Monthly Health Tip

May Health Tip

Lupus Awareness Month

 

     

 Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body including skin, joints, and organs inside the body. Lupus affects the immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs. Normally the immune system produces proteins called antibodies that protect the body from these invaders, but people with Lupus cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and your body’s healthy tissues and creates autoantibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue. These autoantibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body.  Commons signs and symptoms include:  a butterfly rash that covers the cheeks and nose, achy joint and extreme fatigue.

·         Lupus is not contagious

·         5 million people world-wide suffer from lupus

·         African-American females are 2-3 more likely to develop lupus than any other race

·         More than 16,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S.

If you or someone you know has lupus encourage them to seek treatment immediately.  Early treatment leads to a longer and healthier life.

 

Family Support Services

The Housing Authority of Covington’s Resident Services Department offers a variety of support services for eligible families residing in Covington public housing. Experienced staff and case managers work with each family to identify needs, develop strategies, and offer follow-up services to ensure success. For more information on any HAC Family Support Services, contact Chris Bradburn at 859-292-2591.

Adult Education (GED) : HAC refers interested adults to Gateway Community and Technical College’s Urban Center, 525 Scott Blvd., Covington, KY 41011, for academic assessment and adult education classes. In addition, HAC also offers residents one-on-one tutoring to further support the adult education programs offered by Gateway.

Job Training : HAC works with more than five local organizations to offer industry- specific job training programs, including:

  • Construction
  • Health Care / Medical Assisting / Certified Nurses Aides (C.N.A.)
  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Energy
  • Information Technology
  • Services, including Customer Service
  • Transportation / Logistics

Additional industry specific training is offered by several local public and private colleges.

Job Search Assistance : HAC can link residents with many job search assistance programs. Some of the job search assistance services offered include resume development, interviewing skills, job coaching, and disability supports. We also collaborate with local agencies who supply monthly job listings.

Life Skills Programs : Our experience has shown that before a person can be stable at work, they have to feel stable in their home life. HAC offers a comprehensive life skills programs designed to strengthen individuals and families from the inside-out.

Get Learning and Start Succeeding / GLASS

This Kentucky Housing award winning program was first conceived in 2005 and was created to provide a customized, holistic approach for at-risk families by:

  • identifying individual barriers to self-sufficiency
  • assisting with personal, educational and vocational goal setting
  • providing tools and support systems to achieve success

Specifically, the GLASS program provides resources for:

  • Vocational evaluations to identify barriers to employment
  • Self-awareness and life skills classes
  • Work readiness classes
  • Math and literacy support programs
  • Basic computer skills classes

Case management/support for:

  • State IDs, Birth Certificates, Social Security
  • GED registration and testing
  • college admissions
  • career counseling and employment support
  • personal/family counseling
  • referrals for financial assistance

To date, more than 70% of GLASS program graduates have gone on to either continue their educations and/or found employment. In addition, more than 20 community partners have collaborated on the GLASS program since inception.

       

Parenthood Programs

Strong families begin with strong parenting skills. As a result, HAC offers many parenting support programs, both on site and off-site, that are affiliated with several local and national partnering organizations. These programs include:

  • Healthy Moms & Babes
  • Baby College
  • Fathering Healthy Families And more!

Money Management Programs

The HAC also supports families through on and off-site programs and referrals to local agencies that specialize in helping families achieve financial stability. Some of the financial support programs and services offered include:

  • Budgeting and money management
  • Credit counseling
  • Saving and asset building
  • Homeownership and home buyer classes
  • Eviction prevention
  • Income tax preparation And more!

Resident Leadership Training Programs

Strong neighborhoods are the results of strong leadership. Strong resident association groups start with members who not only care about their community but have the stamina and skills to advocate effectively for their community. The HAC is pleased to offer resident leadership development programs for interested residents who would like to build their in the areas of planning, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement. Residents interested in the leadership training program must register and participate in an interview process. Space is limited. For more information, contact Simon Bradley, Resident Services Director, at 859-292-3249.

Find Useful Links Here

Family Self Sufficiency Program

The Housing Authority of Covington, KY began its new FSS Program on January 1, 2012 with the goal of assisting public housing residents to become self-sufficient, and welfare-free through full time employment. The FSS Program provides comprehensive support services   that combine housing assistance with individualized community services that help families to reach their goals. This will be accomplished through education, vocational training, job readiness, financial literacy and credit repair counseling, pre-home ownership education and counseling, and life skills classes such as parenting skills, home management, early childhood development, health education, and nutrition.

As part of the FSS Program, the Housing Authority of Covington will offer financial incentives to encourage participation and enhance the participant’s ability to achieve self-sufficiency. We will establish an FSS Interest-bearing Escrow Account for each eligible participating family to off-set any increases in rent as a result of their increased income due to employment, in accordance with HUD guidelines.
For more information and to enroll in the FSS Program, please contact Glenda Taylor FSS Coordinator with the Housing Authority of Covington at 859-491-5311 or email me at gtaylor@hacov.org.

Click here for more information.

Health Support Services

Healthy communities thrive…..The Housing Authority of Covington NOW offers health services for those who qualify. Take part in improving your health through prevention, education, and eating well. For addition information contact: Shannon Fryer, Community Health Nurse, at 859-292-3263 ext. 106.

Community Health Worker Offers Health Assessments/Screenings

Prevention is the best key to a healthy lifestyle. Seeing your physician and getting regular check ups are important to your health and overall quality of life. If you are 55+ years of age, disabled, and/or are eligible for HOPE VI support services, you may qualify for a free health assessments, blood pressure and glucose screenings by our in-house Community Health Nurse. By completing an initial health assessment and medical screening, you will have a better understanding of your overall physical health as well as what health referral and support services you may benefit from and qualify for at free or significantly reduced rates.

Health Education Classes

The HAC offers a heart healthy program called “With Every Heartbeat is Life.” (WEHL) The WEHL program was developed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. The goal of the program is to improve public health in public housing communities. This 11 week program incorporates health education with health screening and monitoring, as well as support services provided by community health workers and resident trainers who advise residents on making positive lifestyle changes. Some of the WEHL class topics include: the risk factors of heart disease and diabetes, the importance of exercise, heart healthy eating habits, and living smoke free.

Other valuable health education classes will be offered periodically through the nurse, and several local agencies, both on and off-site.

Health Insurance Eligibility – Medicaid/KCHIP

Do you have health insurance? Do your children have health insurance? If not, you and your family may qualify for Medicaid or KCHIP insurance!! For more information, contact Shannon Fryer 859-292-3263 ext 106.

Links to Local Health Providers