LITTLE DIXIE COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY www.littledixie.org January - March 2016 Vol. 11 Issue 1 Little Dixie Digest Women’s History Month: Rebecca Reynolds Courtesy of NeighborWorks.org For more than 35 years, our network of more than 240 nonprofit organizations provide a number of services to their communities, including access to homeownership and safe, affordable housing. At the helm of 40 percent of these organizations are female leaders. Rebecca “Becky” Reynolds is the executive director of Little Dixie Community Action Agency. She has more than two decades of experience in the community-based nonprofit space. She is committed to working diligently to alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty and changing the odds for families in Southeast Oklahoma. During this Women’s History Month, we asked her a few questions we think might help other women who are earlier in their careers. How has the work of community development and affordable housing changed during your professional career? I began my career in the community-based nonprofit field 22 years ago. The community development and affordable housing field has been ever-evolving. The focus remains the same - working with low-income and underserved communities - but the struggle faced by people in poverty has not. What’s your advice for women in this field? Have a good sense of humor and take it easy on yourself. This is serious and awesome work. You can become overly passionate and burn out; the combination of passion for social justice and the stresses of managing an organization can cripple the strongest. So take it easy on yourself; be gracious to both yourself and others in both success and failure. “The growth in technology is essential to designing and delivering products and Has this advice been important to your success? Why or why not? programs that are critical to community Yes, the passion for the work equates to a baseball metaphor: bat a thousand. and housing development.” Rebecca Reynolds Executive Director Little Dixie Community Action Agency When I grew up, our entire family had a love for baseball. As a family, our outings and vacations were focused around baseball. I believe if you are passionate about what you do, then you strive to bat a thousand and you will have more success than you ever imagined. Continued on page 10 Little Dixie Digest January - March 2016 Page 2 T&MA Contractor Department Tierra del Sol Housing Corporation Launches Satellite Office in Columbus, NM February 29, 2016 – Tierra del Sol Housing Corporation, a provider of affordable housing services and economic development opportunities, is pleased to announce the official opening of its Columbus, NM satellite office located at 100 E. North Boundary. An open house at the new location was held on February 11, 2016 and attended by many, including representatives from the Village of Columbus, USDA Rural Development, Congressman Steve Pearce’s office, NM Mortgage Finance Authority, Little Dixie CAA, Columbus Chamber of Commerce along with village residents, business owners and Tierra del Sol Housing Corporation staff. With the upcoming border expansion and to help meet local goals for housing needs and economic development opportunities, our expansion to Columbus is a sensible choice to better serve the community. Tierra del Sol Housing Corporation currently offers the following programs for the Columbus area: USDA Rural Development Housing Preservation Grants to low-income homeowners; OwnerOccupied Housing Rehabilitation/Mobile Home Replacement through the HOME Program; Low interest housing repair / home modification loans; Small Business Loans for business start-ups or expansion; Housing Counseling; and Financial Literacy. TdS is also commencing a Self-Help Affordable Housing Program to construct 24 single-family dwellings for home ownership opportunities. Left to right: Isidoro (Izzy) Hernandez, Deputy Director-NM Mortgage Finance Authority; Patsy Villalobos, Loan Specialist-USDA Rural Development; Rose Garcia, Executive Director-Tierra del Sol Housing Corporation; Jorge Salomon Gutierrez Maloof, President-Columbus Chamber of Commerce; Rosanna Soto, Self-Help Specialist-Little Dixie CAA; Peter Ibarbo, Outreach Director -Special Projects-U.S. Congressman Steve Pearce, NM District 2; Philip Skinner, Mayor-Village of Columbus; Mike Rudloff, Housing Rehabilitation Program Manager-Tierra del Sol Housing Corporation; Roberto Gutierrez, Vice-President-Columbus Chamber of Commerce. (Photo Courtesy of Bob Hearn) About Tierra del Sol Housing Corporation: Founded in April 1973, Tierra del Sol Housing Corporation has made possible affordable housing to hundreds of New Mexico farm workers, Continued on page 3 Little Dixie Digest