OCTDECJan 11199920002001 8             captures             9 Oct 99 - 11 Dec           00CloseHelp    NEWS BRIEF      Winter       1998-1999
"Neighborhood Networks centers are             getting entire comminities involved in a grassroots effort to help             residents find jobs and real opportunity. It's great to see so many             property owners and managers, residents and community partners             across the country working together for a common good."             
            - HUD SecretaryAndrew Cuomo             Get Involved in Neighborhood Networks
The Neighborhood Networks             conferences offered opportunities to find out more about the             initiative. To learn how you can participate in Neighborhood             Networks efforts nationally and in your local community, contact the             Neighborhood Networks Information Center toll-free at (888)             312-2743 or visit the website at http://web.archive.org/web/20001211131000/http://www.hud.gov/nnw/nnwindex.html
Owner and Manager Focus Groups       AddressNeighborhood Networks Participation       
Neighborhood Networks staff learned       more about how property owners and managers around the country view the       initiative through several focus groups this summer.       

Held in Houston, Boston and San Francisco, the focus       groups included owners and managers with operational Neighborhood Networks       centers, as well as owners and managers not yet involved in the       initiative. The goal of the sessions was to learn about Neighborhood       Networks successes and explore how the U.S. Department of Housing and       Urban Development (HUD) could reach uninvolved owners and managers.       Currently, more than 641 Neighborhood Networks centers have opened on       privately owned HUD-supported properties. Centers usually offer computer       access, staff assistance and a range of training resources.       

"I found the process to be rewarding in providing [HUD]       with realistic information about how the [initiative] works and what its       future may be," said Dean Newton, executive director of the East Texas       Affordable Housing Management Association (AHMA), who par-ticipated in the       Houston focus group. A final focus group report addresses how HUD can use       local lessons learned to increase the initiative's impact nationwide. Some       initial report findings include:       
- Properties with Neighborhood Networks centers attract tenants who         are more motivated to participate in the socioeconomic mainstream. This,         combined with the federal preferences waiver that broke up         concentrations of very low-income families in assisted housing, creates         a strong mixed-income tenant population for the property.         
- Neighborhood Networks centers foster greater opportunities for         residents' personal development, which has a positive impact on the         property. Participants reported:            - Graffiti is reduced. Kids are no longer "hanging out" on the           property, but are in the centers learning.           
  - Residents complain less about their environment and are more           focused on improving themselves.           
  - Resident involvement in community activities increases. 
- Neighborhood Networks centers reduce the stigma of assisted housing.         While collaborating on center programs, neighbors, partners and         residents develop mutually beneficial relationships. As a result, the         community views the property more positively.         
- Focus group participants recommended the following changes in         Neighborhood Networks:            - Minimize the emphasis placed on computers and increase the           emphasis on expanding resident self-sufficiency.           
  - Redefine the job of a Resident Service Coordinator to help the           community become self-sufficient. Coordinators typically help           residents obtain services.           
  - Increase opportunities for Neighborhood Networks center staff to           understand the complex issues involving welfare to work, such as child           care, transportation and job training. 

Neighborhood Networks staff is convening a working group       in Washington, DC of industry representatives and real estate executives       to develop policy recommendations. Interested owners and managers can       contact Janet Maccubbin of Neighborhood Networks at (888) 312-2743.       
Neighborhood Networks Joins National Panel Exploring Impact of       Technology on Education
The U.S. Department of Education       (DOE) is taking a look outside traditional classroom learning - and is       involving Neighborhood Networks in the process.       

Innovative use of technology can produce successful       educational results, according to participants in a recent DOE national       videoconference. Panelists described nontraditional learning programs       ranging from early childhood centers' use of educational television to       distance learning programs using satellite communication in correctional       facilities. Community Technology Centers' Network (CTCNet) founder Antonia       Stone explained how CTCNet and Neighborhood Networks center programs use       technology to advance adult basic education, job preparation and job       training. CTCNet is a national network of centers providing access to       computers and computer-related technology.       

