NAHMANews- NAHMA Drug-Free Calendars Now on Sale!!!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2008 Calendars Feature Outstanding Artwork by Kids and Seniors
Living in Affordable Housing

September 18, 2007, Alexandria, Va. — NAHMA Drug-Free Kids Calendars for 2008 are now on sale for the modest price of $5.50 each from the National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA).

The full-color calendars feature the artwork of children and seniors who reside in affordable, multifamily housing all across the country. More than 130 children (grades K-12), seniors (age 62 or older) and special needs residents competed in the national calendar contest and winners were selected by a panel of independent judges this past June. Children and seniors competing in the national contest are selected from the thousands who participate in the regional poster contests sponsored by local Affordable Housing Management Associations across the country.

The grand-prize winner will receive a $2,500 scholarship from the NAHMA Educational Foundation in the form of a U.S. Savings Bond, national winners receive a $1,000 Savings Bond and Honorable Mentions receive a $100 Savings Bond. In addition, the grand-prize-winning artwork is printed on the cover of the 2008 calendar, with the other artwork appearing inside and on the back cover.

The theme for the calendar, which is celebrating its 21st anniversary, is “A New World of Hope,” with a sub-theme of “The Promise of Technology.” From the many entries NAHMA received, it’s clear that children (and senior citizens who care about children) find plenty to believe in and have strong role models they look up to. Like all children, those who live in affordable housing communities first have to believe they can succeed. Then it helps to have mentors and role models who can illuminate a positive path to happiness and success in life.

This year’s grand-prize winner is Sergio Rodriguez, age 20, of Sylmar, CA. In addition to his scholarship, Sergio will be honored at the NAHMA Fall Meeting October 28-30, 2007, in Washington, DC.

Calendars can be ordered from NAHMA’s website at www.nahma.org. Because of its strong anti-drug message, the calendar is an allowable project expense for managers of housing subsidized by HUD and the Department of Agriculture. Tax credit properties that purchase calendars benefit twofold: by supporting the drug-free message and their own commitment to social services, while potentially obtaining more points in the funding-allocation process.

Grand-Prize Winner:

Sergio Rodriguez
Grade: 12
City/State: Sylmar, CA
Property: Astoria Gardens Apartments
Management Company: Solari Enterprises
AHMA: AHMA PSW
Sergio’s drawing represents his childhood dream of becoming an astronaut. He enjoys skating, playing football, watching movies and drawing. He would like to continue his love of art by pursuing a career as a graphic designer. His message to youth is that “Life is great, there’s no need to cut it short by doing drugs.”

National Winners:

Shurman Ballenger
Grade: Senior
City/State: Columbus, OH
Property: The Commons at Grant
Management Company: National Church Residences
AHMA: MAHMA
Shurman created this artwork to show that “in this new age of technology, people can accomplish anything they set their mind to.” In addition to motivating others through his artwork, Shurman enjoys writing poetry and reading. To help keep youth away from drugs, Shurman suggests that they “stay focused on their dreams.”

Tagoui Davitan
Grade: 9
City/State: Sun Valley, CA
Property: Strathern Park Apartments
Management Company: Thomas Safran & Associates
AHMA: AHMA PSW
Tagoui created this drawing with the belief that our world is getting closer and closer to becoming “picture perfect.” She hopes to pursue a career in the media to help convey this message in the future. “I don’t want to be the richest woman in the world, I just want to have a career that I am proud of,” she says. Tagoui wants youth to understand that although your friends might try drugs, “It’s not worth throwing away your dreams for one second of feeling cool.”

Judy Eriksen
Grade: Senior
City/State: Riverside, CA
Property: Santa Fe Apartments
Management Company: RPK Development Corp.
AHMA: AHMA PSW
Children were the inspiration for Judy’s artwork. “The curiosity of children will pave the way to a ‘new world of hope.’” She believes that technology will help “lead the world toward this promise.” She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren. Judy urges all youth to “Be the future leaders of tomorrow and give the world hope!”

Yisell Delgado
Grade: 6
City/State: Jersey City, NJ
Property: Brunswick Estate
Management Company: Essex Plaza Management
AHMA: JAHMA
Yisell’s artwork shows her desire for the world to become a better place for people to live. Her hobbies include reading, drawing and sports. When she gets older, she would like to be an artist, lawyer or math teacher. Yisell wishes that instead of doing drugs, all children would go to school and get a good education.

I-Kirra Felix
Grade: 4
City/State: Toms River, NJ
Property: Winteringham Village
Management Company: Interstate Realty Management Co.
AHMA: JAHMA
I-Kirra drew this picture to “make people appreciate their beautiful surroundings and realize what they have.” She wishes that people would stop cutting down trees to make buildings. She likes to sing, play with her friends and go skating. I-Kirra would like to be a doctor when she grows up, which supports her main reason for not doing drugs: “It is harmful to your body.”

