This September, Geauga Metropoli-tan Housing Authority held its first graduation celebration for the Family Self Sufficiency program. It recognized six participants who completed all of their goals and the full five years of the program.
One graduate earned her cosmetology license and manager’s license; the second graduated vet tech school at Stautzenberger and is currently employed in her field; the third improved her credit score and started a budget and savings plan for herself and her children; another earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees and is currently employed in her field; and another graduated from I.T.T. Tech and is currently pursuing her R.N. degree.
We applaud the accomplishments that these participants have reached. Each individual persevered through different life challenges to realize their goals, and we couldn’t be more proud of all they’ve achieved for themselves, their families, and their communities. During the ceremony, the graduates were also presented proclamations from U.S. Congressman David Joyce.
Since its inception in 2009, GMHA’s FSS program has worked with 131 participants. Of those, 21 have been considered graduates. These graduates have succeeded in increasing their incomes by a combined total of 265.89 percent resulting in total taxable earnings of $627,786.
Not only were incomes increased, but the amount of assistance they received was significantly reduced or eliminated all-together. Of the 21 graduates, three went to private rentals and seven purchased homes for a total of 48 percent off assisted housing.
GMHA looks forward to continuing to work with current and future participants and helping them accomplish their goals.
For more information on GMHA’s Family Self Sufficiency program, contact Sarah Welch, at 440-286-7413, ext. 109, or Josie Carey at ext. 110. You may also email them at swelch@geaugamha.org or jcarey@geaugamha.org. Geauga Metro-politan Housing Authority’s FSS program can be the “key” to your success.