The Partnership Board members represent a diverse group of local community and industry leaders, which include: city and county government, the banking industry, supportive service providers, educators, attorneys, and low income individuals and/or those representing low income groups.
Board President: Claus Sass, Retired
csass@peak.org
Vice President: Sharon Konopa, Mayor, City of Albany
sharonkonopa@juno.com
Secretary/Treasurer: Anne Catlin Planner, City of Albany
annecatlin@cityofalbany.net
Board Members:
Andy Bean, Attorney
abean@wtlegal.com
Hector Cordova, Family Pro
hector2866@hotmail.com
Bill Higby, Vice President, Willamette Community Bank
bhigby@wcbalbany.com
Michael Thomson
thomsonm@myway.com
Linda Yost
burntoaks@comcast.net
A Message from Albany Partnerships Board President:
Smoother Ride Expected with ‘Self-Management’
Like all eager teens born in 1995, we expect good things to happen this New Year when we’re handed the keys representing our new found independence.
In 2010, the Partnership assumed full responsibility for managing our properties and we’re expecting a smoother and long ride for our core destination, our organization’s mission to provide affordable rental housing and a hand up to those most in need.
We’ve relied on the ‘training wheels’ of third party property managers over the last few years with unquestionably mixed results. Simple repairs became major engine slowdowns and sapped the gas tank, forcing us to stall.
But over the last two years — like the teen looking for improved grades to gain the trust of the folks — the report card is encouraging: solid management, great employees and a stronger board of directors.
We’ve repaired the engine; the gas tank stands above ‘E’ and our signals are on to get back on the road. We’ve now earned the right to grab that wheel with property self-management.
Now as we unfold a map pointing us in new directions, we’re calculating the most direct routes for our clients to help them learn more about conscientious renting; successful job searches and assistance; budgeting skills classes to help build confidence; and frequent stops along the way to welcome the clients’ own ideas of how to improve their lives.
We’ve also accepted the challenge to be fully engaged in Life Skills transitional housing – moving folks from temporary emergency housing to a stable rental home with wrap around services. Think of this as professional driving lessons — transitional housing guidance and classes, with a trustworthy vehicle to practice in. This formula will help many attain and earn permanent independent housing. This is the Partnership at our very best.
I still remember 1960 when dad handed me the keys. My arm was out the window, even though it was early March in Nebraska, and I had grin on my face that didn’t fade until May.
We need your personal and financial support to really add speed to our jalopy. Won’t you join us for the 2011 ride? Call our office to see how you can help.
Revving up the car now, but I’ll look for you along the way. I’ll be the guy with a sixteen year olds smile. Claus Sass, Chair