Page for the Office of Human Affairs, Newport News, Virginia

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Senior Activities Program
Resource Mothers
- RM Advisory Committee
Children's Clothes Closet
U.S.D.A. Summer Lunch Feeding Program
Emergency Services and Outreach
Operation Clean Comfort
TANF Work Experience Program
SHARE Program
RAP/Virginia Cares
Information Systems and Technical Training Division

Senior Activities Program - The Senior Activity Program is located at the Office of Human Affairs' Clark Multi-Purpose Center. The Senior Program has been an active part of OHA since 1967 and at the Clark Center since 1981. The service area is the City of Newport News and Hampton. All programs and activities are offered to adults age 50 and over; special programs are offered to other adults who are under 50; however, the hot lunches served five days per week, sponsored by PAA (Peninsula Agency On Aging), require seniors to be 60 and over or with a disability. The center provides an atmosphere to encourage senior participation in recreation, educational, nutritional, and cultural programs and activities as well as tours and trips. Television, books, games, crafts, and music are available in the senior lounge.

1Glenn Farrish, Coordinator ((757)244-4111

images/icon101.jpg (21682 bytes) Resource Mothers: Teenage mothers who have limited support and are having babies for the first time are provided intensive training and close supervision. This program seeks to improve the use of pre- and post-natal services. Also stresses the importance of staying in school, delaying additional pregnancies and the development of parenting skills. Funding is received from the Virginia Department of Health, March Of Dimes, Community Services Board and private donations.

Resource Mothers Advisory Committee: Established from various helping agencies to promote programs and activities for the program participants. Also, is a valuable resource and link with helping/care professionals, tackling the many issues surrounding teen pregnancy.

There were 62 participants in the program at any one time. There were 48 births recorded. The Resource Mothers drove over 8,600 miles in support of the program and conducted over 3,600 home visits. Some of this year's activities included workshops, Stand For Children, job presentations at various business, abstinence programs, etc.

1Jennifer Williams, Coordinator ((757)245-3271, ext. 320, jwilliams@ohainc.org

1Angela Bagley, Resource Mother ((757)245-3271, ext. 321 abagley@ohainc.org

1Chanda Jordan Resource Mother ((757)245-3271, ext. 322 cjordan@ohainc.org

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images/childclothes.gif (7838 bytes) Children's Clothes Closet (CCC) - The Children's Clothes Closet has been funded by the United Way since 1985. The YWCA receives the funds from United Way, and OHA, on a contractural agreement with the YWCA operates the program. Our mission is to have available clothing that is new or used, clean and in good condition for children from needy families. The purpose is to provide clothing to needy children to enable them to feel good about themselves, maintain health and school attendance.

The CCC is unique, different because of its specialization in children's clothing that the fact there is no charge for the clothing. The on-going need is demonstrated by requests for services. The CCC has community support. Previous contributions have been the business community, churches, organizations and individuals. When clothes are donated, we sort them by size and sex. If we receive a lot of adult clothing, we share with the other agencies, i.e., Clean Comfort and the Road Ahead. Referrals are made to the CCC from other Human Service agencies, schools, hospitals, churches and individuals.

Located at the Chestnut Street Outreach Office - 2708 Chestnut Avenue.

Telephone: 244-6121

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U.S.D.A. Summer Lunch: Serves nutritious lunches at no cost for approximately ten weeks during the summer months to children between the ages of 2 to 18 on the Hampton Roads Peninsula. We also provide a summer work outlet during the summer for over 50 teens.

1William Lester, Director ((757)245-3271

1Glenn Farrish, Ass't Director ((757)244-6121

Summer Lunch Figures Program Year Mid-June through Mid-August
	Newport News, Hampton, James City and York Counties
*1996*	71,663
*1997*	66,159
*1998*	76,644
*1999*	65,873
*2000*	83,383
*2001*	86,640
*2002*	91,895
*2003*	107,057
2004	115,091
*2005*	120,311
*2006*	123,497

*Actual stop date was August 13, due to Hurricane Felix

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Emergency Services and Outreach: OHA provides assistance to families who are in a "crisis" situation, thus preventing eviction, disruption of services and preventing homelessness. This is done by providing a central information base for community service agencies that can render needed services. Information and referral is an integral part of this department - matching the needy with the service that addressed that need. A total of 765 referrals were made to other agencies.

The Outreach office canvass' the community linking information and programs. Seeks to work with a community to build a structure of self-assurance and self-help. Conducts projects such as "Walk-a-Mile", where officials walk in the shoes of the needy; "Stand For Children" - an agency based program linked with the National program - distributes information and solicits various agencies for support and participation. This office meets with schools, churches, businesses and other agencies to disseminate information about OHA and offers assistance where necessary. Over 3,200 miles were logged in support of this program.

