SMARTCHOICES

We believe that every person can be successful. SmartChoices builds on this premise to provide youth and adults in the VHA’s low-income housing with the tools and resources to be successful.

SmartChoices Program for Youth

SmartChoices provides a range of services to assist youth and young adults to stay in school, prepare for important educational and career choices, and become self-sufficient adults. The program assists each young person to formulate and follow through on positive academic, personal, social, and employment goals.

SmartChoices services for youth and young adults include:

Linking participants to resources and services that will promote academic success and, later, self-sufficiency.

• Academic support through tutoring, academic credit recovery, and enrichment classes
• Mentoring
• Family support
• Work readiness training
• Occupational skills training
• Leadership development
• College readiness and awareness
• Ready to Rent classes
• Service learning
• Job seeker training

To learn more about the SmartChoices youth program and how you can join, contact SmartChoices Coordinator: Michael Smith.

SmartChoices Program for Adults

SmartChoices helps residents of public housing become aware of, and use, job training and career opportunities that are available to them. The program staff will assist participants to write a success plan and make use of the resources available for personal development and economic self-sufficiency.

SmartChoices services for adults include:

• Job Development
• Job Coaching
• Financial/Homeownership Education classes for youth and adults
• Career Plan Development
• Career Exploration Projects
• Starting a Small Business classes & support
• Assistance with Scholarship and Financial-Aid Applications
• Assistance with Job Applications
• College Field Trips
• Career Mentoring
• Connections with Mental Health services
• Case Management

To learn more about the SmartChoices Adult program and how you can join, contact Lifeskills and Employment Specialist Carol Van Atta.

SmartChoices Community Partners

• Clark County Juvenile Justice Center
• Clark College
• Clark County Resident's Council
• Clark County Skills Center
• Clearview Employment Services
• East Vancouver United Methodist Church
• Greater Vancouver Interfaith Association
• Educational Service District 112
• Eastern Washington University School of Social Work
• Home Ownership Center
• Job Corps
• Lutheran Community Services
• New Heights Employment Connections
• Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council
• United States Forest Service
• Vancouver Housing Authority
• WorkSource
• YW Housing