2000 Best Practice Awards

2000-1489 South Carolina Dept. of Mental Health, Shelter Plus Care Program

The South Carolina Dept. of Mental Health applied for, and was awarded, four Shelter Plus Care grants covering five areas of the State for a total of $1,715,880 in the 1998 competition. These awards will provide 61 units of permanent housing for persons with disabilities for a five-year period.

2000-1670 Claflin University Project Life: Positeen Program

Claflin University’s Project Life: Positeen is an after school program which is now in its eighth year of providing pre-college academic programs and activities to youth in the Orangeburg, SC community. Over 375 youth – ages 5 through 16, grades K through 12 – benefit from the program held at Claflin University’s campus. Project Life: Positeen employs the knowledge, skills and talents of approximately 34 counselors and instructors from Claflin University, South Carolina State University (another HBCU), Orangeburg-Wilkinson high school students, and adult volunteers from the community. The youth participants are given a curriculum for advancing their school studies, increasing social skills, and building self-esteem and confidence. Through one-on-one instruction and group participation, Project Life: Positeen offers tutoring assistance, personal/character development, and instruction in math and algebra, science, writing, language arts, and social behavior. In fact, discipline, self respect, and respect for others are fundamental components and serve as retention grading criteria for the program. Project Life: Positeen challenges young minds in educational and socio-economic parameters, while simultaneously contributes as a laboratory environment and learning experience for novice teachers, counselors, volunteer service representatives, and mentors. With emphasis on higher education attainment, continuing education, cultural awareness, and community service, Project Life: Positeen advocates personal empowerment by motivating students to remove barriers that impede their abilities to succeed. Claflin University’s Project Life: Positeen receives enthusiastic endorsement and /or support funding from the City of Orangeburg, Orangeburg Arts Council, NAACP, local churches, and local companies such as Frigidaire Home Products.

2000-1676 Voorhees-Denmark Community Center

Through the combined resources and efforts of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Voorhees College, City of Denmark, Lower Savannah Council and Governments, and the Counties of Allendale, Bamberg, and Barnwell, SC, the Voorhees-Denmark Community Development Center (VDCDC) was created to provide facilities and resources to enhance social and economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents of the community. The VDCDC offers seminars, workshops, affordable housing counseling, fair housing services, employment and job referral services, computer literacy, internet access, and small business assistance. In addition to establishing a precedent for providing these essential public services, with only two years in operation, the VDCDC also provides space for the operations of a small business incubator which now comprises four microenterprises, a Welfare-to-Work/Workforce Development program, and a Tri-County Workforce Center (funded by the U.S. Department of Labor) which provides technical assistance to individuals classified as "hardest-to-employ." Further, the VDCDC also administers a housing rehabilitation program for which two substandard housing units have been renovated and conveyed to qualified low- or moderate-income homebuyers.

2000-1682 Lincolnville Gardens Apartments

The Lincolnville Garden Apartments consist of a one story complex on a 4 acre tact of land in Lincolnville, SC . The units all meet the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and offer residents a 750 square foot, single dwelling, patio home with a screened back porch. The complex includes a community building that will house on-site medical and social services, as well as provide space for social activities.

2000-1701 Citizen Participation/Columbia Council of Neighborhoods (CCN)

The Columbia Council of Neighborhoods (CCN) is a volunteer, community-based umbrella organization which coordinates the activities of seventy-three (73) city neighborhood organizations. CCN serves as a clearinghouse for information, provides a forum for discussion of neighborhood issues, and fosters the education of neighborhood leadership. CCN committees address issues such as drugs, crime, and toxic waste. CCN works to improve communication between diverse neighborhood groups, recognizing common problems, and sharing solutions. CCN’s goal is neighborhood empowerment.

