HRA’s Mission Through innovation, the Washington County Housing & Redevelopment Authority promotes community and economic development, and provides and maintains affordable, decent and safe housing opportunities in Washington County.
Resource Connection Volunteer Opportunity's HRA FSS Participants If you are currently enrolled in the FSS program, the HRA has an opportunity for you to be the volunteer resident representative on the Program Coordinating Committee. This is a once a year commitment to attend a meeting and provide the HRA feedback on resources commonly needed by residents. Please contact an FSS coordinator, Ann L. at 651-202-2813 if you are interested. VolunteerMatch.org We bring good people and good causes together. Connect with a cause that needs you.
January 2016
Animal Human Society Our volunteers help make the world a more humane place for animals. Most volunteer opportunities are available during open hours, Monday through Friday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Go to: www.animalhumanesociety.org for more information.
in learning more about volunteer opportunities in your community, we offer the following services: Personalized Referrals - After completing an initial assessment of your interests and background, staff will provide a personalized referral of 35 opportunities that match your needs and interests. Personalized referrals are available by phone, email, or walk-ins. Contact Paige Community Thread Stein at 651-439-7434. At the Community Thread Volun- Volunteer Database -Community teer Center, we believe that eve- Thread Volunteer Center is the ryone should have the opportuni- central source of volunteerism in ty to connect with their commu- the St. Croix Valley. Visit nity in a meaningful way through ourvolunteer database to find volunteerism. We facilitate this volunteer opportunities, special process by connecting people to events and needs in your comorganizations throughout the St. munity. Croix Valley. If you are interested
Empowerment - through the Family Self-Sufficiency Program The Empowerment program is available through the HRA to promote financial stability among families and individuals participating in the Public Housing (MHOP) and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Programs. With the help of the Resident Resource Specialist, you will develop short and long term goals that will guide you in obtaining financial security. For HCV residents only, your issuing PHA will need to be contacted and give permission to enroll you in the program. WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO? Contact the Housing Resource Specialist for an application form. Set up an appointment to discuss your goals, resource needs and plans for your future. You will sign a Contract of Participation that will
explain the rules of the program and the benefits of participation. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? Empowerment offers a financial incentive to participants who successfully complete their Contract of Participation. Once you begin your contract, any time that your earned income increases and your rent portion increases, money will be put into an escrow savings account for you. The escrow account will be available to you once you have successfully completed your contract, are no longer receiving cash assistance, and are maintaining employment—at least 30 hours a week. If you successfully complete the program with escrow, the money is yours to use as you wish. Contact: Ann Lindquist 651-202-2813 or email
[email protected]
Special points of interest: The HRA will be closed
January 1st Insurance information
will be required after Jan. 1st at the time of vehicle registration renewal, title transfer or application for a new MN title/registration.
Resident Council Tuesday, January 19th from 5:30-6:30 at the HRA office, 7645 Currell Blvd. Woodbury All residents welcome (children always welcome too) *Light snack served Agenda: Board Elections Budgeting Priorities HRA Staff Contact: Ann Lindquist Direct Number: 651-202-2813 Email:
[email protected]
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Resource Connection
Beat tobacco one mini-quit at a time
QUITPLAN® Services offers a wide array of tools to help you quit your own way, because everyone is different. Choose the individual services that work best for you, or sign up for the QUITPLAN Helpline for the complete program.
Quitting takes practice. And that’s what MiniQuit Mondays are all about – a new day-long challenge every month to help you learn new skills to overcome tobacco. And each one will have a prize drawing for a $100 Amazon gift card!
