Richmond Neighborhood Networks Week 2009
Focused on Providing Resources and Producing Results

Midlothian Village Neighborhood Network participants joined by Sarah Richey-Johnson, Housing Program Manager for MFH Neighborhood Network, and Jimmie White, Mid-Atlantic Digital Alliance volunteer.

Held from August 3 - 8, 2009 in Richmond, this annual summer celebration offered Virginia Neighborhood Networks Centers (NNC) opportunities to host local events that raised public awareness about center programs and services designed to help residents living in HUD Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured and -assisted housing communities become self-sufficient.

The Virginia NNC celebrations included a range of activities including open houses, health education, outdoor activities, online activities and a national essay contest. Local events also paid tribute to residents, property owners and managers, center directors and staff, partners, volunteers, HUD staff, and others who help make Neighborhood Networks a successful community-based initiative.

The property managers at Essex Village Apartments and Midlothian Village Apartments enlisted the assistance of the Mid Atlantic Digital Alliance (MADA) Consortium to host several well-attended celebrations. The events started at Essex Village and featured inspirational speakers who spoke of the importance of having a positive focus to help escape negative influences. Young dancers excited and inspired the imagination of all in attendance, especially the youth. Sarah Richey-Johnson, program manager for NNC, shared the vision of the Neighborhood Networks initiative and encouraged residents and center staff to take advantage of the Interactive Virtual Learning Courses (IVLC) offered online in the NNCs to enhance needed skills for improved education, job opportunities and health. Closing events held at Midlothian Village featured activities for kids and vendor tables with information, targeted to the heads of households, about homeownership counseling, energy efficiency assessments and health screening. Center staff, residents and partners participated in the National Getting Connected webinar to establish a website for the center.

Content Archived: May 11, 2011