As we gather to celebrate Independence Day this July 4th, we are reminded of the profound significance of this day and the values it represents. The Fourth of July is not merely a day of fireworks and barbecues; it is a celebration of the enduring principles of freedom and democracy that form the bedrock of our nation.
The Declaration of Independence, signed and ratified in 1776, marked the beginning of a new era. It was the first bold step toward establishing a nation built on the belief that all individuals are endowed with unalienable rights. This founding document articulated the American definition of freedom: the power and right to act, speak, and think without hindrance or restraint. It set forth the vision of a society where every individual could pursue life, liberty, and happiness.
However, the journey from vision to reality was not instantaneous. The Constitution and the Bill of Rights, the other cornerstones of our national tenet, were necessary to establish and safeguard these freedoms. The Constitution created a framework for governance, ensuring that power would be balanced and checked to prevent tyranny. The Bill of Rights further protected individual liberties, enshrining the freedoms of speech, religion, and assembly, as salient goals to protect our freedom.
Why are these documents and their principles so crucial today, in July 2024? The answer lies in their timeless relevance and the role they play in our daily lives. Freedom, as defined by these founding documents, is not a static concept. It is a living, breathing principle that adapts and evolves with the times.
In today’s world, we face new challenges and opportunities. Digital privacy, freedom of speech online, and social justice are modern frontiers where the principles of freedom are continually tested and redefined. The mechanisms established by our Constitution and the protections afforded by the Bill of Rights are more important than ever as we navigate these complexities.
Our nation’s commitment to freedom has been a beacon for global movements for democracy and human rights. It is a testament to the strength of our ideals that people around the world look to the United States as a model of freedom and democracy. This global influence underscores our responsibility to uphold and expand these principles, ensuring that freedom is not just a promise but a reality for all.
As we celebrate this Independence Day, let us also reflect on the progress we have made and the work that still lies ahead. The abolition of slavery, the civil rights movements, and the ongoing fight for gender equality are milestones on our journey toward a more inclusive freedom. Yet, there are still areas where freedom is contested, and we must remain vigilant and proactive in our advocacy.
Our commitment to freedom is intertwined with our collective responsibility as citizens. Active participation in democracy, through voting, civic engagement, and community service, is essential in safeguarding the freedoms we cherish. Educating ourselves and future generations about the importance of these principles ensures that they remain vibrant and relevant.
Freedom also fuels innovation and prosperity. A society that values and protects individual liberties creates an environment where creativity can flourish, and entrepreneurial spirit can thrive. At RHA, we believe that freedom is the foundation of progress, driving us to explore new ideas and push boundaries.
Moreover, freedom is about unity and diversity. It allows us to embrace our differences while finding common ground. It is a reminder that our strength lies in our ability to come together, respecting each other’s rights and working toward a shared vision of a better future.
As we celebrate this Fourth of July, let us honor the legacy of our founding documents by committing to the ongoing work of building a more perfect union. Let us strive to ensure that the freedoms we celebrate today are preserved and expanded for all future generations.
At RHA, we are committed to fostering an environment where freedom is cherished and protected. We believe that a free society is one where innovation thrives, creativity flourishes, and individuals can pursue their dreams without fear of repression. As we celebrate this Independence Day, we reaffirm our dedication to these principles and our commitment to ensuring that the promise of freedom is realized for all.
Happy Fourth of July to all. May we continue to cherish and protect the freedoms that define us as a nation.