How To Play 1. Sign up online (www.quitplan.com)to get notified via email, or text “Enter” to 37619 to get notified via text. (Data/message rates may apply). Open to adult Minnesota residents only. 2. Wait to be notified of the next Mini-Quit Monday via text or email. When you receive a notice, reply with a
simple “yes” to join that specific challenge. You’ll automatically be entered for our prize drawing. 3. At the end of each mini-quit challenge, we’ll randomly draw a winner of a $100 electronic Amazon gift card and notify the winner via email or text. 4. Wait for the next challenge January 11, 2016 Pull the Trigger: Identify one of your personal triggers for tobacco use (e.g.driving in the car, drinking coffee, etc). Don't give into it today. February 15, 2016 Smoke-Free Home: Don't smoke in your house all day. March and April 2016
QuitCash Challenge: Registration and Participation May 16, 2016 Two-Hour Window: Identify a 2-hour window during the day when you're most likely to smoke. Don't! June 13, 2016 Practice Saying No: Say 'no' to at least one cigarette. Whether a friend or coworker asks you, or you just ask yourself. Say it loud and proud. July 11, 2016 Change It Up: Today, don't smoke where you normally do. It'll help break up the routine. August 15, 2016 No Social Smoking: No smoking with friends or coworkers today!
Returning to College You're in Good Company — Join Us!
Your Bridge to Success Why Choose Century? At Century College, you'll find a multitude of opportunities whether you're beginning your degree or returning to college. You'll find all the support you need on your path to graduation.
Whether you've tried college in the past or plan to transfer in to Century or have no previous college experience, we can help you. Century College is the "home" of many adult students, so you will not be alone. We have experience helping new and returning adult learners, as well as dislocated workers. In fact, 40% of Century's students are 25– 59 years old. Flexible Schedules We know you're busy— that's why Century offers flexible learning options, including online, evening and weekend courses. On–site day care is also available. Contact us and you can begin college in the fall, spring or
summer semester. Apply now at www.century.edu and start on the path to achieving your goals! College CAN be Affordable You may be eligible for more federal funding than you realize. Scholarships, federal loan programs, and grants are available to help finance your education, as well as military benefits and employer tuition reimbursement. We can answer many of your questions about financial aid. The Difference Between Credit and Non-Credit Credit classes — are designed for students earning college credits towards a degree or certificate. These courses are usually a full se-
mester, involve in-depth instruction in a subject area and comprehensive study. Students who take credit courses receive a letter grade (A, B, C, D or F) at the end of the semester. Non-Credit classes — are short-term classes offered through Continuing Education and Customized Training. They are intended for students who want to gain general knowledge, learn a new skill, upgrade existing skills or develop personal interests. Hybrid classes — are taught partly online and partly in the classroom.
Volume 1, Issue 1
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Winter Activities WINTER FESTIVAL AT LAKE ELMO PARK RESERVE Jan 23, 2016 Join us at our 13th annual Winter Festival and experience some great outdoor recreation opportunities. Free with a Washington County Parks vehicle permit ($5/day or $25/annual). All skiers 16 + years of age must possess a MN Ski Pass ($6/day or $20/annual). Both are available for purchase from the park entry station. One-hour XC ski lessons and fat bike demos will be offered by the Ride and Glide Ski Club. To register visit: www.rideandglide.org Lessons and demos are a great way to try something new. Our participants must be 14+ years of age or older. You can register for classic or skate technique and all equipment will be provided by our sponsors - Joe's Sporting Goods and the Ride and Glide Ski Club. Fat Bike demo equipment will be provided by Now Bike and fitness lesson and demo times will be held at: 11 am, 12:30 pm and 2 pm.
Space and equipment is limited so please be sure to register in advance at www.rideandglide.org Waxing demos by Fast Wax The Nordic Center Trailhead has 10 miles of groomed xc ski trails and 5.5 miles of LED lit xc ski trails. Lights are on the lit trails from dusk to 9:30 p.m. The Eagle Point Trailhead (across the road) has a 2.5 mile multi-use trail for fat biking, hiking, snowshoeing and dog walking. Dogs and all other non-ski activities are prohibited on the groomed xc ski trails. In the Nordic Center great room you'll enjoy ski races on tv, complimentary Caribou Coffee, tables and benches, restroom and changing facilities, a water re-fill station, wi-fi and vending machines. A toasty bonfire will be lit outdoors in our fire pit with roasting sticks available for your own treats.
