Persistence Pays Off

 Congratulation to Lincoln Park resident Wanda Gans who graduated in May 2005 from Temple University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. (Wanda is the daughter of Ms. Lorraine Gans of Lincoln Park whose children initially enter into college.  Wanda was the first to receive her BS degree.)

  Wanda continued her education even after the birth of her daughter, Amaya Williams, in 2002.  She states that although she was adamant about finishing, she credits her mother for ‘strongly suggesting’ her to get back to her studies immediately after giving birth.  She also states that when she needed that extra push, having mentors like her church members and her former High School teachers were encouraging.

 To pay for her education, Wanda applied for Grants, Students Loans—which she views as an investment in her future—and worked full-time.  She said it was not an easy task, because she also had to care for her daughter, but her persistence paid off.  Starting in the Fall of 2005, she will begin her career as a Teacher for the Philadelphia School District. Ching! Ching! 

 We wish you Much success and Much Love in all of your future endeavors.

Great Job Wanda! 

Text Box: Harvard Education for Low–Income Do you think a Harvard Education is out of your budget? Well think again! The President of Harvard University, Lawrence H. Summers, announced in February 2004, a major new initiative designed to encourage talented students from families of low and moderate income to attend Harvard College. While the new initiative has four major components, including recruitment, admissions, and a summer academic program designed to prepare talented students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds for college, the financial aid component increases aid for students from low and moderate income families. Parents in families with incomes of less than $40,000 will no longer be expected to contribute to the cost of attending Harvard for their children. In addition, Harvard will reduce the contributions expected of families with incomes between $40,000 and $60, 000. From now on undergraduate students from low-income families can go to Harvard for free...no tuition and no student loans! To find out more about Harvard offering free tuition for families making less than $40,000 a year, visit Harvard's financial aid web site at:<http://adm-is.fas.harvard.edu/FAO/index.htm> or call the school's Financial Aid office at (617) 495- 1581.

Don’t Be a Drop Out!

 Ms. Dolores (Dee) Mullenix, a long-time resident of Kinder Park Homes, and the Vice President of the Resident Council for Kinder Park Homes, recently was notified that she passed her GED exam. 

 Dee, now thirty-five years old, was a rebellious teenager that dropped out of high school in the tenth grade.  At that time—with no major responsibilities—she did not recognize that without a diploma, employment possibilities were limited.  She states that it is hard finding a job without a diploma and once you get the job, minimum wage is what you can expect. 

 Dee, encouraged her brother, John Mullenix, also a DCHA resident, and her two cousins to attend the GED classes with her with much success.  Their success is not in the passing of the test, it is in their initial effort to attend, study, and follow through with their commitment which was met by them actually taking the test.

 

Congratulations to you all!

 

 Dee plans to attend Delaware County Community College in the fall of 2005 majoring in Business Administration.  She also plans to enroll in our Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) with a goal of buying a home within five years.

  Way to Go, Dee!  Materialize Your Dreams!

 
Text Box: EDUCATION—The Power!

 Is There a Nurse in the House?

 It is Now! Congratulations to Janelle Gray of the Parkview Homes Community, in Upland , for completing her studies as a Registered Nurse (RN).  (Janelle is the daughter of Donna Gray, President of the Resident Council in Parkview.)

  Janelle, who graduated from Harcum College in Bryn Mawr, on May 21, 2005, has chosen a rewarding profession that is currently in high demand. The shortage of qualified nurses is causing a national crisis in our healthcare system and is felt throughout the country.  For instance, hospitals may be unable to schedule surgeries on a timely basis because of the lack of RNs.  Also, there may not be an adequate number of RNs in emergency care where many patients may need to be admitted.

  Although this profession is dominated by women, men are increasingly entering into this field due to the demand and the income potential.  So Janelle, ….you chose  “The Right Field, Baby” 

Continued Success is Practically Guaranteed!