April 2003 Owners Update

Family Self-Sufficiency Client Rachele Richards Achieves Success

The following article appeared in our March FSS Newsletter and we thought that TMHA landlords might enjoy reading about the successes that one of our housing clients has achieved for herself. The rental assistance on the Section 8 program helped make this dream possible.

Rachele Richards is achieving goals and striving to accomplish more. Recently, Rachele graduated from the FSS Program and was able to receive the balance in her escrow account. What follows is a list of her accomplishments and other items about herself that she discussed with Marty upon her successful completion of the program.

In December 2002, she graduated from Stark State College of Technology with an Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistance. Rachele had previously received a $500 scholarship through TMHA‚s professional association, the Ohio Housing Authorities Conference. A reward for her academic excellence.

In January 2003, she obtained full-time employment with The Nursing Home Group as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. In that position, Rachele is responsible for working with patients in a rehabilitative capacity. Duties include assisting with daily living skills and activities, working to improve motor coordination, neuro-muscular re-education, memory therapy and therapeutic activities with stroke victims, developing home exercise plans and working with family members to carry out the rehabilitation activities. Rachele is very excited to have earned her degree and is looking forward to beginning her chosen career.

When asked to discuss some challenges and obstacles that she has overcome, Rachele mentioned the following: Focusing on the challenges of single
parenting while working part-time and attending school full-time, living frugally and learning to budget, especially during the 4 month period where she was required to do Clinicals with no pay, and staying focused on her goals and being determined to succeed when things would become overwhelming. She does believe that budgeting experience will come in handy as she pursues her future goals.

As for future goals, Rachele has established a few of those as well. After spotting an article about homeownership classes in the FSS Newsletter, she signed up and completed the Homebuyer Education Learning Program which was offered through Harcatus. She indicated that it was a great learning experience and she can also qualify for some potential down payment assistance to buy her own home. She is saving her escrow check for just that purpose.

Additionally, she would very much like to return to school in the future to pursue a Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy. When asked about her interests and what motivated her to succeed, Rachele indicated that meeting and working with people has always been her primary interest as well as enjoying music.

The motivating factor that she most credits is her now 7 year old son Dorian who is in the first grade. She realizes that she is the primary role model that he will have in his life and wants to teach him that with hard work and determination, obstacles and challenges can be overcome.

The staff at TMHA would like to congratulate Rachele on all of her fine achievements so far and wish her the best of luck as she strives to accomplish more. Great job Rachele!

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