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Definition of Degrees
Associate in Applied Science – The AAS degree is awarded for successful completion of a program of 60-72 semester credits and is intended for students who desire immediate employment upon graduation.
Associate in Science (AS) – The AS degree is awarded for successful completion of 60 semester credits in a designated field.
Join us select Sundays beginning December 27th from 4:30pm – 6:30pm for live, local music. Beat the winter weather blahs inside the comfy confines of the Conservatory.
Certificate – The certificate program in intended to provide entry-level employment skills or advanced-level tech-
Jan 28 - Feb 7, 2016
Join the 130th Saint
** There will be no concert on January 31 and on February 14
Paul Winter Carnival,
12/27/2015 The Starfolk
Celebration on
1/3/2016 The Last Revel 1/10/2016 Siama Matuzungidi’s Afrobilly with Jacqueline Ultan 1/17/2016 Lucy Michelle
1/24/2016 Patty and The Buttons 2/7/2016 Katy Vernon Trio 2/21/2016 Erik Brandt & The Urban Hillbilly Quartet
COMO PARK CONSSETVATORY 2/28/2016 The Hobo Nephews ANNOUNCING THE 2016 “MUSIC UNDER GLASS” LINE-UP! of Uncle Frank
Returning to Collage Associate in Arts (AA) – The AA degree is awarded for successful completion of 60 semester credits in liberal arts and sciences and completes the first 2 years of a bachelor's degree.
The free concert series, “Music Under Glass,” returns to the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory featuring some of the Twin Cities’ finest musicians.
nical skills for employment. Certificate programs are usually between 9-30 collegelevel credits. Diploma – Diploma programs are usually between 30-72 semester college-level credits, some of which include General Education courses.
the “Coolest Earth™” since 1886! It continues to bring family-friendly events and community pride to Saint Paul and the Twin Cities metro area.
The Saint Paul Heritage and Festival Foundation manages and produces the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. www.wintercarnival.com
Discover Century Information Sessions West Campus General Education 1st Tuesday @ 1pm & 5pm East Campus Technical Programs 3rd Thursday @ 1pm
WCHRA 7645 Currell Boulevard Woodbury, MN 55125 Phone: 651-458-0936
Woodbury Location: 2150 Radio Dr, Woodbury Forest Lake Location: 19955 Forest Rd N, Forest Lake Cottage Grove Location: 13000 Ravine Parkway S, Cottage Grove
For Public Housing Contact: Ann Lindquist Direct: 651-202-2813
[email protected] For Section 8 Contact: Lucy Chaves Direct: 651-202-2806
[email protected] Eric Schumacher Direct: 651-202-2812
[email protected]
Boot Camp (4 day workshop) Jan 12-15 9-4 Woodbury LinkedIn - Hands On Jan 5 9:30-4 Forest Lake Jan 28 9-4 Woodbury Job Talk Jan 4, 11, 25
9-11
Creative Job Search Jan 11 9-4 Jan 20 9-4
Cottage Grove Forest Lake Cottage Grove
Navigating MinnesotaWorks.net Jan 6 2-3 Woodbury Career Exploration Jan 5 9-1
Washington County HRA 7645 Currell Blvd. Woodbury, MN 55125
Woodbury
Interviewing Lab Jan 8 9-12 Jan 21 9-12 Jan 27 9-12
Forest Lake Woodbury Cottage Grove
Resume 101 Computer Lab Jan 8 1-4 Jan 21 1-4 Jan 27 1-4
Forest Lake Woodbury Cottage Grove
How to Start Your Own Business Jan 5 1-3:30 Cottage Grove Age as an Advantage Jan 26 9-4
Woodbury
Financial Literacy Jan 22 9-4
Woodbury
On-site Hiring Event Jan 5, 12, 19, 26 10-12:30 Jan 13 10-12 Jan 12 1-3 Jan 26 11-1
Woodbury Woodbury Cottage Grove Cottage Grove
www.mn.gov/deed/job-seekers