Laura Snyder CEO, RHA
Rockford, [September 15, 2023] – The Rockford Housing Authority (RHA) is delighted to announce that we have secured a substantial $10 million grant to bolster residential health and safety within our community. This momentous achievement signifies a pivotal step in our ongoing commitment to delivering cleaner, safer living environments for our resident families, while also catalyzing local economic growth and employment opportunities.Laura Snyder, CEO of RHA, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “This grant is a game-changer for our community. It empowers us to address pressing health and safety concerns in public housing, ensuring that our residents have homes where they can thrive.”Administered under the Housing-Related Hazards (HRH) and Lead-Based Paint (LBP) Capital Funding program, this grant provides vital resources to public housing agencies (PHAs) like RHA. It equips us to evaluate and mitigate residential health hazards, including lead-based paint, carbon monoxide, mold, radon, fire safety, and asbestos – all of which directly impact the well-being of our residents.HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge emphasized the importance of this funding effort, stating, “American families deserve a safe and healthy place to call home. However, in many older homes, lead-based paint can be a serious threat to the health and well-being of children.” With this grant, we can identify and address homes where occupants are at risk of lead exposure and other health hazards, reinforcing our promise of a healthier, stronger community.Laura Snyder further emphasized, “We are dedicated to creating safe and healthy living environments. This grant aligns perfectly with our mission and enables us to protect families from hazards like lead exposure, fulfilling our promise of a healthier, stronger community.”Moreover, this grant goes beyond improving living conditions; it infuses a significant $10 million into our local economy. This financial boost not only supports our Section III efforts for employment but also generates long-term job opportunities, thereby fueling economic growth within our region.Laura Snyder expressed her gratitude to the RHA team, stating, “Our dedicated staff has played a pivotal role in securing this grant. Their unwavering commitment to our mission has made this achievement possible.”The Rockford Housing Authority eagerly anticipates the transformative impact of this remarkable $10 million grant on Rockford. Together, the organization and the community are creating a substantial positive change in the lives of residents and the prosperity of the local area.
The Rockford Housing Authority has undergone a significant change in strategy with the transition of the Low-Income Housing Program to Housing Choice Vouchers and the deconstruction of aging buildings. This change was made possible due to the leadership and management of the Chief Operating Officer, Laura Snyder. Due to Ms. Snyder’s leadership, the RHA team was able to create a new direction for the organization by transitioning the Low-Income Housing Program to Housing Choice Vouchers. This required a shift in organizational culture to support and sustain the new direction. Ms. Snyder was instrumental in communicating the reasons for the change and seeking input from staff and the community on how to make the transition as smooth as possible. This helped build buy-in and ownership of the new approach. One of the biggest challenges in making this change was ensuring staff had the necessary training and support to implement the new program effectively. Snyder recognized this challenge and provided ongoing support, including resident programs, to ensure staff felt confident in their roles and could help the relocation program succeed.
The relocation of RHA residents was a significant challenge that required clear communication and involvement from staff and the community. Snyder led the effort to communicate the reasons for the deconstruction and the benefits it would bring to the residents, including the elderly and vulnerable seniors who could be negatively impacted by aging buildings. She also ensured that staff had the necessary training and support to assist with the relocation of residents, making the transition as smooth as possible. Snyder’s leadership and management skills were also evident in how she celebrated successes and milestones achieved during the transition. This helped build morale and motivated staff to continue their efforts. Encouraging feedback and continuous improvement was also crucial. By listening to staff and the community’s feedback, Snyder identified areas for improvement and demonstrated her commitment to continuous improvement.
Ms. Snyder has a strong commitment to ethics and integrity developing policies and procedures to ensure that all RHA operations are conducted in an ethical and transparent manner. Due to the direction of CEO Laura Snyder, the Rockford Housing Authority has achieved several significant accomplishments in recent years. One of the most notable achievements is the new HUD designation as a Move to Work agency and the expansion of the RHA’s Family Self Sufficiency, Homeownership Program. The program provides low-income families with the opportunity to purchase their own homes and build equity, a significant step toward achieving financial stability and independence. Snyder recognized the need for such a program and led the effort to make it a reality. She worked closely with community partners and stakeholders to secure funding and resources for the program and developed policies and procedures to ensure its success.
