News Briefs — COVID-19 Housing Assistance still available; new Toho Water director; Goodwill employment webinars

Unlike other local counties, Osceola County has never closed the window to any of its housing assistance programs related to COVID-19, and officials stress that there are millions of dollars on the table to help local homeowners and renters.

The Housing and Community Services Department has three main areas of assistance available:

Rental/mortgage and utility assistance (407-742-8400).

Eviction prevention (407-742-8440). (Assistance is also available for this program at the Jon B. Morgan Courthouse on Monday and Wednesday from 1-5 p.m. Landlords with clients in arrears are urged to take advantage of this program before filing an eviction with the court.)

A program aimed at the elderly and disabled (407-742-8400)

Requirements for the programs are generally as simple as providing proof of residency and attesting to the COVID-19 hardship. Residents can call 407-742-8400 or go to housing.osceola.org, where information and applications are available.

Toho Water Authority Welcomes Customer Service Director Heathey Havey

Customer service veteran Heather Havey has joined Toho Water Authority (Toho) as Director of Customer Service to oversee all aspects related to the customer experience for the growing utility.

Her 25 years of leadership experience started in General Electric’s (GE) financial services division, where she earned her Six Sigma Black Belt Certification. Following her time at GE, Havey joined The Walt Disney Company where, for over 20 years, she led teams that were integral to delivering the company’s world-class guest experience. At Disney, she held numerous senior leader roles that improved efficiency and productivity, always placing a priority on the employee experience. Most recently, she led her own consulting organization, helping organizations enhance their business processes and customer experience delivery.

Havey earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and information systems at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Fla., and has extensive training in optimization, facilitation and leadership including an Associate of Customer Service (ACS) certification.

Goodwill employment webinars

Goodwill Industries of Central Florida’s virtual Job Connection team will host a free webinars for job seekers.

On Tuesday, the virtual Job Connection team will host a free webinar for job seekers who are interested in exploring a new career path. This virtual course will offer tips for finding employment opportunities that align with experience, training, interests and values. Interested participants must register by Monday by visiting https://bit.ly/3G4TcJz..

On Wednesday, the connection team will partner with Seminole County Bar Association Legal Aid Society, Inc. to host a free webinar on records sealing and expungement. This virtual session will walk participants through the process of sealing or expunging a criminal record ontheir own, including eligibility requirements. Research has shown that relief from the stigma associated with a criminal record leads to improved outcomes when seeking employment. Register by Tuesday by visiting https://bit.ly/3u4Hk84.

On Feb. 22, the team will host a free webinar for job seekers on how to prepare for a successful interview. This virtual course will teach participants how to answer common interview questions and leave a good impression. The session will also focus on how to avoid the most common interview mistakes. Interested participants must register by Feb. 21 by visiting https://bit.ly/3o2sQlo.

While the unemployment rate in Central Florida sits below 5 percent, there are still many people searching for their next career opportunity, making Goodwill’s job connection services more important than ever to the community. Employment specialists have been working virtually with job seekers to update résumés, practice interviewing and apply for openings online.