"Recent CTCNet research clearly indicates that community       technology centers are effective in helping to bridge the 'digital divide'       that threatens to cut off low-income and minority Americans from the       benefits of the information-communications age," said Stone.       

However, funding for "alternative" learning environments       such as Neighborhood Networks and CTCNet centers will not be widely       available through DOE federal and state monies, according to John Doyle,       vice chair of the Committee on Finance at the West Virginia House of       Delegates.       

"The good news is that the Department of Education has       clearly taken an interest in what is being done outside its normal funding       arena," said Stone, who encourages organizations to provide DOE with       statistical and anecdotal information that supports federal investment in       community technology-based learning centers.       

In addition to Stone and Doyle, panelists included Dr.       Chris Dede, professor of Technology Engineering and Education at George       Mason University; Dr. Dorothy Singer, co-director of the Yale University       Family Television Research and Consultation Center; and Ann Kulinsky,       distance education instructor with the Correctional Education Service in       Spokane, WA.       

For more information about the teleconference, contact       Barbara Humes at the U.S. Department of Education at (202) 219-1376 or by       e-mail at barbara_humes@ed.gov.       
Center News       LineFocus on Job Training       Programs       
Neighborhood Networks centers nationwide have developed       successful job training programs that help residents achieve       self-sufficiency. Centers generally agree that effective programs target       resident needs and rely on strong employer partnerships. A few examples:       
- Northport and Packer Community Learning Centers (NPP) in Madison,         WI, focuses on adult education and job training with its Career         Connections program. The center provides needs-based job training and         partners with employers committed to hiring residents. For more         information, contact Director Carmen Porco at (608) 255-2759.         
- Greenbrier Enrichment Center (GEC), in Columbus, OH, relies         on volunteers to provide about 3,000 residents with basic education, job         placement and job retention services. The Residents Off         Welfare-Teaching, Educating, Achieving, Motivating, Success (ROW TEAMS)         program attributes its success to unique employer partnerships and         strong resident involvement. Contact Director John Gregory at (614)         239-7788 for more information.         
- Oakridge Neighborhood Services, in Des Moines, IA, offers job         readiness and computer training to about 800 residents through its         "Success" program. The program offers social services to help residents         address life issues before seeking employment. For more information,         contact Adult Program Coordinator Rebecca Trimble at (515) 244-7702,         Ext. 121. 

For additional resources, call the Neighborhood       Networks Information Center toll-free at (888) 312-2743, or visit the       website.
Distance Learning from Indianapolis to Los AngelesNeighborhood Networks centers in Los Angeles and       Indianapolis are using state-of-the-art distance learning, a two-way       interactive communication system, to help residents access education.       
Pico Union Housing Corporation in Los       Angeles offers on-site distance learning to more than 1,000 residents.       The Neighborhood Networks center has 16 computers and uses       teleconferencing to reach five other sites located in housing complexes       within a six-mile radius. Joe Flores, the course instructor, offers       bilingual classes on Windows 97 and other programs to about 30 students       teleconferencing from other locations.       

The Retreat Cooperative in Indianapolis was       the first Neighborhood Networks center to establish distance learning with       local educational institutions. The center uses the VC-6000       telecommunication learning system to send and receive real-time audio and       video signals. This interactive program enables students to see and hear       their instructor and to ask questions.       

For more information about distance learning at       Neighborhood Networks centers, contact the Neighborhood Networks       Information Center toll-free at (888) 312-2743.       
            Center Update(As of             11/00)            - More than 641 centers in operation               
- More than 272 properties with centers in               planning 
Neighborhood Networks Best Practice Guides AvailableHow have health care programs helped participants at       Neighborhood Networks centers? How are employment programs helping       residents obtain competitive job skills? Newly available Neighborhood       Networks guides not only answer these questions, but also provide the       tools to research additional resources.       
The new guides are designed to provide accessible       hands-on information that Neighborhood Networks centers can use to       replicate best practices. "Best Practices" examples are from centers or       other entities nationwide. Topics include health care, transportation, job       training and Neighborhood Networks center development.       