January - March 2016 Page 3 T&MA Contractor Department Tierra del Sol Housing Corporation Launches Satellite Office in Columbus, NM, cont. Continued from page 2 the working poor, seniors and countless others. TdS’ initial efforts to bring the American Dream to rural New Mexicans was through a self-help housing program funded by the Farmers Home Administration. Today, Tierra del Sol continues in its rich-laden history of self-help housing in rural Dona Ana County and in urban settings such as in the City of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Its housing services has greatly expanded from its early years and today, Tierra del Sol is a leading producer of affordable housing in New Mexico. It is recognized as a leading producer of both single family and multifamily housing in the southwest region of the United States. Its success is based on collaborations and joint partnerships with both private and public funding providers. Mission Statement: “Tierra del Sol Housing Corporation is a regional housing community development corporation whose purpose is to improve the quality of life and economic conditions of low income persons residing in distressed and underserved communities by providing affordable housing and community development through construction activities, lending, training and employment opportunities.” Section 502 Packaging Training Several employees of Little Dixie CAA’s T&MA Contractor Department recently attended Section 502 Packaging Certification Training. This three-day advanced course covers USDA Rural Development’s Section 502 Direct Loan Program and provides invaluable insight as to how this homeownership financing resource can be utilized. It teaches participants how to assist potential borrowers and work in partnership with RD staff, as well as other nonprofit organizations and regional intermediaries to deliver successful Section 502 loan packages. This course is intended for and specifically framed for those experienced in utilizing Section 502 and/or other affordable housing mortgage products. Participants learn regulations and practical applications of the loan program, while developing a strong understanding of 502 direct underwriting and packaging standards. The other employees of the T&MA Contractor Department have previously attended similar trainings and Little Dixie CAA is happy to announce that all staff of the T&MA Contractor Department have become certified packagers for the Section 502 Direct Loan Program. Left to right: Little Dixie CAA T&MA Contractor Department staff Byron Fischer, Joan Edge, Joe Smith, Jeannie Reynolds, Randy Griffith, and Barney Ingram attending Section 502 Packaging Training. Little Dixie Digest January - March 2016 Page 4 T&MA Contractor Department March 25, 2016 New and Improved Income and Property Eligibility Site The USDA Income and Property Eligibility Website will have a new look and feel beginning March 30, 2016. All basic functionality will remain the same. Here is a sneak peek of the new site along with a few items of interest. 1. Contact Us Dropdown - Lists USDA representative for each state by program area. 2. Tutorials - Houses Eligibility Website User Guide (2.2 MB PDF). 3. Single Family Housing Guaranteed - Use this tab to narrow your search to Single Family Housing Guaranteed property and income eligibility determinations. Little Dixie Digest January - March 2016 Page 5 Summit Christian Academy Makes Annual Visit The tenth graders from Summit Christian Academy from Cedar Park, Texas, have been coming to Hugo, Oklahoma for the last 10 years to volunteer their services at Little Dixie Community Action Agency. They were here March 21-25 and worked on two of the homes that were under construction in the SelfHelp Housing Program. They also worked one day at Hugo Lake State Park helping with the cabin clean-up. Their vision statement is to “Graduate leaders equipped, enriched and empowered to IMPACT THE WORLD.” Ginger Lambert is the Impact Education Director for this group, and she and other adults accompany these kids to Hugo and work with them. Pictured with the students are Ginger Lambert and homeowner Brian Rogers, (center), at Brian’s new home in Antlers, Oklahoma. Valliant Chappell Apartment Available 2 Bedroom Apartment available located at 112 N. Chappell in Valliant, Ok. Rent: $449 Security Deposit Required: $350 Central Heat & Air Washer & Dryer Connections Appliances Tenant Pays Electric *Rental Vouchers Accepted *Must Meet Income Guidelines Little Dixie Digest January - March 2016 Page 6 Small Business Lending Assists New Clients Little Dixie CAA’s Small Business Lending Services recently assisted with start-up and expansion for two locally-owned businesses. Willey Carey, owner of Ms. Carey’s Cleaning