PATHWorks Newsletter: July 2023
Success Stories - Employment - Finances - Asset Building - Community Events - Housing Works Updates - Resources
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SMART Goals to Achieve the Success you Seek for Yourself |
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Here at the PATHWorks program we work with participants to focus their goals, and together we create a roadmap for their success, but what does it take to be successful? First let’s look at what the definition of success is.
Dictionary.com defines success as; the favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors; the accomplishment of one's goals. Merriam-Webster.com defines it as; degree or measure of succeeding; favorable or desired outcome; one that succeeds. Those definitions seem straightforward, just identify what you want (set your goal) then once you achieve that goal, you are successful.
That sounds easy, but many of us know it is not always that simple. Life has a way of throwing things at us that can divert us from achieving the goals we set for ourselves if we let them. Our experience at the PATHWorks program shows us the key to achieving your goal really starts when you set the goal, so don’t rush the process! You will want to ask yourself good questions about your goal like, how much time can I devote to this? Do I have the resources and skills in place to achieve this goal and if not, how will I get them?
Once you have a goal in mind, you will want to write it down. Creating a clear written goal is critically important to your success and using a tool like SMART goals is a great place to start.
SMART stands for:
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Specific (simple, sensible, significant).
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Measurable (meaningful, motivating).
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Achievable (agreed, attainable).
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Relevant (reasonable, realistic and resourced, results-based).
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Time bound (time-based, time limited, time/cost limited, timely, time-sensitive)
Using SMART goals to create your written goal will require you to ask more questions as well, which will help clarify your path to achieving your goal. Here is an example of a financial SMART goal.
I will pay off my $3,000 credit card debt in 10 months by putting $300/month (plus interest) towards it.
- Is this goal specific? Yes - I will pay $3,000
- Is this goal Measurable? Yes - You can easily monitor your progress.
- Is this goal Achievable? Yes - That depends on your budget of course.
- Is this goal Relevant? Yes - Generally reducing your debt is a good idea.
- Is this goal Time-Bound? Yes - 10 months.
Try writing down your goal using the SMART goals model. To get started check out the links and templates for information on setting SMART goals.
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Click here for more detailed information on how to write SMART goals.
It doesn’t matter if your goal is big or small, but it is crucial that the goal is the right goal for you at the right time for you. Whether you choose to use SMART goals or not you must believe you can achieve the goal in order to achieve the goal. Putting some effort and thought into your goal is well worth the time.
Here are a few quotes from past PATHWorks participants who were successful in meeting their goals.
"Small success will lead to big successes. It is a process."
"You must hold yourself accountable to stay on track when things get hard."
"The support from my son, the PATHWorks program, and others gave me the encouragement and the strength to continue and persevere. The program to save and increase my credit score only happened because of the faith everyone had in me to do it. I pushed forward to accomplish those dreams and goals."
"Good things happen if you realize it may take longer than you want sometimes. The key is to enjoy what you have while you work toward a brighter future. Your efforts prepare you, then when the opportunity is presented, you can act."
Check out these links to multi-media success stories of past and current clients here. |
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Funding Available to Upgrade Your Career Skills
WorkSource/COIC Skill Upgrade Training program
In many careers your path to a promotion and higher pay requires additional education, training, and certifications. If this is the case for you at your current employer or you see other employment possibilities by gaining new skills, then WorkSource/COIC might be able to help you.
WorkSource/COIC Skill Upgrade Training program is a short-term training that typically supports the employee in earning a certification that leads to advancement in one’s industry-related knowledge and skills. The Skill Upgrade Training program also allows participants to earn new credentialing that could better qualify them in their current job or help them pursue new employment in their desired occupation.
Here are a few examples that WorkSource/COIC has recently paid for: *
- A Licensed Esthetician who would like to offer eye lash extensions as an additional service, 2-day eye lash training courses.
- A Crane Operator whose license lapsed needed retraining and re-licensing.
- QuickBooks training for an employee applying for the office manager position.
- A Forklift Operator needed training before applying for a warehouse position.
- A Personal Trainer certification for someone who was offered a job at a gym.
* (Must be currently employed, funding is based on documented financial need.)
These examples highlight the wide range of skill training upgrades that WorkSource/COIC can help you with. If you identify a skill that will enhance your career or lead you to new employment, it is in your best interest to reach out to WorkSource/COIC to see if they can help you.
WorkSource/COIC is a fantastic resource in Central Oregon to support you in finding employment and training to grow your career. They offer a variety of programs and have friendly, professional, and dedicated staff to help you navigate all their programs and resources. Their goal is to support you in finding and cultivating a successful, well-paying career. Contact them today to find out more!
For a menu of Worksource/COIC services and programs, click here. |
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Student Loan Payments
Federal student loan payments have been on hold for more than three years due to the pandemic. Now that the national COVID emergency is over, the U.S. Department of Education is preparing to restart student loan payments. Studentaid.gov states, "The student loan payment pause is extended until the U.S. Department of Education is permitted to implement the debt relief program or the litigation is resolved. Payments will restart 60 days later. If the debt relief program has not been implemented and the litigation has not been resolved by June 30, 2023 — payments will resume 60 days after that."
Most loan servicers systems will reflect August 31, 2023 as the end of the payment pause with payments becoming due starting September 1st, 2023. However, this date may change if the U.S. Department of Education is permitted to implement the debt relief program or the litigation is resolved before June 30, 2023.
