There is a new face behind the scenes at the Havre de Grace Housing Authority: Shalia Pettiford joined the staff of the non-profit on April 1 as the Family Self-Sufficiency Program Coordinator. In this position she will recruit program participants and assess their needs and eligibility; help them define and set life goals; then connect them with the resources necessary to reach those milestones. She will also monitor participant progress as they work through the program, and foster partnerships with other private and public agencies to provide additional services when needed.

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is available exclusively to residents of Somerset Manor, the public housing community managed by the Havre de Grace Housing Authority (HDGHA). It is a voluntary counseling service provided at no cost and designed to reduce reliance on subsidized assistance by helping clients work towards economic self-sufficiency. Past participants have utilized the FSS Program to attain degrees, decrease debt, gain new job skills, and learn how to budget finances to make major purchases such as cars and homes.

Pettiford has extensive experience assessing client needs and coordinating services to facilitate independent living. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Towson University and an associate degree in psychology from Baltimore City Community College, and currently serves as a program facilitator for HDGHA partner The Success Project as well as a community support specialist for Leading by Example LLC. Previously she worked as a case manager for Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland and a rehabilitation counselor for Humanim.

Of her new role with HDGHA Pettiford says, “It is my passion to help families and individuals overcome their personal and financial difficulties, so I am excited to join the HDGHA team as the Family Self-Sufficiency Program Coordinator. I look forward to supporting Somerset Manor residents on their journey to leading productive and autonomous lives while enhancing self-care through example, service, advocacy, and knowledge.”

Nicki Biggs is the acting Executive Director of the Havre de Grace Housing Authority. She says, “We are very glad to welcome Shalia to HDGHA. Her energy, enthusiasm for our mission, and related experience and skills will be very positive additions that enrich the FSS Program experience for families and individuals striving to achieve economic self-sufficiency.”

For more information about HDGHA or the Family Self-Sufficiency Program visit www.hdgha.org.

About the Havre de Grace Housing Authority (HDGHA) http://hdgha.orgThe Havre de Grace Housing Authority (HDGHA) at Somerset Manor was established in the 1970s to provide low-income families and individuals with a safe, affordable place to live. The community features 50 rental townhomes and is the only public housing facility in Harford County. More than just a place to live, the mission of the organization is to provide residents with a wide range of services, including job training and educational programs, to help them achieve personal economic self-sufficiency.