Service, recently expanded her business. Ms. Carey has been offering commercial and residential cleaning services in southeast Oklahoma for over 15 years. Due to her expansion, she will be able to provide employment opportunities to job seekers in our area. Other goals include establishing an office in Hugo and purchasing additional equipment. For all your cleaning needs, you can contact Ms. Carey at (580) 372-7400. Pictured is Ms. Carey (center) and her “Carey’s Cleaning Service” staff members. Additionally, Little Dixie CAA’s Small Business Lending Services would like to congratulate Lyndon and Angela Howze, the new NAPA Store owner in Clayton, OK. Formerly known as Webster Auto Parts, the NAPA Store is now Cedar Hill Auto Supply and is located in the same building as Angela’s Beauty Salon, just south of Clayton on US 271. Lyndon and Angela are looking forward to continuing the same quality of service enjoyed by NAPA customers for many years. Little Dixie CAA offers business technical assistance and loans to new and existing businesses. We also partner with the Oklahoma Tax Commission to offer a monthly Business Tax Workshop. Please contact Carol Buster at (580) 326-5201 for help with Pictured is your business needs and remember to supDeniecsha port your local businesses. Scarberry with Lyndon and Angela Howze in front of Cedar Hill Auto Supply. Intermediary 502 Direct Loan Program Through partnership with USDA Rural Development, Little Dixie CAA is serving as Intermediary for the 502 Direct Loans in a six-state area. Little Dixie CAA was initially assigned four states: Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, and Nebraska. In February 2016, the agency added two more states: Louisiana and Missouri. Little Dixie CAA works to obtain USDA Rural Development approval and perform quality reviews on 502 Direct Loan applications prior to submission to Rural Development. The agency oversees ten certified packagers in these six states. There are currently five 502 Direct Loans submitted to USDA Rural Development for processing. As the Intermediary, Little Dixie CAA strives to increase the number of qualified 502 loan packagers across the six-state area for the purpose of identifying eligible loan applicants. By doing this, the agency assists in providing affordable housing for low and very-low income families. Little Dixie Digest January - March 2016 Page 7 Head Start / Early Head Start Staff Receive Child Development Credentials Little Dixe Head Start/Early Head Start is proud to announce numerous staff that have made a step forward in their Child Development careers. These employees dedicated countless hours in preparation for obtaining a renowned credential that displays a vast array of knowledge in the field of child development. The CDA (Child Development Associate) process involves a series of steps including completion of 120 education clock hours, which are obtained upon completion of Care Course workbooks relating to child development. Once these education hours have been completed, a comprehensive test is taken. Staff are observed in their prospective center participating in their scheduled daily routine and activities. Information from the observation is compiled with the test scores and reviewed by a CDA Council. Individuals receiving satisfactory scores are awarded the Child Development Associate credential. Staff members work very hard toward obtaining this credential and it is a great accomplishment. Hope Scott and Lori Edge obtained a CDA in the PreSchool setting. These ladies both work within three year old classrooms in the Head Start program. Ceara Sales, Megan Motes, Lindsey Peters, and Jessica Ferguson obtained a CDA in the Infant/Toddler setting. These ladies all work within the Early Head Start classrooms. Top row (L-R): Linsdey Peters, Jessica Ferguson and Ceara Sales Bottom row (L-R): Hope Scott and Megan Motes (Not pictured is Lori Edge) Clouds in the Sky Little Dixie CAA’s Haworth Head Start conducted science experiments to learn about clouds in the sky. The children used mason jars with water, shaving cream to represent rain clouds, and food coloring. The more food coloring the children added, the more “rain” would fall from the clouds. Little Dixie CAA congratulates these individuals on this accomplishment and fully support all endeavors that our staff make in furthering their skill sets and education within the field of Child Development. Little Dixie Digest January - March 2016 Page 8 Head Start / Early Head Start Singing in the Rain Little Dixie CAA’s Battiest Head Start took advantage of the weather while reading “Rainy Day Counting”. The children had so much fun singing and dancing in the rain. Circus Under the Big Top During the month of March, Little Dixie CAA’s Battiest