Executive Director Participating in Executive Management Institute
Susan Harkett-Turley was accepted to the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving's Nonprofit Support Program's 2009 Executive Management Institute for Executive Directors. This program consists of 10 education sessions conducted over a 10-month period that address a number of key management and leadership issues of particular concern to nonprofit directors. Topics include: Strategic Planning, Board Governance, Employment Law, Strategic Technology, Human Resources, Program Evaluation and many others.
Foreclosure Prevention Services Using E-Mail
In an effort to reduce the amount of paper used to provide information-gathering packets to those interested in foreclosure prevention services, HERC has started using e-mail whenever possible to transmit various forms and materials. When clients contact the organization, Program Assistant Jennifer Rodriguez asks for an e-mail address so that she can send budget forms, an explanation of services, release forms and other information. Only after the forms are completed and returned can HERC to open a file for the individual and extend an invitation to a Foreclosure Prevention Clinic. The use of e-mail enables HERC to provide materials in a fast and more convenient manner than using "snail mail". Those without e-mail can still receive a mailed packet.
HERC Participating in Strategic Technology Program
In the fall of 2008 HERC was accepted for participation in the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving's Nonprofit Support Program Strategic Technology Program. Two workshops addressing "Technology Strategies for Nonprofit Leaders" were attended as the initial steps of the program. Since December, 2008 staff has been working with a consultant to examine the agency's technology needs and to develop a multi-year technology plan. The plan will identify technology needs, barriers, resources and costs over the next three years. When the plan is complete, HERC will be eligible to apply for a Strategic Technology Grant that can be used to fund the purchase of automation equipment, computer hardware, systems and software, computer training, consulting, service contracts and web site development. This is the third time HERC has participated in this program (organizations are eligible every 5 years) and the benefits have been tremendous.
HERC Staff Provides Training to CONN-NAHRO Members
Karin Nigol and Penny Trick conducted training for members of the Connecticut Chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials as part of their Professional Development Program. Karin addressed fair housing issues, particularly as they related to Housing Authority personnel and Penny discussed tenant/landlord law. The training was held in April - Fair Housing Month - and was attended by 62 representatives of 23 Housing Authorities and Housing Management entities.
Nicole Dua joined HERC in March, 2009 as a Housing Coordinator for the Money Follows the Person program. Nicole's primary responsibility is to facilitate moves by those currently living in nursing homes to community-based housing.
Money Follows the Person is Newest HERC Program
In January 2009, HERC began providing Housing Coordinator services for the Money Follows the Person (MFP) Program. Connecticut is one of 31 states operating MFP as a demonstration project. The program goal is to rebalance Connecticut's long-term care system so that individuals have the maximum independence and freedom of choice about where they live and receive services. It is the responsibility of the Housing Coordinators to develop a housing needs assessment for each client, work with them to determine the best and most suitable housing option and locate such housing. HERC is providing services to residents of 117 nursing homes in 54 communities.