on NVHOH
She adds that NVHOH “is very well-rounded, and I'm thankful they were there to help him.”
She’s done job skill training with mock interviews, covering subjects such as the importance of being on time, how to dress
appropriately, and how to communicate. “One lady came in, very talented, but had a chip on her shoulder. When you rubbed her the wrong way, she said all the wrong things. I love her to death, but we would say, ‘This is how you handle it. Not with the mouth.’ We laughed
She is grateful. “New Vision House of Hope is exactly what the name says; it gives the individuals hope. Jesse Jackson always said, ‘Keep hope alive.’ That’s what New Vision House of Hope did, and my cousin is
about it so many times. We taught her how to handle conflict.” She also talked about job placement, asking a transgender client which job would make her feel more comfortable and accepted.” She also worked with the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program, PRP. “If they had addictions, we’d talk about why and how are you handling it; how is it affecting your life? What are the consequences? I brought it to their attention.” Regarding The Kelly Hill Ross Show, she shares, “My mission is to create awareness and see more minority programming on the air.” She adds that on a past program, she did a feature “on mental health and illness where I featured my cousin Harold and New Vision House of Hope.”
proof of that.”
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