Head Start celebrated with a circus theme. The children walked on stilts and just clowned around. Little Dixie Digest January - March 2016 Page 9 Head Start / Early Head Start AmeriCorps: Getting Things Done For Community and Country The 2015-2016 AmeriCorps Members are actively working with Little Dixie Head Start and Early Head Start children to help them complete their individual development plan (IDP) goals and be better prepared to enter kindergarten. The members quickly become an invaluable member of the classroom team once they begin their service in their designated centers. The staff appreciates the input and hard work the members dedicate to the program and all of the hours spent working to prepare the children to be successful in public school. Pictured is Doisha Furr, current AmeriCorps Member serving at Little Dixie CAA’s Battiest Head Start. She was playing “my first counting game” with these girls to help them with object counting and number recognition. To the AmeriCorps Members currently serving children in our Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms, Little Dixie Community Action Agency appreciates the time and effort you spend serving as school readiness coaches for our enrolled children. It takes a big heart to shape little minds! Thank you for helping shape little minds! Thank you for helping to improve the lives of the children we serve! You make a difference!!!!! Little Dixie Digest January - March 2016 Page 10 Women’s History Month: Rebecca Reynolds, cont. Continued from page 1 What has been your biggest career obstacle and how did you overcome it? My biggest career obstacle was myself. I overcame it by taking charge, believing in myself, being driven and determined to succeed, and working very hard toward attaining the goals I set for myself. How has technology affected the way we do community development and affordable housing work? I think technology is a game changer, from management to marketing. The growth in technology is essential to designing and delivering products and programs that are critical to community and housing development issues. If you had the chance to have dinner with or ask advice of anyone throughout history, who would it be and why? I think I would choose Sargent Shriver, as he was one of the “architects” who helped President Johnson create the economic opportunity act to establish programs to address poverty in our country. His work has changed, for the better, so many lives, and has been doing so for more than 50 years. What’s your favorite book? I don’t know if this book is my all-time favorite but it definitely has made an impact on me recently: “Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader.” The author turns the philosophy of “thinks first and then act” on its head by arguing that redefining your job to make more strategic contributions, diversifying your network and becoming more playful with your ideas will help you learn through action and expand your viewpoint. CPR and First Aid Class Conducted Recently, Skip Perkins, Little Dixie CAA Transit Trainer, spent time with 35 high school seniors at Fort Towson School going over the basics of CPR and First Aid. It is a requirement that seniors have CPR training in order to graduate. Skip was asked if he would volunteer his services to help these young men and women understand what they can do to help someone in a crisis situation. Skip readily agreed; he stated “it is always great to help out the community.” He also stated that it was good to be a part of getting the next generation of young people ready to face a new chapter in their lives. Little Dixie Digest January - March 2016 Page 11 Energy Efficiency Awareness Workshop Held Choctaw Electric, OSU Extension, and Little Dixie CAA recently partnered to hold an Energy Efficiency Awareness Workshop. The workshop was designed to help attendees save on their utility bills by bringing awareness to small changes that can equal energy savings. Other topics discussed were no-cost and low-cost energy improvements, insulation, HVAC, and water heating. Landscaping ideas were also provided to Pictured is Little Dixie CAA Housing Coordinator Cindy Cockerham providing information to the group about the services the agency has available. Oklahoma Navigators Meet in Hugo, Oklahoma Little Dixie CAA’s Navigator program has completed its third open enrollment period assisting consumers who apply for health insurance through the Marketplace at www.healthcare.gov. Navigators offer free, in-person assistance to all consumers. Navigators are not just available during open enrollment periods, but are available to assist consumers throughout the year. All individuals who are not covered by health insurance need to be advised about special