About the Family Self-Sufficiency Program
The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is a comprehensive plan that includes a variety of educational programs, training classes and job placement opportunities to help CHA residents achieve economic independence. 

When a family enrolls in the FSS Program, they are assigned a case manager who helps them create an action plan to identify and address training, education, counseling and other supportive services.  Based on the goals established in the plan, the case manager enrolls the family in relevant programs, coordinates services and provides support to help the family work toward self-sufficiency and economic empowerment.

While in the FSS program, families are eligible to participate in an escrow account program where they can save money while in training programs preparing for better jobs.  The family can access the escrow account after completing the program. What’s this?

Training & Education

• Career Development – A three-week program where residents learn the skills needed to become gainfully employed, including effective communication, workplace ethics, interviewing techniques, appropriate dress, goal setting, resume writing and career assessment.
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training – A four-week program to prepare participants for entry-level positions in hospitals, nursing homes, medical offices, and assisted living facilities.  The program is administered by Palmetto Health at no cost to residents. 
• Crime & Fire Safety – In partnership with local fire departments, this program provides education and counseling to adults and children about fire and crime safety in their communities.
• Dollar General Training – This 15-week program teaches participants the basics of working in a retail store, including operating a register, stocking and ordering freight.  Participants work 15-20 hours per week and are paid $6.15 per hour.
• GED Classes – In partnership with Richland One Adult Education, this self-paced program provides general education to prepare students for passing their GED examination.
• Homeownership Program – Participants attend 12 hours of training (6 hours of Homebuyer Class, 4 hours of Budget & Credit Class, 2 hours of Home & Yard Maintenance Class), as well as one-on-one homeownership and credit counseling.
  
• Residential Housekeeping – In partnership with Goodwill Industries, this class provides instruction about cleaning, maintaining and sanitizing the home.
  View 2009 FSS Training Schedule

Services

• Career Resource Center – Includes information about available jobs, training classes and employment counseling; computers are available for online job searches and applications; located at the CHA main office, 1917 Harden Street.  Contact your case manager for an appointment.
• Childcare Assistance
• Credit Counseling
• Crisis Management Resources & Referrals
• Down Payment Assistance – Learn about Homeownership Programs
• Homeownership Counseling
• Individual & Family Counseling Referrals
• Transportation Assistance

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HOPE VI/FSS Case Managers

Angela Anderson
Latimer Manor, Hammond Village
254-3886, ext. 246, or 376-6127
aanderson@chasc.org

TruVonda Boone
Allen Benedict Court, Vista, Wheeler Hill
376-6131, ext. 402
tboone@chasc.org

Tyra Jefferson
Former Hendley Homes residents, Celia Saxon public housing
254-3886, ext. 262
tjefferson@chasc.org

Vanessa McKie
Section 8, T.S. Martin, Celia Saxon Section 8
254-3886, ext. 340
vmckie@chasc.org