She has been an advocate for resident empowerment and community engagement. Ms. Snyder’s Leadership Team created new partnerships with local businesses and organizations to provide job training and employment opportunities to residents. Ms. Snyder recognized that unemployment and underemployment were significant barriers to self-sufficiency and economic stability for RHA residents. She and her team worked to build partnerships with local businesses and organizations with the Jobs Plus Program to create employment opportunities for RHA residents. The program has been a great success, providing many RHA residents with the skills and experience needed to secure and maintain good-paying jobs. Ms. Snyder has also been instrumental in advocating for affordable housing policies and resources at the local, state, and federal levels. She has worked closely with elected officials and community leaders to raise awareness of the need for affordable housing and to secure funding and resources for the RHA and other affordable housing providers in the region.
Ms. Snyder has been a champion of resident safety and security. She recognized that crime and violence were significant concerns for RHA residents and worked to implement new safety and security measures. She and the RHA Leadership Team worked closely with law enforcement agencies and community partners to develop and implement a comprehensive security plan that includes increased patrols, improved lighting, and other measures to deter crime and promote safety. As a result, RHA properties have become safer and more secure, providing residents with a greater sense of peace and security.
In conclusion, the RHA’s significant change in strategy with the transition of the Low-Income Housing Program to Housing Choice Vouchers and the deconstruction of aging buildings was made possible due to the leadership and management of the Chief Executive Officer, Laura Snyder. Her focus on clear communication, involvement, training and support, transparency, celebration, feedback, continuous improvement, and responsiveness has been instrumental in creating shared understanding and support among RHA staff, residents, and the community. Ms. Snyder’s leadership provides an example of how effective leadership can bring about positive change and transformation within an organization.
Ms. Snyder’s overarching goal is to always improve the quality of life for RHA residents. Her focus on resident empowerment, community engagement, affordable housing policies and resources, rehabilitation and renovation of RHA properties, wellness programs, and safety and security measures have all contributed to the RHA’s continued success in providing safe, affordable, and sustainable housing solutions for low-income families and individuals in the Rockford area.
Laura Snyder, the CEO, is responsible for the financial and operational success of RHA. With over 17 years of experience with Public Housing, Laura has assisted in the development of our safety and security programs and, currently holds certifications as a Housing Choice Voucher specialist, Public Housing Manager, and Tax Credit specialist.
Laura has been a valued member of the RHA Directors and Leadership team. Formerly the Director of Housing Operations for the RHA she was responsible for leading the Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing, and Maintenance teams to peak performance and to develop and implement initiatives to improve program integrity within HCV and Public Housing programs.
As the CEO of the Rockford Housing Authority, I have been committed to transforming the organization into one that is more responsive to the needs of our residents and the community. I believe that strong leadership is essential to achieving this goal, and I have worked hard to develop my own leadership skills over the years. I am committed to leading an organization that embodies our Ten Core Values: Leadership, Respectful, Quality, Accountable, Integrity, Consistent, Resourcefulness, Caring, Collaborative, and Professional. I understand the importance of setting a clear direction for the organization and developing a strategic plan that aligns with our mission and goals. I also believe in empowering staff members and residents to take ownership of their own success.
Resourcefulness is a precept that I embrace to ensure that we make the most of our limited resources. We are constantly seeking new and innovative ways to deliver high-quality services to our residents while operating efficiently and effectively. Consistency is also important to us at RHA. We strive to be consistent in our policies, procedures, and practices to ensure fairness and equity for all residents and staff members.
Collaboration is essential to our success at RHA. We work closely with community organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to develop and implement solutions that benefit our residents and the broader community. I believe that one of my key strengths as a leader is my ability to see the big picture and develop a clear vision for RHA. I understand the importance of strategic planning and have identified key priorities to achieve our long-term goals. I believe that collaboration is essential to success, and I have worked hard to build strong partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
Integrity is an axiom that is essential to me in building trust and credibility with our residents, partners, and stakeholders. I and my Leadership Team are committed to conducting all of our operations with the highest levels of honesty and transparency. Being an adaptive leader is very important to me, I am able to adjust plans and strategies as needed to respond to changing circumstances. I believe in empowering residents and staff members to take ownership of their own success and have provided training and development opportunities to help them build the skills and knowledge needed to succeed. We also prioritize Quality in everything we do at Rockford Housing Authority. We strive to provide high-quality housing and services to our residents, and we are committed to continuous improvement in all areas of our organization.