enrollment periods that might qualify them for health coverage now. Special enrollment periods that might help individuals get health coverage now (outside of the open enrollment period) are: getting married/divorced, loss of job-based coverage, loss of other health coverage, move to a new state or another city, changes in income, becoming a U.S. Citizen, leaving incarceration (jail), change of dependency status on an insurance plan, death of a covered member in the household, turning 26 or older, aging out of a parent’s plan, or AmeriCorps members starting or ending their service. If you already have health coverage, please be advised that it is very important that you report income and household changes to the Marketplace. Here are some things that need to be reported: changes to income and changes to health coverage; changes to the household or individual members; birth or adoption; becoming pregnant; marriage/divorce; a child turning 26 on a plan; death; losing or gaining a dependent; and/or moving. The Little Dixie CAA Navigator Consortium recently provided training to all the sub-grantee navigators across the State of Oklahoma. The training was held at Hugo Lake State Park and focused on Special Enrollment Periods (SEP’s) for consumers and how marketing/ outreach will help inform consumers about SEP’s. Navigators are focusing on helping consumers get health coverage now that open enrollment is over. If you need to update your Marketplace account or would like information regarding SEP’s, please contact Bethani Lewis or Ronnie Kaye Bailey at (580) 326-5434 to make an appointment or you may visit www.healthcare.gov. Pictured right: Oklahoma Navigators meet at Hugo Lake State Park for a training focusing on Special Enrollment Periods. Little Dixie Digest Page 12 January - March 2016 Little Dixie Digest January - March 2016 Page 13 Little Dixie Digest January - March 2016 Page 14 CASA Volunteers Attend Conference Six Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers and one staff member had the opportunity to attend the Oklahoma CASA "Voices for Children" conference held March 18th and 19th in Norman. The two-day conference was packed with great speakers and information designed to motivate and inspire CASA volunteers and staff across Oklahoma. Pictured at right are CASA volunteers Cathy Gooch, Linda Bruce, Billie Paskin, Dulce Villeda, Eloise and Dudley McCarty, and CASA staff member Marissa Jordan. For more information about the CASA Program or how you could become a volunteer, contact Doris Long, Program Director, at (580) 298-2921. Little Dixie CAA’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program recently had two new CASA volunteers, Linda Bruce and Dudley McCarty, sworn in by Judge Wallace in Pushmataha County. The Victim Advocacy Services Program recently prepared emergency kits filled with toiletries, nonperishable food items, and clothing. These kits will be used to assist individuals who have been victims of crime. For more information about the Victims Advocacy Services Program, contact Doris Long, Program Director, at (580) 298-2921. Program Director Doris Long (left) and Victim Services Coordinator Lois Poe preparing Victim emergency kits. Little Dixie Digest January - March 2016 Page 15 Volunteers Honored at Hospital Courtesy of McCurtain Sunday Gazette Published January 24, 2016 Service pins for 35,700 volunteer hours worked by McCurtain Memorial Hospital Auxiliary members were presented at the annual auxiliary awards banquet Tuesday. The dinner honoring the MMH “pink ladies” was served by the hospital’s department managers. It was prepared by the dietary department at the hospital cafeteria. CEO Johni Tapley welcomed quests and introduced Paul Castlemen, who gave the invocation. McCurtain Memorial Management Board Chairman Walt Frey presented the award pins for the combined 35,700 hours worked. The volunteers and the amount of work hours each have donated to the hospital were noted as follows: Doris Andrew 9,000 hours. Johnnie Wallace 5,700 hours. Muriel Overstreet 4,700 hours. Joann Strawn 3,100 hours. Joan Wheeler 2,600 hours. Mary Jackson 2,100 hours. Doris Rhoes 1,500 hours. Jeanne Wilson 1,300 hours. Teresa John 1,100 hours. Chantaa’ Moran 500 hours. Neva Masters 200 hours. Nell Lockwood 100 hours. Anyone Interested in becoming a volunteer in the hospital auxiliary can call Bernice Talley, director of volunteers, at (580) 208-3171 or contact any hospital volunteer. RSVP Attends Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade Little Dixie CAA’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program participated in the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade in Choctaw County. RSVP staff and volunteers were on hand to recruit new RSVP