Four graduate from Family Self- Sufficiency Program of NMHC

The Northern Marianas Housing Corp.’s board of directors, management, and staff presented four graduates—Louisa L. Taga, Narcely Martin, Marline Anson, and Rose Marie A. Borja—certificates of completion under the NMHC’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program.

Director Vinney Atalig-Hocog presented each individual graduate with their certificates of completion. Director Oscar M. Babauta commended each of the graduates for their outstanding achievement and emphasized to each graduate to not lose that initiative and hard work it took for them to become self-sufficient so that they can continue to prosper without the need of any temporary programs in the future. Chairwoman “Marcie” M. Tomokane reiterated those sentiments and asked each graduate to share their stories with others in the community and to allow NMHC to publicly share a little bit of their story to the public so that others can benefit from the FSS Program to change their lives like they have.

NMHC continues to encourage Housing Choice Voucher participants to voluntarily enroll in the FSS Program to avail of assistance such as job placement, obtaining GED, learning crafts and trades, etc. to better their lives and become less dependent on federal subsidies/assistance.

Taga expressed, “It’s a wonderful feeling when you know you’ve accomplished something you never thought you could. It’s like winning an award or something but just better.” She applied for the FSS program in 2016 as a single family of four with a goal of finding a job so she and her family can have a better life. In 2017, she was able to secure work at Sablan Topline Agency and in 2020 she welcomed her husband to the family.

Martin participated in the FSS program in May 2016 as a family of six. Her goal was to find a job and set up her family for a better life. She found employment with Saipan World Resort in September 2016 and is currently with the same company to this day. She stated, “I want to thank the NMHC program and is deeply honored to receive this award after 5-7 years because of joining.” She also wanted to express her thanks to her FSS coordinator who helped her throughout the process of the program.

Anson started as a single mother of three receiving assistance in 2008. She was able to focus on the needs of her children and push them educationally. Today her eldest child is a high school graduate and a married woman, another daughter has completed her associate degree and starting her bachelor’s degree at Northern Marianas College, and a son who is doing well as a high school junior. She started the FSS program in 2016 and was able to secure employment with Sablan Topline Agency in 2017. “I want to thank my FSS coordinator for encouraging me to get into the program, and thank my caseworker for mentioning this program to me and encouraging me to register. I think this is a wonderful program that motivates people to work and know that there is a reward waiting for you in the end.”

Borja moved back to Saipan from Guam as a family of nine. She was able to receive assistance through NMHC with the help of her caseworker that guided her through an array of programs available. She took the initiative to apply for the FSS program and was referred to her FSS coordinator by her caseworker and joined in 2019. She was able to find employment in 2019 with an insurance company and in 2021 was able to gain employment with the CNMI government at Commonwealth COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program. In 2024 she added her husband into her household. “In reflecting on my journey, I couldn’t help but express gratitude to my caseworker and FSS coordinator for their unwavering support and assistance throughout my time in the program. Their dedication made the experience more than just a financial endeavor; it became a journey of personal growth and stability.”

The FSS Program is a voluntary program designed to assist families in becoming economically dependent. With the support of local agencies, FSS combines case management, education, job training, and ongoing support to aid the family in improving their lives and to achieve complete financial independence within 5-7 years. The main requirements are the desire to become self-sufficient and a commitment to take the steps necessary to make this happen. Eligible participants are those who are currently receiving rental assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher Program and are the head of household and 18 years of age or older. A great benefit to the FSS Program is that recipients, who pay a rent share, receive an interest-bearing escrow account. The account accrues as the household’s portion accrues as the household’s portion of rent increases because of an increase in earned income. The account is held until the participant successfully completes the contract.