2000-1709 Bridle Ridge Apartment Complex, Santee-Lynches HOME Consortium

The Bridle Ridge Apartment complex consists of 40 units, twenty (2) bedroom and twenty( 3) bedroom units. These units are affordable for individuals earning less than 50% and 60% of the area median income. The units provide good quality, safe, decent and affordable rental housing opportunities for the residents of Kershaw County. Santee-Lynches Affordable Housing and Community Development Corporation's main focus is to provide housing opportunities for the low income community primarily in Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee and Sumter Counties. Moreover, SLCDC will continue to work with the tenants to help transition as many of the tenants from rental to homeownership, as soon as possible. SLCDC will also provide supportive services for the residents of the Blue Ridge Apartments in the areas of: homeownership counseling; credit counseling; and other types of services that the residents deem useful and necessary. Supportive services helps SLCDC keep the complex wholesome and progressive.

2000-1723 Preservation Trust of Spartanburg, SC (PTSI)

The Preservation Trust will provide technical assistance to improve the quality of restoration, maintenance, and interpretation of historic buildings in the neighborhood. PTSI was able to achieve designation as a Community Housing Development Organization in October 1998. The designation allowed PTSI to access a wide range of funding sources. The City of Spartanburg provided PTSI a $200,000 float loan using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The Preservation Trust used the funds as short-term financing for deposits, closing costs, hazard insurance, purchase costs and property stabilization costs. In addition, the City assisted the Preservation Trust in identifying permanent financing sources, which will enable repayment of the float loan within a two-year period. Other technical assistance with preparing cost estimates and feasibility reports was provided to the Trust by the City. In 1999 the Spartanburg City Council authorized Community Development Department to provided $20,750 in HOME funds for the Trust to hire an executive director to implement its goals and objectives and $97,800 in HOME funds for purchase rehabilitation, closing cost and down payment assistance activities in the neighborhood. The PTSI applied for and received $13,000 the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority Trust fund to make repairs to one property. PTSI plans to apply for more funds from the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority for the other properties so that it can leverage its funds. PTSI also received $14,000 from the Spartanburg County Foundation and $7,000 from the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation for administrative activities. Future activities include submitting an application to the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority for Community Homeownership Opportunity Partnership (CHOP) funds. These funds will allow homeowners to purchase homes in the Hampton Heights neighborhood with mortgage rates of 4% and 6% depending on income and credit qualifications. The Preservation Trust of Spartanburg also plans to apply for State HOME funds to complete Purchase-Rehab activities in the neighborhood. The Preservation Trust of Spartanburg, Inc will also receive technical assistance from the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority for capacity building functions to allow the Trust to accomplish its affordable housing goals.

2000-2129 Beargrass Townhomes (homes for the elderly), Greenville County, SC

The Greenville County Redevelopment Authority (GCRA) Board identified and adopted meeting the needs of the elderly as its major emphasis for the decade of the 1990s. When this condominium project became available in 1994 through the Resolution Trust Corp. (RTC) at less than half of its $585,000 value, GCRA saw an opportunity to provide housing to seniors at a reasonable cost. The original project included 17 one- and two-story units, with space to build additional units. The complex is attractive and well kept with a good design; it is located on a private site at the end of a street near shopping, medical centers, transportation, and one mile from the City of Greenville with many support programs for seniors. The proceeds from the sale of the first 17 units enabled the construction of an additional 10 one-story units, four of which have already been sold. As a result of this project, a non-profit entity, the Beargrass Development Corporation (BDC) consisting of four members of the GCRA Board and three additional members, was created by GCRA with a mission to provide homeownership and rental housing for low income and elderly citizens. This non-profit assumed responsibility for the oversight of the second phase of Beargrass development, with some support from GCRA staff. The BDC is presently planning an assisted living project for low-income elderly to be constructed in Greenville County with the proceeds from the Beargrass Townhomes.

2000-2150 Active Adult Day Centers, (day and health care for the elderly) Greenville County, SC