Isaac Flores
Grade: 11
City/State: Edinburg, TX
Property: Sherwood Apartments
Management Company: Wedge Management
AHMA: SWAHMA
Isaac wanted to use his picture to show that “at times we feel we have many challenges and that the world is against us, but we each have the power to keep hope alive and overcome obstacles.” He enjoys football and mechanics and would like to have his own business someday. He wants kids to “make the right choice to stay drug free,” and to “remember that everyone has a chance to change their life.”

Sylvia Flores
Grade: Special Needs
City/State: Edinburg, TX
Property: Sherwood Apartments
Management Company: Wedge Management
AHMA: SWAHMA
The motivation for Sylvia’s illustration comes from a Hispanic game called Chalupa, which is similar to Bingo. She thought it would be interesting to portray “the good and bad things in life through the images of this game and show that if you choose the right things in life, you’ll likely reap many successes.” Sylvia would like youth to know that they “have their whole life ahead of them, and need to realize the importance of their choices.”

Adrian Garcia
Grade: 6
City/State: Edinburg, TX
Property: Sherwood Apartments
Management Company: Wedge Management
AHMA: SWAHMA
Adrian created his artwork based on his love for “rockets, space ships, and anything that lights up the sky.” He also enjoys sports, video games, and going to the movies. When he grows up, he would like to help out by becoming a firefighter or police officer. Adrian plans to always stay away from drugs “because they can kill you.”

Quadir Harris
Grade: 11
City/State: Memphis, TN
Property: Rolling Hills Apartments
Management Company: Alco Management
AHMA: SAHMA
Quadir’s father is passionate about art, which inspired Quadir to create this illustration. “His work motivates me to work hard to become a better artist,” Quadir says. In addition to art, he enjoys basketball, writing and music. Someday he would like to run his own business. His message about drug use is simple: “It’s not worth it.”

Erian Moody
Grade: 1
City/State: Meridian, MS
Property: North Hills Manor
Management Company: Interstate Realty Management
AHMA: SAHMA
Erian’s love for drawing inspired her to create this picture. She also enjoys reading and doing puzzles. When she gets older she would like to work at Chuck-E-Cheese because she has so much fun there. When asked about drugs, Erian simply replied: “Drugs are something you don’t do.”

Miracle Posey
Grade: 3
City/State: Natchez, MS
Property: Riverbreeze Manor
Management Company: Interstate Realty Management
AHMA: SAHMA
Miracle created this drawing to “let kids know that they can have a beautiful life without drugs.” She likes to use the computer, draw, dance and clean. When she grows up, she would like to be a teacher. Miracle’s message about drugs is geared toward youth: “Smoking and doing drugs are whack!”

Darianna Rios-Pedraza
Grade: 1
City/State: Laredo, TX
Property: Laredo Manor Apartments
Management Company: Wedge Management
AHMA: SWAHMA
Darianna’s drawing was inspired by her dreams for a better world that has more trees and is drug free. She is proud that she is unique and that there is no one in the world just like her. She likes to sing and dance, draw and play on the computer. Her dream is to become a superstar or a good teacher. She wants kids to “stay away from drugs.”

Sarah Tucker
Grade: 8
City/State: Missoula, MT
Property: Council Groves Apartments
Management Company: Tamarack Property Management Co.
AHMA: Rocky AHMA
Sarah wanted her picture to show that “people working together with technology can make a brighter future for everyone on this planet.” She believes that we have the power to “stop hunger, prevent disease and make sure that every child has fresh water to drink.” She loves animals so much that she hopes to pursue a career as a veterinarian.

Honorable Mentions:

Andrea McCord
Grade: 11
City/State: Philadelphia, PA
Property: Center Post Village Apartments
Management Company: Courtland Management Services
AHMA: PennDel AHMA
Andrea’s picture represents the idea that “New technology will modernize our world and give us a sense of hope.” Her hobbies include crocheting, reading, and doing arts and crafts. She would like to be a pediatrician someday, and she instructs other kids to “think about your future” and say no when considering drug use.

Jovanny Rivera
Grade: 7
City/State: Worcester, MA
Property: Mountain Village
Management Company: First Realty Management
AHMA: NEAHMA
Jovanny is excited to be featured in this year’s calendar after entering in years past. He likes to play video games and baseball. He would like to be a baseball player when he grows up and is also interested in the culinary arts. His message about drugs is simple: “Don’t do them!”

Calendars may be ordered by calling (703) 683-8630 or ordering from NAHMA’s website at www.nahma.org. Calendars cost $5.50 each.

NAHMA is the leading advocate for multifamily property managers and owners whose mission is to provide quality affordable housing. NAHMA supports legislative and regulatory policy that promotes the development and preservation of affordable housing, is a vital resource for technical education and information, fosters strategic relations between government and industry and recognizes those who exemplify the best in affordable housing. Founded in 1990, NAHMA's membership today includes the industry's most distinguished multifamily management companies and owners.

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