Resident support leads to success at Forest City Housing Authority

By Scott Carpenter Jan 24, 2024

Kamicia Griffin (left) is pictured with Forest City Housing Authority resident Marqueeta Holbert. Holbert recently earned her diploma with support and encouragement from the Residential Opportunities Self-Sufficiency Service program.
Photo/Forest City Housing Authority

Forest City-Thanks to a federal HUD grant, The Forest City Housing Authority was able to hire Kamicia Griffin as a Residential Opportunities Self-Sufficiency Service Coordinator in September 2023. She is already having a major impact on residents.

"I came to help change the narrative," she said. "I want to be a catalyst for transforming mindsets and empowering the residents to believe that they can achieve their goals and create a lasting legacy for themselves and their children."

Griffin does this by providing resources, support, and guidance as she helps them on their journey toward self-sufficiency.

Marqueeta Holbert is one of those residents who has benefited from Griffin's support.

"In September 2023, Mrs. Holbert walked into the Forest City Housing Authority seeking more than just a place to live. She came with a dream and a burning desire to advance in her geriatric career," Griffin explained. "She was employed at a nursing home, but she knew that to truly progress and take on higher responsibilities, she needed a high school diploma or GED to qualify for college course in geriatrics."

According to Griffin, Holbert faced challenges including a deep-seated fear of failure that she had for years. And yet, she was determined.

"Recognizing her potential and the transformative impact education could have on her career, I began weekly encouragement sessions with Ms. Holbert," Griffin continued. "We discussed the steps needed to pursue her goals, explored study strategies, and delved into the vast possibilities awaiting her once she achieved her diploma."

Holbert studied consistently.

"Her persistence, coupled with the support from the Forest City Housing Authority team, created an empowering environment for her to thrive," Griffin said. "The pivotal moment arrived when Ms. Holbert faced the high school equivalency test, and to her delight and our collective pride, she not only passed but achieved a high score that exceeded her expectations."

Holbert was overjoyed to receive her diploma.

"She rushed to share this milestone with the Housing Office staff, a moment that marked not only an educational triumph but a profound personal achievement," Griffin said.

Holbert is grateful for all the support she has received from Forest City Housing Authority.

"I am grateful for the numerous times Ms. Griffin encouraged me, pushed me harder to achieve my goals, and shared community resources with me, so that I can have a better future," Holbert stated. "I can't wait to let you know when I am officially a CNA. It's coming soon, thanks to God, and for the support I have received."

She added, "I want others to know just how supportive Forest City Housing Authority is, and how wonderful the people there truly are."

Michelle Driver, executive director of Forest City Housing Authority, is pleased with Griffin's work, and the impact she is having on the residents.

"This was a much-needed position here," Driver said. "Ms. Griffin is doing a great job, advocating and supporting our residents."