GCRA recognized the need for elder daycare in the early 1990’s when the GCRA Board adopted meeting the needs of the County’s growing elderly population as its major emphasis for the decade, and then sought the resources (building site, construction funds) to provide a facility. When the cost of building a new facility was determined to be prohibitive, GCRA converted a facility it owned (which had been used as a child development center) into a daycare facility for the elderly and disabled adult population of the West Greenville area. Concurrently, the agency found a private corporation, Active Services, Inc., to operate the center. This GCRA "partner" pays rent to GCRA for use of the facility, and provides participants with . . . · Continued independent living status · Social activities and therapeutic services · Medical, nursing, and psychiatric services · Assistance and training in daily living activities The program accepts clients who may have Alzheimer’s Disease or related disorders, mental retardation / developmental disabilities, chronic illness, physical disabilities, behavioral problems such as wandering and difficulty communicating, deficits in performing activities of daily living, and/or conditions resulting from recent hospitalization. The facility is equipped to provide meals and snacks, and the resources to perform personal care such as bathing and shampooing. A fully equipped nursing clinic is maintained with private treatment space. Facility buses provide transportation to and from the clients’ homes. The services are made affordable through some Medicare and Medicaid plans as well as many private insurance plans.

2000-2159 YMCA Judson Community Center, Greenville County, SC

When the Greenville County Redevelopment Authority (GCRA) began its more than $10 million investment in the Judson target community in 1995, the agency collaborated with 13 partners in providing needed social services to the Judson community. This community, in addition to having some of the worst housing conditions in the County, had serious social problems, low school readiness for children starting school, high crime and drug use, and many social problems associated with blighted neighborhoods. The YMCA had been active in the community in providing tutorial assistance, pre-school and after-school programs, and youth sports programs at the elementary school in Judson, and teen night programs at a nearby middle school, many funded through grants from GCRA. In the spring of 1996, GCRA hosted a retreat for the Judson Partners in which children’s issues and the idea of a community center was addressed. The Greenville Recreation District was approached, but was unable to provide a community center. The YMCA, however, agreed to operate a community program in Judson if funding could be arranged to supplement the Y’s resources. The Redevelopment Authority Board approved the grant of $175,000 to the YMCA toward construction of an approximately 5,000 sq. ft. facility, featuring classrooms, a half basketball court, computer room, daycare area and playground. The Redevelopment Authority also hired an architect to oversee the construction, along with support from the GCRA staff. Construction was completed on February 28, 2000, and the facility was opened to the community. Classes in teen leadership, young adult civic connections, and senior activities are either being planned or are now offered to the community. The after-school program is filled to capacity with 50 children, with a lengthy waiting list; 175 children have registered for the 2000-01 school year. Senior programs are scheduled for the times when the children are in school. Other programs and classes are experiencing a high degree of participation as well. The pride the residents of this revitalized community feel about its new appearance in housing and infrastructure is also evident in their satisfaction with this impressive new facility. One long-time resident remarked at the recent dedication ceremony, "I never thought I’d see something like this in Judson."

2000-2726 Second Chance

In today's society, there have been an overwhelming number of problems in our homes, neighborhoods, streets, and certainly our schools. The heart of these problems seems to be our youth. From beneath the midst of problems, shines the Second Chance Program. The Second Chance Program is one good resolution to many of the major problems. Putting yourself in the position of a youth about to be sentenced, expelled, and facing the possibility of not graduating high school, you will find some disturbing obstacles to overcome by yourself. The possibility of this young person staying positive and succeeding in life is slim. Television and newspapers give us a grim depiction of reality. In partnership with the Department of Juvenile Justice, Greenville City Police Department, the School District of Greenville County, and Greenville Mental Health, the Second Chance Program focuses on youth ages 14 to 21 who are first-time and repeat offenders, as well as school drop-outs. Juvenile offenders residing in public housing are offered the opportunity, during the sentencing process, to participate in this program. A Job Coach is employed to monitor participation to ensure compliance with any judicial order and to supervise the activities of the Second Chance Program, which includes four hours per day of hands-on job training and four hours per day classroom training in preparation of receiving a GED. In order for youth to participate in the Second Chance Program, parents of these youth must also attend parenting programs, family counseling, conflict management, and participate in domestic violence intervention side by side with the offender. On-the-job training focuses on construction and landscaping projects assigned by Greenville Housing Authority (GHA), and includes graffiti removal, litter patrol, landscaping, renovation of vacant units, and physical improvements to the property. The Second Chance Program has expanded tremendously, and the need is greater than ever before. Juveniles today need someone out there to show them that they are cared about in order to succeed. The Job Coach serves as this person, a mentor who keeps the youth focused on positive activities, while providing them with the direction that has often been missing in their lives. It is important for us to remember that the youth are our future, and to give up on them is to give up on that future.