How to Prepare for Payments to Resume:
- Make sure your contact information is up to date with your servicer and on StudentAid.gov.
- Review your auto-debit enrollment status. Auto-debit payments will not restart automatically.
- Use Federal Student Aid’s Loan Simulator to find the best repayment plan for you.
- Consider applying for an income-driven repayment plan, which can make your payments more affordable.
How to Determine Your Payment Amount and Due Date:
Once the payment pause ends, you’ll receive your billing statement or other notice at least 21 days before your payment is due. This notice will include your payment amount and due date.
Check out Student Loan News, Borrower Rights, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) for more information from Oregon's Student Loan Ombuds.
It’s important to plan ahead and use smart financial strategies to make sure you don’t fall behind when repayment begins. Once your loan enters repayment, you're responsible for making those payments. Make sure you stay on top of them.
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Central Oregon's Affordable Homeownership Programs
The growth in Central Oregon home sales prices has led to an affordable housing crisis. Many low to moderate-income households have questioned whether or not they can afford to purchase a home in Central Oregon, and for many, the answer has been no.
Now, there are more affordable homeownership programs available than ever before!
What Is Affordable Housing?
Affordable housing, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), is housing that requires less than 30% of an occupant’s gross monthly income.
Each affordable home builders program is unique and has different eligibility requirements, and accepts applications at different times throughout the year. Click on the picture above and check out the links below to learn about the affordable homeownership programs available in Central Oregon.
A good place to start preparing for homeownership is to get your finances in order and complete financial and homeownership education through NeighborImpact. Purchasing a house is a major commitment, however the financial and lifestyle benefits are well worth the cost. If you meet the eligibility requirements, apply for a home when applications are being accepted! |
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Summer Meals
The Summer Food Service Program, also known as "Summer Meals", is available in hundreds of communities throughout Oregon, offering free meals and snacks to ALL kids up to 18-years old. Community summer meal programs are open to all families without paperwork, income verification, and regardless of immigration status.
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Summer meal programs may serve a combination of breakfast, lunch, snack, or supper. To receive a meal, kids can just drop in during a site's designated meal times. Many programs also offer fun activities so kids can stay active and keep learning.
There are several ways to find meal sites in your area.
- Call 2-1-1 and an operator can help you find a site in your area and provide you with information about that site.
- Text "Food" or "Comida" to 304-304; you will be prompted to enter an address and will be texted back a list of sites near you
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Use the USDA Meals for Kids Map following the instructions to search for information about sites within your selected area.
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New Workforce Housing Coming to Redmond
Housing Works will begin the redevelopment of their Spencer Court property located off SW Canal Blvd. this summer. This property, combined with the adjacent lot, will increase the site to 3.43 acres. Sixty new apartments, made up of a mix of one-, two-, three-bedroom units will replace the outdated, 16 one-bedroom apartments that were built in 1983. The new apartments will be nicely equipped with modern and energy efficient amenities such as ductless mini-splits for heating and cooling comfort, continuous circulating bath fans for improved indoor air quality, energy star dishwasher, LED lighting, and extra insulation to reduce energy costs.
The apartments will have restricted income and rent limits at 60% of the area median income (AMI) and the unit mix will serve a variety of household types and sizes. The site will include four, 3-story buildings and a community building with a lounge, a fitness room, a dog wash area, and an outside playground for residents to use.
Construction will begin this summer and is expected to take 12 months to complete. The residents currently living at Spencer Court will have preference for the new housing units.
Funding for the development includes a grant from the Deschutes County American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), funds from Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) Local Innovation and Fast Track (LIFT) and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) programs.
Applications for this apartment community will be accepted a couple of months before construction is completed at epicopenings.net.
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Annual Recertification For Continued HCV Assistance
Have you ever wondered why you are required to return information annually for your Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance?
HUD requires that all Housing Authorities complete an annual recertification for each family within a 12-month period. Timely recertification ensures continued program eligibility and determines how much rental assistance may be provided for the coming year. Below are a few frequently asked questions surrounding your annual recertification.
What information is needed from me?
- Housing Works is required to gather and verify current information about family composition, income, and expenses. Program participants can help us ensure their recertification is completed in a timely manner by attaching copies of their income, assets, and expenses with their fully executed Self Declaration Form.
What if I need help completing my recertification?
- If you need assistance with completing your annual recertification packet or need an extension on your due date, contact your Housing Specialist by email or call 541-923-1018.
- If you have a disability and need reasonable accommodation, please contact us at 541-923-1018.
What happens if voucher holders do not turn in their annual recertification packet?
- HUD regulations do not allow Housing Works to provide services to someone who does not meet their family responsibilities, which include completing and returning required paperwork. Failure to meet your reporting responsibilities may result in the termination of your housing assistance.
If you need assistance with any Housing Choice Voucher matter, please contact your Housing Specialist by calling 541-923-1018 and select option 2 for a list by name. Alternatively, you can text a member of the Housing Specialist Team at 541-286-5562. This is our general text line.
Thank you for helping us serve you better!
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Security Deposit Assistance Available!
Rental security deposit assistance loans are available to Housing Choice Voucher holders and residents moving into Housing Works-owned properties managed by EPIC Property Management ONLY on a first-come, first-served basis when funding is available. These funds help individuals and families remove barriers to accessing safe affordable housing once they are selected for a rental home.
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