the
HomeFront
a newsletter for REACH residents
Volume 20 Issue 1
Teach Her to Quilt and the Entire Family Stays Warm
From 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 Electronic
REACH 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
Holiday Parties in Review
Holiday 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.
Holiday Gift Assistance
Once 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.
REACH Resident Newsletter
Community Connections
It’s Your Money. You Earned It. Go Get It!
As much as $6,044 could be waiting for you when you file a tax
return and claim the earned income, child, or education tax
credits! Trained volunteers are ready to help you e-file for free at
many locations in Oregon and Washington.
In Portland, come to the Ritzdorf Court Apartments, 1225 SE
Belmont Street on any Saturday from February 7th until April
11th. First come, first served from 8:30-11:30am. For more
information about this location, please call Molly McGlone at
(503) 501-5736. To find out about other free tax prep locations in
Portland, go to http://www.cashoregon.org/taxprep/sites.htm.
Many community partners in Clark County are also hosting tax
prep volunteers, including the Community Housing Resource
Center and Three Creeks, Battle Ground, and Cascade Park
libraries. Learn more at: http://www.aarp-tax-aide-swwashington.org/sites.html
Bring with you:
• Your W-2s
• Any 1099s
• Your picture ID and Social Security card
• A copy of last year’s return (if you have it)
• Child care expense info and children’s social security cards
• Health insurance info (if you bought health insurance on
your own in 2014)
There are several special credit programs available to lowincome households:
Earned Income Tax Credit: If you earned income last year, you
may be eligible for a larger refund. Families with two or more
children get the largest amount of money back, but single
people are also eligible.
Child Tax Credits: Your child care expenses may offset the tax
you pay and/or increase your refund. You also get a tax credit for
taking care of your children.
Education Credits: Were you a student in 2014? There are several
different credits you are eligible for, or you may be able to
deduct the tuition and other expenses you paid, resulting in
lower taxes.
Youth$ave Community Service
REACH’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.
Resident Profile:
Virginia Noggle
Virginia 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.
January–March, 2015
3
“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
[email protected]. Space is limited, so don’t miss out!