Guides will be available in hard copy and electronically.       To learn more about what best practice guides are available or to obtain a       copy, contact the Neighborhood Networks Information Center toll-free at       (888) 312-2743 or visit the website at www.NeighborhoodNetworks.org.       
Newswatch             
The 1998 Neighborhood Networks conferences in             September helped to generate local news coverage in Phoenix and             Atlanta, as well as nationwide publicity. Station KNXV-TV             15, the ABC affiliate in Phoenix, aired a short segment             featuring the local Broadway House Neighborhood Networks Center. In             addition, Phoenix radio stations KCWW-AM and             KNIX-FM interviewed Arizona HUD officials about the             Neighborhood Networks conference and the initiative.             

In Atlanta, station WGNX-TV 46, the             CBS affiliate, ran a local story on the Operation P.E.A.C.E. Reach             Out Center at the Bedford Pine Apartments. In addition, Atlanta             radio stations WAOK-AM and V-103-FM             interviewed Neighborhood Networks National Field Director Charlie             Famuliner about Neighborhood Networks.             

Conference print coverage included the             Memphis Daily News in Tennessee, the Jersey             Journal in Jersey City, NJ, and NAHRO Monitor,             published by the National Association of Housing Redevelopment             Officials in Washington, DC. Related website articles appeared in             Horizons, an online publication published by The             Enterprise Foundation, HandsNet and the Alliance             for Community Media.             

Neighborhood Networks Center Coordinators seeking             assistance with generating local news coverage should contact             Neighborhood Networks staff Bill Weger at (703) 934-3208 or Lucinda             Flowers at (703) 218-2621.   
Success Stories Behind the Blue Ribbon Awards
The following Neighborhood Networks center activities       contributed to communities across the country and were among those honored       with HUD's 1998 John J. Gunther Blue Ribbon Best Practice Award. The       Awards were announced by HUD Secretary Andrew Cuomo at a U.S. Conference       of Mayors meeting and recognized at recent national Neighborhood Networks       conferences.       
-  Neighborhood Networks National Field Director Charles               Famuliner stands with Bill Dean, Executive Director, Wheatland               Community Learning Center in Dallas, and HUD Neighborhood Networks               Coordinators Darlene Fete and Charles Wilson, who were recognized               in Atlanta on behalf of centers. Cited         for neighborhood transformation, the Smoketown Neighborhood Networks         Computer Learning Center in Louisville provides adult         education, GED training, job placement and computer literacy to more         than 290 residents at three neighboring housing communities.         
- The Grove Neighborhood Network at the Island Grove Village         Apartments in Greeley, Colorado uses innovative job training         software - the Invest Learning System - to offer career information and         other job resources.         
- Following the devastating April 1997 floods, the Neighborhood         Networks LaGrave Learning Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota         has assisted ongoing recovery efforts. The city of Grand Forks has used         center computers to keep track of disaster relief funds and donations.         
- Through partnerships with VISTA and local colleges, among others,         the Interfaith Homes Neighborhood Networks Center in         Kalamazoo, Michigan provides GED classes, computer training,         Internet access, job preparedness, youth services and more to about 250         children and 200 adults.         
-  Neighborhood Networks National Field Director Charles               Famuliner (right) stands with HUD's Janice Page; Thom Mahoney,               Technical Supervisor, Island Grove Neighborhood Networks Center in               Greeley, CO; and HUD's Deanna Beaudoin, who were recognized in               Phoenix on behalf of centers. Community         youth attend Teen Summit meetings at the Martin Luther King         Neighborhood Networks Computer Center in Detroit. Topics         range from teen pregnancy to conflict resolution. Partnerships include         the Detroit Urban League, Detroit Public School System, the Detroit         Police Department and the nonprofit Safe Neighborhood Action Plan         (SNAP).         
- Low-income individuals are finding jobs through the Dallas         Neighborhood Networks Collaboration (DNNC), a coalition of four         HUD-assisted housing properties with centers. Participants completing         center programs will be offered entry-level jobs at the Bank of America.         
- The Grier Park and Hillcrest Apartments Neighborhood Networks         Center in Charlotte, NC, helped revitalize a community once ranked         13th in violent crime among 74 central city neighborhoods in Charlotte.         Residents work with the Charlotte Police Department, Central Piedmont         Community College and Charlotte City Schools, among others.         
- An on-site nurse helps ensure that residents receive appropriate         quality care at the Neighborhood Networks Health Care Demonstration at         the Orchard Mews Apartments in Baltimore. The nonprofit Multi-Family         Initiatives (MFI) managing the program has partnered with Chase Brexton         Health Services to provide addictions counseling. 
Sharing Successes, Connecting Communities, Moving       Forward:Neighborhood Networks Conference       Highlights
A total of more than 800 property       owners and managers, residents, center staff, partners, volunteers and       U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) staff joined       together to look at where Neighborhood Networks has been and explore how       to help the initiative flourish at a national conference held in September       in Phoenix and Atlanta.       
Neighborhood Networks conference participants gather for             lunch in Atlanta.The 1998 Neighborhood       Networks Conference - "Sharing Successes, Connecting Communities,       Moving Forward" - marked the three-year anniversary of Neighborhood       Networks. The conferences provided training and resources for participants       that help develop and maintain Neighborhood Networks centers in their       communities.       
"The strong attendance and participation at the 1998       Neighborhood Networks conferences shows the support and enthusiasm that is       behind this community-based initiative," said HUD Secretary Andrew Cuomo.       "It is encouraging to see many diverse neighborhoods, groups and       individuals joining with HUD in an effort that is providing residents       opportunities to change their lives."       