Distributes and manages funds from two main sources:

-Community Food and Nutrition: Maintains three food pantries. 878 people (275 families) were served food rations through the pantries.

-FEMA: Broadens the capacity for providing food, clothing and shelter to indigent residents through direct services or referrals to other agencies for assistance. 173 people (70 families) were provided rent, mortgage and utility assistance.. Over $4,000 was available for food through the Peninsula Food Bank.

1Angela Peoples, Coordinator   ((757)244-6121

1(Nelson Charity), Emergency Services Technician   ((757)244-6121 (Afternoons)

1Carolyn Carter, Emergency Service Outreach  ((757)244-6121

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Clean Comfort:   Provides a shower facility, a clean change of clothing and medical assistance for homeless men and women. Operating on a "Day-care" principle. Monday through Friday, from 9 to 12 noon at the Julius Conn Gym. The facility offers medical consultations with various health care professionals who visit the site on a regular basis. Other services provided are: mail drop; phone services; bus tickets; and toiletries. Funding primarily comes from the City's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), SHARE Federal Shelter Grant and private donations.

Over 4,200 people used the facilities this past year. A total of 1,245 hours were logged in by volunteers. Direct on-site referral services was provided to 491 people and 193 off-site referrals. These agencies frequently visit the facility to render on-site services, East End Health Facility, Community Services Board, HomeBase, Veterans Administration, AIDS Foundation, HealthCare for the Homeless, and many others. Dental, general health, AIDS education, Flu shots, TB tests, blood pressure and cholesterol screenings are some of the service provided. Received over $6,500 worth of donations in supplies and clothes. Through the program 45 found employment and 20 were placed in housing, others received alcohol/drug rehab treatment.

1Nelson Charity, Aide    ((757)247-5105 (Mornings)

1Carolyn Carter, Aide   ((757)247-5105 (Mornings)

Read the local newspaper Daily Press's article on Clean Comfort(click here)

TANF (Transition Assistance for Needy Families) Work Experience Program: A work and training activity through which TANF and food stamp recipients gain experience through on-the-job training in a public or private non-profit agency or organization. Contracted with the Department of Social Services.

A total of 466 clients were referred to the program, 426 were placed into positions.

1Patricia Harrison, Coordinator   ((757)926-6093

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What is Share?

Share is a community building organization that offers a nutritious food package worth approximately $40.00 for only $17.00 and 2 hours community service.

Who can participate?

EVERYONE!

What is in the food package?

A typical month includes 6-8 pounds of meat, fresh fruits and vegetables, and staple items such as rice, pasta, or potatoes.

Cost?

$17.00 (plus 2 hours community service). Cash or Money Orders can be accepted only

Last Day to sign-up for the March packages is generally the first Friday of each month.

Pick-up day is generally the 4^th Saturday of each month at 2708 Chestnut Avenue, Newport News.

Call 244-6121 for current information.

1Angela Peoples, Coordinator   ((757)244-6121

Re-Entry Assistance Program (RAP)/Virginia CARES - The Office of Human Affairs operates a comprehensive counseling and emergency assistance program for ex-offenders. The program is designed to demonstrate that recidivism can be reduced by interfacing with the state correctional system and providing the services needed by ex-offenders to move into the mainstream of "legitimate" life. RAP locally seeks, through counseling, to assist ex-offenders and their families in their development of social skills, to foster employment and motivation and to provide consumer education.   Assistance with housing, transportation, food, clothing, and employment needs are among the other support services available.

1Carolyn Moore, Coordinator   ((757)928-3204, Fax: (757)380-1269

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Information Systems And Technology Training Division

Information Systems The Director has the added duties as the Director Information Systems for OHA. He maintains all the PC's and handles the various network systems. Installs software and hardware as needed and keeps systems virus free. Monitors the Internet applications, and is the Systems Operator for the Web Page. Set up domain service with Internet Service Provider. Maintains the Alpha Server CAPTAIN system with hard-line and modem interface DEC Servers. Networks systems administrator, monitor and troubleshooter. Manages server based and peer-to-peer network systems. Trains employees and clients on a wide variety of computer programs and services.

For technical assistance download the Work Order Form and pass it on to me. Click here for the form:

Work Order Form

William Lester, Director   ((757)245-3271, ext. 306

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William H. Lester, Jr., Director

Last Updated: October 6th, 2006