The Resident Initiatives team recently celebrated the achievements of eight outstanding public housing and Housing Choice Voucher (HCV/Section 8) clients who graduated from the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program.
The FSS Program is a voluntary, five-year asset-building initiative that empowers SLHA families to achieve financial independence through increased earnings and savings, while also pursuing long-held personal goals. Whether it’s education, new employment, homeownership, or other aspirations, FSS Coordinators Vera “Renee” Wren and Srederick Robinson work closely with participants to set and achieve transformative goals.
This graduating class achieved significant milestones, including earning advanced degrees and certifications, completing parenting education and financial literacy courses, starting new businesses, and beginning the journey toward first-time homeownership.
During the ceremony, the coordinators honored each graduate and commended their dedication to personal growth.
“You are living proof that the FSS program works,” said Wren. “I am incredibly proud of your commitment, over these past years, to creating the life you envisioned.”
“You did it,” added Robinson. “You didn’t let anything stand in your way. Look at what you’ve accomplished for your family. You’ve created a legacy.”
Special thanks to our keynote speaker, Melva Paden Moore, who inspired our graduates to “always drive the vehicle to their purpose free of distractions.” We also extend our gratitude to the Program Coordinating Committee, including our exceptional community partners who provided invaluable homeowner education: Commerce Bank, the City of St. Louis Treasurer’s Office of Financial Empowerment, SLDC, and St. Joseph Housing Initiative.
To learn more about the FSS Program or to enroll, visit here.
