Improving The Lives Of Individuals and Families

Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is designed to help individuals and families improve the quality of their lives. The program involves counseling and referral services which are provided on an individual basis in the following areas: education, job training, employment opportunities, child care, transportation , budgeting, credit, homeownership, career advancement and business ownership. An escrow account is established in each participant's name which is accessible when they complete the program or during the program to help them complete their goals.

Eighty-four program participants have completed the FSS program successfully. Of the 84 participants, 22 became homeowners, and 12 are in the process of homeownership. Several other participants have paid off debts, bought cars and are renting single family homes or apartments on the private market.

Oxford Manor Achievement School/Family Resource Center

The Oxford Manor Achievement School/Family Resource Center is a community resource center that will improve the quality of Oxford Manor residents lives through tutoring, homework assistance, cultural activities, adult basic education and general education development programs.

Residents, youth and adults, are provided with certified teachers, community leaders, DHA staff, and volunteers to help with academics and social needs. Over 22 partnering agencies provide the funds and support services needed to operate the center.

Since the inception of the program in January 2002, 120 youth and 30 parents/guardians have participated in programs and activities at the achievement school and resource center. Twenty-five adults signed up and/or participated in the General Education Developmental (GED) program at the center.

North Carolina Food Bank Collection Program

The North Carolina Food Bank Collection Program is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to fight hunger while eliminating food waste. Residnet volunteers collect canned food at the NC State Fair to benefit the Food Bank.

Strong Parental Involvement In Community Education Program

The Strong Parental Involvement In Community Education (SPICE) Program is designed to organize parents in the housing authority communities to help close the achievement gap in Durham Public Schools.

In the Strong Parental Involvement in Community Education (SPICE) program stipends are provided to resident volunteers to recruit parents that want to become involved and have a voice in the education of their children.

The Cornwallis Road community council accepted the challenge to become volunteers and have begun recruiting other residents for this project. Eight parent volunteers graduated from a six-week family literacy program that taught them how to work with their children and develop techniques to teach their children to read. The parents also received their own personal computer. Meetings are being scheduled in several other housing communities to organize parents.

Project C.A.R.E.

Project C.A.R.E.(Community Access to Resource Enterprise) is designed to promote the flow of resources and support to families that will enhance their growth and development.

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