Conference attendees participated in a mix of plenary       sessions, training workshops and discussion panels on key Neighborhood       Networks goals and topics including technology, center development and       sustainability, microenterprise creation, job training and readiness,       health care, social services and education. An inspirational session       included speakers who shared personal experiences about how their local       Neighborhood Networks center helped them make the transition from "welfare       to work."       

Other key speakers included Brian Callahan, vice       president, computing and online services for WHRO-TV, the PBS       affiliate serving Hampton Roads, Virginia. He spoke in Atlanta about the       important role technology plays in education and employability. Phoenix       keynote speaker Robert Yang of the National Aeronautics and Space       Administration (NASA) discussed sharing information and emerging       technologies with Neighborhood Networks centers.       

Charlie Famuliner, National Field Director for the       Neighborhood Networks initiative, hosted both conferences. Reba Cook,       Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for HUD's Multifamily Housing       Programs, galvanized the crowd in both cities with her vision for the       initiative's future, which includes HUD's strong ongoing commitment to       Neighborhood Networks.       

Among the many key HUD staff who helped make the       conferences possible: Sally Thomas, Director of the Multifamily Housing       Division in the Arizona HUD office; Robert W. Reavis, Jr., Director of the       HUD Multifamily Housing Division in Georgia; Brenda Mull, Chief, Asset       Management Branch for HUD's Office of Housing in Georgia; and Ann Kizzier       and Raynold Richardson, who coordinate conferences and training for       Neighborhood Networks.       

To learn more about the Neighborhood Networks       conferences, or to be included in a mailing list for future conferences,       please call the Neighborhood Networks Information Center toll-free at       (888) 312-2743 or visit the website at http://web.archive.org/web/20001211131000/http://www.hud.gov/nnw/nnwindex.html.       The website includes an overall conference summary, daily conference       summaries with photographs, an agenda combining both conferences with       links to presentation materials and speaker biographies, and a photo       montage from each conference. 