2000-2785 One Stop Self-Sufficiency

The Greenville Housing Authority (GHA) is the facilitator and has the responsibility for outreach, case management, and coordinating services which are not directly provided by One-Stop Self-Sufficiency. To become involved, residents (both Public Housing and Section 8) must sign a contract of participation for up to five years. During that time, they receive support services, which may have hindered success in the past, as well as an escrow account. The escrow is set up for each participant as earned income increases and funds are deposited. As part of the Contract of Participation, all participants are required to attend FSS life skills workshops, meeting short-term goals based on their individual situations (i.e., acquire a GED or driver's license) and go on job searches, which ultimately lead to successful completion of the contract.

2000-2841 Homebuyers Training Program

Held three times per year, the week-long Homebuyer's Training Program is a program designed to help potential homebuyers examine their financial situation, gain information on qualifying for loans and show how to select affordable homes that will meet their needs. The Greenville Police Department provides sessions which focus on home security, developing a Neighborhood Crime Watch Program, and how to organize to keep the drug element out of the neighborhood. Other sessions include Evaluating and Analyzing Debt Structure, Credit Counseling, Financial Planning, Closing Documents, Home Insurance, Home Inspection and Appraisal, Home Maintenance and Energy Conservation, and a bus tour of available homes in the area in all price ranges. In addition, residents are employed to care for children during training sessions. Children whose parents attend the course also have a curriculum, which assists them in making the transition to homeowners as an entire family unit.

2000-2887 Trading Cards

Georgetown Housing Authority has continued to strive to ensure that our communities are safe and that services are accessible to our residents. As part of our drug elimination initiatives we work closely with the City of Georgetown Police Department. In this collaboration we have employed off-duty policy officers to patrol our communities on weekends and nights that are appropriate. In addition we have purchased 1000 trading cards for ten officers. The trading cards are similar in appearance to the customary baseball trading cards, but with a slight twist. Our cards feature an officer complete with his/her brief biography and a personal message. The officers distribute them to the youth and the adults that they encounter in the community.

2893 RDA Housing Consultants, Inc.

Nominee provides consulting services to non-profit sponsors in applying for, developing and operating Section 811 and Section 202 properties to house the low-income disabled and elderly in the state of South Carolina.

2919 Work to Win

The Work to Win Program assists participants facing barriers that may prevent him or her from going to work. Barriers such as no high school diploma or GED or poor work history, etc. The program moves recipients receiving federal subsidies into the work force through job readiness training, work experience, community service and supportive services.

2000-3058 "Chance-to-Dance" Ballet Program

" A UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP OFFERS CHILDREN IMPORTANT LIFE LESSONS DISGUISED AS BALLET." Following is an excerpt from a letter written to the media by a parent of one of our ballerinas: "BALLET IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT OPENS THE EYES OF A CHILD. IT BRINGS CONTROL OF THE BODY, SPIRIT AND MIND. IT GIVES CONFIDENCE. IT IS AS INNOCENT AS A CHILD. SO WE ALL WORK TOGETHER TO NOURISH A DREAM, CREATE DANCERS AND FUTURE LEADERS IN OUR COMMUNITIES. WE HAVE THE POWER THROUGH BALLET TO TEACH OUR CHILDREN HOW TO LIVE."

2000-1502 Citizen Participation in Spartanburg County

Spartanburg County conducted a comprehensive Citizen Participation effort to reach as many persons as they possibly could to receive input on their community needs. In order to achieve this, thirteen public hearings were held throughout the months of November and December of 1999 throughout the county. Twelve of these hearings were held at schools, fire districts and branch libraries beginning at 6:00 pm. One hearing was held from 8:00am-8:00pm at the Community and Economic Development Department's Office. This nomination is being submitted as a model for new grantees interested in establishing a viable citizens' participation process.

2000-1694 Enterprise /Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Neighborhood Health Clinic

The Charleston Enterprise Community(EC) and Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) are working together with local government organizations to construct a new state-of-the-art health care facility for the Enterprise Community (EC) residents.

Content Archived: April 20, 2011