volunteers, distribute information, and participate in the day’s activities. Little Dixie Digest January - March 2016 Page 16 Healthy Start Partners with Obstetricians Little Dixie CAA’s Healthy Start Program recently partnered with several Obstetricians to help meet the needs of prenatal women living in our tri-county area. Currently, these women are traveling great distances to receive the care they need as there is only one obstetrician available in the area. Dr. Allyson Taylor, whose primary practice is located in Durant, has partnered with Healthy Start and has began providing services to her patients living in this area. Dr. Taylor is seeing patients in Hugo twice a month at the Hugo Medical Clinic. On the days Dr. Taylor is in Hugo, a Healthy Start Care Coordinator is on site to meet with patients to discuss the benefits of the Healthy Start Program. Dr. Kinion Whittington, whose primary practice is also located in Durant, is in the process of constructing a clinic and lab in Hugo for obstetric services. Dr. Whittington, and his partner Dr. Autumn Hensley, will provide services in Hugo five days a week. The Healthy Start Program will have a Care Coordinator located within the new facility once it is completed. Dr. Tracy Pipkin, located in Paris, Texas, is the newest partner to the Healthy Start Program. Dr. Pipkin states that 50% of her patients are from the tri-county service area. A Healthy Start Care Coordinator will be available to those interested in Healthy Start services in Southeast Oklahoma. For more information on the Healthy Start Program, please call (580) 326-6441. Pictured is Dr. Kinion Whittington with Healthy Start staff members Pam Waugh, Lesha Woods, Ashley Switzer, and Amanda Terrebonne. Pictured is Hugo Medical Clinic where Dr. Allyson Taylor currently sees patients. Pictured is Paris Regional Medical Center where Dr. Tracy Pipkin has her Obstetrician practice. Little Dixie Digest January - March 2016 Page 17 Around the Agency... Brent Franks, Board Vice-Chairperson, was recognized by NeighborWorks America for Outstanding Community Contributions. Pictured with Mr. Franks is Board Chairperson Tina Foshee-Thomas and Executive Director Rebecca Reynolds. Cindy Cockerham, Housing Coordinator, was presented with the February Employee of the Month Award during the February Board of Directors Meeting. Pictured with Mrs. Cockerham is Board Chairperson Tina Foshee-Thomas and Executive Director Rebecca Reynolds. LITTLE DIXIE COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY “Helping People. Changing Lives.” REBECCA REYNOLDS Executive Director TINA FOSHEE-THOMAS Board Chairperson BRENT FRANKS Vice-Chairperson DAVID RAWLS Secretary/Treasurer Service and Dedication Recognized Many employees were recognized during the February Board of Directors meeting for their service and dedication to Community Action. Clarence Parker - Park Assistant , and Theresa Maytubbi - Transit Driver, were recognized for 5 years of service. Beverly Coleman - Self-Help Housing Group Worker, was recognized for 15 years of service. Donna Hudson - Transit Clerk, was recognized for 20 years of service. Gary Daniel - Park Manager, was recognized for 25 years of service. In March, there were several staff members recognized for their service and dedication. Cynthia Hamilton - Head Start Teacher Assistant and Jennifer Williston - Transit Driver, were recognized for 5 years of service. Ruth McDaniel - Head Start Cook and Nora Testerman - RHN Membership Coordinator, were recognized for their 15 years of service. James Dancer - Transit Driver, was recognized for 25 years of service. Anita Bruce - Transit Driver, was recognized for 25 years of service. Board Members: Choctaw County Jimmy Brandon, Leeoma Caldwell, Kevin Cory, Clinton Crawley, Michael Melton, David Rawls, William Smith, Harolynn Wofford. Board Members: McCurtain County Chuck Darby, Walt Frey, Tina FosheeThomas, Trilla Frazier, Jim Freeny, David Hawkins, Sarah Hicks, Andrea Henkel, Sandra Meeks, Vicky Wade. Board Members: Pushmataha County Mike Brittingham, Melissa Cress, Brent Franks, Vickie Leathers, Dwight Satterfield, David Smith, Mary Smith. Pictured left: James Dancer receives his 25 year service award. Pictured right: Nora Testerman receives her 15 year service award. Also pictured is Board Vice-Chairperson Brent Franks and Executive Director Rebecca Reynolds. Welcome Aboard Little Dixie CAA recently welcomed a new Board of Directors member. Clinton Crawley, representing the Washington Community Center, was welcomed to the Board of Directors during the February 2016 meeting. Little Dixie Digest 209 N. 4th St. Hugo, OK 74743 Contact: Jen Goodman Phone: 580-326-3351 [email protected] www.littledixie.org
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