HUD Neighborhood Networks NEWS       BRIEF

Written by:Jennifer Eddy, Ruth Fisher, Janet Maccubbin, Rinku       Shah, Antonia Stone, Bill WegerEditorial Board: Debby Fishman,       Lucinda Flowers, Jerry Garcia, Susan Guthrie, Steve Seuser, Bill Weger,       Steve YankManaging Editor:Jennifer EddyLayout: ICF       GraphicsOriginal Design: Rudder Finn

Neighborhood Networks News Briefis published quarterly by the       Government Printing Office (GPO) through the U.S. Department of Housing       and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Multifamily Housing. It is       distributed to the public, HUD field offices and Neighborhood Networks       centers. For additional copies, please call the Neighborhood       Networks Information Center toll-free at (888) 312-2743.   
Calendar of Events               January 14-17,             1999U.S. Association       for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE)13th Annual National       ConferenceSan Diego, CA, The Bahia       Hotel Phone: (706) 227-2544Fax: (706) 542-3743Website: http://web.archive.org/web/20001211131000/http://www.hud.gov/cgi-bin/intercept?http://www.USASBE.orgE-mail:       mmeeks@usasbe.org            January 21-23,             1999Families USA       FoundationAnnual Grassroots       ConferenceWashington, DCPhone:       (202) 628-3030Fax: (202) 347-2417Website: http://web.archive.org/web/20001211131000/http://www.hud.gov/cgi-bin/intercept?http://www.familiesusa.org/CONF.HTME-mail:       info@familiesusa.org            January 26-27,             1999Philanthropy News       NetworkNonprofits and Technology       ConferenceSeattle, WAPhone: (919)       832-2325Fax: (919) 833-4238Website: conference.pj.org/cities.htm            February 10-11,             1999International       Council for Caring Communities, Inc.Caring Communities       for the 21st Century(1999 International Year of Older Persons       Conference)New York, NY, United Nations       HeadquartersContact: Nancy LewisPhone: (212) 688-4321Fax:       (212) 759-5893Website: http://web.archive.org/web/20001211131000/http://www.hud.gov/cgi-bin/intercept?http://www.un.org/events/agingcf.htmE-mail:       iccc@undp.org            February 18-19,             1999Philanthropy News       NetworkNonprofits and Technology       ConferenceNew York, NYPhone: (919)       832-2325Fax: (919) 833-4238Website: conference.pj.org/cities.htm            March 3-6,           1999National Crime       Prevention Council-USA12th National Youth       Crime Prevention ConferenceDenver, CO, Adam's Mark       HotelContact: Lisa LybbertPhone: (202) 261-4152Fax: (202)       296-1356Website: http://web.archive.org/web/20001211131000/http://www.hud.gov/cgi-bin/intercept?http://www.ncpc.org/youthconE-mail:       lybbert@ncpc.org            March 4-7,           1999American Society on       Aging45th Annual       MeetingOrlando, FL, Disney's       Coronado Springs ResortContact: Shelley McHughPhone: (415)       974-9644Fax: (415) 974-0300Website: http://web.archive.org/web/20001211131000/http://www.hud.gov/cgi-bin/intercept?http://www.asaging.org/am/am.html            March 7-9,           1999National Council       for Urban Economic DevelopmentWashington       Briefing: Economic Development SummitWashington, DC, Omni Shoreham       HotelContact: Kate FullertonPhone: (202) 223-4735Fax: (202)       223-4745Website: http://web.archive.org/web/20001211131000/http://www.hud.gov/cgi-bin/intercept?http://www.cued.org      Visit       our website at http://web.archive.org/web/20001211131000/http://www.hud.gov/nnw/nnwindex.htmlHome | About Neighborhood Networks | What's New | PublicationsLocations & Information | Online Networking | Other Resources | GuestbookLast modified on: 11/21/00 Visitors : 413 Since 04/11/00