Respectful communication is another key value that I prioritize. I believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and I work to create a culture where open communication and feedback are valued. Transparency and ethics are also important to me as a leader. I believe in open communication and have worked to ensure that RHA operations are conducted in an ethical and transparent manner. I also believe in the importance of diversity and inclusion and have developed programs and initiatives to promote these values.
Accountability is another core tenet that we embrace at RHA. We hold ourselves accountable for delivering on our commitments and for maintaining high standards of performance. I understand the importance of connecting with others on a personal level. Caring is a core value that we all prioritize. We understand that our residents are facing challenges in their lives, and we are committed to providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. Finally, I believe we strive to maintain a high level of Professionalism in all of our interactions and operations. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethical conduct and strive to be a model of professionalism for our staff members and residents.
By embodying these Ten Core Values, we are able to create a culture of excellence at RHA and work together to achieve our mission of providing safe, decent, and affordable housing for all residents, by which we will continue to build a stronger, more sustainable community in Rockford.
Meet Our CEO: Laura Snyder
Welcome to the Rockford Housing Authority – where community transformation is not just a goal but a reality. At the helm of this transformative journey stands our CEO, Laura Snyder, a visionary leader with an unwavering commitment to empowering
residents and revitalizing neighborhoods.
With five years of remarkable leadership, Laura has not only made a significant impact but also set new standards for excellence in the realm of
affordable housing and community development.
Under Laura’s guidance, RHA has secured unprecedented funding that has fueled our mission to provide affordable, safe, and thriving communities:
award, creating employment opportunities and empowerment for our residents.Laura’s vision for redevelopment has breathed new life into our communities:
recapture of Scattered Sites from Gorman, ensuring greater control over housing resources.Efficient operations form the backbone of our organization:
Laura’s commitment to resident well-being extends beyond housing:
Empowerment Centers at Blackhawk and COCC, creating hubs of support and empowerment.Laura’s leadership extends beyond RHA:
an automated payroll and human resources platform for increased efficiency.Laura’s advocacy efforts have reshaped our community:
elected officials, garnering support for redevelopment projects and changing the perception of public housing.Laura Snyder’s leadership at the Rockford Housing Authority has transformed lives and communities. Her dedication to financial stewardship, redevelopment, operational excellence, human services, leadership, and community engagement is evident in every aspect of our organization. As we continue this journey of transformation, the future holds even more promise for our residents and the community we serve, thanks to Laura’s tireless dedication and vision.
To continue to create strategic partnerships with community stakeholders, design a diverse housing portfolio, leverage social service programming to unite and ensure residents are provided with safe and nurturing environments that lead to self-sufficiency, responsibility, and individual empowerment.
The NAHRO Monitor is here! Don't miss President George Guy's message "Celebrating Our Collective Impact" and other timely news.
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! 🎉 Let's take this time to honor and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities.
What's your favorite way to celebrate Hispanic heritage? #HispanicHeritageMonth #CelebrateCulture #rockfordhousing
New passenger rail service to Rockford could require a regular state subsidy, may include a stop in downtown Elgin
New passenger rail service to Rockford could require a regular state subsidy, may include a stop in...
Metra and Illinois Department of Transportation officials provide more information about exactly how the new system will work.
chi.streetsblog.org
Within 5 years the RHA will re-establish itself as high performing agency that is a leader in housing and sustainable communities by developing additional, non-HUD revenue streams, increasing our asset base and offering state of the art resident initiatives.
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